Gamecock Killers: Clemson football’s Tommy Bowden
This week, we are taking a look at some “Gamecock killers” in the Clemson football program. Today, we honor former coach Tommy Bowden.
Look, it didn’t end how everyone wanted to.
Former Clemson football coach Tommy Bowden brings an enigma of emotions to the table when Tiger fans begin to think about him.
I know many Clemson football fans still have ill-will towards Bowden.
While I understand the mixed feelings toward Bowden, there’s no doubting the man’s imprint on the Palmetto Bowl will forever be recognized.
He may not have been able to win the division or get to 10 wins, but Tommy Bowden could beat South Carolina.
And the proof is in the numbers.
Turning the tide:
Tommy Bowden finished his career 7-2 against the Gamecocks. (1999-2007)
- 1999: Clemson won 31-21
- 2000: Clemson won 16-14
- 2001: South Carolina won 20-15
- 2002: Clemson won 27-20
- 2003: Clemson won 63-17
- 2004: Clemson won 29-7
- 2005: Clemson won 13-9
- 2006: South Carolina won 31-28
- 2007: Clemson won 23-21
There aren’t many coaches with a better record against South Carolina than Tommy Bowden. Other than beating South Carolina basically every year, Bowden also did one other thing that makes him a true “Gamecock killer.”
Bowden made the recommendation to hire Dabo Swinney.
That’s right, Tiger fans. For those of you that don’t know, as Tommy Bowden was being fired, he made the recommendation for Swinney to take over the program.
That vote of confidence led to Swinney getting the interim job and the rest is history.
Because of Bowden’s recommendation, at least partially anyway, in the face of being fired, Clemson football was able to end up hiring the coach that would lead them to an eventual national championship.
And that killed the Gamecocks more than just about anything else.
I give Tommy Bowden credit for what he was able to do for the Clemson football program. He took it out of the dark ages of the Tommy West era and at least got it back to being a top-25 team with consistent wins over South Carolina.
It just took Dabo Swinney coming in to take it to the elite level.
Next: Clemson drops to No. 3 in latest CFB Playoff rankings
Want to see more Gamecock killers? Check out our features below and tune into Rubbing the Rock all week for several more as we head into Saturday.
Gamecock killers