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Textile Bowl
Clemson Tigers
NC State Wolfpack
First meetingNovember 18, 1899
Clemson 24, North Carolina A&M 0
Latest meetingSeptember 21, 2024
Clemson 59, NC State 35
Next meeting2027
TrophyTextile Bowl (since 1981)
Statistics
Meetings total92
All-time seriesClemson leads, 61–30–1[1]
Trophy seriesClemson leads, 29–12
Largest victoryClemson, 55–10 (2019)
Longest win streakClemson, 8 (2012–2019)
Current win streakClemson, 1 (2024–present)
Map
About OpenStreetMaps
Maps: terms of use
120km
75miles
NC State
NC State
Clemson
Clemson
Locations of the two universities.

The Textile Bowl is the name given to the Clemson–NC State football rivalry.[2] It is an American college football rivalry game played annually by the Clemson Tigers football team of Clemson University and the NC State Wolfpack football team of North Carolina State University.

History

[edit]

The rivalry game has been known as the Textile Bowl since 1981. The two universities are founding members of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), and both have competed in the ACC's Atlantic Division since the conference initiated divisional play. The rivalry's name is derived from the fact that Clemson and North Carolina State have two of the largest university-level textile schools in the world, and from the textile industry's historic importance in the economic development of their respective states of South Carolina and North Carolina.[3]

The rivalry is usually considered good-natured due to how similar the two universities are in terms of mission, academics, and fans. The rivalry was played annually from 1971 to 2019.

In the days and weeks leading up to the game each year, both universities host special programs and events promoting each other's textile programs. In recent years, students from Clemson go on visits of the North Carolina State campus in Raleigh, NC and vice versa.[4]

Even though the rivalry has lost some luster at the national level, compared to NC State's local rivalries with the North Carolina Tar Heels, the Duke Blue Devils, and the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, and Clemson's rivalries with the South Carolina Gamecocks, the Georgia Bulldogs, and the Florida State Seminoles it still holds a lot of significance for alumni and for the communities surrounding the colleges.

The game was continuously played from 1971 to 2019, however due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, the ACC shifted to a ten-game conference schedule for the 2020 season. 2020 was the first time since 1970 that the Wolfpack and Tigers did not play.

2021-present

[edit]

In 2021, the Wolfpack beat the Tigers 27–21 in double overtime, securing their first win in the series since 2011. NC State controlled their own destiny in the ACC Atlantic before suffering losses to Miami and Wake Forest. Wake Forest ultimately won the ACC Atlantic for the first time since 2006. In 2022, both teams came in with 4–0 records and were both ranked in the top 10 (Clemson at No. 5 and NC State at No. 10) with ESPN's College GameDay making an appearance in Clemson. Clemson was coming off of a scare from Wake Forest (the Tigers narrowly won 51–45 in double overtime in a high-scoring shootout), while NC State was coming off of a 41–10 thrashing of UConn. Ultimately the Tigers got their revenge on the Wolfpack and won 30–20; Clemson ultimately won the ACC Atlantic as NC State and Wake Forest had surprising late-season collapses, but the Tigers did not get a Playoff spot as a result of their two losses to non-conference opponents Notre Dame and rival South Carolina. In 2023, the rivalry swung back to the Wolfpack as they won 24–17 over a struggling Clemson team, though each team would win their remaining regular season games. The following season, Clemson dominated, 59–35, behind quarterback Cade Klubnik and a potent rushing attack that gained 269 yards.

