This Week’s Cola Roundup

Hi Everyone -  here's what we got this week at the University of South Carolina:

On the docket:

• Gamecocks get huge win against #10 Ranked Texas A&M for Homecoming

• Transportation Reservation time: time to start scheduling how your student gets home for the holidays!

• Tiger Burn Date Set: What to Expect for Clemson Week!

Gamecocks Get Huge Upset Win

South Carolina fans, get excited! This past Saturday, South Carolina’s football team pulled off an impressive 44-20 victory over Texas A&M, notching over 500 yards of offense—a rare feat only 15 teams have achieved against the Aggies in the last decade.

Some big names have managed it before, including legendary quarterbacks like Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa. This weekend, it was South Carolina’s own LaNorris Sellers, Raheim Sanders, and Joshua Simon who stole the show. Sellers threw for 244 yards, while Simon and Sanders were key playmakers, with over 220 yards and three touchdowns combined. Their performance put South Carolina in the company of teams with Heisman winners and first-round draft picks.

Texas A&M’s storied history doesn’t highlight these memorable performances by opponents, but South Carolina fans will remember Sellers' big game and Sanders' 100-yard kickoff return in 2022. With four games left, including a matchup against Vanderbilt, there’s plenty of room for more thrilling moments this season. Let’s see what else this talented team can achieve!

Time to Book Reservations Home for Holidays

Columbia Airport is great, but you're most likely not flying into there. So, you'll need some way to get to Cola from Charlotte, Charleston, or maybe even Atlanta. The number one thing to remember is planning, planning, and planning!

If not, your only option is an expensive Uber, which can really damper the excitement of your student coming home for the holidays!

To see what our editors suggest, here’s a full list.

Tiger Burn Date Set

Whether this is your freshman year or you’re an upper classmen, you’ve probably heard of Tiger Burn by now!

If not, Tiger Burn is one of the University of South Carolina’s most beloved traditions, especially for students looking forward to the annual rivalry football game against Clemson University. Held during the week before the big game, this spirited event brings students, alumni, and fans together to celebrate Gamecock pride and get everyone fired up!

At the heart of Tiger Burn is a giant, handcrafted tiger effigy—created by students—which symbolizes our rivalry with Clemson, known for their tiger mascot. As night falls, the crowd gathers to watch as the enormous tiger is set ablaze, symbolizing our fierce determination to "beat the Tigers" on the field. The evening includes music, food, games, and lots of Carolina spirit. Students, decked out in garnet and black, cheer, laugh, and make memories while watching the tiger burn away into the night.

For parents, it’s a reminder of the unity, tradition, and pride that define the Gamecock experience. It's more than just a bonfire; it’s a moment of camaraderie that connects everyone in the Carolina family. So, when your student talks about Tiger Burn, know it's a cherished experience they’ll remember long after graduation!

If you’re interested, here is more information on how the engineering program builds it every year too!