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DEL.ICIO.USFive Questions for the Head Ball Coach
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Columbia, S.C.-On Monday I sat down with South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier and tried to take his temperature on several issues: The state of the program, what he expects for this season, and what in the wide, wide world of sports happened to his team last season?
In 2007 South Carolina started 6-1 and was ranked as high as No. 7 before losing its last five games to finish 6-6. There were two bone-crushing losses among those five:
**—At Tennessee on Oct. 27, South Carolina rallied from a 21-0 deficit to take a 24-21 lead with 1:24 left. But the Vols kicked a field goal the buzzer to tie game and then won in overtime, 27-24.
**—Clemson kicked a 35-yard field goal as time expired to beat South Carolina 23-21 in Columbia on Nov. 24.
In three seasons here Spurrier is 21-16 and 11-13 in the SEC. You can’t measure how badly he wants to do something special here at South Carolina. Consider: He was the last coach to win an ACC championship at Duke (1989). When he got to Florida in 1990 the Gators had never won an SEC championship. He won six. South Carolina has never played in the SEC championship game. At 63, winning a divisional title and getting to Atlanta would be the perfect ending to his Hall of Fame career.
So here are five quick questions for the Head Ball Coach:
1. This time last year you talked about competing for an SEC championship. How do you feel this year?
“We’re just trying not to talk too much and realize that we’re not that great. But if we go all out and play a lot smarter and with a lot more effort, then we have a chance. We lost some tough games late to Tennessee and Clemson and one or two plays could have made a difference. We could have been 8-4 instead of 6-6. We just needed to play a little better and coach a little better.
“But shoot, we could have lost some of those early ones too. So we don’t need to sit around and say we had a great team but we were unlucky. We didn’t have a great team. We were No. 8 (in the SEC) in total offense and No. 9 in total defense. That’s not very good.
“But it wasn’t all bad. Last year we did something no South Carolina team has ever done. We beat three teams that won their bowl games-Georgia, Kentucky, and Mississippi State.”
2. There has been talk that you’re starting to get frustrated here at South Carolina. Any truth to that? Do you still believe you can win an SEC championship here?
“I’m still having fun. Our goal is always to win the SEC championship and that is not going to change. But we know we’re not there yet. In three years we’ve (only) had five guys drafted: three defensive backs, a running back, and a wide receiver. But our best recruiting class was two years ago. One service had it ranked as high as No. 4. There were 27 of them and they’re still here. They haven’t flunked out or fallen by the wayside like some classes do. We think that the next 3-4 years if we keep recruiting well that we have a chance to do some stuff.”
3. You said you are going to turn parts of the offensive game planning over to Steve Spurrier, Jr. How is that going to work on game day?
“I’m trying to delegate more this year than I have in the past and hopefully that will free me up to look at the big picture of the program. I still oversee the offense but Steve, Jr. will do the scripts in practice and handle some of the play calling. In the scrimmage the other day he sent the plays in but I’m on the headphones telling him ‘don’t forget this one and that one.’ It actually gives me a chance to pick the spots and try to hit some big plays. It’s something different. We’ll see if it helps us. I hope it’s going to make us more organized so that we can get the plays in quicker.
4. With 10 starters returning, plus linebacker Jasper Brinkley coming back from injury, people are saying that this might be the best defense you’ve had at South Carolina. Do you agree?
“Well, I hope (the defense) is better but we’ve said that every year that we’ve been here. People have said that we’re going to be good-blah, blah, blah. All I know is that we’ve finished 10th, ninth, and ninth (in the SEC) the three years that we’ve been here. Most defensive coordinators would tell you that if I’m 10th, ninth, and ninth chances are the head coach is going to be looking for someone else.
“We’ve got Ellis Johnson coming in (as defensive coordinator). He’s got a track record. I think we’ll be more disciplined and play better and play with more effort. But now we’ve got to go out and do it. We do have some players who are capable.”
5. You are trying to build a program and win a championship in what some believe is the toughest division in the toughest conference in football. Did you ever think it would be this difficult?
“When I got here Florida, Georgia and Tennessee were the big three and they are still the big three. We’ve made some inroads against them. We’ve beaten each of them once and lost a heartbreaker to each of them once. So we could be 2-1 against them but instead we are 1-2 against them.
“But when I came here I said that we had everything we needed to win a championship at South Carolina. I still believe that. I’m not coaching just to have a winning record and go to a bowl game every year. One day, one year, when we win the close ones and the ball bounces our way we’re going to have that big year.”
SPURRIER AGAINST GEORGIA, FLORIDA, AND TENNESSEE
2005: L Georgia, 17-15; B Tennessee, 16-15; B Florida, 30-22
2006: L Georgia, 18-0; L Tennessee, 31-24; L Florida 17-16
2007: B Georgia, 16-12; L Tennessee 27-24 (OT); L Florida 51-31
BONUS QUESTION
You named Tommy Beecher as your starting quarterback going into the summer. Can he give you what you need at the position?
“I like coaching Tommy Beecher. He’s a smart kid, a good leader. He goes to all of the workouts and everything. He’s a good student. I think all of the players will rally around him and he can take us a long way. But the truth is that since we’ve been here our offense has not played the way it is capable of playing. Beecher can make all of the throws and he can move around a little bit. He’s going into his fourth year here. He’s been to all of the practices and all of the games. Now it is his turn.”
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Comments
By Gamecock Travis
August 12, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this
Good job Tony. You do such a better job than those Morons at “The State”.
I think we will have a great year. The schedule is better than last year. The D should be better giving our O more chances to score. If Beecher plays as smart as his grades show (he’s got a 3.9 in some braniac major) then we will have a successful season. If we stay healthy unlike last year, we could have special year.
By JB
August 12, 2008 8:16 AM | Link to this
The guy can coach….he is a jerk. could you ever hear coach Richt after beating him say ” heck, it’s just South Carolina”. No, I don’t think so. He’s loud and cocky when he wins and runs to the locker room when he loses. It’s called class, and he has none. Yes, he can coach, we know. Best Game planner ever and game day coach. (Still a Jerk). Remember always Dawg fans him hanging 50 on a out manned Georgia team at home BECAUSE HE COULD AND HE THOUGHT IT WAS CUTE. He’s a JERK. I will tip my hat to him when he was at Florida. They Were good….Still a jerk.