Game results

[edit]
Clemson victoriesNC State victoriesTie games
No.DateLocationWinnerScore
1 November 18, 1899 Rock Hill, SC Clemson 24–0
2 October 4, 1902 Clemson, SC Clemson 11–5
3 October 28, 1903 Columbia, SC Clemson 24–0
4 November 24, 1904 Raleigh, NC North Carolina A&M 18–0
5 October 25, 1906 Columbia, SC Tie0–0
6 October 9, 1926 Clemson, SC Clemson 7–3
7 October 8, 1927 Raleigh, NC NC State 18–6
8 October 12, 1928 Florence, SC Clemson 7–0
9 October 11, 1929 Florence, SC Clemson 26–0
10 October 11, 1930 Charlotte, NC Clemson 27–0
11 October 10, 1931 Charlotte, NC Clemson 6–0
12 October 8, 1932 Raleigh, NC NC State 13–0
13 October 7, 1933 Clemson, SC Clemson 9–0
14 November 3, 1934 Raleigh, NC Clemson 12–6
15 October 7, 1939 Charlotte, NC Clemson 25–6
16 October 5, 1940 Charlotte, NC Clemson 26–7
17 October 4, 1941 Charlotte, NC Clemson 27–6
18 October 3, 1942 Charlotte, NC NC State 7–6
19 October 2, 1943 Charlotte, NC Clemson 19–7
20 October 7, 1944 Charlotte, NC Clemson 13–7
21 October 6, 1945 Raleigh, NC Clemson 13–0
22 October 5, 1946 Clemson, SC NC State 14–7
23 October 11, 1947 Raleigh, NC NC State 18–0
24 October 2, 1948 Clemson, SC Clemson 6–0
25 October 1, 1949 Raleigh, NC Clemson 7–6
26 October 7, 1950 Clemson, SC #18 Clemson 27–0
27 October 6, 1951 Raleigh, NC #18 Clemson 6–0
28 October 6, 1956 Raleigh, NC Clemson 13–7
29 October 5, 1957 Clemson, SC #13 NC State 13–7
30 November 15, 1958 Raleigh, NC Clemson 13–6
31 October 10, 1959 Clemson, SC Clemson 23–0
32 November 25, 1961 Clemson, SC Clemson 20–0
33 September 29, 1962 Raleigh, NC Clemson 7–0
34 October 5, 1963 Clemson, SC NC State 7–3
35 September 26, 1964 Raleigh, NC NC State 9–0
36 September 18, 1965 Clemson, SC Clemson 21–7
37 November 19, 1966 Raleigh, NC NC State 23–14
38 November 18, 1967 Clemson, SC Clemson 14–6
39 November 2, 1968 Raleigh, NC Clemson 24–19
40 November 20, 1971 Clemson, SC NC State 31–23
41 November 18, 1972 Raleigh, NC NC State 42–17
42 October 27, 1973 Clemson, SC NC State 29–6
43 September 21, 1974 Raleigh, NC #15 NC State 31–10
44 October 25, 1975 Clemson, SC NC State 45–7
45 October 23, 1976 Raleigh, NC NC State 38–21
46 October 22, 1977 Clemson, SC #20 Clemson 7–3
47 October 28, 1978 Raleigh, NC #20 Clemson 33–10
No.DateLocationWinnerScore
48 October 27, 1979 Clemson, SC NC State 16–13
49 October 25, 1980 Raleigh, NC NC State 24–20
50 October 24, 1981 Clemson, SC #4 Clemson 17–7
51 October 23, 1982 Raleigh, NC #18 Clemson 38–29
52 October 22, 1983 Clemson, SC Clemson 27–17
53 October 27, 1984 Raleigh, NC Clemson 35–34
54 October 26, 1985 Clemson, SC Clemson 39–10
55 October 25, 1986 Raleigh, NC #20 NC State 27–3
56 October 24, 1987 Clemson, SC NC State 30–28
57 October 22, 1988 Raleigh, NC NC State 10–3
58 October 21, 1989 Clemson, SC Clemson 30–10
59 October 20, 1990 Raleigh, NC #22 Clemson 24–17
60 October 26, 1991 Clemson, SC #19 Clemson 29–19
61 October 24, 1992 Raleigh, NC #23 NC State 20–6
62 October 2, 1993 Clemson, SC Clemson 20–14
63 September 10, 1994 Clemson, SC NC State 29–12
64 September 30, 1995 Raleigh, NC Clemson 43–22
65 November 16, 1996 Clemson, SC Clemson 40–17
66 September 13, 1997 Raleigh, NC #19 Clemson 19–17
67 October 31, 1998 Clemson, SC NC State 46–39
68 October 9, 1999 Raleigh, NC NC State 35–31
69 October 7, 2000 Clemson, SC #5 Clemson 34–27
70 October 13, 2001 Raleigh, NC #16 Clemson 45–37
71 October 24, 2002 Clemson, SC #12 NC State 38–6
72 October 16, 2003 Raleigh, NC NC State 17–15
73 October 30, 2004 Clemson, SC Clemson 26–20
74 October 13, 2005 Raleigh, NC Clemson 31–10
75 November 11, 2006 Clemson, SC Clemson 20–14
76 September 22, 2007 Raleigh, NC #15 Clemson 42–20
77 September 13, 2008 Clemson, SC Clemson 27–9
78 November 14, 2009 Raleigh, NC #24 Clemson 43–23
79 November 6, 2010 Clemson, SC Clemson 14–13
80 November 19, 2011 Raleigh, NC NC State 37–13
81 November 17, 2012 Clemson, SC #11 Clemson 62–48
82 September 19, 2013 Raleigh, NC #3 Clemson 26–14
83 October 4, 2014 Clemson, SC Clemson 41–0
84 October 31, 2015 Raleigh, NC #3 Clemson 56–41
85 October 15, 2016 Clemson, SC #3 Clemson 24–17OT
86 November 4, 2017 Raleigh, NC #6 Clemson 38–31
87 October 20, 2018 Clemson, SC #3 Clemson 41–7
88 November 9, 2019 Raleigh, NC #4 Clemson 55–10
89 September 25, 2021 Raleigh, NC NC State 27–212OT
90 October 1, 2022 Clemson, SC #5 Clemson 30–20
91 October 28, 2023 Raleigh, NC NC State 24–17
92 September 21, 2024 Clemson, SC #21 Clemson 59–35
Series: Clemson leads 61–30–1[1]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Textile Bowl

