Garcia has a big day at Ole Miss

If you've followed South Carolina football for any time at all, you know something like this is bound to happen. You just don't know when.

Just as everybody's writing off the Gamecocks, they somehow manage to rise up and show signs of hope. That's what keeps everybody coming back.

The obvious candidate to lead a midseason resurgence is redshirt freshman quarterback Stephen Garcia. Despite his off-the-field issues, the kid from Tampa has the goods.

When asked recently if Garcia had the "it" factor, Spurrier said, "He's got the physical ability, there's no question about that. And I think he's got good common sense. So he should be able to play, eventually."

Spurrier said it took Rex Grossman three years before he could make the right decisions as the Florida quarterback. USC can't wait that long.

"Unfortunately, there's a lot of decision-making involved in the game today," Spurrier said. "He's got to work at it and train. But we think he's got the potential to do that."

USC fans hope he's a fast learner.

Maybe he can have a big day in Oxford today, and turn things around for the Gamecocks. They're due.

After going 5-5 last week, so am I.

The picks

THE CITADEL at APPALACHIAN STATE — If the Bulldogs are going to beat the FCS defending national champs in Boone, this is the year to do it. Unfortunately, it's not just a steep hill to climb, it's a real live mountain.

APPALACHIAN by 14.

SOUTH CAROLINA at MISSISSIPPI — Stephen Garcia goes wild, throws for six touchdowns and the Gamecocks upset Ole Miss the week after the Rebels upset Florida. Upset Special of the Week:

SOUTH CAROLINA by 9.

S.C. STATE at FLORIDA A&M — It's always a battle with the Rattlers in Tallahassee, but these Bulldogs know no fear.

S.C. STATE by 10.

FURMAN at ELON — Flip a coin on this Southern Conference showdown. But I think Bobby Lamb has the Paladins going again.

FURMAN by 14.

BOSTON COLLEGE at N.C. STATE — Tom O'Brien takes on his old team from Beantown. Something tells me the Wolfpack is back.

N.C. STATE by 1.

MARYLAND at VIRGINIA — Al Groh has to go.

MARYLAND by 21.

FLORIDA STATE at MIAMI — Oh, how the mighty have fallen. Remember when this game mattered?

FLORIDA STATE by 7.

AUBURN at VANDERBILT — Some folks think Bobby Johnson would make a good coach for Clemson. If he can win this game, hire him immediately.

VANDERBILT by 6.

MARYLAND at VIRGINIA — I know, we printed this game twice. I think the Terps will win this one, too.

MARYLAND by 21.

MISSOURI at NEBRASKA — The Cornhuskers just ain't what they used to be.

MISSOURI by 10.

Reach Ken Burger at 937-5598 or kburger@postandcourier.com.