South Carolina Gamecocks

5 years ago all was excited in Columbia. Steve Spurrier was leaving the NFL and coming to South Carolina to bring the Fun ‘N Gun offense to a school in desparate need of a lift. By this time Gamecock fans figured to be atop the SEC and vying for national titles just as Spurrier helped Florida do. However these five years have been tenuous and outlined by sporadic quarterback play. The Ole Ball Coach can’t find the quarterback to run his system and therefore the Gamecocks have floundered. This season there is only 11 players coming back. One of the 11 is quarterback Stephen Garcia, someone who was part of the three quarterback rotation last year. With the same quarterback and young skill players, look for another inconsistent year in Columbia.

OFFENSE
For the past three seasons South Carolina has been looking for a quarterback that can move the ball, not throw interceptions, and lead the Gamecocks through the SEC schedule. And for the last three years there has been rotating quarterbacks- game to game, quarter to quarter, and series to series. This year Steve Spurrier hopes sophomore Stephen Garcia has been beaten down enough in the past 2 years to make better decisions and be the ONE signal caller for the Gamecocks. It was Garcia that started the bowl game against Iowa. He looked less than impressive or ready to play. He made 4 turnovers in the first half as South Carolina got destroyed to Iowa 31-10. Garcia needs help and the team can only get better. Last year the line allowed 39 sacks and gave little room for running backs to rush through as the averaged a meager 2.9 yards per carry. The receiver position should be better due to more experience. In fact, Spurrier is calling red shirt freshman Jason Barnes the second coming of Sidney Rice(1st round selection for Minnesota Vikings 2006). The line is key for the Gamecocks to improve this season, they have 7 returning with six or more games started.

DEFENSE
Not necessarily a trait of the Steve Spurrier Florida years, but in Columbia the Cocks have been led by their defense. The defensive line is full of experience and looks to continue on last year’s success of getting after the quarterback. The line achieved 31 sacks last season and bring back 3 of their 4 starters. The line backing unit looks to take a step back this year since they lose their top backer Jasper Brinkley in the middle. The Cocks will look for leadership from 1st team All SEC Eric Norwood. Norwood started his career as a defensive end but was moved to linebacker last season. In his first season of duty he led the team in tackles with 75 and reached the quarterback 9 times. The corner positions are unproven and will likely struggle early. Both starters are underclassmen and have yet to have much experience under their belts.

SEASONAL PREDICTION
South Carolina can be either really strong or really weak….my guess is for weak. The up and down tenure for Steve Spurrier should continue since the quarterback position is not truly solidified. Add that to a tailback and an unimpressive line….the offense will be HORRENDOUS. Last year the Cocks could rely solidly on their defense. They returned 9 and were able to get turnovers and create points on defense. This year they only return 6 and are young at the corners, which will test them early at NC State and in Georgia. They also take a trip to Tuscaloosa and Knoxville. Look for this team to struggle all season and end with a subpar record.

4-8

BOLD PROJECTION—This season will go so badly that STEVE SPURRIER retires after it…..