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With conference realignment and the ever-changing college football landscape, some traditional rivalries are being left by the wayside.
Clemson and South Carolina fans needn’t worry about the Palmetto Bowl becoming one of them. Clemson AD Graham Neff made it clear on Tuesday that he and his South Carolina counterpart Ray Tanner are bullish on keeping the rivalry going in the future.
“Yea, it’s just a non-negotiable,” Neff said, via On3. “Ray and I have talked about it. We have and will continue to play that game. Period. However the landscape continues to change, no conversations otherwise, no mindset otherwise.”
Clemson AD Graham Neff says playing South Carolina in football annually is a “non-negotiable” for both schools — teams still haven’t formally signed a contract for next year’s game but “we will soon.” Neff also says he likes the current game slot but knows date could change
— Chapel Fowler (@chapelfowler) November 21, 2023
Neither Clemson nor South Carolina are changing leagues right now, but the SEC, the Gamecocks’ league, could potentially move to a nine-game conference slate in the future.
Even if that happens, the in-state rivalry will survive.
“Coach Tanner and I have talked about that, should the SEC change their conference matchups… I certainly would, and I know his mindset is to continue to play this game. Period,” Neff said.
This year’s Palmetto Bowl is set for 7:30 p.m. ET this Saturday in Columbia. Former President Donald Trump is reportedly going to be in attendance.
You can watch at home on ESPN.