CLEMSON — For the second consecutive fall, Clemson will host the Savannah Bananas in an exhibition matchup at Doug Kingsmore Stadium.

On Thursday, the Banana Ball All-Stars will visit DKS with the Tigers looking to avenge last year’s 4-1 loss.

However, while both teams surely want to win, this exhibition is about so much more than the final score. In this competitive era of NIL, Clemson head coach Erik Bakich is always looking for ways to help his players maximize their value, and what better way than to face off against one of the internet’s hottest sensations.

“The excitement is very high,” Bakich said. “I think anyone that can play the Bananas at any time is a positive. It is going to be a regional, super regional, postseason atmosphere. And it is total chaos. There is stuff going on every second of those two hours. If you can get comfortable in that environment or even just learn to deal with being uncomfortable in that environment, that is something that you look back on and hopefully helps us down the road when we get to those types of environments.”

This year, Clemson has taken a little different approach when it comes to preparing for Thursday night’s antics. This time, the Tigers didn’t even start prepping until Wednesday. This time, Bakich said the impetus is on the baseball.

“Last year, we dedicated quite a few training sessions to Banana Ball games and rules. We just haven’t done that this year,” Bakich said. “This year, we are more interested in playing a more competitive game. They are good. They are good baseball players and good entertainers. But they are good baseball players, so we will have our hands full. That is for sure. They are very explosive and athletic dudes.”

At the same time, that doesn’t mean Bakich and his team aren’t planning to have some fun of their own. Last year, there were shirtless head coaches. Jay Dillard came to the plate on a horse. A dance coordinated by Jarren Purify, Tryston McCladdie and Dion Brown went viral. And those are just three examples of many. Expect similar antics on Thursday.

No matter the result, one thing is certain. The spotlight will be directly on Clemson Thursday night, and that creates possibilities. It also creates fun, and Bakich and his team can’t wait.

“Last year, we had the viral moment with the 3-2-2 dance with the 50 million views with the backflips. That is an exciting factor within itself,” Bakich said. “To put the spotlight on our student athletes and our players and help get them attention and interest. We are always going to max out and help push the envelope on our players to help capitalize on any financial opportunities that they can get. There is not a better way to do that than putting the national spotlight on them in October.”

First pitch is set for 7 p.m. on Thursday, with gates opening to fans at 5:30 p.m.