1930s Spring Games | The Last Word

Head Coach Dabo Swinney has repeatedly expressed support for the NCAA permitting teams to play an exhibition game during the spring season. Such a game would be against an opponent not featured on the fall schedule.

The idea of a Spring Game has been suggested by many coaches as a fundraiser, similar to how some Division I basketball teams hold preseason exhibition games. Swinney, for example, would support a Clemson vs. Furman Spring Game at Death Valley to raise funds for breast cancer awareness, a key cause supported by his All In Team Foundation. This event could potentially raise $1 million in a single day for the charity close to Swinney and his wife, Kathleen.

Historical Precedent

Interestingly, Clemson and Duke shared a history of playing Spring Games, meeting each March in 1937, 1938, and 1939. This tradition originated from Duke Head Coach Wallace Wade and Clemson Head Coach Jess Neely.

"Clemson playing against Duke in this era, even in the spring, was a big deal, because both teams were led by Hall of Fame head coaches and featured All-Americans."

At that time, both schools belonged to the Southern Conference but did not face each other during the regular seasons of those years.

Broadcast and Fan Interest

Such exhibition games could be attractive programming for the ACC Network, filling valuable airtime in March, April, and May with conference matchups.

"Do you think ACC Network would love to see exhibition Spring Games between conference schools, giving them significant inventory in March, April and May?"

The revival of Spring Games could blend fundraising, fan engagement, and media interest.

Summary

The concept of spring football games between colleges, historically rooted and supported by prominent coaches like Dabo Swinney, holds potential as a charitable event and media draw.

Would you prefer the tone to be more formal or conversational?

Clemson University Athletics — 2025-11-02