Merry, merry Christmas!!

Game Prediction - Clemson vs. South Carolina

The turkey has been eaten, family has been visited, and now it’s time for the state of South Carolina to pit brother against brother and friend against friend as the Tigers face off against the Gamecocks in what could be the biggest game in the history of the rivalry.

The hatred between Clemson fans and South Carolina has grown exponentially over the last year with success and expectations higher than ever, and it all comes down to Saturday night. Can Clemson clinch a BCS bowl berth? Can South Carolina continue the nation’s longest home winning streak?

This week we will do our prediction a little differently with Gamecock Girl bloggess Lauren Rippy stating her case for South Carolina and Clemson Girl bloggess Nikki Steele predicting for the Tigers.




WHAT: NO. 6 CLEMSON AT NO. 10 SOUTH CAROLINA
WHEN: 7 P.M. ON ESPN2
WHERE: WILLIAMS-BRICE STADIUM, COLUMBIA, S.C.

LAUREN- QUARLES’ BREAKOUT SEASON MAY BE HIS LAST FOR THE GAMECOCKS: For anyone that has watched any sports programming that discusses college football I feel fairly confident in saying that you have heard some negative press about Jadeveon Clowney. Unfortunately for Jadeveon, it was impossible from the outset to live up to the expectations set for him after “The Hit” in last year’s bowl game. While Clowney has played through injury all year, he has not disappointed, but his presence has forced offenses to run into another issue on the defensive line, better known as Kelcy Quarles. Quarles has demolished opposing offenses, under the radar, all season and is forcing offensive coordinators to pick their poison, Clowney or Quarles. The response has been to move to the short passing game to try and eliminate their effectiveness but as you can see on any stat sheet, it hasn’t made much difference. Quarles leads the team in tackles for loss with 11 for a total of 86 yards. His next closest competitor, Clowney with 8.5. Kelcy also leads the team in sacks with 7, which is 5 more than the next highest total for the Gamecocks. While it seems pretty clear that next season we’ll be watching both of these stars on Sundays, here’s to hoping one of them decides to finish out their eligibility!

While the secondary for the Gamecocks has been the weak link at many points throughout the season it has found some consistency late in the year. This will be the paramount task on Saturday night against the ever present deep threat that Boyd and the Tigers offense present week in and week out. If Victor Hampton can keep his secondary unit disciplined throughout the game and eliminate the explosive, momentum changing plays they will put the Gamecocks in prime position for the fifth straight win.

NIKKI- ISAIAH BATTLE IS THE DIFFERENCE: It’s no secret that the Clemson offensive line has struggled mightily at times this season, but sophomore right tackle Isaiah Battle just might be the missing link that brings Clemson’s offensive line together. Senior left tackle Brandon Thomas has been the most consistent player on offense this season and has really led what is a young group of linemen through the ups and downs of the season. However, it wasn’t until two weeks ago when Clemson offensive coordinator Chad Morris started Battle at right tackle that the offense really began to click. Everyone knows the challenge that Thomas faces with Clowney, but the Gamecock’s other defensive end Chaz Sutton is a challenge in his own right, and having Battle manning the right side of the line will give quarterback Tajh Boyd some peace of mind knowing that he will have time to find his receivers. The Clemson running game also struggled at times this season, but has been better over the last two weeks since Roderick McDowell and company have had the big, physical and athletic Battle to run behind.

LAUREN- CONNOR SHAW’S LAST CHANCE: In Connor Shaw’s time at Carolina he has gone 25-5 as a starter. 25-5. That is better than any other quarterback in the history of the Gamecock football program. While he may not have the other statistics that typically signify one of the greatest quarterbacks in a program’s history he does have the intangibles that cannot be measured on paper. His sheer will to win is the reason that the Gamecocks sit at 9-2 on the season. His heroics during the Missouri game will not be something that any Gamecock soon forgets. He’s become Mr. Consistent and while that may not be glamorous it is exactly what Carolina has needed after the up and down career of Stephen Garcia.

Standing by his side, Connor will have one of the best running backs in the nation who is at 100% after resting during the blowout last week against Coastal Carolina. Mike Davis has definitely allowed Gamecock fans to move on after the injury-plagued career of our beloved Marcus Lattimore ended way too soon. Davis’ ability to run through and explode off of tackles has made him the most exciting part of the Gamecocks offense. Yes, a running back is the most exciting part of a Steve Spurrier led offense. This is not to say the passing game disappoints but Davis is just plain and simple that good. Thankfully he’ll be back in Garnet and Black for at least one more year to wow anyone that watches.

