CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) - Clemson University announced Monday that students at the school will not burn the University of South Carolina's mascot in effigy before their game because of the beach house fire that killed seven students from the schools last month.

South Carolina officials also said they are considering whether to hold the traditional ``Tigerburn'' this year.

``We're taking a look at it,'' school spokesman Russ McKinney said of the burning of a massive papier-mache Clemson Tiger. He said a decision was expected later in the week.

Six of the students killed in the Oct. 28 fire in Ocean Isle Beach, N.C., attended the University of South Carolina. One attended Clemson.

``During this time of grieving, there needs to be a time of celebration, not a time of rivalry. We look forward to having the traditional Big Thursday come back next year, but this year was definitely not the right time,'' said Anastasia Thyroff, a Clemson senior and event co-organizer, according to a news release on the school's Web site.

Rather than holding a mock funeral and burning ``Cocky,'' the University of South Carolina mascot, before the Nov. 24 game, Clemson students instead plan to hold a pep rally Thursday that organizers are calling ``Fowl Fest.''