The Origins and Legacy of the Clemson vs. NC State Textile Bowl
The Clemson Tigers and the NC State Wolfpack have a storied rivalry known as the Textile Bowl, a name that reflects the deep-rooted connections both universities have with the textile industry. This annual clash has been a highlight of the ACC football calendar since it was officially named the Textile Bowl in 1981.
Origins of the Textile Bowl
The Textile Bowl was conceived as a way to celebrate the contributions of both Clemson University and North Carolina State University to the textile industry. Both schools have historically had strong textile programs, and the textile industry has played a significant role in the economic development of their respective states, South Carolina and North Carolina. The idea was to create a special game that would not only highlight the football rivalry but also promote the importance of textiles.
Overall Record
As of the latest meeting in 2023, Clemson leads the all-time series with a record of 60-30-1. The rivalry has seen many memorable moments, with Clemson generally having the upper hand, especially in recent years.
Categorizing the Games
* Early Years (1899-1980): The rivalry began in 1899, with Clemson winning the first game 24-0. These early years were marked by sporadic meetings and a relatively balanced competition.
◦ The Textile Bowl Era (1981-Present): Since the official naming of the Textile Bowl in 1981, Clemson has dominated the series, winning 28 of the 40 games played under this banner. Notable games include:
◦ 1981: The first official Textile Bowl, which Clemson won 17-7.
◦ 2016: A dramatic 24-17 overtime victory for Clemson after NC State missed a potential game-winning field goal in regulation.
◦ 2021: NC State’s 27-21 double-overtime win, their first victory in the series since 2011, which knocked Clemson out of College Football Playoff contention.
Quotes from Players and Coaches
The Textile Bowl has produced many memorable quotes over the years. Here are a few highlights:
• Dabo Swinney (Clemson Head Coach): “NC State’s a good football team, a big rivalry game every year. It’s been around for a long, long time. Nobody really talks about the Textile Bowl anymore, but it’s still out there, and it means a lot to a lot of people on both sides of this game” .
• Dave Doeren (NC State Head Coach): “We know that we can beat them. We’ve been close. Close doesn’t get it done”.
• Former Clemson Player: “Playing in the Textile Bowl is always special. It’s not just about the game; it’s about representing our school’s history and the textile industry that built our community.”
The Significance Moving Forward
The Textile Bowl remains a significant fixture in the ACC schedule. As both teams continue to evolve, the rivalry promises to deliver more thrilling encounters. The 2024 matchup is particularly crucial, with both teams vying for dominance in the ACC and looking to make a statement early in the season. In conclusion, the Textile Bowl is more than just a football game; it’s a celebration of the shared history and contributions of Clemson and NC State to the textile industry. As the rivalry continues, it will undoubtedly add more chapters to its rich history, filled with memorable moments and intense competition.
