The Great Debate for Clemson Football: Beat South Carolina or Win the ACC?

Over the course of this past week, Clemson fans have found themselves pondering an interesting question. If it came down to it, would they rather beat the hated Gamecocks or win the elusive ACC?

Clemson fans seem to be split on the matter. I, for one, would take an ACC Championship over beating Carolina any year. However, many Tiger fans have told me that beating our in-state rivals must come first.

It’s been 18 years since Clemson held the ACC crown, while beating South Carolina has become a nearly annual event.

Perhaps fans who have clear memories of ACC glory are not as desperate to return as those of us who have never seen Clemson rise to such heights.

The South Carolina game gives half of the state bragging rights for an entire year. On the terrible, albeit rare, occasion that Clemson loses, fans have to listen to smack for an entire calendar year. They hear it from their friends, neighbors, and often, even their own families.

I’ve always believed that Clemson was better than Carolina; that the Tigers wanted more than just a state championship.

I’ve always preached that Clemson fans have higher aspirations than Carolina fans and that given the choice, the Tigers would prefer national glory over instate dominance.

Now the time has finally come for me to practice what I preach. Those who can easily recall Clemson’s glory days in the ACC, or live in Gamecock country where verbal abuse will be unbearable, can be excused for wanting a Gamecock trouncing over an ACC crown.

When Clemson doesn’t make it to the ACC Championship, the SC game is the biggest of the year. This year, however, Clemson has reached the title game, the Gamecocks must play second fiddle, and that’s exactly the way it should be.

Hopefully, Tiger fans can find a happy compromise where Clemson wins both games, but if you could only win one, which would you take?