CLEMSON – For most seniors, the last home game of the season is a game filled with a rollercoaster of emotions. It is a game where the underclassmen band together to try and give the graduating seniors one more win in their last game at Memorial Stadium.

It is a game of remembrance, of reflection, and of recognition as the seniors soak in their last moments playing for over 81,500 fans.

Last year, Clemson defensive end Justin Mascoll, a fifth-year player at the time, was technically one of those seniors being celebrated, but in the back of his mind, he knew that he would be back for one more season. After last year’s disappointing loss on senior day against South Carolina, Mascoll was ready to celebrate his second and final senior day, and he is hoping that this go around, he can leave the Valley with one last win against the other team named Carolina.

When Mascoll was asked what his favorite part of senior day, he said he loves seeing all the guys “buy in” and give this game their all.

“These guys want to leave the seniors on a winning note in the Valley,” he said. “We didn’t get an opportunity to do that last year, but this year everyone has a different appreciation for winning.”

With the shaky start to the season the Tigers had, a win over No. 22 North Carolina not only be a storybook ending for the seniors, but it would also help the Tigers win a third consecutive game and the second over a ranked opponent in three weeks.

“I can see in everybody’s eyes how appreciative they are of the older guys. The focus this week has been having good energy at practice and enjoying the moment,” Mascoll said. “We have to stop and smell the roses, but at the same time get ready for North Carolina.”

When asked if he is much of a crier, Mascoll said he isn’t, but there will definitely be a few tears shed on Saturday.

“I was talking to my roommate, Tré Williams, and catching up on all the moments we’ve had together, and with guys like Ruke [Orhorhoro] and [Tyler Davis]. We basically grew up together these last 5-6 years, going from young teenagers trying to figure everything out, to being grown men,” Mascoll said. “I’m definitely going to be sad, but I’m hopeful because I know this university is going to have so much success down the line.”

As a Georgia native, Mascoll had the easy route to be a Georgia Bulldog fan, but he always knew there was something in the Clemson orange, and it was always a dream for him to play here one day.

“I grew up watching Clemson football and people like Vic Beasley and Tajh Boyd. Tajh is on the staff now, and I tell him, ‘Gosh, I used to watch you play,’” he said. “Everybody has been so great to me and has taught me so many valuable things about life beyond football.”

Mascoll and the Tigers hope they can celebrate Senior Day in fashion with a win on Saturday against UNC in their last game at Death Valley.

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