The Clemson Tigers have reportedly denied a request from the ACC to move their rivalry game vs. South Carolina to Black Friday.
Per documents obtained by TigerNet, the request was made by both the ACC and ESPN in an effort to secure more viewership on that day.
The Tigers’ game would’ve been moved to a primetime slot had the school agreed, but instead they’ll face the Gamecocks on Saturday afternoon (Nov. 30).
After learning of Clemson’s decision, associate commissioner of the conference Michael Strickland released a statement showing his disapproval:
As has been indicated to you during this process, the Conference Office is disappointed Clemson University’s lack of cooperation on this matter. As all ACC members know, it is incumbent upon the ACC and its institutions to work in good faith with ESPN on football scheduling issues. This cooperate maximizes the value of our relationship with our media partner and strengthens our collective future. Clemson’s decision to not do so in this instance is harmful toward that goal.
ESPN has already moved multiple games to the shopping holiday including the Palmetto Bowl and The Egg Bowl.
Clemson is also one of several ACC schools currently suing the conference — seeking relief from it’s grant-of-rights agreement.
Related: Clemson Football Flying ‘Way Under The Radar’ Heading Into 2024