When Clemson started the 1987 football season, it was considered a true contender for the national championship.
The Tigers returned a lot of star-power from the previous year when they won the ACC and went 8-2-2. With a favorable schedule, many thought they had a good chance go through the regular season undefeated.
However, they stubbed their toe at home against NC State and then were ambushed in Columbia in the regular-season finale against rival South Carolina. Clemson fans were not happy with the way they played in a 20-7 loss to the Gamecocks and at the center of the discussion was quarterback Rodney Williams, who had been criticized all year by the fans and the media.