By TheTruth
August 12, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this
Here’s the thing about USC, they will never win a championship. Ok maybe not ever, but no time soon, and here’s the reason why…They will never be deep enough. They will be talented enough to win ball games, as the ol ball coach has proven, but in the SEC you have to not just have depth but good depth. Your second string has to be almost as good as your first. You can win a few tough ones when your healthy i.e usc vs uga last year, but as the injuries mount up and your depth shows you lack the ability to close out a successful season. The reason why sc will never do this is simple…recruiting. Clemson pulls from south carolina, UGA pulls from there, UT pulls, even UNC and Butch now pulls from there. As long as the talent continually goes right out from under him he will never be able to win. The state of Georgia is basically onlock down, as well as Florida. Sure you can pull one or two once in a while, but not like he used to. Now with all that said…I hope that the dogs handle business and give it to ol Steve one more time!!!
By PBR=America in a can
August 12, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this
To Hell With Darth Visor
By Steve is the man
August 12, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this
Does anyone know when/to whom this quote occured? Im paraphrasing here, but the jist of it was that the kid screwed up a play (missed field goal perhaps) and when he came over to the sideline, Spurrier said “Its not your fault, its mine for believeing you could do it.”
Is that true? Haha, I love Spurrier. What a jerk.
By GatorGuy
August 12, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this
*Steve is the man * That was about Doug Johnson. He (allegedly) said “It’s not your fault son, it’s mine. I recruited you.”
By SECCoachnDallas
August 12, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this
He is Steve Spurrier, but it is the University of South Carolina we are talking about. Remember this is the school that has only 1 Conference championship in 1969. This is the school that took 103 years to win their first bowl game. This is the school that has been shutout 161 times - over 15% of their games! Since joinging the SEC, they have a record of 62-80-1 AT HOME! Only 27 Division !A schools have worse records than the COOTS. In over 110 years of football they have had (1) ONE ten win season. South Carolina leads the all time series against only TWP SEC teams; Kenturcky and Vandy! Only 5 Division 1A teams have scored less points than South Carolina. They have been through 32 head football coaches…how much longer will Spurrier stay? Oh yes, they lost a court battle against USC (the real USC. The University of Southern California) prohibiting the COOTS from using the interlocking SC as their logo. Damn, they even lose in court rooms too!
By Mike
August 12, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this
I have always like Carolina - at least until Spurrier arrived. They have a great and loyal fan base that deserves more success than they have achieved. Unfortunately, it comes down to recruiting. South Carolina simply does not have the recruiting base that Georgia and Florida has in-state. And, they are not as good at recruiting top talent from out of state as Tennessee is. Although improved, I’m a little surprised Spurrier has not been able to do better here. My Dad, an old high school coach always said “You can’t make chicken salad out of chicken s**t.” This is so true. You need the athletes and the horses to get ‘er done.
By Eric1
August 12, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this
Spurrier is not nearly as bad as he used to be. His stint at Washington brought him back down to earth. He learned that he’s every bit as human and falible as anyone else. I hated him when he was at Florida. Today, he’s tolerable. At least he’s not ‘Dick Saban’ War Eagle!!
By Gamecocks Will Win Again
August 12, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
I guess it is good for us that we play UGA early in the season before we lose our first stringers to injury.
I guess missing Sturdivant won’t hurt at all since UGA is deep, deep, deep.
By the way, take a look at USC again, in depth (bad pun). What we are turning into is not the South Carolina that you all know an love to beat.
By Cocksure
August 12, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
Good article, Tony. Thanks for some Gamecock nuggets deep in the heart of Bulldawg country! The success of the Gamecock’s season really hinges on three main factors this year. 1) Beecher has to be the man. If Beecher starts every game for the Cocks, we’re looking at a fine season. If we’re playing musical quarterbacks by the third game, expect another 6-6 campaign. 2) Will a reliable number two reciever emerge this season? Kenny Mckinley shoud be an All-SEC, possibly All-American performer. If another reciever doesn’t step up, expect to see any quarterback we thrown in there struggle.
3) Can the defense stay healthy? Last year, the defense was decimated by injuries and the Cocks didn’t have the quality depth to overcome those injuries. The depth is getting better each year, but we still can’t overcome losing the likes of Brinkley, Munnerlyn, and Pepper and expect to compete with the big boys in the SEC.
Should be a fun year! Especially looking forward to the Bulldawgs calling on the Cocks at Williams-Brice on September 13th.
By GATORZONE
August 12, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
We still love Steve down here!
By Chuck Cooke
August 12, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this
this text will be bolded this text will be italicIt’s always humorous to me when folks think they know what Carolina is now based on what we used to be. We may not fare any better this year than we did last year [yeah, right], but we are considerably more talented and considerably deeper than we’ve been … maybe ever. If I were another SEC East team, or God forbid, Clemson, I’d hope that we stayed down too, but it’s really not the case. We’ve had a couple of top 10 recruiting classes and and last year’s class was highly ranked. So I hope it was fun, boys, ‘cause the days of marking the Gamecocks down as an automatic “W” are over.
By Undecided
August 12, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this
Uhh, we’re 1 year removed from a top 5 recruiting class that was ranked higher by both major recruiting sites than Clemson’s most recent class, so the “can’t recruit even in our own state” argument is kind of moronic and at best, uninformed.
From what I’ve seen, SOS likes to push UGA’s buttons because you guys get way more PO’ed about it than anybody else. Also, some have speculated that he didn’t take kindly to the pups running the score up on his Gators a couple years after he went to the pros. Something about letting a lineman kick a FG to win 51-0.
By Wow
August 12, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this
True. Other fanbases can say what they want to hear and believe, but the fact remains that we have a lot of talent and more depth than ever. We can hang with the Georgias, Floridas, and LSUs now. As much as other fanbases don’t want to believe it, it’s true. Look at our depth chart, especially defense. See all that? That’s depth. Talent. It is true that we haven’t had that in a while, including last year as we were far too young, we have added the depth now and the talent is there, even with the younger players.
So other fanbases. Get your head out of your a* and realize we can hang with you, and as much as you want to believe we’re the team you used to pound on- we’re not. Simple as that.
