AJC > Sports > Blog > Archives > 2008 > April > 21 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USUT has a QB; South Carolina has a question mark
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
We had a bunch of spring games over the weekend. What did we learn? Mostly it was about quarterbacks.
1. Jonathan Crompton is going to be just fine: I was in Knoxville on Saturday and saw the new Tennessee quarterback have a pretty good day (13 for 20, 266 yards, 3 TD). Yes, some of those yards came against the No. 2 defense. What was important, though, is that Crompton looked comfortable running Dave Clawson’s new offense and played with a nice rhythm. He made one bad throw at the end of the day. “It’s different when you’re the backup quarterback and get in eight or 10 plays a game,” Clawson said of Crompton. “It’s easier to be comfortable. Now he has to translate that into 65 or 70 plays a game. That is the challenge.” Based on what I saw, Tennessee’s offense will be fine. RB Arian Foster got one carry in the game because there was no need to risk injury. But the word I got Saturday is that the big concern at Tennessee this fall will be depth at defensive tackle. The Vols can’t afford injuries at that position.
2. Stephen Garcia needs to get back in school: After South Carolina’s two quarterbacks combined for eight interceptions in Saturday’s spring game, it’s pretty clear that Garcia needs to get his act together and get back into school. The redshirt freshman is on suspension until Aug. 15 after he was arrested for underage drinking. It was Garcia’s third run-in with the law since he got to campus 16 months ago. He is scheduled to apply for readmission after he undergoes alcohol counseling. Even if Garcia gets back into school that is no guarantee that he’ll get on the field for coach Steve Spurrier anytime soon. But Spurrier doesn’t sound like a guy who is in love with either of the other two quarterbacks-Chris Smelley or Tommy Beecher. “At some point, one of the quarterbacks has to really show a strong commitment level to really want to be good,” Spurrier told reporters on Saturday. “I don’t think that any quarterback we have here knows what really playing well is all about.” Ouch. Methinks the Head Ball Coach is getting a little frustrated.
3. Virginia Tech will use two quarterbacks: It looks like Sean Glennon will still be the starting quarterback at Virginia Tech in 2008. But the Hokies are going to need sophomore Tyrod Taylor as well. That’s because Virginia Tech is hurting at running back. Branden Ore, who probably would have been a 1,000-yard rusher this season, has been kicked out of school. Kenny Lewis, who was the likely starter in Ore’s place, will be sidelined for at least four months because of shoulder surgery. Glennon had a better day than Taylor in the spring game and, barring injury, will take the first snap in the opener with East Carolina on Aug. 30 in Charlotte. But Taylor is too good of an athlete not to get on the field.
4. QB will be OK at UK. What the ‘Cats need are some WRs: Kentucky can’t replace quarterback Andre Woodson but it appears the drop-off in production this season won’t be dramatic. Both Curtis Pulley and Mike Hartline played well in Saturday’s spring game. Coach Rich Brooks told reporters on a conference call last week that both quarterbacks “are capable of winning in this league.” His biggest concern on offense is at wide receiver. The Wildcats are going to really miss receivers Keenan Burton and Steve Johnson, plus TE Jacob Tamme, who combined for 182 catches last season. “Right now that’s our biggest question mark going into next year,” Brooks said.
5. Mustain will start season at No. 2: Looks like Arkansas transfer Mitch Mustain may have to wait a while to get on the field at Southern Cal. Coach Pete Carroll named Mark Sanchez the starter early last week and the redshirt junior backed up his coach by having a very solid spring game (16 of 24, 203 yards, three touchdowns). Some Arkansas friends were telling me that the job would be Mustain’s as soon as he walked on to the USC campus. But Sanchez, you should remember, was the Parade All-America player of the year in 2004. This guy was a big-time recruit, just like Mr. Mustain. “I didn’t come here to be a backup,” Mustain told the Los Angeles Times on Saturday. Well, a lot of guys go to Southern Cal not planning to be backups. Stay tuned.
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Comments
By Edward
April 21, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this
We’ll hear SC fans loudly cheer Garcia, a 3 time troublemaker, when he enters his first game. It will be the second half of game 2 vs. Vandy or the first half of game 3 vs. Georgia. Spurrier will hold him out vs. NC State but wants to win the SEC games at all costs.
By Atlanta Gator
April 21, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this
Tennessee is the big question mark in the SEC East division. Lots of new starting personnel, and some key new coaches to boot. Frankly, I have no idea how they will perform against UGA and UF. They could be suprisingly improved, or suprisingly bad.
Where the hell are this Garcia kid’s parents in this whole mess. There should have been a family intervention a long time ago. One thing is certain: the Evil Genius is no Tommy Tuberville. SOS has little idea how to win with a weak QB and low-scoring offense. Garcia may have done real damage to USC’s rebuilding plans.
A two-QB scheme is not ideal, but it can be made to work by a smart coach and two QBs who don’t let their egos get in the way.
After showing signs of life the last several seasons, the ‘Cats are in a race to the bottom of the SEC East in 2008. Good year to get the young quarterback some seasoning.
Predictable. I have no doubt that Houston Nutt did not handle the situation well, but this kid’s got a big ego that contributed to the problems at Arkansas, too. Besides, being the number two QB at Southern Cal after a transfer ain’t too shabby. Mustain is a bruised shoulder away from being the starter.
By willbeezy
April 21, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this
Sounds like it is not gonna be a good ride for Mitch Mustain, should have stayed at the gun slinging Arkansas team. Maybe?????
By reality check
April 21, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this
Mitch Mustain sounds like more like a whiner than a Prima Donna.
Tennessee’s problem is on defense, especially run defense. They had some problems there last year and had some very significant losses. Mayo will be a top 10 draft pick.
South Carolina will miss Corey Boyd as much as Blake Mitchell. Spurrier has to be frustrated. His first two years South Carolina was fortunate to win as many as they did considering their statistical production. Last year was supposed to be the chickens’ break through year but it was clearly a step back. I anticipate further deterioration.
By Roswell Ed
April 21, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this
Mustain = mamma’s boy.
What a jackarse!
Who’s his mama going to blame now?
He’ll end up somewhere like Ark St.
By Jack G
April 21, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this
Tony——why were you covering Tenn. spring game instead of Ga Tech. Seems to me covering Tech would be of more intrest to AJC readers than Tenn.
By Roswell Ed
April 21, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this
You would be wrong Jack G.
His readers are interested in FOOTBALL not Trig!
By Jack G
April 21, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
Roswell Ed——wouldnt be the first time i’ve ever been wrong
By PTC Dawg
April 21, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this
Well, the good thing is my pool is warming up.
Enjoy the warm weater!
By P Dawg
April 21, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
Roswell Ed, don’t flatter them and bring up trig. Most of their athletes take custodial engineering and other easier classes just like most other schools. They love to brag about how much harder it is for their players when it’s actually not any harder at all.
By joe
April 21, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this
UT may surprise some people this year…but will be picked behind UGA and UF. How they play in LA will tell alot about their season…a big win out in Caly will be interesting and will have them confident when UF invades Neyland a few weeks later.
USC will battle KY and Vandy for last…they just don’t have much on offense.
Nobody cares about the ACC, which is why Tony was in TN instead of ATL…
By shane #1
April 21, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
1-UT will be intresting to watch. I can’t remember when I didn’t know a year ahead of time Who Their starting qb would be. How far can the Vols go without a Manning, Tee Martin, Clausen, or Ainge at the helm? 2-Spurrier is a great qb coach and can make an average qb look good if the kid will work hard at his game and, most importantly, LISTEN! Garcia, so far, has shown litle desire to do either. 3-You can’t read too much into a spring game, it is nothing more than a glorified practice session. I look for a drop off in play from UK. 5-Mitch was rated #1 high school qb in the nation by some scouting services, yet He couldn’t unseat Casey Dick. Did He honestly think He would start at USC? Refer to #2 above. His Mom should have stayed out of it, so should some Arky fans.
By azcat225
April 21, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this
Mustain will most likely bounce around college ball until he’s “eligible” for the NFL draft, whereupon he will immediately sign with an agent and demand to be made the number one pick overall. Two or three years later he will be the night manager at a QT somewhere, telling the red Mustang that their pump is ready.
