Anytime Clemson and Georgia play an early season football game, it brings back old childhood memories for me.

In my opinion, Clemson vs. Georgia is the most natural rivalry in college football.

The two college football powers are just 71 miles apart, one mile shorter than Athens, Ga. to Atlanta and 63 miles shorter than Clemson, S.C. is to Columbia. Of course, Atlanta is home to Georgia’s instate rival the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and Columbia is the home of Clemson’s instate rival the South Carolina Gamecocks.

Clemson fans enjoy beating Georgia as much as they do the Gamecocks, and in some cases probably more. After living in Georgia for a good number of years when I first got in the business, I can honestly say most Georgia fans do not really consider Georgia Tech a major rival.

From what I have gathered, Florida, Auburn, Tennessee, Alabama and Clemson are who the Dawgs hate the most and, depending on the day of the week, you can flip Tennessee, Alabama and Clemson. Maybe you can throw in South Carolina, as well, but that is a debate for another day.

Sure, Georgia fans like seeing their Bulldogs squash the Yellow Jackets and Clemson fans definitely enjoy watching the Tigers eat the Gamecocks, but there is something different about Clemson and Georgia getting together on the football field.

There is a level of dislike amongst the fanbase, especially Clemson-Georgia fans that are 35 years and older. Most remember the 11-year War from 1977-’87.

During those years, Clemson and Georgia drew to a 5-5-1 draw. The average margin of victory was 4.7 points per game. Nine of the 11 games were decided by a touchdown or less. The only two that were not were the 1978 and the 1981 games.

Clemson had a 3-1-1 record in Death Valley vs. the Bulldogs during that stretch, while Georgia owned a 4-2 mark in Athens. The Bulldogs scored 171 points (15.5 points per game), while Clemson scored 159 points (14.5 points per game).

This is when the rivalry was at its peak, not only on the football field, but on the recruiting trail as well. The two competed for the same players more times than not, similar to the way it is today.

They both owned the ACC and SEC during those times, again, similar to today. Finally, they were both winning and playing for national championships on a regular basis. Does that sound familiar?

Granted Georgia has owned Clemson of late—winning 7 of the last 8 meetings—and, unfortunately, they do not play every year like they used to. But when they do, like they will on Aug. 31 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, I will think back to those great meetings from yesteryear – Ford vs. Dooley, Davis vs. Walker, Jordan vs. Belue, Igwebuike vs. Butler, Williams vs. Jackson and Treadwell vs. Kasay.

A limited number of signed footballs from Clemson’s 2022 class are still available.  Get yours while supplies last!  Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!