Tim Cowan and Chapel Fowler

Tim Cowan's seats at Death Valley are so low in the north lower deck that leaving via the field is his preferred route after every game. It beats having to wait until all the foot traffic clears from the steps above.

Cowan became a sensation last week when it was discovered that he placed himself behind the last three coaches who have won at Clemson during their postgame TV interviews -- Pitt's Pat Narduzzi in 2016, South Carolina's Shane Beamer in 2022, and Florida State's Mike Norvell last month.

Once upon a time, Cowan spent seven years as a Clemson student in the 1990s and actually owned a downtown bar for a stretch. The bar was called Rumors, and Cowan became good friends with a number of football players during that time including quarterback Brandon Streeter.

Cowan also recalls Run DMC playing a festival on Clemson's campus. Cowan met the group backstage and paid them $500 to show up and perform at Rumors later that night.

"They pulled up in a white van, and when they rolled their windows down a huge cloud of marijuana smoke comes pouring out of the van," Cowan recalled. "I told them the cops down here probably weren't going to be cool with that."

Cowan lives in the Atlanta area and is a realtor. He said he loves life as a Clemson football fan, doesn't get overly emotional about it, and he predicts he won't be standing behind any opposing coaches after games because the Tigers aren't going to lose at home anytime soon.

Chapel Fowler of The State newspaper tracked down Cowan last week after his postgame videos went viral and told his story. He described Cowan's vibe after the three home losses as "a parent who's not mad at you, just disappointed."

Fowler reflects on growing up as the son of prominent Charlotte sportswriter Scott Fowler. He also shares what it's been like getting a closer look at Dabo Swinney since he began covering Clemson football in the summer of 2022.