By Tony
April 21, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this
As a Vol fan, I agree with the comments made. There is no telling what you are going to get from Tennessee this year. They could be 10-2 or 7-5 or 5-7. Crompton and an improved defensive line will be the keys to success.
By mike
April 21, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this
No, what Garcia needs to do is go back home, grow up, enroll in a small school there and be a father to his infant son.
By DWG
April 21, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
I’m sure Spurrier will find a way to get his QB on the field before the UGA game. Last year though, his defense won it for him. Because of his hatred for UGA, he wants to beat us more than anyone else on the schedule. Last year he proved that he could beat us with a mediocre QB. I’m sure he’ll give us fits again this year too. He’s the biggest sandbagger in college football.
By dawgfacedboy
April 21, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this
Mustain didn’t go to USC to be a backup??? YOU LEFT AS THE STARTER OF A SCHOOL IN THE BEST CONFERENCE IN THE COUNTRY!!! YOU WOULD’VE HAD THE BEST RB TANDEM IN THE COUNTRY!!!! THAT COULD’VE BEEN A NICE COMPLIMENT TO YOUR PASSING GAME!!! Is this kid really that arrogant/stupid to think he’s going to just walk in to a new school, learn a new system, and be chosen over the other All-american QBs that have already been there!?!?! WOW!!
By Mike
April 21, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
Man, I wish we had a QT in Macon!
By David
April 21, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
Pretty dead on in your comments Azcat…except I have a feeling Mitch will be managing a Blockbuster, with his assistant Maurice Clarett!
By gastr1
April 21, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
Maybe that pansy Mustain will transfer to Fresno State so he can get some playing time. Oh, wait, they have other players THERE, too, that he may have to throw to and hand off to.
Maybe he can get himself cloned and start his own team. I bet June Jones would take the 11 Mustains at SMU…
By War Eagle
April 21, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
Crompton has gone through process, playing behind season QB`s, plus his attitude must be strong. I look for him to have a good year. He want be able to carry Tenn to the East title because lack of depth on defense and two strong entries UGA and Florida. CPF does the best coaching job when he hears rumors he might not be around next year…Tenn will probably lose three games:Auburn, UGA and Florida, Bama big winner.
By AuburnEagle
April 21, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this
If you are going to make a comment about Mitch Mustain at USC, at least be accurate.
Pete Carroll said that Sanchez would be the starter “if there was a game on Saturday” and that the competition would resume in the fall.
Well, there was no game on Saturday, only a scrimmage. So what did Sanchez do? He LOST. He damn well lost. He lost the game. He made a fool of himself. Threw an interception straight to Luther Brown. There was no one else around. Same problems that Sanchez has always had.
Sanchez had his chance and he blew it.
Who knows if Sanchez will be the starter against Virginia? He may very well start that game. But how many people really believe that he will still be starting by the end of the season? He is the starter “for now,” not the permanent starter.
Sanchez blew it. He had a golden opportunity and he lost.
By William E
April 21, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
If Mustain or Sachez were any good CMR would have wanted ‘em and they wouldn’t have to play in the pac 10.
By Whitegoat
April 21, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
Not to worry dog fans. Things are not that BLEAT in Gamecock land. The OBC will work his magic and beat the dogs in Columbia.
By shane #1
April 21, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this
College qb’s path to success-1-Listen to Your coach. If He asks you to sit on the bench to watch and learn, do it! Try to make the most of what pt You get. If He offers You a red shirt, take it! This will only make You better in the long run.-2-Work at Your craft. Spend time in the weight room and film room, study the playbook, get bigger, stronger, and smarter.-3-Showcase Your team mates, if Your rbs and wrs look great, so will You.———— College qb’s path to failure-1-You are a Star, if the Coach doesn’t see that He is stupid! No need to listen to that loser. Even the sportswriters say You should be starting.-2-Your game is fine, let the losers work on Their game.-3-Running game? You have got to be kidding! Why should that arrogant rb get all the press? Everybody knows that You are The STAR!
By sobedawg
April 21, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this
Didn’t USC also acquire Matt Barkley?…another Parade All-American QB…Looks like Mr. Mustain will have a battle on his hands over the next few years. Dumb move going to USC…just for the “hype” only…Mustain is an idiot, as well as his parents. SobeDawg
By Ol' Ball Coach
April 21, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this
Yes, UT has a QB and a fine offense to go around him. Plenty of talent and experience…reminds some of 1998? UGA fans will cringe when they see Eric Berry behind center. Watch out!
By Billy
April 21, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
South Carolina won’t have to score much with that defense. Just plain nasty. And deep. Geathers and Matthews coming off the ends. Travian Robertson. Norwood at LB. Cook at safety. Abijoye at DT. Hall, Peppers, Williams. Munnerly back at corner. Best 2-deep on D in USC history. UGA will have its hands full.
And if they do get Garcia back who is a dual threat, look out.
By Roger
April 21, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this
It’s not been that long ago that all yiou guy’s were saying TN couldn’t do much with a new Jr OB (T Martin) since Payton had just left and our D was questionable so we just went out and posted a 13-0 record and the NC.If I were you I’d look out for the Vols this year they do have 17 starters returning and should pose problems for GA and FL.
By Dawghead
April 21, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this
Speaking of Tennessee QBs, the Falcons could do a lot worse than picking up Erik Ainge this week in the draft. The man put up awesome numbers in the SEC and has good size and a strong arm. There’s no pre-draft buzz, so while they use a higher pick on one QB, may as well use a lower round one on Ainge, who may turn out to be pretty darn good.
By Miles
April 21, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
Jonathon Crompton…the SEC’s surprise player of the year; Spurrier and Beamer…good luck; Kentucky Wildcats…the fans at Commonwealth Stadium are eagerly awaiting your return; Mitch Mustain…Tulsa is closer to Springdale than is Los Angeles.
By Gen Neyland
April 21, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this
T Martin got done what Peyton didn’t…Will Crompton be able to do the same..? Time will tell. The DL will be a concern. There is some meat that had to sit and watch Xavier Mitchell in 2007 and didn’t get as much play time, but did play some when Mitchell was gassed or injured. Remember, in 2007 we were heavy in LB’s and McCoy returns. Good luck to Mayo. UT might go to more a continuous 3-4 alignment in 2008. Nonetheless, it’s easier to bring one up from the secondary on probable run downs than to drop a DL into pass coverage beyond 5 yards. Let the guessing game begin…Chavis is working on D schemes as I type…
By Halberstram
April 21, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
I think most are misreading Mustain’s comments. I’m no big fan of his, but I took his comments to mean he’s going to keep fighting to become the starting qb. That’s exactly the mindset you need your no. 2 qb to have. He’s one play away from starting, so he needs to be ready at all times and to be engrossed in the system.
Go Dawgs!
By SECCoachnDallas
April 21, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this
**I have to wonder about the SCUM defense those delusional COOT fans rave about. Is this not the same defense that had the worst rushing defense in the SEC last year? The COOTS have no quarterback this year, they lost their top running back and they are still the COOTS.
COOTS = losers!**
By JB
April 21, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this
Not trying to be a smartass but what QB wouldn’t look good vs UT’s second team D???
HBTD!!!!!!!!
By P Dawg
April 21, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
1) Crompton won’t be very accurate with his back to the turf.
2) Garcia WILL be playing but he won’t be any better off than Crompton.(refer back to no.1)
3) It’s VT. Who cares?
4) Kentucky will be a pretty good team as long as CRB stays around.
5) Mustain is going to go down as the biggest waste of talent in football. Too bad his ego and attitude will swallow his talent. The guy is an IDIOT!
By FL DAWG
April 21, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this
UT has always had decent QB’s. It is not a suprise. And as always, no one will be able to take UT lightly. They have just about always been a threat in the SEC East. Once again the Dawgs will have their hands full with UT (or any other SEC team, the conference is just plain good). UT’s defense is the question mark.
USC is struggling to find a QB. They have been for a long time. Their D is very solid and once again as always with USC, the Dawgs will have to play well to win (no suprise, this game is a border war). UT strong offense and weak defense should make an interesting match up against USC strong D and weak O. This should be a good game for football fans to watch.
