South Carolina and Clemson played their first-ever football game against each other in 1896, ushering in a tradition that remains a pivotal part of both school's athletic schedules each year. But the origins of the rivalry between both institutions go much deeper than that.

The No. 16 South Carolina football team is set to take on arch-rival No. 12 Clemson in the two teams' first top-20 matchup against each other since 2013. Despite the high stakes and outside noise surrounding the pivotal rivalry week game, both teams are treating the matchup like any other game.

The Palmetto Series is a rivalry competition sponsored by the South Carolina Education Lottery that pits South Carolina's and Clemson's sports teams against each other over the course of the 2024-2025 season. Ahead of the Gamecocks' and the Tigers' annual football game, South Carolina holds a 2-point lead over Clemson with a win in volleyball and women's basketball.

The Carolina-Clemson Blood Drive is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. The annual drive uses the South Carolina and Clemson rivalry to encourage people to donate blood, and students on the committee are hoping to beat Clemson in donations for the first time since 2017.

Club sports find themselves participating in the Clemson-South Carolina rivalry, allowing students to play role in competition. Some players said the games are still intense due to the rivalry, while other players said they mainly play Clemson because of its proximity to Columbia.

The Daily Gamecock spoke to Toby Corriston, the assistant sports editor of The Tiger, Clemson's student newspaper, about the upcoming Palmetto Bowl. Corriston predicted that No. 16 South Carolina will pick up a narrow victory over No. 12 Clemson at Memorial Stadium.

"South Carolina head football coach Shane Beamer and his "battle-tested" Gamecocks have not shown any signs of slowing down," sports columnist AJ Mann writes. "A lot can be said about the Gamecocks and the team's ability to compete this year, giving up second-half leads and conservative play calling at times. But one thing is clear: They've proven they're not just some miracle-like contenders — they're a force to be reckoned with."

The South Carolina-Clemson rivalry has been perceived as something that has driven a wedge between members of families with ties to both universities. For USC students who fit into this demographic, however, it allows them to form stronger bonds with their parents and other relatives across rivalry lines.