By joe
August 12, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
Bash SOS all you want, but he’s still a good coach…and if his team knocks off UGA on Sept 13, you can call him a great coach…
By TatersSuck
August 12, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
“He is Steve Spurrier, but it is the University of South Carolina we are talking about. Remember this is the school that has only 1 Conference championship in 1969. This is the school that took 103 years to win their first bowl game. This is the school that has been shutout 161 times - over 15% of their games! Since joinging the SEC, they have a record of 62-80-1 AT HOME! Only 27 Division !A schools have worse records than the COOTS. In over 110 years of football they have had (1) ONE ten win season. South Carolina leads the all time series against only TWP SEC teams; Kenturcky and Vandy! Only 5 Division 1A teams have scored less points than South Carolina. They have been through 32 head football coaches…how much longer will Spurrier stay? Oh yes, they lost a court battle against USC (the real USC. The University of Southern California) prohibiting the COOTS from using the interlocking SC as their logo. Damn, they even lose in court rooms too!
Hey tater, you told on yourself by calling The USC “coots”. Yes, SC won the ACC in 1969 and have not won another conference title. Of course, you don’t bother to mention that just a couple of years later, USC left the ACC and was without a conference until 1992. It’s hard to win a conference title when you’re NOT IN A CONFERENCE. And USC would have easily won a few more ACC titles in the 70’s…….just look at what we did to Clemson during those years.
And talking about the real USC?
University of South Carolina - founded 1801
California became a state in what….1849?
End of story. I’ll enjoy watching Bowden coach you guys right out of the top 25 again this year.
By Gamecock Travis
August 12, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this
SECcoach….we get it. You hate SOS. You hate that we beat you in Athens. You hate that you didn’t score a TD against us. You hate that you have to play us in the Cockpit this year. Just try to use common sense for once and not your emotions. Most of that history has nothing to do with this year. Just like last year’s win has nothing to do with us beating you this year.
With regard to our recuiting, most of the players on our team are recruited by the uga’s, ut’s, clemson’s, unc’s also. So don’t say that our recruits aren’t anygood. The one thing our mediocre history does allow for is that recruits want to be part of something that’s never been done before. And when these recruits see that we are beating and hanging with uga, ut, uf and we are one or two pieces away from beating them consistently, they see they could be part of something special.
By taterhater
August 12, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this
Tater = overrated. Bowden has won as many conference titles as…oh wait that’s right, the peak of his career was an undefeated season at Tulane. The taters best win last year was against the 8th best SEC team that didn’t even go to a bowl - and that was on a last second field goal. Enjoy those Barney uniforms and your girlfriend-beating linebackers.
By USC Gamecock
August 12, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
USC is going to have a great year. The C0CKs are finally primed to get it done. SOS has built a solid team and the proof will be in the results. USC will beat ncstate, vandy and then uga to start the season…I wonder what everyone will be saying after that? Everyone in these parts thinks USC will forever be an easy win…but us C0CKs guys know better. It seems to me our team found a way to win 18-12 last year tween the hedges; this year we have some leadership on the team that will open some eyes when the season starts. I know USC must beat the teams in the SEC in order to gain respect…that is the only way uga and others will stop their bashing of USC… GO USC C0CKs… beat all of ‘em!
By Walterboro C**
August 12, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
Call it delusion if you like. 10 years ago, UGA and UT knew they were going to beat USC. Now they hope to, maybe they still expect to, but they don’t know it for sure right now.
By PTC DAWG
August 12, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
Ol Steve seems to be mellowing out some. Not having the best talent will tend to do that.
Here’s to the Cocks beating UT and UF. :)
By Monty
August 12, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this
Two messages to Gamecocks fans:
1) We’ll take care of Clemson for you on Aug. 30; and
2) South Carolina football is a joke. It will never happen. Spurrier is in that burned out phase of his career. He’s Holtz all over again. Y’all have no clue what real football is. Drive down I-20 for a few hours and come find out.
By Rusty
August 12, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
Poor Steve…. He’ll never be able to win consistently at USC.
Early Bird Special has extended. Can’t wait for week one!
http://www.rustybanks.com
By Monty
August 12, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this
RTR!!!!!!
By timthebrave
August 12, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this
I have to give it up to gamecock fans for being loyal to a program even during mediocre years. I like the people in Columbia but I still hate the ol ball coach. What a jerk
By BullDawg Rick
August 12, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this
SOS is, or maybe was, a great offensive minded HC..
It’s puzzling that his D is stout & O is not up to par.
I have to say that the SC fan base has been second to none (aside from UGA’s!) even in their downtrotten years… They deserve better thru the years.. Maybe 7 - 5, 8 - 4 is all they can muster..
He had talent galore all around him in Fl… At SC the best HS prospects are going to UGA, Clemson, UT…
As for him running up the score at Sanford in ‘96…. We shoulda stopped them.. Scoring is the name of the game, whether it’s “sportsmanship” or not…
Go Dawgs!!
By Say What
August 12, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
Real football is losing to Louisiana-Monroe at home? I never knew…..
By Say What
August 12, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
Real football is losing to Louisiana-Monroe at home? I never knew…..
By Say What
August 12, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
Loyal fins leave in the 3rd quarter when things aren’t going your way? I never knew….the things you learn here..wow…
By Say What?
August 12, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
Tommy Bowden? Ha ha ha ha…
By Bloody Spur
August 12, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
I can’t wait to see the Fighting Gamecocks kick dem Dawgs once again this season. You know it took y’all 20 years in the SEC to win your first title. USC is on the way up. Like the Old Ball Coach or not his record against the dawgs is pretty dayum good and I’m thinking he is going to kick your convicts butts again this year 20-16……
By WSP Dawg
August 12, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Y10tfwA_S4
THIS IS South Carolina FOOTBALL Given one century to attain the sheer, magnificent power of breaking even, South Carolina proudly maintains a tradition handed down from one generation to the next. Plumbing new depths in futility the University of South Carolina Athletic Department forges into a new century, one that promises to be as desperately hopeless as the last. Given one century to attain the sheer, magnificent power of breaking even, South Carolina proudly maintains a tradition handed down from one generation to the next. Plumbing new depths in futility the University of South Carolina Athletic Department forges into a new century, one that promises to be as desperately hopeless as the last.
Entering the 2008 season, South Carolina can point to an all-time winning percentage under .500 (521-523-44), which ranks 88th all-time in D-1A football. Only 29 programs have bested this profile in sub-mediocrity. Walk with us along this corridor of pigskin failure: Duke, Western Michigan, Toledo, Navy, UAB, Central Florida, Ball St., North Texas, Nevada, East Carolina, Houston, Northern Illinois, Utah St., San Jose St., Vanderbilt, Akron, Baylor, UNLV, Kansas, and Rutgers. None of these names, however, say the word LOSE like the University of South Carolina football.