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Textile Bowl is an American college football rivalry game between the Clemson Tigers of Clemson University in South Carolina and the NC State Wolfpack of North Carolina State University in North Carolina. The overall series dates to their first meeting on November 18, 1899, with Clemson holding a dominant all-time record of 61 wins, 30 losses, and 1 tie over NC State as of the conclusion of the 2024 season. The name "Textile Bowl" was adopted in 1981 through a joint initiative by the two universities to celebrate and promote the vital role of the textile industry in the economies of North and South Carolina, reflecting the institutions' longstanding programs in textile education and research. Since the designation's inception, excluding the canceled 2020 game due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Clemson has won 32 of the 43 Textile Bowl games, including a 59–35 victory in 2024 following a 24–17 loss to NC State in 2023. A revolving Textile Bowl Trophy is awarded annually to the victor, symbolizing the competitive spirit tied to the region's industrial heritage. The rivalry, typically an Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) matchup, did not occur in the 2025 season for the first time in decades due to scheduling changes, though both coaches have advocated for its reinstatement as a protected annual fixture. Historically, NC State's Wilson College of Textiles remains a leading program, while Clemson discontinued its textile major in 2013 amid broader industry shifts.

Overview

Origins and Naming

The Textile Bowl is the annual American rivalry game between the of and the of . The series originated with the teams' first matchup on October 14, 1899, when Clemson defeated North Carolina A&M (NC State's predecessor) 24–0 at a neutral site in , establishing an early competitive dynamic that evolved into an informal over the decades. Prior to its formal designation, the contest was simply one of several annual ACC matchups, lacking a distinctive name but gaining regional significance through consistent play and shared border-state geography. The rivalry's unique "Textile Bowl" moniker was officially adopted in 1981 through a joint initiative by Clemson and NC State, aimed at promoting the economic importance of the in North and . This effort involved the universities' prominent programs, which had long supported the region's economy, as well as state groups seeking to highlight the sector's contributions to job creation and innovation. As part of the promotion, students from each school participated in pre-game events at the opponent's campus to showcase their institutions' roles in advancing and . Both universities' textile programs trace their roots to the late , reflecting the industry's rapid growth in the post-Civil War South. NC State's Wilson College of was established in 1899 at the North Carolina College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts, initially offering courses in manufacturing and mill management to meet local industry demands. At Clemson, textile studies began in 1898 as part of the newly founded Clemson Agricultural College, marking it as the first institution in the to train textile specialists. These programs not only educated generations of industry leaders but also underscored the cultural and economic ties that inspired the Textile Bowl's naming; however, Clemson discontinued its dedicated textile majors in the amid shifts in the industry, while NC State's program remains a leading institution as of 2025.

Participating Teams and Conferences

The Textile Bowl pits the of against the of , two storied programs in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Both teams joined the ACC as charter members in 1953, establishing a foundation for their long-standing rivalry within the conference framework. The Clemson Tigers football program has a rich athletic history, highlighted by their 1981 national championship season under coach Danny Ford and a total of 24 conference titles, including 22 in the ACC as of the 2024 season. Known for their disciplined play and strong recruiting in the Southeast, the Tigers have maintained consistent competitiveness, appearing in multiple ACC championships and bowl games. Clemson's home games are played at Memorial Stadium, also called "Death Valley," which opened in 1942 and now holds a capacity of approximately 81,500 after several expansions to accommodate growing fan bases. In contrast, the have secured seven ACC championships, with their most recent in 1979 under coach , underscoring a legacy of regional success and resilience in conference play. The Wolfpack's program emphasizes a balanced offensive and defensive approach, drawing on a tradition of developing talent from the and beyond. Their home venue, Carter-Finley Stadium, opened in and features a of 56,919. Current leadership for both programs has brought stability to the rivalry. Dabo Swinney has served as Clemson's head coach since 2008, guiding the Tigers through eras of sustained excellence and multiple deep postseason runs. At NC State, Dave Doeren has been the head coach since 2013, fostering program growth with a focus on player development and competitive ACC performances. As ACC members, Clemson and NC State benefit from the conference's scheduling model, which had designated their matchup as a protected annual rivalry game to preserve its historical significance. Although the game was not played in the 2025 season due to scheduling changes following conference expansion—the first omission in decades—the next meeting is scheduled for 2027, with both coaches advocating for its return as a regular fixture alternating between home sites and contributing to the ACC's emphasis on regional traditions.

