Gamecocks set to reinstitute border rival with Tar Heels
The matchup fans have been calling for is finally back, as USC will renew its rivalry with North Carolina on the college gridiron. USC will travel to Chapel Hill for an Oct. 13, 2007, showdown with the Tar Heels, who will make the trip to Columbia on Sept. 18, 2010.
Discussion of renewing the rivalry had been underway for quite some time, with talk of playing on a neutral site, such as Charlotte's Bank of America Stadium, as a possibility. But the schools finally agreed on a home-and-home series.
"We are excited to have this home-and-home series with North Carolina on the schedule," USC Athletics Director Eric Hyman said. "It is a natural rivalry that should generate a lot of interest. We had overtures to play the game at a neutral site outside the state lines, but felt it was in the best interest of our fans and our local businesses to play a home-and-home series with one of the games right here in Columbia."
The border battle was a staple of Gamecock football from 1949-1964 as part of an annual showdown in the ACC. The two teams had played as early as 1903. The Tar Heels hold a 34-16-4 advantage in the series, last played in 1991 with a 21-17 UNC win in Chapel Hill.
USC has won nine of the last 14 meetings, with a 3-1 record in the last four matchups.
"We think it is an excellent game for both schools," USC coach Steve Spurrier said. "It should be a good game. Both schools should be looking forward to it."
- Compiled by Alex Riley
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