As a South Carolina native, Clemson wide receiver Tyler Brown knew exactly what was at stake when he and the Tigers took the field against the South Carolina Gamecocks this past Saturday.
“Growing up, watching these guys play, in-and-out, in-and-out, how they battled, the intensity of the game, just being able to play in it is a dream come true,” Brown said.
In his first appearance in the rivalry series, the standout freshman receiver finished the game with a team-high five receptions for 40 yards, helping the Tigers secure a 16-7 victory over the Gamecocks. Thirty-nine of Brown’s 40 yards came on a contested catch that set up a field goal.
“Growing up a Clemson fan, you dream of moments like this,” Brown said. “Just having that Palmetto trophy in your locker room.”
When speaking on the importance of this year’s matchup, Brown saw it as a chance to avenge Clemson’s loss to South Carolina in 2022, which ended the Tigers’ seven-game win streak in the rivalry series.
“I feel like we owed that last class, that senior class, another trophy,” Brown added. “How they went out last year, they (didn’t) deserve that, so I’m glad we got it back for them.”
“I’ve got some guys that go to USC. They brag about (last year’s game) every chance they can,” he said.
In a game where Clemson failed to score a touchdown on offense, the Tigers leaned heavily on their defense, holding South Carolina to just 169 total yards of offense.
“That’s the best part about this program, you don’t have to be perfect (offensively),” Brown said of Clemson’s defensive showing. “You got guys like Xavier Thomas, Khalil Barnes, they’re going to make plays, and they’re going to make stuff happen and we’re going to get that ball back.”
The 2023 regular season was rather up-and-down for Clemson, as the team started 4-4. But the Tigers now carry a four-game win streak as they head into bowl season.
“No one expected that start,” Brown said. “Having our leaders just lead and just keep everyone’s heads up was very key in our success recently, so we just try to keep our heads up and keep going.”
“You can’t have a win streak without this right here. Great momentum going into the next few years.”
