Game On

With the notable exception of last year’s Clemson game, University of South Carolina football fans haven’t had much to cheer about of late. Another end-of-season collapse in 2009, a humiliating bowl loss in January and a rash of suspensions and scandals during the off-season have drained much of the anticipation out of the upcoming campaign.

That’s too bad … as the 2010 Gamecocks appear to have the talent needed to compete in the SEC East, which is considerably weaker this year than it has been in recent years.

On Thursday night, fans will get their first look at a veteran USC squad that boasts seventeen returning starters when the Gamecocks welcome unranked Southern Mississippi to Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, S.C. The game – which is being televised nationally by ESPN – kicks off at 7:30 p.m. EDT.

Will fans be treated to a focused South Carolina team? One that’s eager to showcase its experience and talent?

Or will they see a distracted Gamecock squad get upset by a fourteen-point underdog?

(To read our preview of the Southern Miss game, click here. To read our report on South Carolina’s six “swing games,” click here).

In 116 seasons dating back to 1892, South Carolina has posted a 535–535–44 all-time record – precisely .500. That’s the definition of mediocrity, people.

In his sixth season in Columbia, head coach Steve Spurrier hasn’t done much to improve on that record, posting a 35-28 mark. Spurrier is only 18-22 against SEC opponents, however, and has a disappointing 1-3 bowl record. Also, after winning six conference championship and one national title in twelve years at Florida, Spurrier’s Gamecocks haven’t even appeared in an SEC title game – let alone won one.

Most disturbingly, Spurrier’s teams at South Carolina have fallen apart down the stretch, as USC went 0-5 to close out the 2007 season, 0-3 to round out 2008 and 1-4 over the final five games of 2009.

Obviously, Spurrier is beginning to feel the heat … but Spurrier he should have enough talent to produce at least a 9-win season.

On offense, junior quarterback Stephen Garcia is coming off of his first full season as a starter while sophomore wide receiver Alshon Jeffery is being heralded as one of America’s top wideouts. Spurrier also has a stable of talented running backs – assuming he uses them (and can find the right combination of offensive linemen to block for them).

With four preseason All-SEC selections, the Gamecock defense is the heart and soul of the team – and should be able to shut down any unit it faces with the possible exception of Alabama.

While Spurrier has hinted that Garcia will start against Southern Miss, look for true freshman Connor Shaw to see action during the first half. Spurrier is also likely to rotate his running backs as well.

Count on FITS for complete coverage of Thursday’s season opener, with our good friend Travis Bell once again providing sideline photography.

Pic: Travis Bell, Sideline Carolina