Next up on the Triple Option Attack is #24 South Carolina
Music to listen to: Time by Hootie and the Blowfish
Mixed emotions on Hootie. I liked the band when it first came out but the music got overplayed constantly and I turned sour on the group. Than the interest in the group died down and I started liking them again. Now Darius Rucker has a solid solo country music career and I like his stuff as well. What this all means is that Hootie and the Blowfish get some respect and have the honor of representing the musical exploits of South Carolina.
The Story: Some may consider Steve Spurrier’s five years at South Carolina unsuccessful because his squad has never finished a season with more than seven wins. However, when you consider that prior to his arrival, the Gamecocks only had 10 winning seasons since 1980, the scale of “success” has to be different for Spurrier at South Carolina than at Florida.
Shoot, in the entire history of the program which dates back to 1892, the Gamecocks has only had SEVEN seasons when they have won eight or more games and only one ten-win season.
This may be the first season in his tenure that you can say that on paper they may be the second-best team in the SEC East and if they can beat Florida in Gainesville, maybe a trip to Atlanta for the SEC title game isn’t completely out of reach.
Last Season: Finished the year 7-6, including a 20-7 loss to Connecticut in the PapaJohns.com Bowl.
The Offense: The Gamecocks haven’t had a 1,000 yard rusher in ten years and combined with the inconsistency of the quarterback position, the offensive flow has been a major problem for the team. The good news is that up to nine starters are returning to the squad. The bad news is that Stephen Garcia is one of them. His poor decision making on and off the field have been a major hindrance for South Carolina. However maybe the maturity of the upperclassmen will finally come through because if Garcia grows, than the Gamecocks have a chance to be an above-average team. The offense does get major help from true freshman Marcus Lattimore, who was considered by various news publications at the top high school running back in the nation last year. If he can make a major contribution to the squad running behind four returning starters on the offensive line, good things may be in line.
The Defense: Surprisingly to most casual fans, the defensive unit of the Gamecocks has been the more consistent unit for South Carolina in the Spurrier regime. Seven starters return to the squad, including potential All-Conference performer Cliff Matthews, the star senior defensive end for the team. The linebackers will miss the leadership of graduated Eric Norwood, a multiple All-SEC performer, team record-setter and arguably the top defensive player ever in the schools history. The secondary will be anchored by Stephen Gilmore and Chris Culliver.
The Schedule:
9-2-10 SOUTHERN MISS (Thur.)
9-11-10 GEORGIA
9-18-10 FURMAN
9-25-10 at Auburn
10-9-10 ALABAMA
10-16-10 at Kentucky
10-23-10 at Vanderbilt
10-30-10 TENNESSEE
11-6-10 ARKANSAS
11-13-10 at Florida
11-20-10 TROY
11-27-10 at Clemson
The Gamecocks have their first three games at home but can easily start the season 1-2. They open with a pesky and potential national top-30 team in the first official game of the college football season. While the Golden Eagles shouldn’t be overlooked, everyone will be looking at the week two game against Georgia as the true litmus test for South Carolina. If USC is able to get the win over the Bulldogs, momentum may carry them to a 4-0 record before hosting Alabama. However, the week for the Alabama game, the Gamecocks will have to travel to Auburn against an improved Tigers’ team. The good news is that they should be considered favorites against Vandy, Kentucky, Tennessee and maybe even Arkansas at home before heading to Florida in what they hope will be a battle for the SEC East. The season ender at Clemson over Thanksgiving weekend is always an imperative win for South Carolina.
Most Famous Sports Alum: I tend to side towards the older alums in this category so lets take Sterling Sharpe, the former Pro Bowl receiver for the Green Bay Packers and television analyst.
Celebrity Crush Alum: I’m going to say Leeza Gibbons in a small upset. I looked at the list of alums and she won the battle.
Prediction: 9-3
I think that South Carolina will win its game against Georgia but will suffer two defeats in a row at Auburn and hosting Alabama. The next loss will be at Florida but will gain a victory over Clemson on the road. That should be considered an excellent season for the Gamecocks but a trip to Atlanta will not happen.
Sports Inquirer Top-25 Preseason College Football Poll:
The Sports Inquirer 
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