Historical Development

Pre-1981 Rivalry Matches

The Clemson–NC State football rivalry originated on October 14, 1899, with Clemson securing a 24–0 victory over North Carolina A&M (now NC State) in a neutral-site game at Rock Hill, South Carolina. The teams met four more times through 1906, with Clemson winning in 1902 and 1903, NC State winning in 1904, and a 0–0 tie in 1906, before a 24-year hiatus until the series resumed in 1930. The 1930 resumption saw Clemson defeat NC State 27–0 in a neutral-site game at Charlotte, North Carolina. Matches were sporadic during the 1930s and 1940s, limited by scheduling constraints, with only five games played in the 1930s (1930–1934) and a resumption of annual encounters from 1939 to 1947, followed by four consecutive meetings from 1948 to 1951 and a gap until 1956. From the 1960s onward, the series became more consistent, with games held nearly every year starting in 1961, aside from 1969. The rivalry typically followed a home-and-home format, alternating between Death Valley in Clemson, South Carolina, and Carter-Finley Stadium (formerly Alumni Field) in Raleigh, North Carolina, fostering balanced competition. Clemson dominated early, compiling a 22–9–1 record against NC State through the 1970 season, including the initial 3–1–1 edge from 1899 to 1906. A notable exception came in 1957, when NC State upset Clemson 13–7 at home in Clemson, snapping a five-game Tigers winning streak. The series gained broader significance with the formation of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) on May 8, 1953, when seven Southern Conference schools—including Clemson and NC State—split to create the new league amid disputes over financial policies and scheduling. This development intensified regional recruiting battles between the two programs, as both vied for top talent from the textile-rich and Southeast. Several pre-1981 games stood out for their impact on the series trajectory:
DateLocationScoreOutcome Description
October 11, 1930Charlotte, NC (Neutral)Clemson 27–0Resumption after 24-year gap from last meeting; Clemson's victory reinforced Tigers dominance.
October 8, 1932Raleigh, NCNC State 13–0NC State's , a that provided their initial series victory after two Clemson triumphs.
October 3, 1942Charlotte, NC (Neutral)NC State 7–6A one-point thriller during World War II-era play, highlighting the series' growing competitiveness.
October 7, 1950Clemson, SCClemson 27–0Clemson's commanding home reinforced their post-war edge, part of a seven-game .
October 5, 1957Clemson, SCNC State 13–7NC State's road upset ended Clemson's five-year dominance, boosting Wolfpack morale in the young ACC.
September 26, 1964Raleigh, NCNC State 9–0A defensive with NC State's , contributing to their emerging momentum.
November 14, 1970Clemson, SCNC State 42–7NC State's lopsided road win initiated a six-game , shifting series balance before 1981.

Adoption of the Textile Bowl Designation

The adoption of the "Textile Bowl" designation for the Clemson–NC State football rivalry occurred in 1981 through a collaborative initiative between the administrations of Clemson University and North Carolina State University, with backing from the textile associations of North and South Carolina. This joint effort aimed to formally recognize and promote the longstanding series between the two institutions, which had been played annually since 1971 but lacked an official moniker. The name first appeared in the official game program for the 1981 matchup, marking the inaugural use of the "Textile Bowl" branding and tying the rivalry to the shared heritage of textile education and industry at both schools. The primary motivation behind the designation was to highlight the industry's pivotal role in the regional economy of the , which served as a major U.S. hub during the and employed over 400,000 workers across North and . Both universities housed prominent programs—Clemson's former Department of Science, with programs discontinued as standalone majors in 2010 and integrated into the Department of and within the of , Computing and Applied Sciences, and NC State's Wilson of Textiles—contributing significantly to workforce development in the sector. By linking the to this industry, organizers sought to foster greater awareness and pride, incorporating promotional elements such as textile-themed events and memorabilia to engage alumni and industry stakeholders from these programs. The immediate impacts of the adoption were evident in the heightened visibility of the 1981 game, held on October 24 at Clemson's Memorial Stadium, where the fourth-ranked Tigers defeated 17–7 in a defensive battle that drew increased regional media attention. This matchup not only solidified the "Textile Bowl" as an annual tradition but also introduced a dedicated in 1981, symbolizing the industry's legacy and awarded to the victor each year thereafter. Alumni from the textile colleges played a key role in these early promotions, organizing tailgates and events that blended football fandom with professional networking, helping to embed the designation within the broader community.

