Just in time for the holiday weekend, Athlon’s 2009 College Football preview magazine is out … although it probably won’t put University of South Carolina fans in a celebratory mood.
Seriously, just once we’d like to open one of these preseason publications and read about how “South Carolina is adding the nation’s best recruiting class to a defending SEC championship squad -one that returns all-conference starters on both sides of the football.”
Or that “the Gamecocks high-octane offense pummeled SEC defenses last year en route to its seventh consecutive BCS appearance.”
Sadly, we don’t live in a parallel universe – although in the real universe we did get charged a new “seat tax” on our season tickets this year by the guy responsible for the crappy product we have to watch each Saturday … so there’s that.
Anyway, from the Gamecocks’ Athlon preview:
Entering his fifth season at South Carolina, Steve Spurrier is still searching for the right formula to do “what’s never been done before” — bring an SEC championship home to Columbia. The coach who won six SEC titles and a national championship during a 12-year run at Florida has found the sledding to be tougher at South Carolina.
The 64-year-old Spurrier is 28–22 with the Gamecocks, including a 15–17 SEC record, and has not finished above .500 in the conference since his first season in 2005. After South Carolina was embarrassed in its final three games last season — outscored 118–30 in losses to Florida, Clemson and Iowa — there was major turnover on the coaching staff. A couple of assistants were fired or forced out; several left on their own. Four of the five new coaches are on offense, where Spurrier wants to improve a rushing attack that was the SEC’s worst the past two seasons.
Defensively, there are big holes to fill on a unit that was among the league’s best in 2008. A pair of defensive backs (Captain Munnerlyn and Emanuel Cook) left early for the NFL Draft. Fortunately for Gamecock fans, All-SEC linebacker Eric Norwood returns for his senior season after initially announcing he was leaving.
Look, people. The Son of our Lord could have announced that he was returning for his senior season at South Carolina and it’s doubtful the Gamecocks would finish above .500 in the SEC – which is a shame, because we were really hoping that the “Chicken Curse” (a.k.a. USC’s historical inability to block and tackle) was just Clempsun spin.
Anyway, anything short of nine wins this season and Spurrier should be shown the door … which considering we gotta play at Georgia (9/12), at Alabama (10/17), at Tennessee (10/31) and at home against Ole Miss (9/24), Florida (11/14) and Clempsun (11/21) is probably a safe bet.
By Wes Wolfe July 3, 2009 at 8:44 pm
I’ll bet you $100 easy that Carolina doesn’t get close to nine wins this year. USC’s best postseason chance is a trip to the happenin’ environs of Shreveport. And watching Spurrier deal with his personal fourth-straight loss to Alabama (UF ’99 twice, USC ’05, USC ’09) will be the cherry on top.
By Doyle July 3, 2009 at 9:33 pm
If the Ole Ball Coot can’t beat that youngster that replaced Fat Phil at UT, he outta quit.
By CNSYD July 3, 2009 at 9:40 pm
As Ben Tillman decreed, so shall it be.
By Doug Jolley July 3, 2009 at 11:23 pm
If Fits reports anything on USC athletics, it’s a 99% guarantee it will be negative.
By Sangaree SC July 4, 2009 at 11:03 am
I’m sure you could pump us some sunshine, Doug………tell me something to look forward to this season. Just thinking about Gamecock football this year gets me depressed……….
I’m still patiently waiting on “next year” to get here. One SEC title and I will be happy……..
By FITSNews July 4, 2009 at 11:46 am
Doug,
If USC athletics is doing anything, “it’s a 99% guarantee” it will be negative.
-FITS
P.S. – You’re obviously unfamiliar with our Clempsun Farmer coverage … it’s worse.
By CNSYD July 4, 2009 at 12:12 pm
Doyle, Old Ball Coot couldn’t beat that youngster that replaced Tommy Bowden so don’t hold your breath. He got his Augusta National membership so he is content.
By CNSYD July 4, 2009 at 12:15 pm
Doug Jolley, here is some positive USC football news for you. On July 4, 2009 USC is undefeated and unscored on. They are in contention for the SEC and BCS championships. Now do you feel better?
By CNSYD July 4, 2009 at 12:52 pm
FITS, irt your distain for farmers. When looking at your rock band figure compared to your present one obviously farmers have been your best friend.
By My Son Goes To USC July 5, 2009 at 9:18 pm
6-6 if they win at NC State. Otherwise, 4-8 is more likely.
A loss at home to Kentucky or Vanderbilt where some Gamecock
player does something stupid at a crucial time will seal the
deal.
Spurrier’s last season. Thankfully. Let’s get a coach who is interested
in winning instead of $$$$.
By Toyota Kawaski July 6, 2009 at 8:28 am
It’s going to snow! I agree fits less than 9 go join Coach Holtz in FL.
By Just Thinking About it July 6, 2009 at 3:53 pm
We are eye witnesses to repeated dismal performances by the “Cock-n-misfire” offense every Saturday we gather at Williams Brice Stadium.
The drunken sorority girls donning their black dresses and pearls with no doubt could put up more points than than the current all star cast we have on offense. At least that would be better to look at.
Speaking of witch….. do we at least have good looking cheerleaders this year?
- JTAI
By dcp July 6, 2009 at 7:38 pm
They break my heart!!! However, I did graduate from Carolina in’79 and will always pull for the Shamecocks. I’ll never pull for Clempson and would gladly go winless except for beating the Tigers! 1-11 and Spurrier can stay. DCP