by Clemson Hosts Furman on Senior Day as Tigers Aim to End Season on High Note
23 Nov, 2025On Saturday, November 22, 2025, Clemson Tigers will welcome Furman Paladins to Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina for a home finale that’s as much about tradition as it is about football. Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. ET, broadcast nationally on The CW Network, and designated as Senior Day and Military Appreciation Day — two emotional pillars that turn a routine non-conference game into something deeper. The Tigers, at 5-5, are playing for pride. The Paladins, also 4-4, are playing for respect. And with a 41.5-point spread favoring Clemson, the stakes feel uneven — but in college football, those numbers don’t always tell the whole story.
A Game of Contrasts
On paper, this is a classic mismatch. Clemson University, a powerhouse in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), competes in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). Furman University, nestled just 75 miles away in Greenville, South Carolina, plays in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) as part of the Southern Conference. The difference in resources, recruiting depth, and national exposure is stark. Yet, for Furman, games like this aren’t just about winning — they’re about proving they belong on the same field.
For Clemson, this is the final non-conference game before their annual rivalry showdown with the South Carolina Gamecocks on November 29. After a rollercoaster season — wins over North Carolina and Louisville (#20), but gut-wrenching losses to LSU, Duke, and SMU — the Tigers are searching for momentum. A dominant performance here could help mend a fractured fanbase and give their seniors a proper send-off.
Memorial Stadium: More Than a Venue
Since 1942, Memorial Stadium — affectionately known as Death Valley — has been the beating heart of Clemson football. With a capacity of 81,500, it’s rarely empty on game day. This Saturday, organizers expect about 75,000 fans, many wearing red and orange, many more in camouflage. The military appreciation ceremony will include a flyover, honor guards, and recognition of veterans and active-duty personnel from across the Upstate. For the seniors — 24 of them, according to Clemson’s official roster — it’s the last time they’ll run out of that tunnel.
There’s a quiet tension in the air. Not because Furman might win — they haven’t beaten Clemson since 1979, and the Tigers have outscored them 358-37 in their last 10 meetings. But because in college football, underdogs don’t just show up to lose. They show up to make you remember them.
The Paladins’ Fight for Recognition
Furman’s season has been a tale of resilience. After a 28-52 drubbing by Mercer (#13) in early November, the Paladins responded with a gritty 32-14 win over VMI on November 15. That victory, on their home field, gave them their fourth win of the season — their first since September. Quarterback Chase Brown, a redshirt sophomore, has thrown for 1,420 yards and 11 touchdowns this year, while running back Jalen Williams averages 5.8 yards per carry. They’re not flashy, but they’re disciplined.
"We don’t care about the spread," said Furman head coach Mike Ayers in a pre-game interview. "We care about representing our school, our community, and our players who’ve spent years preparing for this moment. When you play a team like Clemson, you’re not just playing for a win — you’re playing for every kid in South Carolina who dreams of playing at the highest level."
What’s at Stake Beyond the Scoreboard
For Clemson, the stakes are more psychological than playoff-related. After a 2024 season that ended in disappointment — missing the ACC Championship game for the first time since 2018 — the 2025 campaign has been a rebuilding year. The offense has struggled to find consistency, and the defense has been inconsistent against mobile quarterbacks. A blowout win here would help restore confidence before the South Carolina game, which, for many fans, is the real season finale.
Meanwhile, Furman’s schedule ends after this game. They’ll finish 4-6 if they lose — still a winning record for an FCS team in a tough conference. Their 2025 campaign has been one of the most competitive in recent memory, and this game will likely be their last national television appearance for years.
Timeline: The Road to November 22
- August 30, 2025: Clemson loses to LSU 10-17; Furman loses to William & Mary 24-27
- September 6: Clemson beats Troy 27-16; Furman loses to Presbyterian 31-28
- September 13: Clemson loses to Georgia Tech 21-24; Furman beats Campbell 28-24
- September 20: Clemson loses to Syracuse 21-34
- September 27: Furman beats Samford 31-13
- October 4: Clemson beats North Carolina 38-10; Furman loses to East Tennessee State 35-28
- October 11: Clemson beats Boston College 41-10
- October 18: Clemson loses to SMU 24-35
- November 1: Clemson loses to Duke 45-46; Furman loses to Mercer 28-52
- November 8: Clemson beats Florida State 31-24; Furman loses to Chattanooga 28-45
- November 14: Clemson wins at Louisville 20-19
- November 15: Furman beats VMI 32-14
- November 22, 2025: Clemson vs. Furman at Memorial Stadium
- November 29, 2025: Clemson vs. South Carolina
What Happens Next?
If Clemson wins — and most expect them to — the focus shifts immediately to the rivalry game against South Carolina. A win there would cap a turbulent season on a high note and give head coach Shane Beamer his third straight victory in the series. A loss? That’s a different conversation entirely.
For Furman, the season ends. But the impact lingers. Their players will be scouted. Their program will gain exposure. And next year, when they play another FBS team, they’ll have this game as proof: they belonged on that field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this game being broadcast on The CW Network?
The CW has secured a package of mid-season FBS vs. FCS matchups as part of its expanded college football deal, aiming to draw regional audiences and showcase under-the-radar rivalries. This game fits perfectly: a major program hosting a local FCS team on Senior Day, with strong in-state interest. The CW’s broadcast reach helps elevate Furman’s profile while giving Clemson fans a nationally televised home finale.
Has Furman ever beaten Clemson in football?
No. Clemson leads the all-time series 33-0, with the last meeting in 2022 ending 56-7. Furman’s last win over Clemson was in 1979, when the Tigers were still in the Southern Conference. Since Clemson joined the ACC in 1953, they’ve never lost to the Paladins — and rarely even come close. But the gap in talent doesn’t erase the emotional weight for Furman’s players.
Why is there a discrepancy between 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. kickoff times?
The 3:30 p.m. time listed by College Football News appears to be an early draft or error. Clemson’s official athletics site and The CW Network confirm 4:30 p.m. ET as the official kickoff. Broadcast networks often adjust start times for prime-time scheduling, and this game’s national TV slot likely pushed it later to maximize viewership. Fans should rely on Clemson’s official schedule for accuracy.
How does this game impact Clemson’s bowl eligibility?
Clemson is already bowl-eligible with five wins. This game won’t affect their eligibility, but it could influence their bowl selection. A dominant win over Furman could help their resume, especially if they beat South Carolina next week. A close game or upset, however, would raise red flags for selection committees — especially with their losses to Duke and SMU still on the record.
What makes Senior Day meaningful at Clemson?
Senior Day at Memorial Stadium is one of the most emotional moments in Clemson football. Each senior is introduced individually, often with family on the field. For many, it’s the last time they’ll play in front of their home crowd. In 2025, the class includes key defensive linemen and a starting safety who transferred from FCS. Their presence on the field — and the standing ovation they receive — reminds everyone that college football isn’t just about wins and losses.
Will Furman ever move to FBS?
Unlikely in the near future. Moving to FBS requires massive financial investment — stadium upgrades, scholarship increases, travel budgets — and a conference affiliation. Furman’s small endowment and lack of a major media market make it difficult. They’re more likely to remain a competitive FCS program, occasionally scheduling FBS opponents for revenue and exposure, as they’ve done since the 1970s.