By Darin 
The Palmetto Bowl—Clemson vs. South Carolina—is always a battle, but the 1977 edition on November 19th was pure, unadulterated rivalry magic. For the No. 15 Clemson Tigers, a victory over their in-state foe was more than just bragging rights; it was their ticket to the Gator Bowl.
The game started exactly how the Tigers wanted. Led by quarterback Steve Fuller, Clemson built a commanding 24-0 lead midway through the third quarter. It felt like a rout was inevitable. But in the greatest tradition of this historic rivalry, the South Carolina Gamecocks refused to quit. They mounted a furious, near-historic comeback, scoring 27 unanswered points to stun the visiting Tigers and take a 27-24 lead with just 1:48 left on the clock. The Gator Bowl dream was evaporating.
Starting from their own territory, Fuller and the Tigers drove down the field. With time ticking away, they reached the USC 20-yard line. Under immense pressure, Fuller desperately tried to throw the ball away in the end zone to avoid a sack. What happened next etched itself into Clemson football lore forever.
Johnnie Wright leap 1977 20 Nov 1977, Sun Florence Morning News (Florence, South Carolina) Newspapers.com
Wide receiver Jerry Butler, running a route, saw the errant pass, leapt, twisted his body in mid-air, and somehow hauled in the high, fading ball for the game-winning touchdown. “The Catch,” as it is still universally known, gave the Tigers an improbable 31-27 lead with just 49 seconds remaining. The comeback was thwarted, the rivalry game was won, and the Tigers were on their way to the Gator Bowl. It remains one of the most iconic, pressure-filled moments in Clemson football history.