A rivalry is in the eye of the beholder. South Carolina is by far our rival based on history and proximity. You see arrogant South Carolina fans on a daily basis. Just because their program is not up to Clemson's level right now, there is nothing like beating them in sports and putting them in their place. They are so proud of being second class citizens in the SEC.
If Florida State had not passed on the SEC, South Carolina would be playing in Conference USA or the American Athletic Conference with about a 500 record. I wonder if the average South Carolina fan even realizes they were not the first choice of the SEC. If they did, I feel sure they have conveniently forgotten it.
As far as the South Carolina game this past season, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I wish Watson had of stayed in the game, and Clemson would have scored a 100 points. I want to humiliate South Carolina in football and all sports. And believe me, they want to do the same to Clemson. That is what a rivalry is all about.