USC seeks to end streak; Big game for Tigers, Tide
SneakPeek '08 - Week 1
COLUMBIA — Oh, it's certainly safe to say that 2007 didn't end the way Steve Spurrier and South Carolina had it drawn up. (Do we need to re-hash the five-game losing streak into a bowl-less holiday season? Didn't think so.)
AP
Steve Spurrier and his South Carolina Gamecocks look to put the five-game losing streak to an end.
As much as you want to put it behind you, you can't. Sorry. At least not until you get a win under your belt.
Unfortunately, Prairie View isn't coming to Williams-Brice for the opener; it's North Carolina State, a viable team from that conference that SEC fans like to trash.
Lose, and it's six consecutive defeats for a Spurrier-led team. That's madness to even considering.
The microscope is fixed on every area of the team.
The offense, since the reins are being handed in some capacity to Steve Spurrier Jr.
The defense, since it's Ellis Johnson's first
game as D-coordinator.
The special teams, since it's Ray Rychleski's first game as the guru.
This one's the ESPN season kickoff game, so America's households will be tuned in to see if the Ball Coach can get things righted in Year No. 4.
The breakdown
N.C. State offense vs. South Carolina defense
We know, we know. The Gamecocks couldn't stop the run a year ago. But that was with a banged-up defense and a scheme that, very honestly, Johnson said was flawed.
We'll see what the run D's got right away. Jamelle Eugene, Andre Brown and Toney Baker will all get carries for the 'Pack. Corralling them will be a challenge, but the Gamecocks have the horses up front to make it happen.
Watch for Jasper Brinkley and Eric Norwood to be immediately visible at linebacker. And maybe end Jarriel King will get some face time, if he can get his academic situation in order.
N.C. State has no clue who its quarterback will be this fall. (Sound familiar, Gamecocks faithful?) But with those runners, it won't really matter. A trained monkey could probably hand the ball off.
This won't be a team — unlike the eras of Philip Rivers and Torry Holt — that made other teams quake because of their offensive power.
It's a fair test for USC's defense, but not anything like it'll see in the latter portion of the season. Florida, folks, is just plain scary.
South Carolina offense vs. N.C. State defense
Everyone wants to focus on the QBs, and rightfully so. But what Mike Davis does in his first full-time start at back might be equally as important.
If Davis can show out of the blocks that he can carry the load — especially pass-protect and not fumble — that'll help immensely in relaxing the quarterbacks.
The Wolfpack finished last in the ACC in rushing yards allowed last season. That's obviously good news for Davis and Brian Maddox, who should factor in, too.
That's right. We said quarterbacks. C'mon, you really expect Spurrier to pick one guy and one guy only? Chris Smelley will start, and Tommy Beecher will spell him. Bank it.
Makes sense, but the success of the offense — all year and in the opener — will be dictated by the line's play. Spottiness and inconsistency cannot again present itself.
Position coach John Hunt will not survive another year like 2007. Hunt was excited in the spring about blossoming guys such as Hutch Eckerson, Heath Batchelor and Seaver Brown. Remember: USC will be without tackle Jamon Meredith because of his eligibility hangup from years ago. That might help USC in the long run, if it can survive.
The crystal ball
What's the biggest thing USC has going for it in this one? Two words: Thursday. Night.
Spurrier likes grabbing the national stage, and USC is typically pretty good on it. Beating an undefeated Kentucky squad last season might've been the best win this side of Georgia.
That said, South Carolina is usually lethargic and sloppy in its openers. No reason to expect anything different. Not with so many question marks and unknown entities.
Don't be surprised if one of those Spurrier-Spurrier Jr. gadget plays will be needed. (Kenny McKinley vs. Mississippi State in 2006, anyone?)
With Johnson at the helm, South Carolina's defense has something to prove. Watch for an early statement against a Wolfpack offense that'll be doing some soul-searching itself.
The Gamecocks will win, and, true to form, they'll win ugly. But, hey, it still counts heading into a vital early-season matchup at Vanderbilt (Sept. 4) — in yet another Thursday night game.
