Cross-divisional rivalries make for some of the best gridiron contests in the SEC. The Deep South’s oldest rivalry and the Third Saturday in October produce classic contests that will last throughout the ages.
USC lacks the tradition that the SEC’s core schools have. Most of them have been in the SEC decades longer than South Carolina. For 21 years, the Gamecocks faced Arkansas annually in a cross-divisional rivalry. It made sense; both schools entered the SEC in 1992. With the addition of Texas A&M and Missouri, Carolina dropped the Razorbacks for the Aggies.
Broaching this subject may make some think I want Carolina to cut and run.