Coach Brooks is doing a good job at UK, I bet they will be better than advertised and give a number of teams fits.
VTech will be a solid team as long as Beamer is coaching. The ACC needs to be wary of this team. Strong D and special teams seem to be a constant in Blacksburg.
Mustain probably should have stayed at Arkansas. He would have definitely been the favorite to start this year. Now he has three years left to earn a starting spot and he is behind the eight ball at a school that can recruit almost at will. I’ve never liked seeing a QB change schools after they have burned a year of eligibility.
By DWG
April 21, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this
Are UT folks comparing Ainge/Crompton to Manning/Martin? I must be missing something here. I don’t even think UT fans expected a NC to come out of the “Ainge era”.
By P Dawg
April 21, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
William E, Mustain came out of HS the same year Stafford did. No way Richt was gonna get both because they both could start almost anywhere they wanted to. The only reason Mustain isn’t is because he already thinks his s@#$ don’t stink. Looks like CMR really knows how to pick em’! We’re SOOO lucky to have this great man in Athens!
By Dan Man
April 21, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this
My thoughts on Mr. Barnharts article…
Tennessee is going to struggle some this season. Crompton is not the long term answer, he’s like another A.J. Suggs, a good back up but if you have someone else you’d start them over him. Tennessee will be 8-4 at best.
South Carolina is also going to struggle this season. QB consistency is crucial in Spurrier’s offense, and the Gamecocks don’t have many playmakers on offense. Their defense was horrendous down the strech last season.
The 2 OB thing is terrible. It may work occasionally, but overall it makes for inconsistency. I say pick a starter and stay with them 80% of the time.
UK needs to worry about the defensive side of the ball. Even with Woodson and Co., they were only 7-5 b/c they gave up too many points. I think the cats will go back to their losing ways this season.
Mustain was in a lousy situation at Arkansas. Arkansas fans should be ashamed of their athletic program: hiring scumbags like Houston Nutt and Bobby Petrino. They represent everything that is wrong with college football. Hopefully, Mustain will get some playing time at USC.
By P Dawg
April 21, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
Billy, Billy, Billy, saying that sc’s Defense will be the best it’s ever been isn’t saying much. Enjoy last years once in a while win against UGA because it won’t happen again for a long, long time. CSS is on his way out because he wants to get back to prominance and it’s just never gonna happen in Columbia. Never has, never will. Why do you think he’s letting his son call most of the plays this year? He’s grooming him to take his place because he’s already getting tired of it there. Souds like a Holtz idea to me. I appreciate your enthusiasm though.
By hsf
April 21, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this
Face it, P Dawg. TN owns GA.
By Joel
April 21, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
Every Div.1 program needs to have a legitimate #2 QB who can step in and lead their team to victory on just about any gameday. Relying heavily on one guy creates a bad future. West Virginia, USC, Ohio State and others are strong at #1 and #2 QB position. Coaches need to put more emphasis on this in the event of any injury to #1 QB. And if your #1 QB is marginal, you’re in for a long season.
By Columbus Dawg
April 21, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
Meanwhile, Mitch Mustain would have zero competition for the quarterback job at Arkansas this season. He’d be a starter (possibly even a two-year starter, no less) in the SEC’s winnable Western Division, and who knows what Arkansas would be able to recruit around him if he’d stayed. Maybe Houston Nutt would be there, maybe not, but what do you think a (college) offensive mastermind like Bobby Petrino could do with a player of Mitch Mustain’s considerable talents?
Message to freshman punks like Mustain: Wait your turn. Or, warm a bench in Troy.
By P Dawg
April 21, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
Dan Man, what in the world did Nutt do to be called a scumbag? It’s obvious now who the problem was with the Mustain situation and Nutt seemed to give everything he had to the Arkansas program. I can see calling Petrino a scumbag but not Nutt.
By CapeCodDawg
April 21, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
P Dawg: I can think of another colossal waste of talent…remember Marcus Dupree from Oklahoma?…He gets my vote.
USC’s Garcia is out of control and I’m betting he’ll never see the field.He can’t seem to stay out of trouble. His judgement off the field is terrible,imagine it ON the field.
Mustain probably should’ve went to USC (carolina) instead of the other USC or maybe Tenn. either way,it looks like he might have made a mistake going to Cali. BIG NEWS UGA offered a T.E. from my neck of the woods Arthur Fontaine from DARTMOUTH Ma. Goooooooo Dawgs !!!!!!!!!
By WestVaJoel
April 21, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
If you’re going to compete for a conference or national title you’d better have a strong backup QB who can come in and be just about as strong as the starting QB. Ohio State, West Virginia, USC, others have that. Without it, you’re dead in the water.
By P Dawg
April 21, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
hsf, can’t argue with that if you’re talking about the Goff/Donnan era. UGA’s lifetime record vs ut according to their website is 15-19-2. That record does not exactly say that ut “owns” UGA. Take the Goff/Donnan record out and we definitely owned you. Sure does seem like we’ve played longer than that though, doesn’t it? Maybe the website isn’t updated but it does show the AU series going back 110 yrs. Anyway, ut won’t hang with UGA this year, I promise you!
By P Dawg
April 21, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
CapeCodDawg, What in the world are you so far from home for? Most people are leaving there and coming here! Just kidding. I’m sure it’s beautiful up there.
By MOTDawg84
April 21, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
P Dawg:
Until the SEC split into divisions in 1992, Georgia and Tennessee only played 2 years out of every eight (e.g., 1980 and 1981, 1988 and 1989, etc.). That’s why the total is so low
By Nashville Dawg
April 21, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
I know there is not much mention of them but Auburn scares me. Word is that Burns has picked up the offense much faster than expected.
By DawgSheet
April 21, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
Cocks and Pusses will be bottom dwellers this year. Matt Stafford is the best QB since … . well, hell, he’s the best that’s ever been in the history of football. Tennessee will lose by 50 when it comes ‘tween the Hedges this year.
By P Dawg
April 21, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
47-37-2! That’s UGA’s record against UF. Take the Goff/Donnan era out of that and you’ve got complete ownership! And we’ve been playing them in Fla for how many years?
By VOLUNTEER
April 21, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
@ DawgSheet: The last time TN was in Athens, a medicore VOL team put up 50+… don’t get too excited. For the last couple years TN has OWNED Ga. I think it will finally be a close game this year, rather than the VOLS beating the dawg squat outta ya as they have for the last coupla years…
UGA is favored to come out of the SEC this year and possibly go to the NC. We shall see. But we all know the mutts are good for choking when it matters and leaving with their tails tucked between their legs. I’m sure it’s already been mentioned, but this is the SEC. Where there is no such thing as an off week. Here’s to the better team winning…
By P Dawg
April 21, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
Thanks MOTDawg84. We’ve been playing UF for 86 years but we’ve only played UT for 36. That still amazes me. I appreciate the explanation. We need to put Clemson back on the schedule. UGA leads the series 41-17-4! South Carolina 44-13-2!!! LOVE IT!!! 45th a$$ whippin’ comin’ up chickens.
By DWG
April 21, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
Pdawg makes no sense. Take the bad coaching regimes out of the UF or UT record books and everyone has a great record against each other!
By P Dawg
April 21, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
Here’s to the better team winning… Right on! Can’t wait!
By wonderin why
April 21, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
Tony I have to agree with comments above about coverage.
You should have been covering a home state team this weekend for spring game. Good, bad, or ugly.
Some joker will come on here and have some stupid thing to say about why you would have rather been at TN than at TECH.
But that is not the point. It is not a personal decision. It is a professional decision. But it would seem that making a professional decision to give some type of insightful coverage on a new offensive scheme or new coach was outweighed by a new quarterback. New quarterbacks come every year…. New schemes and for you, new opportunities to praise or poke fun at the new coach only happen at UGA and GT every 6 - 8 years or so.
By Spike
April 21, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
Whitegoat.. DO we look worried? With no decent QB who should be worrying? Bleat that.
By DawgSheet
April 21, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
To Nashville Dawg, Word from the Plains is that Burns is probably going to get beat out at QB by the Todd kid who Franklin helped recruit.
I spose the SECCG will be between two Bulldogs, one from the East and one from the West.
