Clemson vs. South Carolina: Early Kickoff Disappoints Fans Looking for Night Game Atmosphere

The Atlantic Coast Conference has announced that the upcoming Palmetto Bowl between Clemson University and the University of South Carolina will kick off at noon Eastern Time. This decision, revealed on Monday, was met with disappointment by the Clemson fan base, who had hoped for an evening event to heighten the atmosphere for what is considered one of the most significant games of the season.

The Palmetto Bowl will be broadcast on ESPN, continuing a tradition of the game being a focal point on the college football calendar. Despite the significance of the matchup, Clemson will host another early kickoff against their in-state rivals, mirroring the noon start of their narrow 31-30 loss to the Gamecocks in 2022. In that game, Clemson jumped to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter before South Carolina mounted a comeback.

The history of early kickoffs in this rivalry is not new. In 2020, the pandemic disrupted the usual schedule, cancelling the game planned for that season. Instead, Clemson’s non-conference game that year was against The Citadel. The last nighttime hosting by Clemson of this rivalry was in 2018, when they emerged victorious with a 56-35 win, thanks to a 7 p.m. kickoff that added to the festive atmosphere.

In contrast, South Carolina has twice hosted Clemson for evening games in Columbia, with 7:30 p.m. starts. Despite the advantageous timing, the Gamecocks were unable to secure victories in those meetings.

This upcoming edition of the Palmetto Bowl is anticipated to carry additional weight due to both teams holding outside chances of making the College Football Playoffs, provided other results fall their way. Such stakes could increase the intensity of the matchup, although some feel this is tempered by the early start time.

The ambiance of a game held under the lights is often seen as adding to the energy of college football’s storied rivalries. Fans will be looking to the Clemson team to ignite early enthusiasm and make up for the absence of an evening kickoff when they host their rivals on November 30.