Shane Beamer discusses importance of Clemson, Georgia rivalries

When the SEC schedule gets released, South Carolina fans circle two games on their calendar. Most importantly, the Palmetto Bowl against Clemson the weekend after Thanksgiving and then usually, an early season matchup against the Georgia Bulldogs. Those are the two biggest games on an annual basis for head coach Shane Beamer, especially if the program is going to continue its climb.

Beamer took some time to discuss the rivalries during an appearance on The Paul Finebaum Show, acknowledging how important they are. He even threw out conference crossover “rival” Texas A&M in there as well, saying it can be brutal for South Carolina at times. But there will be no back down for the Gamecocks.

“We’re in the SEC East,” Beamer began. “Our in-state nonconference rival is Clemson and our SEC West cross-over opponent is Texas A&M. So, every single year, we’re going to play three of the preseason top six teams in the country. I’ll look at it as, we get to do that.”

Since the College Football Playoff was implemented, Clemson has two national championships, while Georgia got their first in January. To make matters even worse, the Tigers have a seven-game win streak against South Carolina, while the Bulldogs have won seven of 10.

Beamer thinks there is the capability to turn the ship around, though.

Shane Beamer points to recent history under Steve Spurrier

Four of the greatest seasons in South Carolina history came under Steve Spurrier from 2010 through 2012. The Gamecocks won 11 games in all of them, even making the SEC Championship against Cam Newton‘s Auburn.

Beamer looked back to those days, saying there is proof that South Carolina can get those rivalry wins against Clemson and Georgia. Add in some other high-level teams in the SEC, including Alabama, and the Gamecocks headman is confident his program can get back on the right track.

“I can go back Paul to — my last year at South Carolina with Coach Spurrier was 2010 when we played in the SEC Championship game here in Atlanta vs. Auburn,” Beamer said. “In that year, we beat Clemson, we beat No. 1 ranked Alabama, we beat Georgia, we beat Florida, we beat Tennessee.

“So, I am not selling something or talking about something that’s never been done in South Carolina. We’ve done it. And then after that season, Coach Spurrier and that team went on to win I think double-digit wins for three straight years in a row.”

“The challenge for us is to build this thing one day at a time and get better each and every year. And then ultimately, be competitive and win those games.”

South Carolina rivalry games for 2022 season

South Carolina will get Georgia early in the season, with the Bulldogs traveling to Colombia in Week 3 on Sept. 11. The matchup has already been announced as an 11 a.m. kickoff as well, meaning Williams-Brice Stadium will be bouncing.

Clemson will be a road game on the traditional final weekend of the regular season. Desperate for a win against the in-state rivals, Beamer will have to prepare for the hostile crowd for the first time as a head coach.