By Dorsey Hill
April 21, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
Volunteer,
If you want the best team to win, then why even show up? If the best team wins the games on UGA’s schedule then we will be in Miami. My concern is the lesser team winning, which does happen. Remember Stanford @ USC last year? And don’t forget UT vs. Vandy last year as well. Roughing the punter leading 24-9 in the late 3rd Q?
BTW: do you know that UT scored less points than their SEC opponents last year? The 2007 UT team was the worst team ever to win the East by far.
By GT
April 21, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this
The SEC is about winning at all cost and sometimes since the other schools are on the same drug it still doesn’t get it done. You got to love Va.Tech knocking out its best running back, after it knocked out Vick’s brother. You wonder how bad those guys could be after looking at some that graduated and stayed on the team.
By DWG
April 21, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
GT
So Va Tech is in the ACC right? Looks like your “SEC - win at all cost” mantra rings true for your confernce too. And after the recent tragedy at GT I think we all realize that drugs are a serious issue in college sports right now in any league.
By Johnny Danger Dawg
April 21, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
Why is it so hard for Spurrier to get a solid QB (one with skills and self-discipline) to come to SC? Don’t high school QBs want to play for the Evil Genius?
By Mike
April 21, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this
Dave Clawson’s new offense?????
Perhaps you missed it, but the Tennessee offense will look eerily familiar to the old Al Saunders/Walt Harris/Phil Fulmer/David Cutcliffe crap that we’ve seen for decades in Knoxville. Phil Fulmer think outside the box? LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL!!!!!!!
By Brad
April 21, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this
Look at UGA’s schedule. There are two losses in there somewhere. Odds are stacked against a national title next year.
By Bob
April 21, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
azcat225, QT didn’t deserve being compared to Mustain. What other convenience store do you go into that somebody always speaks to you. They deserve better.
By Carson Palmer
April 21, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
Yes, Mustain might end up being the third string QB. Matt Barkley had a good day Saturday, and is just as talented, if not more so than the almighty Mustain. I love it. Mustain can go home and cry to his parents, what a little bI&tch.
By Cuz
April 21, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
Hey if we get through the SEC undefeated, I will be impressed and amazed. Too many talented teams and players to predict an undefeated season and we all know the ball can take an unlucky bounce and a game is lost. The Pollock interception for a touchdown comes to mind. The Dawgs will be good, no doubt. Undefeated, I am not going to bet the farm or even the back forty. And I am as rabid a fan as they come.
Looks like with the USC win last year, others besides myself now consider this a rivalry game. Of course I live on the border so it is bragging rights here.
By AltamahaDawg
April 21, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this
And didn’t the SC defence give up something likea combined 60 points, even against an 8 interception throwing offence. Which is worse?
By AltamahaDawg
April 21, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
Billy, did you even watch the spring game? Tell me how such nasty defences, playing against a 2nd/3rd team QBs who are throwing ints all day, even give up one point, much less as many as they did.
By USC Gamecocks
April 21, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this
USC will be ready for georgia but will the pups be up for USC … me thinks not because the pup fans are always arrogant and thus so is their football team. Hey I am a realist, I know USC is working to build a solid Offensive Line which will pave the way to victory; when that is done, USC will start owning georgia. Garcia will return and pick up the offense but don’t count out Smelly just yet; he will be strong in the fall. The pups better get ready for a wild day in Columbia cuz the USC Gamecocks are going for 2 straight…
By I-DOG
April 21, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this
Johny Danger Dog:
That is a good question. I believe the answer is…
HS QB’s with potential have choices. They can go play for Spurrier and be berated publicly like he always did at FL and does at USC…. blaming specific players, even the young ones for losing them the game. They can play for just about any other coach in the country.
Another part of it may be that he developes great college QB’s but I can’t think of one that has had a very successful pro-career.
The Chicago Bears QB comes to mind as the most successful NFL QB. Most people think they went to the superbowl despite him, not because of him a la the Bucs and Ravens QB’s several years back.
Why play for a team that doesn’t play in BCS bowls, be blamed publicly when you make a mistake by your head coach, and if you do succeed to any degree… you will be thought of as a product of the system by the NFL scouts and taken in the fifth round.
By asswipe
April 21, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this
It’s taken Mark Richt quite awhile to see the spots on Spurrier but he’s wise to him now. He’s not going to fall for ole ball coaches slap on the back ole good boy routine.
By Tom Trojan
April 21, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this
Interesting comments about Mustain. Carroll thinks highly of him, reason he is at USC in the first place! Sanchez is doing very well, as is Mustain. You have mentioned Barkley, but have omitted the 3rd string QB, Aaron Corp, another All American High School player! At USC, you wait your turn, listen and learn!! Open your big mouth like a noted RB and you end up at Florida! One thing you will never hear is Pete Carroll bad-mouthing any player! He is always cheering for them!! Of interest, check out the Defense at USC!
By SOS
April 21, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this
SECCoachinDallas is BACK!!!
The dial-up modem lines in Dallas, GA must be up and running again! YeeeHawww!!!
Please go back over the last several Barnhart threads for my love notes to you, my favorite impersonator of a UGA graduate!
OK, please explain to me the COOT thing because I just don’t get Paulding County humor…So a loser in your book is an old person and South Carolina has a bunch of old people???
OK, I guess that MIGHT have been funny in the third grade so I’ll cut you some slack since that is as far your education “progressed”…Just tell me one thing…Is your fascination with a university you had no chance of attending as a borderline student coming out of Paulding County High School part of some double life you are living?
Just a word of advice to help you maintain the facade…UGA grads who live in Dallas, GA (if there actually ARE ANY) don’t admit that they live there…
Oh, and lest I forget the football aspect of this equation, I am amused at your criticism of last year’s South Carolina defense…Tell me again exactly how many touchdowns “your” goats scored against us….
South Carolina 16, Georgia (LOSERS) 12
By birdman
April 21, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this
anyone in the country has the right to talk about SC’s defense, which was statistically the worst in the East and the worst in rushing in the entire SEC. spurrier’s glory days are done.
By War Eagle
April 21, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this
cuz, I really believe PDawg is BuLLDawg. They post in same mode, stats, loves CMR, hates CSS, the “Florida-UGA W-L, I might be wrong, but they are on the same page. If this is a fact PDawg has tone down??? One puzzling item, PDawg seems like a nice guy.
By P Dawg
April 21, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this
45-13-2. That’s UGA’s record against the cocks. That means (for you cocks that can’t do simple math, which is most of you) you need to win 32 straight just to break even. Keep talking stupid s** you losers! It is hillarious!!!!. How many championships do you have? 0. 0 sec’s, 0 nc’s, 0 period! And what’s even funnier is you never will!!!
By P Dawg
April 21, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this
Whoops. Jumped the gun by one. It’s 44-13-2. You need 31 straight.
By P Dawg
April 21, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this
War Eagle, I can assure you that I’m not posting as anyone else and I never will. I definitely respect AU because it is one of the oldest rivalries in football and it’s also one of the closest. There was only a couple of points that separated the two for over a 100 years of playing each other last year. That is amazing. For some reason there don’t seem to be any real long runs in anyone’s favor here. BTW, you guys got screwed a few years ago and I for one was p** for you. Caddillac Williams and Ronnie Brown would have beaten the hell out of USC that year.
By Gen Neyland
April 21, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this
Hope springs eternal, DWG. UT never expected a NC from T Martin either. It’s kinda good ju-ju not to be touted highly then surprise, than to be all the rave and flounder…UT can hopefully meet whatever lowly expectations the critics have of them. As many a wise one has said, The proof is in the pudding…and in the case of my ex-wife, the pudding was awful, both figuratively and literately.
By Coz109
April 21, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this
MITCH MUSTAIN = JEFF GEORGE Execpt Mustain may never make the pros.
By George
April 22, 2008 7:33 AM | Link to this
Garcia, a 3 times caught underage drinking and he is being considered for reinstatement to school what a joke he needs to be told sorry in the REAL WORLD three stricks and your out. No one made him drink nd he needs to learn that there are consequents for his actions
By AltamahaDawg
April 22, 2008 7:41 AM | Link to this
Come again? You believe that somehow the fans talking confidence over SC (based on history)somehow translates to the TEAM being lazy and unprepared for the opening game in thier SEC schedule? Really? Yea, count on that.
