The Rivalry Trophies of Clemson Football
By John Chancey
![Clemson defensive end Xavier Thomas (3) and linebacker Trenton Simpson (22) line up against NC State during the first quarter at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, N.C., September 25, 2021.Ncaa Football Clemson At Nc State Clemson defensive end Xavier Thomas (3) and linebacker Trenton Simpson (22) line up against NC State during the first quarter at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, N.C., September 25, 2021.Ncaa Football Clemson At Nc State](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/4231f06753b59dcb8901a6ac73a44133d98a03026ef8ac1b6f6fbcaeec5c3c5f.jpg)
Clemson Football has multiple rivalries with other programs. Some are fiercer than others due to history or proximity, but they are all fun.
One of the best traditions in college football is the rivalry game trophy. Some of them are so classic that the rivalry itself is defined by the trophy.
Some great examples are:
- The Little Brown Jug: Michigan vs Minnesota
- The Old Oaken Bucket: Indiana vs Purdue
- The Golden Egg: Ole Miss vs Mississippi State
- Cy-Hawk Trophy: Iowa vs Iowa State
- Paul Bunyan’s Axe: Wisconsin vs Minnesota
- The Iron Skillet: SMU vs TCU
- Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy: Army vs Navy
- The Jeweled Shillelagh: USC vs Notre Dame
- Floyd of Rosedale: Iowa vs Minnesota
Creative college football trophies that have a long history tend to come from Midwest rivalries, but many rivalries have trophies that don’t get quite as much attention. The Iron Bowl, Georgia/Florida, and the Red River Rivalry all award a trophy to the victor.
Clemson plays in three trophy games that have been played annually and are expected to be played at least semi-annually for the foreseeable future.