Death Valley debate Reignites as Clemson and LSU Prepare to Clash
BATON ROUGE, La. – The rivalry between Clemson and LSU extends beyond the gridiron and into a decades-long debate: who truly owns the moniker “Death Valley”? As the Tigers of both schools prepare to face off in Memorial Stadium - Clemson’s home – on September 21, 2024, the question of rightful claim to the intimidating nickname is once again at the forefront.
The origins of “Death valley” are often misattributed to filmmaker Jordan peele, who used the name in a comedic sketch referencing LSU’s Tiger Stadium. Though, the nickname’s roots trace back to a 1959 Sugar Bowl victory for LSU over Clemson. Following a 7-0 win that secured the national championship for the Tigers, LSU fans began proclaiming “death” over the team hailing from Clemson’s home, then simply known as Memorial Stadium.
While LSU fans initially popularized the term, it didn’t fully stick until the 1988 “Earthquake Game.” LSU’s 7-6 upset of No. 4 Auburn generated such a raucous atmosphere that it “triggered a seismograph in a geoscience lab 1,000 feet away from the stadium,” according to ESPN.
Clemson’s claim rests on its long-standing home-field advantage at Memorial stadium, which opened in 1952. Entering the 2025 season, the Tigers boast a 345-106-7 (.761) all-time record within its walls. Under head coach Dabo Swinney, who took the helm in 2008, Clemson has gone 99-12 at home.
LSU’s Tiger Stadium,opened in 1924,presents an equally formidable record. The Tigers are 457-151-18 (.744) all-time at home, and a remarkable 147-24 since 2000. Notably, LSU is 360-111-3 all-time in night games at Tiger Stadium, adding to its intimidating reputation. Since Brian Kelly’s arrival in 2022, LSU has gone 19-2 at home, including a perfect 7-0 record in 2023 with SEC victories over florida, Texas A&M, Auburn, and Arkansas.
Ultimately, the “true” Death Valley remains a matter of passionate debate. Both Clemson and LSU have built compelling cases through decades of dominant home performances and fervent fan support. The upcoming matchup will undoubtedly add another chapter to this storied rivalry and the ongoing quest to claim the name.