And how exactly does SC building a good O-line, which UGA already has, equate to owning the Dawgs? Realist huh?
Why will Smelly be strong in the fall? What do you know that nobody, including your coach, seems to know. What factual case do you make that he will have a strong fall?
The thing that amuses me about you SC fans is how you point out that SC is starting to catch up and finally place average SEC players out there. What is it that SC has, that would make (even equal talent, although thats a stretch), so dominating over everyone else? Your rich history? FYI, other teams recruit players as well.
But you are correct in that SC seems to be ready for UGA, (not counting the shutout for you memory challanged fans). It is after all, the pinnacle of the SC schedule, the UGA game. Beat UGA and nothing else matter for the year, right? But I wouldn’t count on to many repeats of last year, where your best game was 4 points better than our worst game.
By cocks will roll
April 22, 2008 7:42 AM | Link to this
Ha Ha Ha —just listen to all of the dawgs whine about Garcia. This from fans of a school who’s idiot players get drunk and flag down cop cars they mistake for taxis.
UGA has never put ‘consequences’ before winning SEC games, so get off of your high horses dawgies.
You’re just edgy because you actually think you’re going to win a MNC this season —but Spurrier will put that garbage talk to rest early when his gamecocks whip up on those dawgies. UGA goes 7-5 this season.
By hop
April 22, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this
tony, how can you make the proclamation that compton will be a good qb based on the fact he played against tennessee’s second team defense. there are big questions concerning even ut first team defense. that is a huge leap of faith,but i guess you are trying to stay on fulmers good side.
By DawgsRule
April 22, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this
It doesn’t matter who the QB is at these other SEC schools. UGA is going to win the conference easily and beat USC for the national title in Miami. 15-0 coming in 2008 baby!! Moreno and Stafford will be unstoppable.
By azcat225
April 22, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
To Bob @ 4:24 yesterday——Mea culpa. You’re right, that was a low blow most foul to the good folks at QT’s everywhere.
By zeke
April 22, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this
Hey you sports nuts! Get the facts straight!
USC is located in Columbia, SC. Carolina is located in Columbia, SC.
The team in California is Southern California!
The team in Chapel Hill is North Carolina!
You dumb coffs!!
By Evil Genius
April 22, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
This is South Carolina Football
On December 24 1892, The University of South Carolina began a storied football tradition by losing to in-state rival Furman 44-0 in Charleston. The Gamecocks compiled a 0-3 record in their first two seasons and did not score an offensive point those two seasons. South Carolina football was born, as was a losing tradition that would continue over the next 111 seasons.
South Carolina has an all-time winning percentage under .500, which ranks 90th all-time in D-1A football history…only 27 of the 117 programs who are currently competing at the D-1A level have been worse. A few of the notable football programs who have been better than the Gamecocks include such powerhouses as: Rutgers, UNLV, Central Florida, Western Michigan, North Texas, San Diego State, Tulsa, Toledo, Navy, Ball State, Northern Illinois, Duke, East Carolina, Akron, Baylor, Utah State, Troy, San Jose State, Vanderbilt, Kansas, and Kentucky, just to name a few. Of the 62 teams in the history of D-1A football who have played 980 or more games, only 7 programs have won fewer games than South Carolina. Thats right, more than 87% of those 62 schools have been better. Forty-Six teams have played 1,050 games in their schools history and only two of them have yet to win 500 games - -Northwestern and South Carolina. On November 6th 2004, South Carolina won their 495th football game by defeating Arkansas 35-32 in Columbia. It was the Gamecocks 1049th contest in schools history. Of the 62 programs that have won 495 or more games, only one took more games to achieve this milestone than South Carolina thats correct, only 1 out of 61 -Cincinnati accomplished this feat in their 1064th game. This is South Carolina football.
Since the Associated Press began ranking football teams in 1936, the Cocks have finished in the Top 20 of the rankings only five times in the 69 years. Of the schools who have played D-1A football for more than half of those 69 seasons, only 17 of them have finished in the Top 20 fewer times than the Gamecocks. South Carolina has never finished in the Top 10 of a major recognized poll…NEVER. Only 27 other current D-1A teams who have played at least thirty seasons at the D-1A level have never had a Top 10 finish. This is South Carolina football.
The first year of Gamecock football was in 1892, Carolina won its first bowl game 103 years later. In 111 seasons of football, Carolina has yet to participate in one of the ?Big 5? Bowls (Rose, Sugar, Orange, Fiesta, Cotton). Of the 100 D-1A teams who have participated in a bowl game, Carolina?s 11 appearances are tied with four other teams for 58th all-time, Carolinas 3 wins are 87th all-time. Seventy-two schools have been to 9 or more bowl games, and of those 72 schools, South Carolina?s .273 bowl winning percentage ranks 72nd -thats correct, LAST.
As Carolina is set to begin its 112th season of collegiate football, they have won 10 or more games in a single season once. South Carolina has won more games than it lost only 51 times. South Carolina has won 6 or more games in a season 34 times, and lost 6 or more 35 times. This is South Carolina football.
In conference play, Carolina has been even more unsuccessful. In the 61 seasons South Carolina has been affiliated with a conference, they have won that conference only once…the ACC in 1969, with a 7-4 record. South Carolinas overall all-time winning percentage of .492 ranks 11th out of the 12 current SEC schools, only Mississippi State has been worse. Since joining the SEC in 1992, Carolina has had a winning record in the conference twice. In the thirteen seasons as a member of the SEC, Carolina boasts an overall conference record of 37-66-1 -only two teams have been worse: Kentucky has 27 wins, Vanderbilt 13. Although Carolina has yet to finish in the top two of the Eastern division, they have finished last twice. Carolina has yet to win six conference games in a season, something only Kentucky and Vanderbilt have done over the past 12 seasons. Since 1992, only once has a conference member failed to win a game overall in a single season -you guessed it, South Carolina. In fact, the Gamecocks went two consecutive seasons without winning one conference game, not one. Since 1992, only three times has any non-probation member of the conference failed to win two or more games overall in a season -South Carolina has accomplished this feat twice, Kentucky once. South Carolinas all-time record versus other current conference members is even more unimpressive: 3-9 vs Alabama, 5-8 vs Arkansas, 1-4-1 vs Auburn, 3-19-3 vs Florida, 13-42-2 vs Georgia, 9-6-1 vs Kentucky, 2-14-1 vs LSU, 5-8 vs Ole Miss, 5-6 vs Mississippi St., 2-19-2 vs Tennessee, and 12-2 vs Vanderbilt. Thats correct, Carolina leads the all-time series against 2 SEC teams…Kentucky and Vanderbilt. South Carolina boasts an all time record of 60-137-8 against current SEC teams, a .2926 winning percentage -good enough for 12th out of the current 12 SEC members -thats correct, LAST. This is South Carolina football.
But, the comparison of only 13 seasons in one conference does no justice to the tradition of South Carolina football. So lets compare the Cocks record versus D-1A schools they have played 20 or more times: 36-62-4 vs Clemson, 17-24-3 vs Duke, 3-19-3 vs Florida, 13-42-2 vs Georgia, 9-12 vs Georgia Tech,11-17 vs Maryland, 16-34-4 vs North Carolina, 25-26-4 vs North Carolina State, 2-19-2 vs Tennessee, 21-12-1 vs Virginia, and 33-21-2 vs Wake Forest. Thats correct, Carolina leads the all-time series against 2 of these 11 teams…Virginia and Wake Forest. This is South Carolina football.
South Carolinas futility is not limited to their pitiable record of wins and losses, several other factors contribute to South Carolina?s storied custom of failures.
They include
**Unsuccessful coaches: South Carolina has had 32 different head coaches in its storied tradition…only six of them stayed longer than 5 seasons, 22 of them have losing records.
**Players drafted by the NFL: Since the NFL Draft began in 1967, SEC institutions have an illustrious history of players selected in the first round -well not all SEC schools. Only four teams have failed to have at least nine players selected in the first round -Vanderbilt, Kentucky, Mississippi State, and of course South Carolina.