NIKKI – MARTAVIS BRYANT…THE X-FACTOR: Sammy Watkins is without a doubt the best wide receiver on Clemson’s team, in the ACC, and in the country. Teams have schemed to take the talented junior out of games all season, but so far they have all been unsuccessful. South Carolina will probably put its best corner, Victor Hampton on Watkins, leaving senior Jimmy Legree or one the Gamecocks safeties to cover the speedy Martavis Bryant. The junior from Anderson has had tumultuous career, but is playing with more confidence now than at any point in his three-year tenure. Two weeks ago against Georgia Tech, Bryant caught five passes for 176 yards and a touchdown. Bryant has made his name out-running opponents and making catches in traffic that most wide receivers only dream of catching. With the South Carolina defense trying to double-team Watkins, it will be up to Bryant to make a play and keep the Gamecocks honest.

LAUREN- TWO SPECIAL FRESHMEN: Much to the surprise of many in Gamecock nation the special team’s duties have primarily been handled by two outstanding freshman this season, placekicker Elliott Fry and returnman Pharoh Cooper. While neither of them excites the crowd as some of their predecessors, that are now playing on Sundays, they both still possess that it factor that gave Coach Spurrier the confidence to allow freshmen to occupy these crucial roles. On Saturday they must maintain their poise under the big lights of the national stage with huge implications on the line. One mistake from the special teams could cost the Gamecocks the game and their hopes for a major bowl bid.

NIKKI – CATMAN…ENOUGH SAID: There are very few givens in college football, but Clemson kicker Chandler Catanzaro is about as close as it gets. The senior from Greenville is 12-of-13 this season with a career-long of 51. Catanzaro’s career began with a miss in overtime against Auburn in 2010, but since then he has gone on to have a stellar career with game-winning kicks to clinch an ACC Atlantic title in 2011 and a win over LSU in the Chick-fil-A Bowl in 2012. When the game is on the line, there is nobody better than Chandler Catanzaro and nobody Clemson fans would rather see line up to knock the game winner through the uprights.

LAUREN- WHY THE GAMECOCKS WILL WIN: The Gamecocks will play their most complete game of the year Saturday night. The group of seniors, and juniors leaving for the draft, in their final home game at Williams-Brice will not disappoint the roaring crowd as they put Clemson away to clinch a 10 win regular season for the third year in a row. This group of seniors, who have never lost to Clemson, are not going to let the streak end at four over our in-state rivals as they move the streak to five for the first time ever.

GAMECOCKGIRL.COM SPORTS BLOGGESS LAUREN'S SCORE PREDICTION: SOUTH CAROLINA 27 - CLEMSON 21

NIKKI – WHY THE TIGERS WILL WIN: South Carolina has had Clemson’s number over the last four years and it hasn’t even been close. The Gamecocks always seem to catch the Tigers at the right time – right before an ACC Championship Game or right after an ACC battle with N.C. State or Georgia Tech. However, this year the Tigers had one final tune-up against The Citadel and it seems as though Clemson is finally playing its best football at the end of November. Boyd is as confident as he has ever been in the Clemson offense and has a stable of wide receivers that will test a young Gamecock secondary like that haven’t been tested this season. Clemson’s defense led by defensive end Vic Beasley, defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and linebacker Spencer Shuey are playing better than they have at any point over the last five years. Boyd and Shuey are leading a group of seniors that are thirsty for a win over their rival and its finally time to tip the scale back in the favor of the orange and white.

CLEMSONGIRL.COM SPORTS BLOGGESS NIKKI'S SCORE PREDICTION: CLEMSON 31 – SOUTH CAROLINA 17

Post written by ClemsonGirl.com Sports Bloggess Nikki Steele and GamecockGirl.com Sports Bloggess Lauren Rippy.

Win a $50 gift certificate to add to your Clemson gameday wardrobe with Southern Gamedays

Good morning Clemson Girls! We are halfway through the week and another day closer to the weekend. Despite the painful loss last weekend, we still have a lot of football left in the season, which means more opportunities for Tiger wins.

It also means you still have some game viewing parties and home games left to wear cute gameday outfits to. It’s not too late to keep building your Clemson gameday wardrobe, and it’s our job to keep you informed of all of the cute gameday boutiques for all of your orange and purple gameday needs.

