Ranking Dabo’s wins: 2

Dabo Swinney was carried off the field after winning the fourth game of his career. This one, which is No. 2 on our list, was a little different.

2.) Nov. 28, 2008

Clemson 31 South Carolina 14

What happened
No catchy nickname needed for this game. It’s just Clemson/South Carolina or South Carolina/Clemson, depending on which color you wear on Saturday.

Making his first appearance as a head coach in the annual rivalry game, Swinney left the field with the fans wearing orange chanting his name.

Thunder and Lightning, James Davis and C.J. Spiller, combined to rush for 179 yards and three touchdowns, all three scores coming from Davis, who reached pay dirt on rushes of 1, 20 and 2 yards.

Clemson racked up a total 383 yards, 184 rushing and 199 passing. The Tigers’ defense held South Carolina to 92 rushing yards and intercepted Chris Smelley four times.

Swinney and Steve Spurrier will meet again in November. Spurrier is up 3-1.

After Clemson raced out to a 24-0 lead in the second quarter, South Carolina lit the scoreboard when Smelley hit Patrick DiMarco on a 16-yard touchdown. The Gamecocks cut the score to 24-14 in the third quarter on another Smelley touchdown pass.

A third touchdown by Davis sealed the deal for the Tigers in the third quarter.

The stakes
Anytime Clemson and South Carolina get together, the stakes are through the roof.

Throw in the need for another win by Clemson to become bowl eligible, the Tigers had plenty to play for in the final week of the season.

Before and after
Swinney was named interim head coach after Clemson started the season with a 3-3 record. Tommy Bowden moved on after the disappointing Thursday night road loss to Wake Forest.

With Swinney running the show, the Tigers finished the regular season with a 7-5 record. They went on to play Nebraska in the Gator Bowl.