When it comes to college football, the atmosphere and energy of a stadium can make or break a game. And for former Notre Dame quarterback DeShone Kizer, Clemson's Memorial Stadium, also known as Death Valley, stands out as the loudest and most intimidating venue he's ever experienced.
Kizer's firsthand account of his visit to Tigertown in 2015 paints a vivid picture of the hostile environment that awaited the Fighting Irish. The passion and intensity of the Clemson fans were unlike anything he had encountered before.
"The hatred towards the away team was palpable," Kizer recalls. "The look in their eyes said it all - we don't want you here." But it wasn't just the fans' animosity that made an impression. Kizer was also struck by the unique atmosphere created by the stadium's speaker system and the music selection.
"At Notre Dame, we had a jumbotron and played Bon Jovi tunes. But at Clemson, they had a full-fledged DJ spinning rap music. The speaker system was so loud, it was like nothing I'd ever heard before," he explains.
The October 3, 2015, game between Notre Dame and Clemson is a memorable one for many reasons. Dubbed the "Hurricane Game," it was played in the midst of severe weather caused by Hurricane Joaquin. Despite the downpour, Memorial Stadium was packed, and the crowd noise was deafening.
Kizer describes the experience as surreal, almost like playing in a video game. "The screen starts to shake in Madden when it's loud, and that's exactly how it felt. I could feel my face mask shaking. It was a different level of football," he says.
Beyond the noise and the weather, Kizer's performance that day was impressive. He led Notre Dame to a close game, but ultimately, Clemson emerged victorious with a 24-22 win.
Kizer's career took him from Notre Dame to the NFL, where he was drafted by the Cleveland Browns and later played for the Packers, Raiders, and Titans. But his time at Notre Dame and that memorable game at Clemson remain a significant part of his football journey.
"Clemson's Death Valley is a place that stays with you. The energy, the passion, and the sheer intensity of the fans and the environment make it an unforgettable experience. It's a testament to the power of college football and the unique atmosphere it can create," Kizer concludes.
