Shane Beamer describes the early memories of South Carolina-Clemson rivalry

Before becoming head coach, Shane Beamer spent four seasons as a defensive assistant at South Carolina from 2007 through 2010. That means he’s no stranger to the annual Carolina-Clemson game.

Beamer opened up about his personal experiences from the rivalry game in the past, sharing how the games have changed over the years.

“2008 was not a good one because that was the game we lost when Dabo got the job after the game so happy for him but that was not a good day for us,” Beamer recalled. “Certainly 2010, we went up there and that was Antonio Allen returning an interception for a touchdown. We brought edge pressure and I think he peeled with the back and intercepted it and returned it for a touchdown. Made some plays on special teams.

“That was a really cool night because we knew we were going to play in the SEC Championship the next week. Even though you are going to Atlanta, you still want to beat your rival.”

Beamer ended up getting his first real taste of the Palmetto Bowl least season, losing to the Tigers 30-0 during his first year as Gamecocks headman.

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“Certainly, had a not so great moment in my first one as a head coach last year as well. The thing that stands out is just the passion 365 days a year,” Beamer said. “Spencer [Rattler] and I were talking about this rivalry compared to OU/Texas and Bedlam and things like that so I was trying to give him a little bit of a synopsis of this one as well.

“There have been some great players, great coaches and great teams. This is right up there at the top of all the ones that I have been a part of.”

Beamer has the opportunity to right his wrong from last season and finish strong what has turned out to be an exciting regular season in Columbia. Kickoff between Carolina and Clemson is set for noon ET from Death Valley live on ESPN.