Prediction
South Carolina 18, North Carolina State 10
Tomorrow-- South Carolina at Vanderbilt
Reach Travis Haney at thaney@postandcourier.com and check out the new South Carolina blog at charleston.net/blogs/gamecocks/
-------------------------
Big game for Tigers, Tide
CLEMSON — The season opener against Clemson is big for Alabama's Nick Saban.
AP
Tommy Bowden and his Clemson Tigers return to Atlanta for their season-opener against Alabama.
The second-year Crimson Tide coach isn't getting paid $4 million a year to lose to Louisiana-Monroe and finish 7-6. Alabama did both last year, and there would be no better way to begin turning the tide than by knocking off the Tigers in Atlanta's Georgia Dome.
But while this game is unquestionably big for Saban and Alabama, it's probably bigger for Tommy Bowden and Clemson.
The Tigers are considered a Top 10 team and favorites to win the ACC title that has eluded them for 17 long years. With a dazzling set of offensive skill players and plenty of defensive talent returning, Clemson appears on the cusp of great things.
That's why a loss in this game would be so devastating to the Tigers. It would have zero effect on their ACC aspirations, but it'd leave
folks all over the country — and perhaps the Tigers themselves — singing the same refrain: Same old Clemson.
The Breakdown
Alabama offense vs. Clemson defense
Last time out, Tigers defensive coordinator Vic Koenning had to worry about Auburn and newly-hired offensive coordinator Tony Franklin. Clemson bottled up Auburn's offense for most of that game but struggled in the end of the 23-20 overtime defeat in the Chick-fil-A Bowl.
Now Koenning is in the same stadium facing another team from Alabama with a new offensive coordinator. Jim McElwain left Fresno State to replace Major Applewhite at Alabama, and his task is to add a spark to an offense that was miserable at the end of 2007.
The strength of the Crimson Tide's offense is its veteran line. Center Antoine Caldwell decided to return for his senior year. Left tackle Andre Smith (6-5, 340) could prove a difficult matchup for Ricky Sapp, Kevin Alexander and Da'Quan Bowers.
Senior quarterback John Parker Wilson has put together a solid career numbers-wise but has been prone to making costly mistakes.
Sophomore tailback Terry Grant is fast and dangerous, and the rest of the Crimson Tide's tailbacks love to pound between the tackles. The Crimson Tide has a lot of holes at receiver, and that means celebrated incoming freshmen Julio Jones and Burton Scott could make an immediate impact.
Clemson offense vs. Alabama defense
The Tigers' inexperienced offensive line will get a tough test right off the bat against a seasoned defensive line.
Alabama's three-man front is short on production and depth but has some experience, with junior Brandon Deaderick and senior Bobby Greenwood having each played in 12 games last season at end. Junior nose tackle Lorenzo Washington started 12 games last season and had 36 tackles with three sacks. Look out for tackle Terrance Cody, a 6-5, 385-pound beast of a junior-college transfer.
By far the biggest weakness for the Crimson Tide is linebacker, where sophomore Rolando McClain qualifies as the elder statesman of the group. Don't be surprised if Saban and assistant Kevin Steele throw out plenty of nickel and dime packages in an effort to offset this deficiency.
The crystal ball
While Alabama's offseason witnessed a change in offensive philosophy and some coaching moves on defense, everything was pretty much status quo in Clemson.
With weapons like James Davis, C.J. Spiller and Jacoby Ford, Tigers offensive coordinator Rob Spence will find ways to exploit the Crimson Tide's linebacker weaknesses. Clemson's offensive line won't be anywhere close to brilliant, but it won't need to be on this night.
The Tigers will go up big early and hold on to defeat the Crimson Tide on national television. With four straight home games on the docket, Clemson looks like a good bet to remain in the Top 10 well into October.
Prediction -- Clemson 27, Alabama 20
Tomorrow -- The Citadel at Clemson
Reach Larry Williams at lwilliams@postandcourier.com and check out the new Clemson blog at charleston.net/blogs/tiger_tracks/
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Comments
jmw29410 (anonymous) says...