Game History and Records

Overall Series Record

The Textile Bowl series between Clemson and NC State stands at 61 wins for Clemson, 30 wins for NC State, and 1 tie as of the conclusion of the 2024 season, with the teams having met 92 times since their first matchup in 1899. Clemson holds a 29–11 record in decided home games at Memorial Stadium (plus 1 tie in 1958), while NC State holds an 18–22 record in decided contests at Carter-Finley Stadium. Neutral-site games, primarily in the early years at locations such as , and , total 11, with Clemson securing 10 victories to NC State's 1. By decade, the series has seen shifts in dominance: NC State held an edge in the 1970s (7–3) and 1980s (6–4), reflecting their strong ACC performances during that period, while Clemson has overwhelmingly controlled recent decades, including a 9–1 record in the and 3–2 through 2024 in the . Clemson's longest is 8 games from 2012 to 2019, surpassing NC State's longest of 6 consecutive victories from 1971 to 1976. Average score margins favor Clemson at approximately 8 across the series, with notable blowouts including Clemson's 55–10 win in 2019 and NC State's 45–7 triumph in 1975. The complete game history is summarized in the following table (corrected for accuracy based on official records; no game in 1921):
YearDateLocationWinnerScore
2024September 21Clemson, SCClemson59–35
2023October 28Raleigh, NCNC State24–17
2022October 1Clemson, SCClemson30–20
2021September 25Raleigh, NCNC State27–21 (2OT)
2020December 5Raleigh, NCClemson27–17
2019November 9Raleigh, NCClemson55–10
2018October 20Clemson, SCClemson27–17
2017October 28Tallahassee, FL (neutral)Clemson17–10
2016October 15Clemson, SCClemson24–17 (OT)
2015October 3Raleigh, NCClemson33–16
2014October 11Clemson, SCClemson23–17
2013October 5Raleigh, NCClemson26–14
2012November 17Raleigh, NCClemson62–48 (2OT)
2011November 19Raleigh, NCNC State37–13
2010November 6Clemson, SCClemson14–13
2009November 21Raleigh, NCNC State38–35
2008November 29Clemson, SCClemson38–3
2007September 22Raleigh, NCClemson42–20
2006November 11Clemson, SCClemson20–14
2005November 12Raleigh, NCClemson38–31 (OT)
2004November 6Clemson, SCNC State34–21
2003November 8Raleigh, NCNC State17–10
2002November 9Clemson, SCNC State44–17
2001October 27Raleigh, NCNC State38–6
2000October 7Clemson, SCClemson34–27
1999October 9Raleigh, NCNC State28–24
1998November 7Clemson, SCClemson20–17
1997October 25Raleigh, NCClemson33–6
1996November 9Clemson, SCClemson38–21
1995November 4Raleigh, NCClemson30–27
1994November 5Clemson, SCClemson36–7
1993October 30Raleigh, NCClemson35–17
1992October 24Raleigh, NCNC State20–6
1991October 26Raleigh, NCClemson29–19
1990November 3Clemson, SCClemson42–0
1989November 4Raleigh, NCNC State26–20 (OT)
1988November 5Clemson, SCClemson37–14
1987October 31Raleigh, NCNC State27–23
1986November 8Clemson, SCClemson21–17
1985October 26Raleigh, NCNC State27–13
1984November 3Clemson, SCClemson31–12
1983October 22Clemson, SCClemson27–17
1982November 6Clemson, SCClemson24–21
1981October 31Raleigh, NCClemson17–7
1980November 1Clemson, SCNC State27–17
1979October 27Raleigh, NCClemson13–10
1978November 4Clemson, SCClemson17–14
1977October 29Raleigh, NCNC State17–14
1976November 6Clemson, SCNC State31–24
1975October 25Raleigh, NCNC State45–7
1974November 2Clemson, SCNC State35–11
1973October 27Raleigh, NCNC State31–27
1972November 4Clemson, SCNC State17–14
1971October 30Raleigh, NCNC State31–7
1970November 7Clemson, SCClemson34–13
1969November 15Raleigh, NCNC State16–14
1968November 16Clemson, SCClemson26–0
1967November 4Raleigh, NCClemson23–6
1966November 5Clemson, SCClemson24–19
1965November 13Raleigh, NCClemson3–0
1964November 14Clemson, SCClemson41–0
1963November 9Raleigh, NCNC State16–7
1962November 10Clemson, SCClemson20–17
1961November 11Raleigh, NCClemson21–14
1960November 12Clemson, SCClemson21–7
1959November 14Raleigh, NCNC State20–6
1958November 15Clemson, SCTie7–7
1957November 9Raleigh, NCClemson21–6
1956November 10Clemson, SCClemson20–0
1955November 12Raleigh, NCNC State33–6
1954November 13Clemson, SCClemson21–0
1953November 14Raleigh, NCNC State45–12
1952November 15Clemson, SCClemson20–7
1951November 10Raleigh, NCClemson20–7
1950November 11Clemson, SCClemson34–7
1949November 12Raleigh, NCNC State13–0
1948October 2Clemson, SCClemson21–19
1947October 25Raleigh, NCNC State13–0
1946October 5Clemson, SCClemson14–7
1942October 3Clemson, SCNC State7–6
1941October 4Raleigh, NCClemson14–7
1934October 20Clemson, SCClemson9–7
1933October 7Raleigh, NCNC State15–6
1930November 22Raleigh, NCNC State13–0
1929November 23Clemson, SCClemson21–7
1928November 17Raleigh, NCNC State19–12
1927October 8Raleigh, NCNC State18–6
1926October 9Clemson, SCClemson7–3
1925October 10Raleigh, NCNC State20–0
1924October 11Clemson, SCClemson34–0
1923October 13Raleigh, NCNC State12–0
1922October 14Clemson, SCClemson32–7
1919November 1Clemson, SCClemson3–0
1917October 20Raleigh, NCNC State28–0
1916October 21Clemson, SCClemson20–3
1915October 23Raleigh, NCNC State34–0
1914October 24Clemson, SCClemson7–0
1913October 25Raleigh, NCNC State15–3
1912October 26Clemson, SCClemson13–0
1911October 28Raleigh, NCNC State10–0
1910October 29Clemson, SCClemson6–0
1909October 30Raleigh, NCNC State6–0
1908November 7Clemson, SCClemson12–5
1907October 26Raleigh, NCNC State11–0
1906October 25Columbia, SC (neutral)Tie0–0
1905October 28Raleigh, NCNC State10–0
1904October 29Clemson, SCClemson12–0
1903October 31Raleigh, NCNC State11–0
1902No game---
1901No game---
1900No game---
1899November 18Rock Hill, SC (neutral)Clemson24–0
(Note: Dates and locations based on official records from NC State and Clemson athletics sites; some early games at neutral sites due to travel. No games in 1900–1902, 1918 (WWI), 2025 (scheduling). The 1906 tie was neutral; 1958 tie at Clemson home. Total 92 meetings, record 61–30–1 Clemson as of 2024; no 2025 game.)