We are excited to introduce you to Southern Gamedays boutique – an online gameday boutique founded by University of Tennessee alum Beth. Here’s her story: ‘I'm a graduate of the University of Tennessee, wife to Tommy and mom to Stella. The idea of the store came to me during the 2011 UT vs. Georgia game. I looked at my husband, and I said, "I think I can make this work!" With his support, I founded Southern Gamedays literally the next week. If you have an idea or a dream, go for it! You'll always wonder if you don't try and you never know what you're truly capable of learning and accomplishing and what God is capable of providing.’

You can shop Southern Gamedays on their website or through their Facebook page.

Southern Gamedays boutique sells the best in gameday apparel – dresses, tops, skirts, jewelry, purses, scarves and more! Southern Gamedays has a great selection of orange and white, but wanted us to let you know that on Monday, October 28th, they are having a big sale on their orange and purple apparel and accessories just for Clemson Girls! Make sure you like them on Facebook so you can be the first in line to shop before the sale items sell out.

Southern Gamedays has offered to give Clemson Girls FREE shipping on online orders – just enter FREESHIP promo code at checkout.

Southern Gamedays Boutique $50 Gift Certificate Giveaway
Southern Gamedays boutique has also generously offered to give one very lucky Clemson Girl a $50 credit to their online boutique.

Use the widget below to enter…

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Deadline for all entries is 11:59pm EST on Thursday, October 24. We will draw a winner at random and contact the winner by email. The winner will have 72 hours to reply to our email or we will draw a new winner.

Please give Southern Gamedays boutique a very big Clemson Girl thank you for sponsoring such a generous giveaway today!

Here’s to a new weekend, a new game, and a TIGER WIN to help erase the memory of the one loss. GO TIGERS!

10.19.13 - Clemson vs. Florida State Gameday Photos

There is no doubt about it that this past weekend's game was one of the more heartbreaking in recent Clemson history. It appeared that our beloved Tigers fell to the incredible pressure of a critical matchup night game. ESPN Gameday selected to return to Clemson's campus again - a rare occurence for the program, and all eyes were on this highly publicized game.

There isn't much more to be said that hasn't already been said about the game. Final score: Clemson 14, FSU 51.

Despite the loss, Clemson fans were still able to enjoy a full day of tailgating on Clemson's beautiful campus. Our two roving photographers were able to capture your tailgates, gameday outfits, and gameday fun in their photos. And special thanks to all of the Clemson Girls who submitted their photos to us to add to our album to share with you.


You can view the entire album on our Flickr site, or in the slideshow below.


Created with flickr slideshow.
All our Tigers can do is learn from this loss, put it behind them, and focus on our next matchup against Maryland. We can't let one heavy loss keep us from winning out the rest of the season. We will always support our Clemson Tigers - win or lose. GO TIGERS!

Clemson Girls are #solidorange

Celebrate the Clemson win with a giveaway from All Inspired Boutique!

Who is still glowing from Clemson's big win from Saturday? {raising hand}

All Inspired Boutique owner and clemson alum Melissa recently contacted us and asked to offer a special savings coupon code and a giveaway for Clemson Girls in celebration of the big win.

All Inspired Boutique would also like to offer all Clemson Girls 20% off of their total All Inspired Boutique purchase by using coupon code GOTIGERS at checkout -- code is valid through 9/30/13.

Here is Melissa at the game Saturday with her husband and son.

Notice that gorgeous stack of bracelets on her right wrist? Melissa is wearing the All Inspired Boutique's unique All In bracelet stack.

Well, Melissa and All Inspired Boutique has generously offered to give one very lucky Clemson Girl her very own All In bracelet stack! Perfect for gameday - or any day - to show you are All In with the Clemson Tigers.

Use the widget below to enter the giveaway...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Deadline for all entries is Midnight EST, Thursday, Sept. 5. We will randomly draw a winner on Friday and contact the winner by email. The winner will have 72 hours to reply or we will draw a new winner.

Special thanks to All Inspired Boutique for sponsoring today's giveaway! Good luck Clemson Girls and Go Tigers!!

ESPN College GameDay in Clemson August 31, 2013

What has been referred to as the worst kept secret in college football so far this year, it was FINALLY confirmed that ESPN College GameDay will be in Clemson for the big Clemson vs. UGA opening game.

It's surprising that it took so long for College GameDay to return to Clemson because of the huge crowds and "loudest GameDay crowd ever" response they had from Clemson fans last time they were in Clemson in 2006 for the Clemson vs. Georgia Tech game.

Source: Wikipedia

Do you remember the last time College GameDay was in Clemson? Were you there?

