Clemson star running back ready for one more shot at South Carolina

Mafah wants to put on a show in his final home game.

This year, Saturday’s game between Clemson and South Carolina means a little bit more as the Tigers playoff hopes rely on the outcome of the matchup.

For senior running back Phil Mafah, it will be his last chance to face the Gamecocks in Death Valley. The running back reflected on the rivalry, saying the most important thing is to maintain a “championship mindset.” “All records are out the window. It’s a game of its own, it’s a championship game, championship mindset,” Mafah explained.

He also reflected on the highs and lows of this rivalry and particularly that which hurt – the loss this year, 2022. “The first thing I thought of was just the seniors,” said Mafah about the soul-crushing defeat of 31-30. “Not being able to send the seniors off with a great farewell, I felt for them and the Clemson fam in general.

This season, Mafah is determined to send off the 2023 seniors on a higher note. “I’m looking most forward to finishing my senior season here in the Valley,” Mafah said. He also spoke to the special nature of the Tiger Walk tradition: “You get to see all the fans, you get to feel them and it’s just a great environment that they create for us to get hyped up.”

With Clemson’s all-time record of 73-43-4 over South Carolina on the line, Mafah is determined to finish on a winning note and extend Clemson’s success in the rivalry.