Clemson University and University of South Carolina have been rivals since 1896. With 132 miles between them, a lot of hate and pride lies between that short distance. I could include multiple football statistics about why Clemson is better than Carolina (Clemson leads, 66-42-4), but instead I'm going to list some cold hard facts about why Clemson rules this rivalry.
1. Have you ever been to Columbia, South Carolina -- also called "armpit of the state?"
Whatever the normal temperature is outside, it's 20 degrees hotter in Columbia. Gross.
2. Tigers > Chickens
A tiger could swallow up a chicken in one bite. How are the gamecocks supposed to be threatening?
3. Dabo Swinney > Shawn Elliot
Look at this fun-loving little guy. Who wouldn't love him?
But hey, at least their coach is not Steve Spurrier anymore. Talk about a hot-head.
4. Tailgating in Clemson > Tailgating in Columbia
Clemson has trees, grass, and lakes. All that Columbia has is dirt and pavement.
5. Clemson's campus > USC's campus
That's some lovely... pavement, USC.
6. Clemson students > USC students
To be fair, there isn't much difference between these two but I just personally think Clemson students are a lot classier than USC students.
7. Death Valley > William Brice
The superiority here is obvious. Death Valley is a welcoming environment, William Brice- not so much.
8. Orange and purple > Garnet and black
@USC, y'all really could have chosen better colors...
9. Clemson has "the most exciting 25 seconds in college football."
And USC has nothing to compare to that.
10. Clemson students have been listed as being the "happiest students" for many years.
You'll never see a Clemson student without a smile. (Except for maybe during finals, but that's normal.)
11. Clemson didn't just lose to the Citadel in football...
12. But we both get to call South Carolina our home and can band together in support others.
Even though Clemson is clearly superior, I wouldn't want to be rivals with anyone else. Go Tigers!