Tavien Feaster transfer to Carolina shows rivalry with Clemson really just for the fans

Tavien Feaster will play his final season of college ball at
South Carolina. Feaster previously played at rival Clemson.

A major transfer domino fell this week, when former Clemson tailback Tavien Feaster announced he had decided to transfer to South Carolina for his final season of college eligibility.

Feaster will be able to play immediately since he is a graduate transfer, giving South Carolina coach Will Muschamp a needed shot in the arm for a run game that has struggled at times during his tenure.

During his three years with Clemson, Feaster rushed for 1,330 yards and 15 touchdowns. His last two years he split carries with current Tigers starter Travis Etienne, who has amassed over 2,400 yards and 17 touchdowns, and is now a preseason Heisman award candidate.

In that same time span South Carolina has been inconsistent in the running game. Top returner Rico Dowdle has rushed for 1,669 yards and 12 touchdowns, but the last two seasons has been hampered by injury.

Fellow senior A.J. Turner has rushed for 1,322 yards and eight scores, but he is likely going to be splitting time on defense, at least in the early part of the season. Finally, senior Mon Denson has been serviceable, yet sparingly used with 584 yards and four scores.

Feaster going to Carolina gives Muschamp and offensive coordinator Bryan McClendon a proven option in the backfield, and a potential 1,000-plus yard rusher. More importantly, a big-play threat with the speed to break big runs.

All that of course is contingent on offensive line play.

At this point, it is a win-win for both parties. Feaster gets another year and a chance to be the feature back in an offense as he looks to impress pro scouts, and Carolina gets a proven commodity to add to its offense, even if it is just a one year fix.

The downside, as expected, as placed a spotlight on the insanity of the two rival fanbases.

Just breeze through Twitter and Facebook, or go on a message board, or listen to talk radio, and you can hear sprinkles of "sloppy second," "traitor," and many other uncalled for insults.

There have been bright spots too, well wishes and "do your thing" comments, but it is the negative that is magnified and can come to color a fanbase's reputation.

Make one thing clear, this is a business decision. Feaster signed with Clemson, fulfilled his obligations and graduated, all while helping the Tigers win two national titles and three conference titles.

Now, he is going somewhere else to hopefully help his draft stock improve. He, like most players, believe he is a feature guy. He now has the chance to prove it.

In the end, Feaster going to Carolina gives a solid option in the running game, and gives a player one last chance to be a feature guy. His production may help solidify an extra win or two in close games, but it likely won't make South Carolina national title contenders this year.

Nor will it likely sway the tide in the rivalry game.

His leaving also won't make Clemson any less a national title contender. Nor will it have any impact on conference title aspirations. Remember, there is a pre-season Heisman candidate at running back and another at quarterback, along with very dangerous options at wide receiver.

Clemson's offense will be fine this year.

Him transferring to a rival does not erase the last three years of work, nor does it invalidate any make believe clubhouse card to walk back into Tiger Town.

No matter what some fans or talking heads would like you to think.