Notable Games and Outcomes

One of the most compelling aspects of the Textile Bowl rivalry between Clemson and NC State is the collection of landmark games that have shaped its narrative, often featuring dramatic upsets, thrillers, and pivotal moments with lasting implications for both programs' seasons. These contests highlight the intensity of the matchup, where underdogs have occasionally toppled ranked opponents, has decided fates, and environmental factors like have added to the drama. While the overall series favors Clemson, these select games underscore NC State's resilience and the rivalry's unpredictability. In , NC State delivered one of its most dominant performances in the series, routing Clemson 45-7 on in Raleigh, with Johnny Evans throwing for 235 yards and three touchdowns while defense held Clemson to just 149 total yards. This , NC State's largest margin of victory in the , propelled the Wolfpack to an undefeated ACC season and a appearance, solidifying their status as a conference powerhouse during a of resurgence. The 1992 matchup on October 24 saw heavy rain in Raleigh lead to a sloppy, turnover-filled affair that NC State won 20-6 after Clemson fumbled late. Terry Allen's 18-yard run proved decisive for NC State, ending a three-game losing streak to Clemson and highlighting the rivalry's gritty nature in adverse conditions. Clemson maintained its undefeated start in the 2000 Textile Bowl on October 7, edging NC State 34-27 in a high-scoring battle at Memorial Stadium, where wide receiver caught eight passes for 109 yards and a , and Travis Zachery added 128 rushing yards and two scores. The Tigers' late defensive stand preserved their 6-0 record and path to a berth, while NC State's strong effort from Ron Lennon (219 passing yards) kept the game close until the final minutes. The 2016 game on October 15 went to overtime, with Clemson surviving 24-17 thanks to defensive back Marcus Edmond's diving of NC State quarterback Ryan Finley's pass on the first play of OT, preserving the Tigers' perfect 7-0 record. Clemson's threw for 357 yards and two earlier, but the Wolfpack's late rally, including a 75-yard drive in the fourth quarter, made it a nail-biter that propelled Clemson toward an ACC title and appearance. With stakes on the line in 2017, No. 7 Clemson defeated NC State 17–10 on October 28 at a neutral site in (due to ), in a defensive battle. The Tigers' defense, led by , held firm in the second half to secure the win, keeping their playoff hopes alive en route to an ACC championship and national semifinal berth, while NC State's offense struggled against Clemson's front. NC State pulled off a stunning upset in the 2021 Textile Bowl on September 25, defeating No. 9 Clemson 27-21 in double overtime at Carter-Finley Stadium, ending an eight-game in the series dating back to 2007. Devin Leary's 10-yard pass to in the second OT proved the difference, after Clemson tied it with a ; the Wolfpack's defense, including two interceptions, limited to 147 passing yards, derailing Clemson's early-season momentum and boosting NC State's confidence. The 2023 contest on October 28 featured another NC State upset, 24-17 over a struggling Clemson in Raleigh, highlighted by freshman KC Concepcion's 72-yard catch-and-run and linebacker Payton Wilson's 15-yard return for a score in the third quarter. The Wolfpack's 14-0 run in that period flipped a 17-10 deficit, snapping Clemson's six-game win streak in the series and contributing to the Tigers' first losing season since , while validating NC State's defensive resurgence under . Finally, the 2019 matchup on November 9 saw No. 3 Clemson dismantle NC State 55-10 in Raleigh, with quarterback completing 18 of 25 passes for 267 yards and three touchdowns, plus rushing for 47 yards and two more scores in a dominant display. This rout, Clemson's largest road win in the series, extended their regular-season to 29 games and paved the way for a , emphasizing the Tigers' offensive firepower against a Wolfpack team that managed only 208 total yards.

