Examining the Rivalry: Clemson

The Clemson Tigers out of the state of South Carolina are members of the ACC Atlantic Division. The Tigers have 19 conference championships, however, they have yet to win an ACC Championship since Florida State joined the conference in 1992. Clemson was the dominant team of the ACC, but Florida State stole the spotlight when the Seminoles won the ACC their first 9 seasons in the conference.

The rivalry peaked when Tommy Bowden, son of legendary coach Bobby Bowden, became Clemson's head coach December of 1998. The "Bowden Bowl" began in 1999 and lasted for nine seasons until Tommy Bowden resigned as Clemson's head coach. Bobby Bowden won the "Bowden Bowl" series 5-4.

The Seminoles lead the all-time series 17-7, however, Clemson has won 5 of the last 8 games in the rivalry. The two teams were both placed into the Atlantic Division of the ACC in 2005 when the conference created two separate divisons, ensuring that each team would continue playing each other on a yearly basis. In most seasons, Clemson and Florida State are the top two teams of the Atlantic Divison so the intensity of the rivalry should continue for years to come.