This, then, is Carolina Gamecock football. Carolina, whose stadium perches in Columbia, the New Jersey of the South, and resembles a dead and decaying cockroach. Carolina, where the players run onto the field under a sign that says, “Abandon Hope, All Ye Who enter Here.” Who run onto the field under a cloud of smoke for protection from insanely angry fans; who listen to the piped-in strains of “Also Sprach Zararthustra,” which is in fact a German anthem about the Persian founder of Zoroastrianism. Then they hear their fight song, a flopped Broadway Show Tune imploring the listening fans to “Step to the Rear.” This is Carolina Gamecock football.
Like a band of wandering gypsies, Carolina has never been welcome in any athletic conference. In the 59 seasons Carolina has been affiliated with anyone who would take them, however, they have won one championship. Yes, the ACC in 1969, achieved with a 7-4 record. 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 71 years. Carolina has never finished in the Top Ten of a major recognized poll. Let us contemplate that word again: NEVER.
Carolina took its first inept shot at the new game of “Foot Ball” in 1892. Only one hundred and three years later, the program achieved its first bowl game victory. In 115 seasons of spectacularly, mind-numbingly unimpressive football, Carolina has yet to participate in even one Major Bowl (now known as BCS bowls: Rose, Sugar, Orange, Fiesta, or Cotton).
This is Carolina Gamecock football, where ten or more football games have been won in a season only once; where six or more victories have been logged in a season only 37 times. Thirty-two men have come to the fore as head coach for South Carolina football, and thirty-two have left in abject failure. Only five survived for more than five seasons. Each one has been hailed as a genius at the entrance door, then cursed as the devil at the exit, blamed for all the accumulated despair that in reality transcends any single avatar of ineptitude who takes on the mantle of scapegoat at the moment. This Carolina Gamecock football, bigger than any of them; Carolina Gamecock football, the Mount Everest of Losing. Three coaches have won national championships elsewhere, only to have posterity scribble a moustache and horns on their legacies after they dared to believe they could change Carolina Gamecock football.
Of the 56 programs which have played more than 1000 games all-time, only four have scored fewer points than South Carolina in their school’s history. And since Carolina joined the SEC in 1992, only two teams have fought off the Gamecocks for the glories of last place in victories: Kentucky and Vanderbilt. Although Carolina has finished last in its division twice. Carolina has yet to win six conference games in a season, joined again only by Kentucky and Vanderbilt in that particular achievement of hopelessness. Let us also remember that it was the distinguished accomplishment of Gamecock football to navigate two consecutive seasons without winning a single conference game; racking up an impressive string of 21 consecutive losses, having their run of inglorious failure snapped only in 2000 by beating eventual 3-8 record New Mexico State—after which, of course, the understandably brain-damaged chicken fans stormed the field and tore down the goalposts, a wonder New Mexico State never figured to experience after a game in an SEC stadium. This is Carolina Gamecock football.
Since 1992, only three times has any non-probation member of the conference failed to win two or more games overall in a season. Yet South Carolina has accomplished this feat twice, Kentucky only once. Since 1992, only once has a conference member failed to win a game overall in a single season. You guessed it, South Carolina.
South Carolina’s all-time record versus other current conference members is even more impressive: 2-9 vs Alabama, 4-8 vs Arkansas, 1-4-1 vs Auburn, 3-18-3 vs Florida, 13-41-2 vs Georgia, 8-6-1 vs Kentucky, 2-14-1 vs LSU, 5-7 vs Ole Miss, 5-6 vs Mississippi St., 2-18-2 vs Tennessee, and 11-2 vs Vanderbilt. That’s correct, Carolina leads the all-time series against 2 SEC teams…Kentucky and Vanderbilt. This is Carolina Gamecock football.
But, the comparison of only 12 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: 36-61-4 vs Clemson, 17-24-3 vs Duke, 3-18-3 vs Florida, 13-41-2 vs Georgia, 9-12 vs Georgia Tech,11-17 vs Maryland, 16-34-4 vs North Carolina, 25-26-4 vs North Carolina State, 2-18-2 vs Tennessee, 21-12-1 vs Virginia, and 34-20-2 vs Wake Forest. William Brice is a crap hole. That’s correct, Carolina leads the all-time series against 2 of these 11 teams…Virginia and Wake Forest. This is Carolina Gamecock football.
Gamecock fans justify their horrible football record thru the strength of the SEC conference. But let’s look at the Gamecock’s record against the other big 4 conferences. South Carolina is 172-221-18 vs the ACC, 6-8 vs the Big 12, 22-26-5 vs the Big East, and 3-5 vs the Big Ten. This is Carolina Gamecock 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? Carolina is coming off another losing season, the 9th in the last 13 seasons. Overall record since “the legend” Lou Holtz became Head Coach: 27-32 (0.458) . Since 1995: 43-59-1. Since Joining the SEC: 60-75-1. Since 1990 South Carolina is 69-86-3. Carolina has finished in the Top 15 once in the past 15 seasons, and been to three bowl games in that span. This is Carolina Gamecock football.
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 postseason. 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 postseason 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 postseason. 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 offseason. 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.
On October 20, 2007 South Carolina was ranked #6 and hosting the Vanderbilt Commodores. Vanderbilt triumphed 17-6 by defeating the highest ranked opponent for them since 1937. Next up was Tennessee which began the first leg of the Orange Crush with a come-from-behind overtime win 27-24. Then, Arkansas set rushing records galore with 542 yards rushing in the 48-36 win over the Gamecocks. Up next, Carolina bolstered another player’s Heisman Trophy chances when Tim Tebow rushed for five TD’s in a 51-31 win in Columbia. Lastly, the Orange Crush was completed for 2007 when Clemson defeated the Gamecocks 23-21. The loss gave Spurrier a career first of 5 losses in a row. South Carolina dropped from #6 midway through the season to 6-6 at its regular season conclusion. This is South Carolina Football.
By Spike
August 12, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this
Think Spurrier is not a first class jerk? Call Terry Dean and ask for a second opinion.
