ESPN’s Holly Rowe provokes Clemson crowd, Declares LSU the ‘True’ Death Valley

ESPN reporter Holly Rowe sparked bulletin board talk, questioning Clemson’s noise level and calling LSU’s stadium the “true Death Valley.”

In a week already full of motivational fuel, Rowe stirred controversy before No. 4 Clemson faces No. 9 LSU. Speaking live from Memorial Stadium, the longtime sideline voice unintentionally gave Tiger fans a rallying point less than a day ahead of one of the season’s marquee matchups.

During Saturday’s pre-game coverage, the studio host raised the familiar debate, asking Rowe about the atmosphere in a place often billed as one of college football’s loudest venues.

Rowe’s reply instantly escalated the rivalry.

“Well, they’re expecting a packed house of 81,500 here at the Death Valley in South Carolina,” she began, before making a sharp comparison. “But I have to note, the Death Valley in Baton Rouge holds over 101,000.”

The remark didn’t end there. Rowe further challenged Clemson’s supporters, openly wondering whether the home fans could create enough noise to rattle LSU’s quarterback.

“So I want to see how loud the Clemson faithful can be to disrupt Garrett Nussmeier, LSU’s signal-caller,” Rowe continued. “Can they bring the energy and make this place feel huge against these Tigers from the real Baton Rouge Death Valley?”

Her comments—highlighting the smaller crowd size, questioning crowd volume, and labeling LSU’s stadium as “the real Death Valley”—immediately struck a nerve with a fan base that values its game-day reputation.

For Clemson, hoping for any edge in a top-10 battle, Rowe’s words now serve as extra drive. While likely intended to stir national discussion, her report has become part of the contest itself. The storyline is clear, and the challenge has been issued.

Holly Rowe wondered if 81,500 in Clemson could “make it loud and feel big.” By Sunday evening, she is certain to receive her answer.