Gamecock Killers: Clemson football’s Charlie Whitehurst
Clemson football’s Charlie Whitehurst may very be the “ultimate Gamecock killer.” Let’s take a look back at his legacy as a Tiger.
Every day this week as we head into the “big game” against in-state rival South Carolina, we will have a feature on a “Gamecock killer.”
A “Gamecock killer” is a special kind of Clemson football player.
These particular athletes, no matter how their respective teams performed, remain an integral part of the folklore that resinates within the rivalry forever.
Today, let’s kickoff the features with a look at former Clemson football quarterback Charlie Whitehurst.
Whitehurst has become known in Clemson football circles as the “Ultimate Gamecock Killer.”
During his time as a Tiger, Whitehurst went an impressive 4-0 against South Carolina. He is the only quarterback in the series’ 114-year history to do so on either side.
In those four games alone, Charlie Whitehurst solidified his legacy as a Clemson Tiger.
The Journey:
During his freshman year in 2002, Whitehurst rallied the Tigers past the Gamecocks. As Clemson trailed 20-13 heading into the fourth quarter, the team scored two touchdowns on back-to-back possessions to put the Gamecocks away at home.
Whitehurst finished 27-of-38 for 287 yards.
Charlie Whitehurst was also part of the infamous 63-17 rout of the Gamecocks just a year later.
He finished that one with 326 yards and four touchdown passes. Fast forward a year later and the series was back in Memorial Stadium.
This is when the famous “brawl” took place.
Gamecock players thought it would be smart to meet Clemson at the bottom of the hill as the Tigers entered the stadium. From that point forward, things were very chippy until a full-out brawl ensued.
While it’s remember for that reason, this game was also memorable for something else: It was Lou Holtz’s final game with South Carolina.
Charlie Whitehurst and the Clemson football team sent Holtz out with a 29-7 beatdown after he announced that he’d be retiring the Thursday before.
In 2005, the Gamecocks came in with a renewed sense of “cockiness.” They were led by new coach Steve Spurrier and had won seven games. During a night game at Williams-Brice Stadium, Charlie Whitehurst delivered his final blow to the Gamecocks, pulling off a 13-9 win.
As the Tigers led late in the fourth quarter, Whitehurst rushed for 11 yards on a 3rd and 9. With that run to clinch the game, he etched his name in the history books for all-time.
Next: Clemson dismantles The Citadel: Analysis, Stats
Make sure you check back here on Rubbing the Rock for more rivalry content, Gamecock killers, analysis of the game and much more as we head into Saturday!