"I wonder what the stats are for DUIs given after USC home games?"
Gadsden, they are probably comparable to those after a Dave Matthews show in a city where they are not so rectal about tailgating.
People no longer care about Spurrier and his funky chickens after his remarks about The Flag a few years ago. Until he appologizes to the South in General, he can rot for all I care.
July 9, 2008 at 7:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nikkiP (anonymous) says...
Um, we really don't blackout. I mean, I know people that do but they're few and far between. What do you have against that anyway? It's not just USC, it's every college sport at every university.
July 9, 2008 at 7:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bigriver1 (anonymous) says...
Just like always sc 6-6, 3-5 lose to Clemson and no bowl game. 10-12 players visit Richland county detention center during the season. Shamecock fans say wait till next year, just like always.
July 9, 2008 at 7:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
singleroni (anonymous) says...
will they have enough out of jail in time to play the game?
July 9, 2008 at 7:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ed52 (anonymous) says...
gadsden , are you just trying too get a rise out of usc fans or are you just that ignorent.
How many college games have you attended? Are you too cowardly to tell us about your college?
July 9, 2008 at 8:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JAMJOH (anonymous) says...
Actually gadsden, you genius, most people sober up around the third quarter because there isn't much drinking allowed in the stadium, and it's not that easy to sneak a bottle of liquor into a game where you are searched as you enter. Maybe you haven't noticed the militia of security to handle people that have drank too much, which is why you don't see "piles of puke" and "people passed out". There definately isn't any drinking, tailgating, partying, etc. going on at other colleges around the states. I bet I've been to quite a few more USC games than you, and you really just don't know what your talking about.
July 9, 2008 at 8:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yeayea (anonymous) says...
u-s-c goooooo cocks!
will be in attendance at the season opener.
down with the ACC! ha
July 9, 2008 at 9:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
notafan (anonymous) says...
At least our players go to jail and are not granted "in good standing" and allowed to go on with his life like nothing happened. I wonder if the girl he beat up will be able to do the same thing. Classy school.
July 9, 2008 at 10:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
notafan (anonymous) says...
I can't wait for the fifth grade summer to be over so bigriver can go back and repeat the fifth grade again. Son, please come up with some new material. It really gets old.
July 9, 2008 at 10:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
notafan (anonymous) says...
Has anybody seen a Clemson football game on tv lately? By the start of the third quarter you can clearly read the Clemson Tigers in the upper deck. Talk about fair weather fans...
But you do throw everything out the windows when they wear those purple pants. The only team behind the Bad News Bears in color choice must have been Clemson.
July 9, 2008 at 10:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Chanticleer (anonymous) says...
Wonder if the girl who lied about McDaniel will get off for filing a false police report like the Duke stripper did.
Notafan - Clemson, unlike USC, allows re-entry to games, that is why you see empty seats at the start of the 3rd quarter. 2nd halves of coot games are more like an aluminum scrap yard, but I can't blame you guys, I wouldn't want to witness things like Tebow scoring his 6th TD or Clemson racking up 63 points in my backyard either.
July 9, 2008 at 10:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
fantasy5 (anonymous) says...
Chant, couldn't have said it better my friend.
notafan, we both know that the DeAndre MCDaniel situation is not over, so lets quit kidding ourselves and saying he'll "go on living liked nothing happended." You and sbs need to go back over to the junior gamecock message boards where the likeminded logic of juvenile gamecock fans is appreciated...
July 9, 2008 at 11:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
notafan (anonymous) says...
Chanticleer, just think all those Clemson fans missed Matt Ryan's comeback and your receiver drop the game winning catch that would have sent the Tigers to the ACC championship game.
Who knows how many TD's Tebow would score against Clemson but since Clemson really does not play a team with a Heisman winner we will never know.
July 9, 2008 at 11:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
fjms (anonymous) says...
Fitting song 2001 is for u.s.c, that's how many people are left in the upside down cockroach after the third quarter.
July 9, 2008 at 11:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Nonsense (anonymous) says...
