1930s Spring Games
Head Coach Dabo Swinney has publicly supported the idea of NCAA teams playing an exhibition game during the spring, provided it is against an opponent not on the regular fall schedule.
The concept has been mentioned in Duke football gameday programs. Several coaches have suggested using Spring Games as fundraisers, similar to recent Division I basketball preseason exhibitions.
Swinney would back a Clemson vs. Furman Spring Game held in Death Valley to raise money for breast cancer awareness, a key cause for his All In Team Foundation. This event could generate around $1 million in a single day, supporting a cause close to him and his wife, Kathleen.
Historical Precedent
Remarkably, Clemson and Duke have a history of spring meetings, having played each March from 1937 to 1939. These games were organized jointly by Duke Head Coach Wallace Wade and Clemson Head Coach Jess Neely.
At that time, both teams were part of the Southern Conference but did not face each other during the regular seasons of those years.
Significance of Spring Games
During this era, Clemson and Duke contests were major events as both sides were led by Hall of Fame coaches and featured All-Americans.
There's speculation whether the ACC Network would support exhibition Spring Games between conference schools to boost their programming lineup in March, April, and May.
"I know Swinney would be in favor of a Clemson vs. Furman Spring Game in Death Valley that raises money for breast cancer awareness, one of the main benefactors of Dabo’s All In Team Foundation."
"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."
Author's summary: The tradition of spring football games dates back to the 1930s, with modern interest in exhibition matches for fundraising and network programming opportunities.