Presbyterian should be treated with respect by Clemson folks

Sep 10, 2010, 2:28 PM

They are the reason that we have the real Death Valley. How many schools can say their stadium name genuinely came from someone else being intimidated? That's part of what makes our tradition superior. We didn't just name ourselves or try to invent some stupid gimmick.

Our traditions are natural. The Rock came from the real Death Valley and was originally just a silly gift for Frank Howard. Howard wanted to trash it, but when "a man named Jones" built it into a fountain he just ran with it. Now players rub Howard's Rock.

The Hill was just the practical way for players to get into the stadium... but it grew into a solid tradition and the best, most original entrance in all of college football. Orange and Purple isn't some marketing ploy. It's attached to something practical. Death Valley isn't some cute name that our AD came up with or some message board geeks voted on. We call it that because Presbyterian hated playing there and named it out of genuine despair.

This is why some people care about uniforms. This is why some people care about the size of the paw. This is why some people tell you to wear freaking orange to games. It's not random, it's not fashiom and it's not a waste of time. We are special because of our traditions. Our traditions are special because they are unique and grounded in rich history.

Some of you may be Clemson fans because you were born into it with a Clemson family or you just live in the state of SOuth Carolina. I am a Georgia boy. I grew up in UGA territory. I respect UGA and Georgia Tech and I love my stomping grounds in South Georgia. But I am a Clemson man because of what it stands for and because I made a choice to be part of something that is special.

So when we are lining up against Presbyterian this week, as much as I hope we shut them down, I will treat their team and fans as specially honored guests because they are a part of our very special tradition.