ESPN Writers Loves Clemson Tradition of Running Down Hill

Clemson has one of the most iconic entrances in all of college football.

Once described as the most exciting 25 seconds in college football by legendary announcer Brent Musberger, Clemson’s entrance was recently named by all five ESPN writers when asked their opinion on the sports best entrances.

ESPN’s Favorite Stadium Entrance:

Adam Rittenberg: I’ve been to Clemson only once, but what a game I saw: Clemson vs. Louisville in 2016. Deshaun Watson vs. Lamar Jackson. The Tigers’ run down the hill was absolutely electric — my second favorite moment next to hugging Ryan McGee in the press box. But it’s hard to top the anticipation of the team taking the buses around the stadium, assembling at Howard’s Rock and then sprinting down the hill. Can’t wait to be back in Death Valley. The two other Tiger Walks that I’ve witnessed (Auburn and LSU) aren’t too shabby, either.

Bill Connelly: Clemson is definitely No. 1. The bus ride builds anticipation, and the hill itself adds some lovely “Oh man, what if one of them slips and falls?” anxiety, too. It’s perfect. Down the road in Columbia, I also very much enjoy the 2001: A Space Odyssey entrance, combined with pre-kickoff “Sandstorm.”

Chris Low: Clemson, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Virginia Tech don’t get to have all the fun when it comes to cool entrances. If you haven’t already, do yourself a favor and check out East Carolina’s entrance. The video of the pirate on the JumboTron is great. So is the purple smoke, and then you’ve also got the team running out to Jimi Hendrix’s “Purple Haze.” Any time you get Hendrix and college football together, it’s a can’t-miss show.

Andrea Adelson: Bill, I am not sure you are allowed to like BOTH Clemson and South Carolina entrances without haters coming your way. I agree Clemson rocks, but nothing beats a sold-out, charged up Doak Campbell Stadium at night before a marquee Florida State home game, when Chief Osceola rides Renegade to midfield and plants the flaming spear as 80,000 people do the Seminole chop and chant away.

David Wilson: Hard to top Clemson, but that’s well-documented here. Nebraska’s Tunnel Walk is both very appropriately named and also the perfect table-setter, watching an entire state get worked into a frenzy waiting for a chance to see its Huskers.