**Home field advantage: Since joining the SEC, the Cocks are 62-80-1 overall at home and 21-34-1 in conference play.
**Offensive Production: Its another Carolina Touchdown! -not quite. Although the inaugural shutout loss to Furman in 1894 was the Gamecocks first scoreless game, it was not their last. The Gamecocks have failed to score a single point in 160 games, over 15% of their contests. They have scored in single digits in 395 of their 1051 games, a staggering mark of 37.5%. Of the 46 programs, which have played more than 1050 games all-time, only one (Northwestern) has scored fewer points than South Carolina in their schools history. Of the 62 programs that have played in 980 or more games, only five have scored fewer points than South Carolina. South Carolinas 7.8 points per game in 1999 is the fewest in SEC play since the conference expanded to 12 members in 1992. That season, South Carolina scored more than 10 points in three of their eleven games, and scored more than 14 points only once.
**Fan traditions: South Carolina fans began a practice of tearing down goalposts following -big- victories. In 2000, after beating New Mexico State at home to snap a 21 game losing streak the goalposts were torn down in Williams-Brice Stadium. It was a monumental win for the Gamecocks, beating a team who had enjoyed as much success as New Mexico State. The Aggies entered the game with 3 winning seasons over the previous 33 years, and an overall record of 40-136 during the previous 16 seasons.
**Rivalries: Another important component of football tradition are rivalries. According to South Carolina fans, their biggest two rivalries are Clemson and Georgia. The Gamecocks have compiled a 48-105-6 record against these two schools. Over the past 47 seasons, South Carolina has played both Georgia and Clemson in the same season 42 times. The Gamecocks have beaten both teams in the same season five times since 1958, and have lost to both teams in the same season 21 times over that span. Gamecock fans believe the next most important games are against Eastern Division opponents Florida and Tennessee. Carolina has a combined record of 5-38-5 against these two teams. Of the 5 wins against the two schools, only one has come since 1936, a one-point victory 13 seasons ago. The Citadel and Davidson College have each defeated Carolina more times (The Citadel -8; Davidson - 14) than the Gamecocks have beaten these two Eastern Division teams combined (5). To put South Carolinas lack of success against these four ?rivalries? into perspective, the Gamecocks combined .2514 winning percentage against these four programs is lower than the combined winning percentage of The Citadel, East Carolina, Davidson and Presbyterian have against South Carolina (.3030). This is South Carolina football.
But all this tradition and past records are meaningless. What is more important is the recent history. Only losers live in the past. We are in the best years of Carolina Gamecock football, and the future has never been brighter…or has it? After leading South Carolina to their most successful two-year run in the programs history, many Cocks believed Lou Holtz had brought his winning ways to Columbia -he failed like twenty-one coaches who preceded him. Lou Holtz retired after the 2004 season, with a 33-37 record. South Carolina failed to make the postseason for the 8th time in the past 10 seasons. Holtz tenure was just another in a long line of recent Gamecock failures. South Carolinas record since 1995: 49-64-1, which is 82nd among 117 D-1A teams over the same period. Since Joining the SEC: 66-81-1, which is 74th among D-1A teams over the same period. Since 1990: 75-92-3, which is 71st among D-1A teams over the same span. Carolina has finished in the Top 15 once in the past 16 seasons, and been to three bowl games in that span. This is South Carolina football.
After consecutive bowl appearances in 2000 and 2001, South Carolina was coming off of their most successful two year run in the programs history. The Gamecocks 17 wins during that period was the most by any South Carolina team over a two-year span. Only 17 other current D-1A schools that have fielded a team 15 or more seasons have failed to win 18 or more games in consecutive seasons. Carolina was going to keep the momentum and 2002 was the season that the Cocks would breakthrough and finally surpass Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida. They would finally get over ?the hump? to capture the Eastern Division Championship. You had two Heisman candidates in the same backfield, Pinnock and Jenkins. You mixed up all the ingredients to produce another sub .500 record, and another 0-for against the Big 3 from the East, and another loss to in-state rival Clemson. The Carolina Heisman candidate at RB finished with less than 50 yards per game rushing, and the Heisman candidate at QB finished the season at DB. But, wait there is always next year.
2003 would be the year that Holtz previous recruiting seasons would begin to pay dividends. The team no longer had any cancers and was again united. Team unity, young stars, and maturity at QB would get South Carolina back to a New Years Day Bowl game. Your most hated rival would be down and a Carolina victory at home on the seasons last game would likely lead to the departure of the rival coaching staff. The best High School Running Back to ever step on a field made a pledge in February to attend South Carolina, and bring glory to Columbia. That running back ended the season by leading the team with 58 yards per game rushing in his first season in Columbia -3 Freshmen Running Backs in the conference were better. Your QB who had matured, and finally had a grasp of the offense? He finished with the lowest completion percentage in the conference, as well as the fewest yards. Again, it was a sub .500 record overall, 2-6 in the conference, another 0-for against the Big 3 from the East. And the season finale that would send your in-state rival back to the drawing board and end the coaching career of Tommy Bowden instead ended in a 46-point home loss.
Seventeen of Twenty-two starters returned for 2004, and with it came high expectations. Returning was your entire offensive backfield. You brought in a new defensive coordinator who was going to implement a new scheme that would be a better fit for your young defensive talent. On offense, Lou took over play calling duties and was supposed take Carolina to the top by grinding it out on the ground. And when your Senior QB would be presented with the situation when he must throw, Coach Holtz said he was going to ?shock the conference. The season began with a blowout win over Vanderbilt, and a 16-point lead midway through the second quarter over highly touted Georgia. But, then the reality of what the true description of South Carolina football is occurred, South Carolina wouldn’t score again until the South Florida game. When the season ended, this group of Gamecocks etched their name next to failures of the past. Once again South Carolina failed to reach the post season. Once again, they ended conference play without a winning record. For the third season in a row they went 0-4 against the big three from the East and in state rival Clemson. The lopsided defeats in the 2004 contests against these four teams brought the total point differential margin to 191 points that Carolina has been outscored by in those four ?rivalry? games over the last three seasons. South Carolina has allowed 23 or more points in nine of those games, and scored 23 or more only once. The Quarterback who was going to “shock the conference” didn’t make it to the third game of the season. Gamecock players gave Coach Holtz an early retirement gift during the final contest of the season in a 22-point loss to Clemson by delaying the game nearly ten minutes midway through the fourth quarter. The reason for the delay was frustrated South Carolina players started an ugly on-field altercation. The actions led to a post season ban by the University. A team that had positioned itself to accomplish what only 11 teams before them had accomplished, instead took their place in Gamecock history as the 100th team that failed to reach post season. Coach Holtz called the scene, his “biggest disappointment.” For many it was just another chapter of “This is South Carolina football.”
On November 23, 2004, South Carolina named Steve Spurrier as the schools Head Football Coach. Spurrier brings to South Carolina a .777 college winning percentage. His resume includes six SEC titles, one ACC title, and one national championship. Coach Spurrier holds the mark with the all-time highest winning percentage in SEC play. Spurrier will also bring to Columbia the highest expectations in the schools history. Spurrier finished in the Final AP Top 15 twelve consecutive seasons at Florida, so that is what we should expect at South Carolina. Spurrier had a career record of 11-1 against Georgia while at the Gator helm, so that is what we should expect at South Carolina. Gamecock players have greeted Coach Spurrier’s arrival in emblematic Carolina fashion with an abundance of team rules violations and felony arrests. In January, six players were charged after a total of $18,000 worth of computer and video equipment and framed photographs were taken from South Carolina’s stadium in late November. The incident resulted in Offensive Lineman Woody Telfort being charged with a felony count of grand larceny, and numerous other charges against players. On March 1st leading rusher Demetris Summers was dismissed from the team. A day later, Tackle Kevin Mainord was arrested for stealing televisions from dorm rooms. Defensive End Moe Thompson was also arrested on similar charges six days later. On April 16th, two more Gamecock players, Josh Johnson and Ty Erving, were arrested and charged with simple marijuana possession. Less than two weeks later, WR David Smith pled guilty to third degree burglary. In late May, Linebacker Dustin Lindsey was charged with DUI. On June 23rd, Cory Boyd was dismissed from the team. In all, twelve players have been arrested in the 2005 calendar year. It’s been a typical Gamecock off season. But, all will be suppressed in less than two months, when 111 years of South Carolina’s losing tradition will be changed. The man who will single handedly change the program has arrived in Columbia sounds similar to what we were told before Holtz’ arrival. When Spurrier accepted the job to lead the Gamecocks, he commented, “they really haven’t ever done much here.” No kidding Steve, welcome to South Carolina football.