By Bob
August 12, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this
I am probably one of four or five UGA fans on the face of the planet that actually likes Spurrier. I can’t think of a single thing he’s ever said that wasn’t 100% true. He’s a refreshing change from all the canned coachspeak that we usually hear. As for running up the score, I hope that Georgia can run up the score on some folks this year too, including South Carolina. Scoring points is the object of the game. If you can score 50, 60, or even 100 points, you should. Why not? This isn’t pop warner league.
With that said, I think its going to be really hard for South Carolina to ever win the East. Basically what will have to happen is Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee will have to have down years in the same year so SC can win by default. That is what it will take. That is highly unlikely to happen. Okay, maybe “ever” is a little strong. It will probably happen at some point, but Spurrier will be long gone.
By William
August 12, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
Taters- how does it feels that USC still has more ACC basketball championships than you do and we have not been in the league for 37 years
How does it feels that Clemson’s 1981 national championship and run through the pitiful ACC football schedule of the 80’s will forever be tainted with the second worst (only 2nd to SMU) NCAA violation record in history.
The facts are pretty simple…when the farmers have been clean with the NCAA, the record speaks for itself. All you have to do is look at the Hatfield / West days. Deep down, every Clemson fan knows it is true. They just refuse to admit it. And anyone who believes Bowden and his crew are running a clean ship, I have got 100 mile of ocean front property in Tennessee I would love to sell them
By TWill
August 12, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this
LOL @ the cocklovers. carolina homecoming = gay pride parade
By Say What?
August 12, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this
Spurrier’s record against UGA is good? Yep, when he was at FLORIDA, with all that talent. At SC, he’s what 1-2?
That’s quite a leap you make there to assume he will have the same success at sc as he did at Florida…he’s said himself the talent level is NOT the same…you guys are amazing….
By SEC guy
August 12, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this
He is a great coach and will win at SC. He has more wins the first 3 years than any coach ever there.
By SEC guy
August 12, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this
He is a great coach and will win at SC. He has more wins the first 3 years than any coach ever there.
By Say What?
August 12, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
The most wins by any coach ever there in his first three years? That’s because they stink and have for 100 years.
Good lord, man…that’s like saying the clap is better than syphilis…
By grungie
August 12, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this
hey monty, i think the last time we played you guys we rolled over your a$$. loved watching the tide fall apart in the 4th qtr. ya’ll didn’t have an ansewer for Petty. I can’t wait till we match up again. that was one of the best games i’ve seen. Go Cocks
By gTech
August 12, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this
WSP Dawg-
That was hilarious.
By PTC DAWG
August 12, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
Actually it took UGA 9 years to win it’s first SEC Title. SEC was formed in ‘33, we won our first in ‘42. We’ve won 11 more since than.
Bama 21 titles, UT 13, and UGA 12.
By Cocksure
August 12, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
“To WSP Dawg”
Thanks for the review of the history of Gamecock Football. Our record speaks for itself and it’s not pretty. I think everyone on this board knows that, but for you to take shots at our stadium, our traditions, our city, and our fans is flat out (G)arbage. “William Brice is a crap hole” and “Columbia, the New Jersey of the South” … real classy. So you don’t like Columbia, fine, you don’t ever have to come here. I think we’ll survive without you, but I know many people, Bulldawgs, Volunteers, and Gators alike who really enjoy their time in Columbia and the gameday experience. I myself prefer going to a game at Williams-Brice, then having to deal with the over-served frat boys Georgia’s so famous for. Listen, UGA has a great program, a long, and storied tradition, and a great head coach. Unfortunately, they also have some of the most obnoxious, insufferable fans in the country, a group to which you are obviously a member.
My suggestion to you would be to spend less time ripping on the Gamecocks and use your writing skills to do something productive, like get a job, or a life. So put down the spliff, Panic Boy, and try to become a productive member of society.
By gamecocks22
August 12, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this
To Monty:
I went down I-20 a couple of years ago. Came away with a 20-3 beat down. Guess you forgot that one?
By Monty
August 12, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
Stone cold lock: the Tide will win their 13th national championship before South Carolina wins their first. Strike that, the Tide will win their 13th national championship before South Carolina wins their first SEC title (we’ve got 20-something).
By psycock
August 12, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
Uh, who won the USC- Georgia game, in Athens, last year?
By gamecocks22
August 12, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
Wake up Monty:
Alabama is going down as a state. Who wants to live there? Recruiting cannot support both schools anymore. Neither team is elite, and don’t appear to be any time soon. Alabama’s resurgence will only weaken both schools. Take pride in your history because our future looks brighter than yours.
SC is “blowing up”. Charleston and Greenville are both better cities than anywhere in Alabama. Columbia is centrally located to anywhere in the Southeast, and Myrtle Beach is a major tourist attraction. Not to mention, the top resorts like Hilton Head and Kiawah. USC is upgrading every facility and will boost 3 of the top venues in the country for football, basketball, and baseball in 2009. Good luck with Arkansas State this year. Make the SEC proud.
By gdawginkalamazoo
August 12, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
WSP.. Can’t believe I read that. I would have to agree with cocksure on that one. there is 2 minutes of my life I will never get back. The only thing you can look at in football is the last game you played against your opponent and that SC game cost us an NC last year as far as I can tell. Mike Bobo should have run that dadgum ball down their throats with Brown and Moreno. But what did he decide to do? Throw it 45 times. I have never had any ill will toward SC and I never have been to Columbia for a game but I hear that they do have great traditions over there as do most SEC schools. SOS will go down as one of the all time great college coaches for what he did at UF. Can’t argue that. Is he still and A….hole. Yep. Can’t argue that either. He is a win at all cost, embarrass & demoralized your players if you have to kind of guy. He may never win a title at SC but he can sure hell ruin a few for the rest of us (see last years game).
By WSP Dawg
August 12, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
To Cocksure:
Hey, buddy. I didn’t write it; Just posted it, but I do think it’s hilarious.
Anyway, way to go making ignorant, uninformed assumptions about my contribution to society because of a screen name. You couldn’t be farther off. In fact, I’m willing to bet that I contribute much more to society then you ever will.
By Dr. Cocktosten
August 12, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
WSP Dawg,
The only Carolina football history lesson mutts like you should concern yourselves with is 16-12.
By Leland Nelson
August 12, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
So, tell us JB, how do you really feel about Spurrier?
Go Cocks!
