Representative Ballentine says he wants to ensure this rivalry continuesBy: Rebecca Woolard
Imagine a football season without the Carolina-Clemson rivalry. Some fans fear that could happen as conferences add more teams. One South Carolina lawmaker wants to make sure that never happens.
State Representative Nathan Ballentine (R-Irmo) proposed a bill Wednesday that would require this long-standing matchup to continue.
"I want to make sure our state has something to celebrate," said Ballentine on his decision to write the bill.
Some sports fans don't see the need for the bill.
"I think it's ridiculous. It's a waste of time. Like they're not going to play," said Darren Woodlief.
"What's the point in making it a law and spending everybody's time and money?" asked Jeff Goodwyn.
Both the ACC and SEC conferences are expanding, and Ballentine says there is a good possibility South Carolina and Clemson would not have room in their schedules for the annual matchup in the future.
"With the conferences growing and conferences dictating schedules, I don't want this rivalry to have to go by the waste side just simply because a conference decides we can no longer have that work out in our schedule," explained Ballentine.
Some fans support Ballentine's bill.
"I think it's a great idea to play each other every year no matter what," said Angel Miranda.
Ballentine will find out just how many lawmakers support his bill Wednesday.