By P Dawg
April 22, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this
Evil Genius, thanks for taking all that time to say what we’ve been sying all along. Short and sweet—-sc sucks!
By AltamahaDawg
April 22, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
what 5 games will UGA lose and why? or did you just make that up?
By Ed
April 22, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
Spurrier’s offense worked great at Florida because it was designed to take superior, blue-chip athletes and isolate them in space against inferior athletes. There’s a reason why Florida dominated the down SEC during the 90s, while at the same time they often were no better than the third best team in their own state.
Spurrier’s offense doesn’t work so well on a level playing field, as he discovered with the Redskins and at S. Carolina. The guy is a good, accomplished coach, but not a “genius” as it is often suggested. In my opinion, Tyrone Nix’s defense has won more games than Spurrier’s offense at SC.
By SOS
April 22, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
EVIL GENIUS, please tell me you are SECCoachinDallas in disguise!
If so, I’m sorry to have shamed you into a different login name, but it was easy pick’ins with you avoiding your educational credentials and advertising the fact that your dial up connection originates from the back waters of metro Atlanta…
ANYWHO….I didn’t take the time to read your diatribe on the failings of the SC football program, but let me just go out on a limb here and guess that you wrote that SC has a pretty sorry football history…
I don’t know which is more pleasing…The fact that you spent all of your precious Skoal dipp’in time doing research on the history of the SC football program or the fact that such a sorry program was able to best your goats last year in Athens…OK, it’s the latter…
Tell you what…I’ll concede SC has a horrible football pedigree if you concede your lack of a college degree…
And by the way, lest you forgot…
South Carolina 16, Georgia 12
By SOS
April 22, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this
P DAWG:
South Carolina 16, Georgia 12
“sc sucks!”
By SOS
April 22, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this
AltamahaDawg: You are normally a very rational goat fan but appear now to be reduced to qualifying the goats’ loss to South Carolina last year as a best vs. worst effort…SAD….Tell me, was this best vs. worst effort scenario also the explanation for the goat’s problems against Vandy the last two years too???
By LazhilUT
April 22, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
As a UT alum, people putting Ainge and Clausen on the same levels of Manning and Martin are just out of their minds. Clausen was an idiot and Erik followed his steps… If their game was as good as their ego thought it was they’d be winning Super Bowls… Also, as a fan…I doubt we’ll have a good season and I hope we don’t. Fulmer is letting the game go by him and before it’s too late and we become irrelevant, he needs to GO!
By Volunqueer
April 22, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
Tony - you didn’t make a mistake going to the UT spring game instead of watching a wreck on Grant Field.
UGA fans are sniffin’ some glue or something to think their team will go undefeated. Heck, LSU didn’t last year, and they ended up with the crystal football.
PS: Did you UGA fans laugh it up over the UF recruit breaking their BCS trophy while visiting? I know I did - bet the Gators leave the trophies in the case next time!
By The 'Ole Ball Coach (aka The Evil "Genius")
April 22, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
Dear Loyal Fans and Enemies Alike:
Maybe I should have consulted Evil Genius (the guy on this site - we all know who the real EG is) before accepting the job at SC. 5 and 6 loss seasons are kinda hard on a genius reputation, and I don’t see it ending any time soon. My current crop of QBs are gonna make Blake Mitchell seem like Danny Wuerfell by comparison.
I guess things were pretty good in Gainesville after all. I miss all of those blue-chip lineman and NFL first round receivers…
/s/SOS, the HBC
By gamecockgary
April 22, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
gamecocks-27, bullpuppies-0…we need to work on our PATs!!ole ball coach rules and domination of georgia continues….heading up for victory party early this year;;GO GARNET!!!
By War Eagle
April 22, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
PDawg, I know you get really going sometimes which is good. Thanks for nice comments about Auburn, hopefully UGA and Auburn can play twice this year. Auburn win both??? My apology on the impostor crap.
By USCgamecock
April 22, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
I love how the pups talk a lot of CRAP even after they get their fannies whipped by USC
USC 16 - uga 12, remember that? You can talk your crap after you win the game NOT before cuz right now (that’s today for you pup folks) USC has the VICTORY and with the game in Columbia, you can go ahead and warm up to the pup beating that is going to happen on CBS NATIONAL TELEVISION…what you gonna say then…well we still have more overall wins (said through sniveling snot) We aren’t talking about yester-year here…we are talking NOW. SOS will have the ‘Cocks ready and USC will roll…expect USC 24 - pups 3.
By AltamahaDawg
April 22, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
SOS, if I understood your point, I would be happy to reply. Are you deminishing the SC victory by stating that UGA cant even beat Vandy every single year? I dont understand. I’ll say it again. Based on the totality of the 2007 season, it was pretty clear. That game in Athens in week 2 will be remembered as one of the better efforts for SC. Do you not think so? And I dont think any rational person believes UGA brought a fraction of the energy, execution, effort, it had at other times of the year. THUS your best, our worst. Where did I mess up?
By HawgDawg
April 22, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
Who cares if the game is in Columbia? That place is as lively as a funeral. Let’s see…you have a chicken for a mascot…your stadium looks like an exterminated cockroach…Columbia is nastier than a chinese restaurant dumpster. Yeah, you’re right Lamecocks, you got a lot to brag about! At least Clemson has running water.
By AltamahaDawg
April 22, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this
gamecock, somehow that standard doesnt seems to apply to your kindred does it? No matter how many years in a row, including last summer, after we had just shut your team out in your stadium the year before (that was “TODAY” then) we had the legitamate braggin rights, the gamecock fans flooded our blogs to boast as to how they are going to beat us. Were you one of them? Do as I say, not as I do, huh?
BTW, you’re braggin on the “future” results of this year, is a pretty good example of “talking a lot of CRAP” isnt it?
By Cuz
April 22, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
Fortunately, or unfortunately when we win, there is no convention on bragging rights like the JAX convention with UF. I will be the first to admit that on gameday of the USC-UGA game, the better team that day was USC. I have always said that. Sadly for USC, their season headed south soon after. Ours did not pick up until the middle of the second half of the Vandy game and it was an incredible ride after. We got better than I could have imagined after our two losses and squeaking by Vandy. It was as if the barbarian hoardes had crossed the Rhine and descended on the defenseless Romans once again. I credit Coach Richt for firing up the team and giving us some great football in the second half of the season.
Sorry Gamecocks, you do not scare this intrepid blogger with your ranting about how bad you are going to beat us in Columbia. I just don’t see it and we won’t know till we kick it off and start play. I, like the rest of you Gamecock fans, am looking forward to the game as I live here on the border and it is definately bragging rights here. May the better team win as always. Methinks the Dawgs have the edge, time will tell.
By AltamahaDawg
April 22, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this
USCgamecock, I didn’t see your responce there buddy!
By War Eagle
April 22, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this
I think Gamecocks will be a tough game for dawgs, who wins…special teams and turnovers..
By SOS
April 22, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this
AltamahaDawg:
My point fine sir is that it’s sad when fans of a program the caliber of Georgia have to qualify / rationalize / excuse losses to inferior programs…In fact, you should beat us EVERY year. Are you aware though that Georgia has the same record (5-3) against SC since 2000 that they do against Tennessee? Georgia’s margin of victory is smaller over SC too. If I was a booster at Georgia, I wouldn’t be happy with anything less than 8-0 against SC.
Also, best/worst effort comparisons are very subjective and, since you asked, incorrect. Our games against Miss State, Kentucky and Tennessee were by far better overall efforts on our part (even though the Tennessee game was a loss). And for what it’s worth, I thought the Tennessee game was Georgia’s worst effort last year, especially when you consider how horrible the Tennessee defense was.
South Carolina was simply the better team when we played Georgia last year and that’s why we won.