PS - Talk is… well… just talk. We will see what happens at Williams Brice.
By Spike
August 12, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
Hey Cocks… Facts are stubborn things, aren’t they??
By IhateCU
August 12, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
Great to see Clemron Taters weighing in on USC. You should worry about beating such titans as The Citadel, SC State, Dook, NC State and Maryland rather than what Spurrier is doing in Columbia. You’ll get us soon enough…we will see you in Cowtown the last Sat in November just like two years ago (the season before last for you Taters that struggle with reading comprehension) when we dropped 600 yds offense on the ACC’s best defense. Ha!
As for the Bama fan…I drove a few hours on I-20 when LOU FREAKING HOLTZ brought a very average USC team into your stadium and dropped a swift beating on you. I wasn’t very impressed. This isn’t the ’60s when the Bear could go purchase every good football player in the Southeast and have 150 scholarship players. You worry about figuring out a way to keep AU from stomping you again (what is it, 5 and counting?) and we’ll see you next season.
GO GAMECOCKS!!!
By tom
August 12, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this
Thanks Tony great interview. Regards: “By SECCoachnDallas
August 12, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this
He is Steve Spurrier, but it is the University of South Carolina we are talking about. Remember this is the school that has only 1 Conference championship in 1969. This is the school that took 103 years to win their first bowl game. This is the school that has been shutout 161 times - over 15% of their games! Since joinging the SEC, they have a record of 62-80-1 AT HOME! Only 27 Division !A schools have worse records than the COOTS. In over 110 years of football they have had (1) ONE ten win season. South Carolina leads the all time series against only TWP SEC teams; Kenturcky and Vandy! Only 5 Division 1A teams have scored less points than South Carolina. They have been through 32 head football coaches…how much longer will Spurrier stay? Oh yes, they lost a court battle against USC (the real USC. The University of Southern California) prohibiting the COOTS from using the interlocking SC as their logo. Damn, they even lose in court rooms too!”
Thanks tater - you guys spend too much time thinking a Spurrier. But then if I were you I would too. He has beat you guys 1 of 3 without talent. This year the talent is there. So Tater prepare to get your but kicked. With the talent that Spurrier has this year and USC’s secret weapon - CHOKE CHOKE Bowden you TATERS are in for a long road.
By Cocksure
August 12, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
Fair enough WSP, I don’t know you or anything about you so the personal attack wasn’t neccessary. For that I’ll apologize. I actually like WSP myself, and have seen them over 100 times but it is definitely insulting to me that someone would have taken that much time on a blog to belittle a program that means a lot to me and a lot of other folks. So you didn’t write it, fine, but spare me on the “ignorant, uninformed assumptions about my contribution to society” BS. This is a blog and we don’t have much to go on, so I’m pretty sure that’s what goes on every day of the week on this site. You had to know you were going to p** off countless others on this site by posting it (and stealing credit for it until you got called out on it?)
By WSP Dawg
August 12, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
Cocksure, I thought nearly every C** had read that. Sorry you hadn’t. I’m pretty sure it was developed by a Clemson fan. I definitely wasn’t trying to take credit. Just Google search: “This is South Carolina Football” Make sure to use quotes. :)
By oas_3
August 12, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this
By Monty
August 12, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this
Two messages to Gamecocks fans:
1) We’ll take care of Clemson for you on Aug. 30; and
2) South Carolina football is a joke. It will never happen. Spurrier is in that burned out phase of his career. He’s Holtz all over again. Y’all have no clue what real football is. Drive down I-20 for a few hours and come find out.
Thats funny last time I went down I-20 to watch the two play in 2004 (the last time SC went to Bama) wasnt much of a game 20-3 gamecocks and I could care less between either team
By SOS
August 12, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this
GOD LOVE THE GOAT FANS….
They cheer for a program flush with more booster money than any college program in the country….
Located in one of the most talent-rich states for high school football in the country…
And yet, here they are…
Still nursing bruised egos about Spurrier running up the score on them 15 YEARS AGO;
Nursing the wounds from a 16-12 beatdown between the hedges last year at the hands of the Gamecocks - a loss that kept the Goats out of the SEC and national championship games;
Comparing their program to South Carolina, a school that has one conference championship in its history;
Scratching their heads over South Carolina finishing higher than them in recruiting last year (2007) according to every major recruiting service;
Wondering how they have THE SAME record against SEC East opponents the last 3 years as Spurrier’s South Carolina teams (8-7);
How their all-world QB Mattie Stafford is 0-1 as a starter against SC, has less than a 45% completion rate against the Gamecocks and 4 INTs and NO TDs.
GOAT FANS, YOU ARE THE MOST PATHETIC BUNCH IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL…IT’S ONE THING TO BE A PERENNIAL LOSER BUT QUITE ANOTHER TO LIVE IN DENIAL OF WHAT YOU REALLY ARE…THE MOST UNDERACHIEVING PROGRAM IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL…
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP?
NOT!
By War Eagle
August 12, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this
UGA 24
South Carolina 10
South Carolina is not ready for Prime Time
By Cuz
August 12, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this
As a Dawg fan living on the border, I have probably been to at least 10 UGA-USC games in Columbia. Had a blast even the two times we lost. Unlike the Gamecock fans who post on the Dawg blogs, those guys are fun to join in tailgaiting. I have never known a group of fans who steadfastly support their team no matter what. They don’t jump ship after a 6-6 season, they already are planning for the next year. I have alot of respect for the USC fan base. I hope to score some tickets this year, heck Columbia is closer than Athens. I wish them well when not playing us. I, as most Dawg fans, dont give a rat’s rear for Darth Visor. But I take my hat off and salute the USC fan base.
By SECCoachnDallas
August 12, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this
Dear SOS, Actually we DAWG people think that the University of South Carolina is an overacheiving program. Your 6 and 6 record last year was a perfect example. We do appreciate the fanfare you have bestowed upon our program. We also appreciate the many laughs that the COOTS have given the rest of the SEC. You remember Pam Parsons, President Jim Holderman, your short term basketball coach named Bobby Cremins, Atheltic Direct King Dixon and your Heisman Trophy winner that has stated publically that Herschel should have won it in 1980. Oh yes, is he staying clean? The fight on the field in your game against Clemson. You know CLEMSON; THE UNIVERSITY IN SOUTH CAROLINA! How does it feel to be a supporter of a school that is so inept in football? I have two brothers that graduated from there and they both are UGA fans now. It is nice that they can pull for a school that can win 10 games a year and win conference championships and go to BCS Bowl Games. They have never experienced that thrill before. I invite you to join our happy family. I can promise you a great time watching a team that wins games in a beautiful campus stadium with 93,000 faithful fans. Try it, you will never go back to COOT mediocrity.