Let's see - Clemson lost its bowl game to the sixth best team in the SEC - and beat USC by a last minute field goal - not too much to brag about there, my friend. Tommy Bowden has a way of choking while having massive talent on his teams - no ACC championships to his credit. Been on the hot seat for the past few years - he's lucky he has squeezed some wins from Spurrier - or else he would be in the unemployment line.
July 9, 2008 at 11:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
notafan (anonymous) says...
fjms, check attendance records last year and I think you woild be surprised. If it was not for FSU and Carolina Clemson would never sell out a game.
Oh I forgot they may sell out the BC game just to see Tammy give away another title.
July 9, 2008 at 12:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
OldSalt (anonymous) says...
Is Clemson going to have to fly the team to Atlanta for the game?
I heard they couldn't find enough short buses for the trip....
July 9, 2008 at 12:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Rooster07 (anonymous) says...
Should be a requirement to actually read the article before posting. Many of you wouldn't be allowed to chime in...just sayin'
Anyway, crucial game for both teams. Especially Carolina. If we lose that one it could be a long season. Clemson should still win the ACC even if they lose a close one to Bama.
July 9, 2008 at 12:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sbishop (anonymous) says...
notafan, short term memory not working? many usc players have been arrested over the last couple of years, some more than once and I do believe they are still playing for usc. Were they granted a get out of jail on weekends pass?
July 9, 2008 at 12:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
pizzarolls (anonymous) says...
Let me get this straight, you could care less about USC and you are not a fan, but you are still an expert when it comes to SC fans drinking at every game,leaving in the 3rd quarter, getting DUIs, etc.? I guess you go to all the games to study fan's behavior. Wish I had that much free time.
July 9, 2008 at 12:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gococks1985 (anonymous) says...
It's good to see the rivalry is still going strong. GO GAMECOCKS!!!
July 9, 2008 at 12:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Rooster07 (anonymous) says...
I've been going to USC games since the 80's and not once have I seen anyone passed out. Even spent some time in the student section and never saw that. He may be confused with the other USC??
Fans drink at every school (except maybe BYU). At Clemson its kinda hard to arrest people for DUI when all 5 of your cops are directing traffic after games.
July 9, 2008 at 12:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
fjms (anonymous) says...
I'm just saying a lot of shamecock fans leave the game early or hardly make any noise.
July 9, 2008 at 12:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Attygen (anonymous) says...
Short buses? Is OldS--t insulting the disabled population? Another typical biased comment.
July 9, 2008 at 12:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sptiger (anonymous) says...
this is getting ridiculous....all started by bigriver who isn't even a clemson fan. he/she really knows how to get the usc faithful (3rd & 4th quarter attendance refutes that term...jk) up in arms and ready to sling mud at the tigers. the only credible and relevant usc poster on here is rooster due to the lack of irrational and insane posts. go find some dirt on oklahoma and put bigriver in his/her place!
July 9, 2008 at 1 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Rooster07 (anonymous) says...
thanks sptiger. Its shouldn't be hard to find dirt of oklahoma aka the 'dirtest program in college football.' Don't believe me, check out the Barry Switzer era.
July 9, 2008 at 1:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MSC (anonymous) says...
Clemson can't beat Duke, but they can beat their girlfriends.
July 9, 2008 at 1:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
pizzarolls (anonymous) says...
So you've been to 8 or 9 games huh? Well, I've been a fan for most of my life,went to football camp @ USC when I was a kid, graduated from USC & go to as many games as I can every year. I have never seen the type of behavior that you say goes on at every game. SC has some of the best, most loyal fans in all of college football. Yes there are people drinking & there are a few who have overindulged themselves, but its not the alcohol binge fest that you claim it is. Its certainly no different than any other college team's games that I've been too. When I read something like that generalized, erroneous post you made earlier about ALL USC games I am compelled to correct you. Don't take it so personal.
July 9, 2008 at 1:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Rebel_Yell (anonymous) says...