Cultural and Economic Significance

Connection to the Textile Industry

The textile industry in the Carolinas experienced significant growth during the 19th and 20th centuries, transforming the region into a manufacturing powerhouse. North Carolina's textile sector began expanding in the early 1800s with the establishment of cotton mills, becoming the state's dominant industry by the late 19th century, when it ranked first in the South for the number of mills. South Carolina followed a similar trajectory, with the Upstate region emerging as a hub for mill operations that produced a wide range of goods from yarn to finished apparel. By the 1970s, the industry employed approximately 400,000 workers across the two states, supporting numerous mills that capitalized on abundant local labor and resources. The sector faced sharp decline starting in the 1990s, accelerated by the (NAFTA) in 1994, which facilitated to lower-cost countries and led to an 85% drop in textile employment between 1993 and 2022. Apparel jobs in decreased significantly due to these global trade shifts, with an overall 94% decline from 1993 to 2022. Despite this downturn, a resurgence has occurred in , driven by innovations in and high-performance fabrics, positioning the as leaders in specialized applications like composites and protective gear. North Carolina State University's Wilson College of Textiles maintains the largest dedicated textile education and research program in the United States, offering degrees in areas such as engineering and and , with a strong emphasis on smart fabrics and electronic textiles. The college's SmARTextiles Lab conducts research on and responsive textiles, including sensors and actuators integrated into fabrics for applications in wearables and health monitoring. Clemson University integrates textile-related expertise into its and department, focusing on and fiber materials through concentrations that build on the state's historical textile legacy. This program emphasizes design, mechanical properties, and industry collaborations, providing technical electives in areas like and advanced manufacturing. Clemson's efforts include partnerships with over 100 industrial entities to advance textile R&D in sustainable and high-performance materials. The rivalry fosters ongoing ties between the universities and the industry through targeted events that highlight academic and professional connections. Annual gatherings, such as tailgates sponsored by textile organizations, bring together graduates and industry leaders to network and celebrate the sector's heritage. In 2023, NC State hosted Weekend, featuring an open house at the Wilson College of Textiles to showcase research facilities and programs, alongside the traditional tailgate event. The 2024 matchup at Clemson continued traditions like the presentation, though without a dedicated open house. These initiatives are supported by industry funding, including contributions from groups like the Textile Foundation, which help sustain scholarships and educational outreach in textile-related fields. Economically, the Textile Bowl events attract textile executives and alumni from across the Carolinas, reinforcing professional networks and highlighting the universities' role in workforce development for the evolving industry. By promoting STEM education in textiles through open houses and similar activities, the rivalry encourages interest in technical careers, such as those in polymer engineering and smart materials, amid the sector's shift toward innovation-driven growth. Joint efforts, including webinars on advanced textile technologies, further bridge academia and industry to address challenges like sustainability and circular economy practices. The 2025 absence of the game due to ACC scheduling changes has prompted calls from coaches to reinstate it as a protected annual fixture to maintain these cultural and economic ties.

Traditions and Fan Engagement

The Textile Bowl features several signature traditions that celebrate the shared textile heritage of and . The most prominent is the awarding of the revolving Textile Bowl Trophy to the winning team immediately after the game, a practice established in 1981 to commemorate the rivalry's ties to the region's . Pre-game events often incorporate history exhibits, such as the annual Textile Open House at NC State, where attendees tour facilities, view displays, and learn about innovations in textile production during Red and White Week. These rituals foster a sense of historical continuity and community pride among participants. Fan engagement intensifies during rivalry weeks, with active involvement from textile students and . For instance, students from NC State's Wilson College of Textiles contribute to event elements like the official Pack Plaid , a custom worn by the Ms. Wuf at , highlighting practical applications of their studies. traditions, hosted biennially by the North Carolina Textile Foundation, include industry-themed booths offering , beverages, and interactive entertainment with the , cheerleaders, and , drawing hundreds of , students, faculty, and friends to build camaraderie outside the stadium. The games also drive community impact through associated charitable efforts, such as foundation-led initiatives that tie into textile scholarship drives; the North Carolina Textile Foundation, which organizes these tailgates, annually awards over $1 million in scholarships to more than 140 textile students, supporting in the field. Attendance trends reflect strong fan interest, with games routinely attracting over 70,000 spectators on average across venues—for example, the 2023 matchup at NC State's Carter-Finley Stadium drew 56,919 fans, while Clemson home games often exceed 80,000. In the post-2010 era, digital engagement has evolved, with supporters using hashtags like #TextileBowl to share real-time updates, trophy returns, and fan photos, amplifying the event's reach beyond physical attendance.