By John
August 12, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this
If Spurrier wins 8+ bowl game this year he may be back on top in the SEC. The Dawgs have every right to be intimidated by the Evil Genius after the baetings he has rendered. He will sign AT LEAST 7 of the 10 best in-state players this year. A big year and everyone else in the SEC may be playing for 2nd place come next year. Only a complete fool doesn’t believe he will get it done.
By Hunk Erdown
August 13, 2008 1:27 AM | Link to this
I agree with Cuz.
USC fans: I raise my glass and salute you. You are the most resiliant, optimistic fans in the world. I hope you lose one game this year and win the rest, so that you will have something to look back at and brag about, instead of eternally having to brag about what you are going to do. Ya’ll have some real a*******wipes that post on the UGA blogs, but we have our share of them too.
Never been to but one game in Coumbia when I wasn’t treated with fantastic hospitality. That one time was probably because there were some UGA kids acting up and got a bunch of folks riled up.
Kudos to you fans of USC Football, I hope this will be the year when you beat everyone but UGA. I feel pretty confident that whoever wins our game it will be another classic for the history books. If we ever do have a chance to run up the score, just realize it will be because of SOS and his disrespect… not the USC fanbase. Good luck in 2008 and hopefully the first week of 2009.
By ............................................BuLLdawg
August 13, 2008 5:59 AM | Link to this
Spurrier has not done well at South Carolina, of that there is no doubt.
You didn’t mention that Spurrier is 1-2 vs. Coach Richt, nor that Coach Richt has out scored Spurrier at South Carolina 47-31.
I’m not impressed. Hey Tony I thought you said in a blog that you were turned out to pasture and wished it hadn’t become Internet news yet ?
By USC GAMECOCK
August 13, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
USC is gonna have a big year…THIS YEAR! Some of the uga and bama fans are gonna eat some words later this season. 16-12 and 20-3 ring any bells? how about 14-6 between the hedges too? I remember watching USC run up bamas gut in the 4th quarter in tuskaloosa to stomp bama in the dirt with good ole tough football…remember?
This year uga is loaded and USC will clean them out.
GO USC C0CKS! Beat those dogs AGAIN!
By USC GAMECOCK
August 13, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
USC is gonna have a big year…THIS YEAR! Some of the uga and bama fans are gonna eat some words later this season. 16-12 and 20-3 ring any bells? how about 14-6 between the hedges too? I remember watching USC run up bamas gut in the 4th quarter in tuskaloosa to stomp bama in the dirt with good ole tough football…remember?
This year uga is loaded and USC will clean them out.
GO USC C0CKS! Beat those dogs AGAIN!
By USC GAMECOCK
August 13, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
USC is gonna have a big year…THIS YEAR! Some of the uga and bama fans are gonna eat some words later this season. 16-12 and 20-3 ring any bells? how about 14-6 between the hedges too? I remember watching USC run up bamas gut in the 4th quarter in tuskaloosa to stomp bama in the dirt with good ole tough football…remember?
This year uga is loaded and USC will clean them out.
GO USC C0CKS! Beat those dogs AGAIN!
By Riverdawg68
August 13, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
Dawg fans are so arrogant. We get pre-season ranked number one once and we think we are the best. Don’t you know that the Gamecocks are pre-season National Champions every year. All you have do is ask their fans. They even have statistics at their Department of Revisionist History that can prove this. In fact, they give scholarships to students who can find inane statistics that refute the accomplishments of other teams. The Old Ball Coach will be gone by Christmas and they will be cursing his name.
By USC GAMECOCK
August 13, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
To the bozo who posted…”I have family that graduated from USC and they are now uga fans”…that comment speaks volumes about you dumba$$. The fact that uga fans pull for uga only because they win consistently is juvenile cuz what you are really saying is…when uga starts being mediocre or worse, all us uga fans will jump ship so fast only the rats will be left behind…yeah, that attitude sounds like uga and clempson are peas in the proverbial pod. C0CK fans are true to the core; USC will be much better than any of you folks think…just watch…
GO USC…kick those dogs again…18-12 is sooo sweeet.
By USC GAMECOCK
August 13, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
To the bozo who posted…”I have family that graduated from USC and they are now uga fans”…that comment speaks volumes about you dumba$$. The fact that uga fans pull for uga only because they win consistently is juvenile cuz what you are really saying is…when uga starts being mediocre or worse, all us uga fans will jump ship so fast only the rats will be left behind…yeah, that attitude sounds like uga and clempson are peas in the proverbial pod. C0CK fans are true to the core; USC will be much better than any of you folks think…just watch…
GO USC…kick those dogs again…18-12 is sooo sweeet.
By SOS
August 13, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this
Dear SECCoachinDallas,
I see that dial-up modem access is working again in Paulding County…
How has your summer been? I have missed your musings about farmer’s markets and greased pigs…You must be looking forward to this year’s game in Columbia…
Despite your fascination with farm animals, it’s nice to know that you come from good stock (pun intended)…At least you have two brothers who graduated from college…Doubt they live in Paulding County though…
ANYWHO….
It must be my higher education that is making your arguments appear so cloudy…
You say the South Carolina program is the joke of the SEC, the scourge of college football, etc.,…YET you say we are overachieving?
WHICH IS IT?
You see, such flawed arguments are not the mark of a college graduate, let alone a graduate of such a hallowed institution as the University of Georgia.
I mean, who offers up the Bobby Cremins affair when Georgia’s skeletons in the closet include the likes of Jan Kemp, Ray Goof, Jim Harrick, Herschel and his multiple personalities, the celebration on the Vanderbilt star ala Richt’s Miami days, your SEC-leading arrests and jail time this year…GEEZ, I haven’t even mentioned Michael Adams and The World’s Driest Tailgate yet….You have been drinking too much Kool-Aid to think that the sh.t at the University of Georgia smells different…
The questions remain the same if you dare to answer them:
Why does the University of Georgia, with access to the best resources in college football, have to struggle to beat the Gamecocks every year?
