With a stadium nickname of “Death Valley”, it’s no surprise that Clemson’s Memorial Stadium is one of the most intimidating venues in the country, and the top stadium in the ACC.
Popular X account CFB Kings posted their list of the best home field advantages in the conference on Thursday.
It’s a moniker that Clemson is no stranger to, sitting atop the list along with traditional power Florida State. The Tigers have won 76 of their last 82 games at home, a mark that’s among the best in the country.
Some of college football’s most iconic traditions include touching Howard’s Rock and running down The Hill for “The most exciting 25 seconds in college football.” ESPN broadcaster Brent Musburger described the sequence after a 1985 CU-Georgia contest.
When looking back at some of the most iconic games in Death Valley, it’s a who’s who of recent college football lore.
October 1, 2022 | #5 Clemson 30, #10 NC State 20
After ESPN’s College GameDay aired from Clemson that morning, the Tigers knocked off ACC Atlantic Division contender NC State by double digits. Junior quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei starred, piling up 282 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns under the lights.
October 1, 2016 | #5 Clemson 42, #3 Louisville 36
A high-profile quarterback showdown between Heisman Trophy contenders Deshaun Watson and Lamar Jackson lived up to its billing. Jackson’s team fell behind 28-10 at halftime, but the future NFL MVP led his offense to score the game’s next 26 points. Touchdown passes to Mike Williams and Jordan Leggett gave the Tigers a six-point cushion with just over three minutes to play. Louisville’s drive stalled out on a 4th-down reception in the final minute that was a mere yard short of the first down. Clemson claimed a key win on the way to its first consensus national championship since 1981.
October 3, 2015 | #12 Clemson 24, #6 Notre Dame 22
In the midst of Hurricane Joaquin and a torrential downpour, the Tigers stuffed the Fighting Irish on a 2-point conversion with just 7 seconds remaining. Notre Dame outgained Clemson by a substantial margin, but committed four costly turnovers in the elements, giving Dabo Swinney’s team a signature home victory.
All in all, the mystique of Death Valley and its home field advantage is best summed up by former Presbyterian football coach Lonnie McMillian, who gave it the moniker after suffering repeated losses there. It’s one of the toughest places to play in the country, let alone in its own conference.