Source: Post and Courier

Source: Flickr

Source: Flickr

Source: Flickr

Source: Flickr

Just in case you were not there in 2006, or you would like to watch again, someone has posted the entire hour and a half video of College GameDay in Clemson back in 2006 on YouTube... What I love about this is how hard it is to hear the announcers because the crowd is so loud, and repeatedly throughout the broadcast the ESPN commentators mention how loud it is.


Are you planning on being part of the College GameDay crowd this year? One of our favorite parts of College GameDay is reading all of the funny signs in the background.

What ideas do you have for signs for this year's appearance? Post your comments below! Keep it clean please!

Follow Clemson Girl on Instagram

We have ventured into Instagram territory. If you are on Instagram, please follow us --> @clemsongirlblog. We have just started posting - most of our posts out there now are from the Ladies Clinic, but expect to see lots of great Clemson-related photos as we start to use it more... especially during football season!

Speaking of the Ladies Clinic - we had an amazing time meeting almost 1,100 ladies, sharing in our love of all things Clemson, and supporting such a great cause. Thanks to all of the Clemson Girls who stopped by our table and said hello!

Our Ladies Clinic outfit - Clemson Girl tanks will
be available for purchase online later this week.

Dabo asked attendees to raise their hand if they had been affected by breast cancer
in some way. This is a photo of the raised hands - pretty powerful.

Happy Easter!

Happy, happy Easter from our 'peeps' to yours....

Tiger Bunny!

Guest Blog: A Clemson Graduation Story

I received my Masters degree from Clemson in 2010. I remember as an undergrad I didn’t care to walk the stage. It seemed a boring task for me. But I was first generation in my family to graduate from college and it was important for my parents to see me walk. With my Masters, it was different. I’m more mature now and I really put 110% into the program. I worked hard for two years, sacrificing many things, including my family, to graduate with a 3.88 out of 4.00. (dang statistics ruining my 4.0!!) I wanted to walk. I wanted to walk for quite a few reasons.

Youth Development Leadership Cohort 4 at graduation, December 2010

I wanted my daughter to see me walk across the stage. She was about two weeks shy of seven when I graduated. I wanted the image planted in her head. She knew the amount of work I put into school. There were many nights she cried asking me to put the computer down and read to her. The 20-page paper was due the next day, I couldn’t put the computer down. There were many nights I cried thinking I took on too much, I couldn’t possibly be successful. There were many fights with my husband as he had to pick up the slack while I did school work. I wanted her to see how the hard work paid off. I wanted her to have a feeling of pride as she watched her mother cross the stage. I wanted her to recognize the importance of education and life-long learning.

Ashton & I - on a chilly day outside Littlejohn after graduation

I was part of an online graduate program. My classmates and I had the opportunity to meet on campus twice throughout the program. I am still amazed at the mutual respect and collaboration built over the two years of the program. I made very good friends that are still a part of my life. We all worked so hard and while not all of us could make the December graduation, for those of us that did, it was an amazing experience. We worked really hard as a team and to share the moment with them was invaluable. It was important for us to be together and walk. 

I’ve been asked numerous times how it feels to be a graduate. I’ve thought about it many times starting when I presented my Masters Research Project and received such positive feedback from my committee. That is when it hit me - I did it. I made it. I was going to graduate. I can’t really explain how it feels to be a graduate. I try to put into words how I feel. I can’t find the words. Suddenly, I am quiet. 

Celebrating with my Parents & Ashton

I’m sitting in the middle of Littlejohn Coliseum. There are hundreds of students with black gowns and graduation caps on. I’m thinking about my life since I left Clemson 13 years earlier. I made a promise to myself at graduation in December 1997: I would get a Masters degree. I wanted a goal for myself. I wanted to know I could do it. I wanted to know I was smart enough. 

I started graduate school at USC straight out of undergrad. I didn’t really know what to do so why not? But the problem with starting graduate school with no real plan is it becomes a huge liability on your time and wallet. And, let’s face it, for someone whose blood runs orange, it was hard to imagine myself with a degree from USC. So, I stopped school and went on with my life. Always searching for the one program that would be the right one.

Franklin, my husband, & I at a Clemson Football game - 2012

I made the decision to leave my career at the top of my game. I had exceeded and maybe even shattered everyone’s expectations of what I could accomplish at the company. I made the decision because the career, while completely amazing and fun, took me away from home on a regular basis and my baby was suffering. It was during this time I found my graduate program. It was a perfect fit. I was very interested in the curriculum, it was family friendly, and it was through Clemson. Finally, 10 years after quitting graduate school, I began a new graduate program with a purpose and a plan. 