By USCgamecock
April 23, 2008 8:05 AM | Link to this
USC will set the table for everyone who loves college football as we are the opening game for the 2008 season on ESPN. USC has to get strong QB play and have an O-Line that can block in order to full fill our destiny with Spurrier; pups, will be in the cross-hairs in week 3. The stadium is magnificent, the mascot will fight to the death for victory, the coach a genius, the fans are long suffering and completely worthy of championship football. The 21 century will see USC emerge as a new power in the SEC so you can forget your long list of gamecock pain cuz it is a new day. BTW, we are Gamecocks - you can belittle the name by calling us chickens if you wish but they kicked your A$$ in athens last year and will prevail again this year in COLUMBIA. Hail to the Victors - USC ‘COCKS!
By AltamahaDawg
April 23, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this
gee, “best-vs-worst effort” being subjective, really? do tell. I’ll revise my post.
The highlight of your season, a game in which was at least “one of” your better games, was 4 point better than what we consider to be our most disapointing, at least “one of” our worst efforts. Hows that?
Your insecurity is making you miss the point anyway. That or you are just twisting words around for the sake of a rediculous argument in a rival sport blog. Did I say your team wasnt better that day? obviously they were. There are dozens of reason a team can be “better” on a day. Was Appl State the “better” team in Michigan last year? On that day. Is it fair to say Michigan had a bad day? Should we EVER loose to SC, heck no. Should SC feel good that it can periodically beat what appearantly YOU and everyone elses thinks is a better team, absolutely. That was all kind of my point. You guys typically play over your head and we underachieve in that game. Still not seeing the disagreement here.
BTW, TN won the East and should have prabably won the SEC except for a couple of bonehead plays. Lossing to them IN Kville, and lossing to SC in Athens is not even comparable.
And I am absolutely sure that your fans consider your loss to TN to be the crowning moment last year. No way are they still braggin over the 4 pt win at pitiful UGA.
By AltamahaDawg
April 23, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this
Its also amusing to me that how you picked out the almost insignificant last line of my original post to dispute and didnt touch the many points I had made there. That’s pretty old trick of the rival poster in here.
By AltamahaDawg
April 23, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this
USC gamecock, just going to dodge me on my question? I don’t blame you. If somebody had called me out as a hypocrite, I guess I would gloss over it as well
By USCgamecock
April 23, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this
AltamahaDawg - I am not dodging you; I just don’t get your complaint. I understand that uga, fl, tenn and others won’t take USC as a serious rival until we start winning consistently. My point is that the past is the past; USC is looking toward a new day and in this case the new century. Our first century of football had some highlights (Rogers running to glory with the 1980 Heisman Trophy quickly comes to mind) but we suffered more than our share of misses, near-misses, disasters, disappointments and sorrows which is why I’m so optimistic about the 21st Century. Nothing stays the same forever…I know it and you know it. The arrival of SOS breathes a new day into USC; I am sure time will prove me right. So don’t get all worked up over the past although there were several glorious USC victories over many storied football programs including your beloved pups (just to name one). Game 2 for USC in 2007 was sweet but games 1 (nc state), 2 (vandy) and of course 3 (pups) will all be fantastically glorious for USC in 2008; pardon our feelings of extasy but the sweet smell of an upcoming victory can be intoxicating. Like ole Rush says - “it ain’t braggin if you can back it up”…. Go ‘Cocks! USC is once again victorious - which should start making the USC-uga rivalry a bit more important to the pups in the future…
By AltamahaDawg
April 23, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this
I didnt bother to read most of that yada yada new day, whatever. My point was clear: You took great effort to lecture us about bragging rights. “love how the pups talk a lot of CRAP even after they get their fannies whipped by USC”.
As I understand your point. If in a UGA blog, UGA fans don’t give proper respect to SC fans who are in the UGA blogs, because they have the right to brag based on the 4 point win most recently, that would be considered by you as “talking a bunch of crap”.
My question to you is this. How is it perfectly okay for SC fans to be all over UGA blogs last year (and year before) and brag, assuring dominance for years to come, when in fact that would have been in the heel of a loss, a shut out actually? I suspect one of them was You. How is that not the definition of hypocracy? Understand the question now?
By USCgamecock
April 23, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this
So let me get this right, you didn’t read my post yet you think your original post wasn’t answered? You, sir (use the term a little loosely here), don’t make any sense. How would you know anything if you didn’t read the response? You don’t need to answer that question because the answer is quite obvious - you don’t know. If you are going to make the effort to write a response, at least read the post otherwise don’t waste my time with your puppy drivel.
USC 16 - uga 12 to the victors go the spoils - Go ‘Cocks!
By SOS
April 23, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
AltamahaDawg:
Pardon any pleasantries from my last post.
To clarify this yawnish debate, you and your crew ARE WHINERS!!!
Best effort/worst effort arguments = WHINING
Got it now???
And since when is Barnhart’s column a “Georgia thread”??? I see 5 topics of discussion in this particular column and none involve your goats…The better question is, what are YOU doing here???
Between you and SECCoachinDallas, I’m beginning to wonder if there are any UGA grads on this thread…GEEEZ!!
Pass this “man” a nipple!
By The 'Ole Ball Coach (aka The Evil "Genius")
April 23, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
The win over Georgia was big for us, especially on this site. It distracts from the fact that I can’t coach much anymore as evidenced by our 6-6 record in my third year on the job. The song I’ll Be Home For Christmas took on a new meaning for me this year.
Jeez, maybe they were right. South Carolina IS a coaches’ graveyard. I could be sitting on a beach or playing golf on the Florida Palm Coast…
By AltamahaDawg
April 23, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this
That is hilarious gamecock. OK let me clarify, I was being sarcastic. I really did read your post and that was my way of saying it was worthless jibberish. Understand now? Let me try this. I read you post 9 times, I memorized your post, I have built a golden tribute to your post. I have submitted your post to Congress to be put into federal law. Now answer my question!
SOS, I am beginning to wonder if every SC fan on here is the exact same guy, cause the ploys are always the same.
By AltamahaDawg
April 23, 2008 6:55 PM | Link to this
But to directly answer your question (although I could do like your buddy and hide behind feighned indignation to avoid it) YOU, SOS addressed me. I entered the thread only to post a defensive responce, as it had almost immidetely turned into a forum for gamecock fans to brag about how they were going to beat UGA again this year. (like it always turns into.) Not exactly what Barnhart had written about either, now was it?
By SOS
April 23, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this
AltamahaDawg:
Ploys??? Defensive responses???
Uhhhh…Seen a shrink lately???
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ…
See ya on the next “Georgia” thread…
By AltamahaDawg
April 24, 2008 7:38 AM | Link to this
And, there it is….case in point.
By USCgamecock
April 24, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
Well now AltamahaDawg, that is more like it; I want to see the golden tribute although me thinks you might be exercising your sarcastic nature but, regarding golden tributes, uga fans know all about golden tributes…er, I mean tributes - don’t they…
No matter how hard you may try it will still read - USC 16 - uga 12 ‘tween the storied hedges in athens; and that’s something we can all be proud of.
By AltamahaDawg
April 24, 2008 7:05 PM | Link to this
We know about tributes? That’s what you came up with? That’s just embarassing.
Hey, I noticed you forgot to answer my question. Did i need to call you out for the 4th time? Good lord son, at least try to make up an answer…
By AltamahaDawg
April 24, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this
Let me help you out:
UGA fans should never talk trash after slipping up to SC every so often, because quite frankly, its a huge embarassment to lose to a far inferior team like that. However, no matter if they lose 5 in a row, dont even score a point at home, SC fans should be allowed to brag all the time, every year, because upsetting somebody every now and then is all they realy have, and to be honest, nobody really takes them serious otherwise.
Is that what you were going to say?
By Cuz
April 24, 2008 7:32 PM | Link to this
Alt, don’t be so hard on the gamecock faithful. They have so little to point to for wonderful football memories. Their win last year will be immortalized in poetry, songs and sermons for generations to come. Yes my children, once every generation, they have the better team on the field. Now everybody say Amen.
By AltamahaDawg
April 24, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this
Cuz, its truly the mark of a good friend to go back 3 threads to check on me.