Best quotes from South Carolina players and coaches about rivalry game against Clemson

Some of South Carolina’s players and coaches all spoke to the media earlier this week. Here are the best quotes from each player and coach about playing in the Carolina-Clemson rivalry and more.

Tonka Hemingway

Hemingway is no stranger to the Tigers or the intensity of the Palmetto Bowl. But this year the stakes are even higher, as both teams are placed in the top 15.

“This one, it’s going to be a little different out there,” Hemingway said. “A little scrappy, a lot of trash talking. So you just have to keep calm.”

Kyle Kennard

For fifth-year transfer Kennard, it will be his first time competing in the Palmetto Bowl. He is quickly learning what this rivalry means to the Gamecocks.

“I knew the rivalry was intense,” Kennard said. “I mean it would be intense just because it’s a rivalry anyway. But I’m coming here learning more about it and how it didn’t go our way last year. But the last time we went up there it did something like, and how different factors of that, I don’t want to get too deep into it, but how different factors in the game have affected previous performances against them. And how we have to do better this week and stuff like that. So I’m learning more about the history and its meaning to me.”

LaNorris Salesmen

This Palmetto Bowl will be Sellers’ first as a starting quarterback. Despite being on the sidelines during last year’s Palmetto Bowl, Sellers learned a lot about what to expect.

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“It’s like I said, a high-energy game. People care about it. Just two teams — Carolina and Clemson,” Sellers said. “Probably the biggest game in our state. But I mean, they just took it as another game, so that’s just how I’m going to do it, too.”

Shane Beamer

Beamer has been a part of numerous programs throughout his career, but the Carolina-Clemson rivalry is one that stands out.

“I’ve been a part of a lot of great rivalries in my time at the places I’ve coached, and this one is right up there. Just feel so lucky to be a part of this rivalry,” Beamer said. “So much history, tradition, great players, great coaches that have been a part of it as well. I know how much that means to this state.”

Dowell Loggains

Loggains, in his second year as offensive coordinator, complimented the Tigers on the effort and talent ahead of the big matchup. The Gamecock offense will have their work cut out for them going up against a talented defense.

“I think what stands out when you watch their bond is their effort and how hard they play. It’s a group that plays extremely hard. They run the ball fundamentally,” Loggains said. “They are very good up front, it all starts with those guys. It’s a very talented team. They’ve done a good job of recruiting, but they also do a good job of coaching the fundamentals and technique when they get there.”

Clayton white

White knows the Tigers’ offense almost better than anyone. White has met Clemson plenty during his time as a player as well as several times as a coordinator and coach.

“It’s like my 12th time going against Clemson. As a player, four games at NC State, four games here, obviously. They’ve never lacked offensive production,” White said. “So things that we see on tape, is obviously they have really good tight ends between Jake (Briningstool), OP Henry (Olsen Patt-Henry). And then they also have (Josh) Sapp, they have really good tight ends, tight end room is really good. The running backs between (Phil) Mafah and (Jay Haynes) are really, really productive.”