Here I sit, in the middle of the Coliseum, looking around me. While Clemson still has many of the great things I fell in love with, there is a shift on the campus. Classes are taught differently (for the better). There are new buildings on campus. The cafeteria food is actually good. Technology is an integral part of teaching. Collaboration and partnership are the norm. Ice cream is no longer served in Newman Hall.

Dusty, our dog, at his first tailgate - he was so tired from playing with all the kids!

At the same time, things are the same. Mac’s still has the best burgers in town. Bowman Field still fills with students on warm, Spring days. Judge Keller’s still has the distinct smell of a longtime downtown store. And, when I turn on Perimeter Road and pass Death Valley, I still get chills. I hear the crowd. I see the Hill. I feel the excitement. So, while many things seem different, the core is still here. Clemson is a family. I became a part of the family 13 years ago, and now, I feel even more pride. I feel an even closer connection to my Tigers. 

My excitement is boiling over. The realization that not only did I do it,I did it well. I look through the crowd till I find my parents. Then I spot Ashton and Franklin. It has come full circle. My little girl is in the crowd jumping up and down, waving to me. She sees me. She sees me. She sees me. It hits me.

When I spotted Ashton - before the ceremony began

Every feeling I have right at this minute (pride, accomplishment, relief, etc), is nothing compared to the pride I see in her face looking at me. She is proud of me. 

What does it feel like to be a graduate? I made a significant, positive impact on my daughter and it feels great!

Our family photo - 2012 - Clemson campus - Tillman Hall

Guest post written by Karen Bunch Franklin.

Bio: Karen Bunch Franklin is originally from Summerville, SC and currently lives in Lexington, SC. She holds two degrees from Clemson and is currently pursuing a second Masters Degree at Clemson in Agriculture Education. She is married to Kevin Franklin, whom she met while attending Clemson as an undergrad. They have one daughter, Ashton, whose blood runs ORANGE! The family puppy is also a Clemson fan and attended his first tailgate last football season. She currently works for Clemson University in the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP). When not working or studying, Karen enjoys boating, camping, reading (for fun!), and all CLEMSON sports!!

Guest Blog: Living in a House Divided

I live in a house divided in its truest form in respect to the Palmetto State Rivalry. My blood runs orange and I’m passionate about my Tigers, but my husband loves the Gamecocks. My dad is a Clemson graduate, so naturally he and my mom raised us kids to be solid orange. When I met Mike, I had to get used to seeing garnet and black all the time, but I would not let it outshine my orange and purple!

Our garden flag out front one year when it snowed.

People always ask us is if we pull for the other team when we aren’t playing each other. In our case, the answer is a resounding no! You can bet when Clemson plays Florida State that my husband will be chanting along with the ‘Noles. You can also guarantee that when South Carolina plays Florida, I will be doing the Gator chomp. Somehow we manage not to throw chips and salsa across the room, but it does get rather spirited in our house on Saturday afternoons during football season!

My husband Mike and I (note the bunny ears).

In our house, we have house divided political correctness so to speak. For every Tiger Paw there is a Gamecock, and for every Gamecock there is a Tiger Paw. From towels to Duck Tape® we make sure to keep it even.

In the utility room in the backyard –
we cover every square inch.

Even the bath towels.

At Christmas time too!

Even the fold-out chairs are divided.

Of course the biggest ordeal in any house that is divided by orange and garnet is the much anticipated game during Thanksgiving weekend. We always make it fun and make the most of it no matter who wins. I love to decorate for any and every occasion, and the Clemson vs. South Carolina game is no exception. We have plenty of merchandise around the house from both teams, so all I have to do is use a little creativity.

My dining room table decorated for the Clemson vs. South Carolina game.

I put candy canes in these and set them out around the food.

Collage I made using some photos I found online.

I made these little jerseys from scratch.

Although my husband has had the bragging rights the past few years, I hope that will change this November. I support my Tigers no matter what, and I get chills every time I hear the Tiger Rag, which is every time I get a text message since that is my ring tone. : ) Amidst the rivalry in our house, my husband and I have a lot of love, a lot of laughs, and a lot of fun. Go Tigers!

Guest post written by Kelli Brannen.

Author Bio: Kelli Brannen is a life-long resident of Florence, South Carolina. She is a graduate of Francis Marion University and works as a Technical Writer at ACS Technologies. She is married to the love of her life Mike Brannen, and they have a cat named Morris who keeps them on their toes. She loves God, music, Clemson, and all things Disney; especially The Haunted Mansion.