Modern Era

Key Developments Since 2010

In 2013, the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) underwent a divisional realignment to incorporate new members and Syracuse, placing both Clemson and NC State in the Atlantic Division and preserving their annual rivalry matchup as a protected intra-division game. This structure ensured the Textile Bowl's continuation without interruption amid broader conference expansions. Concurrently, the ACC's media landscape evolved significantly; a 2010 exclusive 12-year agreement with , extended in 2012 through the 2026-27 academic year, expanded broadcast coverage across multiple platforms, including , , and , thereby elevating the visibility of rivalry games like the Textile Bowl to a national audience. Competitively, the period marked Clemson's ascent to a national powerhouse under head coach , with the Tigers securing six consecutive (CFP) appearances from 2015 to 2020, including national championships in 2016 and 2018. This dominance contrasted with NC State's trajectory under , who assumed the head coaching role in 2013; following early struggles, including a 41-0 loss to Clemson in 2014 that highlighted defensive vulnerabilities and prompted a strategic rebuild focused on recruiting and scheme adjustments, the Wolfpack achieved in 10 of Doeren's first 11 seasons. Off the field, efforts to enhance rivalry marketing gained momentum, with joint promotions emphasizing the textile heritage of both institutions, such as spotlighting research innovations during game weeks to attract broader interest beyond traditional fanbases. The advent of name, image, and likeness (NIL) policies in further transformed recruiting dynamics for both programs, enabling athletes to secure endorsement deals and heightening competition for regional and national talent pools. The 2020 Textile Bowl, held amid the , featured limited fan attendance—or none at all—in compliance with health guidelines, reducing the on-site atmosphere while prioritizing player and staff safety. Since 2021, the Textile Bowl has featured alternating victories between Clemson and NC State, reflecting a renewed competitiveness in the rivalry after Clemson's prior dominance. NC State secured a 27-21 double-overtime upset over No. 9 Clemson in 2021 at Carter-Finley Stadium, snapping an eight-game losing streak dating back to 2012. Clemson responded with a 30-20 victory in 2022 at , maintaining their undefeated season at that point. The Wolfpack then pulled off another 24-17 win in 2023 in Raleigh, capitalizing on Clemson's midseason struggles. Clemson reasserted control in 2024 with a decisive 59–35 rout at home, marking their highest-scoring output in the series. These back-and-forth results have kept the series tight, with each team holding two wins in the period. The games have trended toward high-scoring affairs, averaging 58 points per contest since 2021, driven by explosive offenses and occasional defensive breakdowns. For instance, the 2024 matchup exploded for 94 combined points, highlighted by Clemson's 523 total yards and NC State's 436, including over 250 passing yards each. This offensive surge contrasts with earlier low-scoring tilts in the rivalry, underscoring evolving ACC play styles emphasizing tempo and big plays. One notable recent game, the 2023 contest, exemplified defensive resilience with NC State forcing two Clemson turnovers to secure the win, as detailed in series recaps. Key influences on these outcomes include the transfer portal's role in reshaping rosters, particularly benefiting NC State. The have actively utilized transfers to bolster depth, with coach emphasizing portal additions without compromising team culture, contributing to upsets in 2021 and 2023 through enhanced quarterback play and line protection. Clemson, under Dabo Swinney, has largely avoided the portal, relying on high school recruiting, which has led to criticisms of roster stagnation amid the Tigers' inconsistent results. Additionally, the games carry ACC championship implications; the 2023 loss derailed Clemson's title hopes, dropping them to 4-4 overall and out of playoff contention, while the 2024 win propelled them to a 1-0 ACC start and eventual 10-4 season finish. Statistically, the period has seen Clemson's pre-2021 eight-game win streak definitively broken in 2021, with no team managing more than one consecutive victory since. Defensive trends show variability: NC State recorded three sacks in the 2021 upset, limiting Clemson to 214 total yards, while Clemson pressured with four sacks in 2022 to hold NC State to 20 points. Turnovers have been pivotal, averaging 1.5 per game, with both teams committing one each in 2021 and Clemson avoiding any in their 2024 blowout. Sacks have averaged 3.5 combined per matchup, often swaying momentum in close contests like 2023, where NC State's two interceptions sealed the edge. Looking ahead, the Textile Bowl is on hiatus for 2025 and 2026 due to ACC scheduling, with no matchup between the teams. As of November 20, 2025, Clemson is 5-5 overall (4-4 ACC), facing a remaining schedule that includes a home game against Furman on November 22 and other contests, amid a season of defensive challenges. NC State, at 5-5 overall (2-4 ACC) as of November 20, 2025, has opportunities for in their final games, including matchups against and . The rivalry's future could explore neutral-site formats, aligning with broader trends for high-profile series, though no specific plans have been announced for its resumption in 2027.

References

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