How does South Carolina finish higher than the Goats in recruiting last year (2007) according to every major recruiting service?
Why do the Goats have THE SAME record against SEC East opponents the last 3 years as Spurrier’s South Carolina teams (8-7)?
How is it that all-world QB Mattie Stafford is 0-1 as a starter against SC, has less than a 45% completion rate against the Gamecocks and 4 INTs and NO TDs?
I’m waiting…
By SOS
August 13, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this
Dear ………………BuLLdawg,
First, you may want to check out the period button on your keyboard. I think it’s sticking.
Second, if South Carolina doesn’t go on a 5-game losing streak to end the season last year, this post would be laughable. Before the 5-game losing streak, Spurrier had 21 wins and Richt had 24 wins over the same period of time. Spurrier has the same record as Mark Richt against the SEC Eastern Division since 2005. Both coaches have the same record against Florida and Tennessee.
I’m waiting for Year 4 of Spurrier to pass judgment.
By SOS
August 13, 2008 7:33 PM | Link to this
Ladies,
For all of you complaining about South Carolina fans on a Georgia blog, you would be advised to actually check out the topic of this blog…An interview with the head coach of the University of South Carolina…
GEEZ…
Is there anyone here who has a college degree?
By JaseAce1
August 13, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this
I think Steve Superior was a great coach at UF. He fit their program well because there are some really cocky in your face Gator fans and the jerky, cocky attitude of the Ol’ ball coach really was a great marriage. However, nowadays, Coach Spurrier is a more humbled man than his Gator days and for some reason I have more respect for him now because that short sabbatical in the pro’s left an indelible mark on his personality, i.e. more cautious and wise about his mouth.
By SOS
August 13, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this
………………BuLLdawg,
In response to your following comment…
You didn’t mention that Spurrier is 1-2 vs. Coach Richt, nor that Coach Richt has out scored Spurrier at South Carolina 47-31.
You’re right…I didn’t mention those numbers…But you neglected to point out that Spurrier’s Gamecocks have outscored Richt’s Goats 31-29 in 2 of those 3 games…
In fact, so offensively inept are the Goats against the inferior Gamecocks during Richt’s tenure that the Goats have failed to score an offensive touchdown against the Gamecocks in 3 out of 7 games under Richt…
OUCH!!
By ............................................BuLLdawg
August 14, 2008 1:13 AM | Link to this
2 of the 3 games…
From this date to this date…
If USC had NOT gone on a five (5) game Losing Streak to end the season…
Every post you post, you post 3 times. What’s the deal ? Still can’t figure it out ?
3 out of 7 Coach Richt games…
Excuse me, Coach Richt is 5-2 against the mighty did not even go to a bowl game South Carolina.
That makes us 44-14-2.
We ended the season Number 2 in the Final AP Poll, which is now the 11th consecutive season we have been ranked in the Final AP Poll including every one of the 7 years of Coach Richt Era.
We start this season Number 1 in Fifteen (15) Different Preseason Polls.
In the 7 years of Coach Richt Era, there is no SEC program with more wins than Coach Richt in the SEC, and there is no SEC program with more wins overall.
South Carolina fans do not care about how well the team does. It is not relevant to you. None of you.
USC’s last conference title was in the ACC in 1969.
Of the 135 recruits signed from 2002-2006, USC had one-third did not complete their eligibility; and last season with 21 seniors against Climpson Farmers, South Carolina still manages to lose when all they had to do was win the must win game and go to a bowl game.
5 Bowl Game ago for your worthless program was the Carquest Bowl in 1994.
Steve Spurrier is NO LONGER THE WINNINGEST SEC COACH. Congratulations South Carolina, you LOSERS.
By ............................................BuLLdawg
August 14, 2008 1:42 AM | Link to this
Excuse me, LSU does have more wins overall under Nick Saban and Les Miles than Coach Richt alone at UGA in the Coach Richt Era; but they do not have nor does any other SEC team have, more wins in The SEC in the Coach Richt Era.
Auburn has as many wins in The SEC under Tommy Tuberville as Coach Richt in the Coach Richt Era, but Tubs is only 66-23 overall in the Coach Richt Era while Coach Richt is 72-19 in the Coach Richt Era, despite the fact that Coach Richt plays a far tougher strength of schedule than Tubs does.
By SOS
August 14, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this
…………BuLLdawg,
(BTW, can I just type “BuLLdawg” in the future without the periods?)
Is this “3 post” thing your version of “Where’s Waldo?” or just your lack of a decent comeback?
Still waiting for you to tell me why it’s such a struggle for your Goats to beat the Gamecocks (er, the LOSERS) every year, but you bring up other good points:
True, South Carolina could not muster a win in its last 5 games last year to get to a bowl game, but that’s not unexpected given we are LOSERS. What inquiring minds want to know is why the greatest program in college football couldn’t muster a win in its own stadium against said LOSERS last year?
How does the greatest program in college football history fail to even reach their own conference championship game because of a bunch of LOSERS?
And I don’t know where your scholarship info comes from because SC would have about 22 total scholarships available under the new NCAA rules if what you write were true. We certainly could not have signed a better recruiting class than your Goats last year if it were true.
The real question I have since you brought up scholarships is why a bunch of LOSERS have topped the Southeastern Conference academic honor roll for the last 3 semesters?
You are right about one thing. We don’t care how our team does. It’s not relevant to us at all. You will never find one of our fans blogging about our team.
Yes sir, you made some good points. Makes you wonder what kind of academic history you could have made if only you had been admitted to UGA in the first place.
By 5LBer
August 16, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this
To all the Dawg and Bama fans.
Yes, it’s taken us over 100 years to get there but what a great feeling to start the next 100 years of whipping up on your teams.
Just believe that the Cocks of old are not your little brothers anymore and now the beatings will start. In the next 50 years our record against the Dawgs will even out. We want you to keep your heads in the sand and play dumb or is it that you truly know what is coming?
Bama fans, good luck to you because there is no decendant of “The Bear” to bail your old storied program back out of the washouts that you have become. N.Satan can’t get it done.
Here we come, We know that we SC fans, for the first time, can say that.
Keep talking the past if it makes you feel better about yourself and your program.
Good luck at “The C** Pit” this year. Another win for SC, SC 20 Ga. 16.
By Cocky38
August 16, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this
Wow lets start today..Play Football and Go cocks!!