Im not a fan of either team but the clemson thuggers have the worst fans in America. If I was to pull for a state team, I would go with Scar because I like underdogs. Besides, clemson fans act like they have done something great when they just keep losing to all cupcake teams. I don't like to associate with people who are full of it and the thuggers' fans have BS coming out of their ears. This is just an objective opinion based on what I have observed in this State. If my boy pulled for the clemson thuggers, I would kick him out of my home for being stupid and pulling for a team that claims a national title based on cheating. Just my 2 cents you rednecks
July 9, 2008 at 2:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JAMJOH (anonymous) says...
If you can't handle a few drunks here and there at a college football game, you don't need to be there. It should pretty much be a given that there will be people drinking and getting drunk when you mix 85,000 fans and college football. Stay home if it bothers you that much.
July 9, 2008 at 3:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sbs920 (anonymous) says...
Hey is little tammy trying to do his "Al Bundy" imitation in the picture above! That is too funny!
July 9, 2008 at 3:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JAMJOH (anonymous) says...
Hell your only in college once! That stuff doesn't just happen in Columbia either.
July 9, 2008 at 3:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coachken (anonymous) says...
Not much meat in the comments, alot of loud mouth imature banter. My dad can beat your dad stuff, solves nothing and shows your ignorance, grow up. Good article
July 9, 2008 at 3:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tightlines (anonymous) says...
Yes we are very loyal Gadsen. I've been to many college venues around the country and you have your drunks everywhere. IMO, Williams Brice is one of the best venues in the country and it's only going to get better. U-S-C GO COCKS! GAME!!!
July 9, 2008 at 3:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
youmanyo (anonymous) says...
I think we all need football season to get here , spot the damn ball .
July 9, 2008 at 4:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
fjms (anonymous) says...
sbs920 I told you to stop name calling your daddy! Until y'all start beating him more than once every five years he is your daddy in football terms.
July 9, 2008 at 4:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
charleston_grown (anonymous) says...
wow, this is hilarious....
i don't think i have ever seen so many trolls or flames on one thread on charleston.net ever.
oh well, i am glad they are publishing this series as it is getting all fans pumped for football season. I just hate to see how low some people will go to try and trash another program. No team deserves fans of that caliber.
anyway, go tigers!
July 9, 2008 at 6:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Attygen (anonymous) says...
Okay Gadsden , for starters re-read my post . What I said had nothing to do with one school or the other-- it said OldS**t was insulting to the disabled by using "short buses" comments in an insulting manner . That's all-Period. A lot of disabled kids don't like to ride those buses because they hear stuff like that .By the way , I attended Clemson , so that shoots the rest of your insults down . Guess you were just looking for a fight and did not comprehend.
July 9, 2008 at 7:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Spartan (anonymous) says...
If Clemson doesn't go at least 9-3 it would be really sad given their talent and favorable schedule. And Gamecocks should go about 7-5 given their schedule. But hey,things don't always go as expected in Palmetto state. I mean last October, all my Clemson friends wanted Tommy Bowden fired & on a bus outa town & wanted to know what they could do to hire Steve Spurrier who was 6-1 at the time. Then look what happened! And hey, if Corey Boyd makes the first down last November things would have been even more unpredicatble with bowls, etc. So given this & a fact that all American Jasper Brinkley will be breathing fire again (shut down premier running back Nahsan Moreno in Athens) I say Gamecocks go 9-3 and Clemson slumps to 7-5. Don't know why, just the way it seems. Gamecocks lose to FLA, GA and Wofford. Win the rest.
July 9, 2008 at 9:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Attygen (anonymous) says...
Lose to Wofford ? Is Nahsan Knowshon's brother?
July 9, 2008 at 10:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ed52 (anonymous) says...
gadsden ,you may be the worst liar on this board. your posts are a giant pile of horse manure.
July 9, 2008 at 10:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Spartan (anonymous) says...
to attygen: yeah, lose to Wofford. Two years ago it took USC a goal line stand with time running out to squeek out a win. No one knows how to defend Mike Ayers' option. And Wofford rarely punts. Its four downs of run right,run left.
July 9, 2008 at 11:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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