Gamecocks looking to prove they are not a 'rag-tag bunch'

RALEIGH -- For months, the world has heard a hopeful sound from the South Carolina Gamecocks.

About talented newcomers.

About energetic new coaches.

About fresh offensive ideas.

About veteran leaders.

But this is the time when hope meets reality. This is when South Carolina's progress, from season to season, will truly be measured.

The Gamecocks play North Carolina State at 7 p.m. at Carter-Finley Stadium. The game kicks off ESPN's college football coverage for the fall.

Despite the positive tones, even Steve Spurrier has repeatedly called his team an "unknown."

He's backed off this one in recent days, but he's also hinted that this year's Gamecocks are being disrespected going into the season.

"We're underdogs against N.C. State. Our team knows that," Spurrier said Aug. 13. "Nobody thinks we're worth a crap. So they know that. I've told them that and we'll keep telling them that until they earn any respect around this country. We're a rag-tag bunch right

now. Hopefully we can prove to be better than that."

The players agree that teams rarely gain automatic praise. Especially ones that went 7-6, losing their final three games in embarrassing fashion.

"Already, just from last year's performance in the stats and everything, we don't feel like we get too much respect," left tackle Jarriel King said. "But to get respect you have to earn it. We've got to make a statement this year and earn that."

The defense has a few questions -- namely that ultra-thin defensive tackle spot -- but nothing like the South Carolina offense.

That begins, clearly, with redshirt sophomore Stephen Garcia. It's not his first start. But it's his first start as the no-doubt No. 1 quarterback.

"Stephen, we believe, has made some strides. He's practiced a lot better the last week or so," Spurrier said Tuesday. "We think he's a lot more prepared. We're going to find out Thursday night. He's giving the plays a chance. He doesn't take off running all the time. Obviously that's what we've got to have out of our quarterback."

Calling any of USC's receivers proven is a stretch. Moe Brown's a senior who does all the right things off the field. But he's yet to consistently produce. Same goes for sophomore Jason Barnes, who's had an up-and-down camp.

And then there's the host of freshmen expected to play. Redshirt Tori Gurley will start, Spurrier said. D.L. Moore will get snaps. So will first-year freshman Alshon Jeffery. Another first-year guy, DeMario Bennett, might also, although an injured shoulder has slowed his progress.

"In time these guys are going to play more and more," receivers coach Steve Spurrier Jr. said. "I'm interested in watching them develop and how fast they learn and what happens when the lights come on."

Apply that to the running back position, as well.

Spurrier said Tuesday that the Gamecocks have done their best to get five backs reps throughout camp, but that trend cannot continue into the season.

Junior Brian Maddox will start. You could call him a veteran, by class, but he had only 32 carries last season.

Freshman Jarvis Giles will likely get the next shot. Then redshirt freshman Kenny Miles.

The hot back will get additional carries.

Spurrier said he wants to work in Eric Baker and Bryce Sherman, but he isn't sure if there'll be enough carries to go around.

"We want to give everyone a chance in the real games as much as we can," Spurrier said. "After that, we'll go figure out who the best is. Who's making yards, who makes guys miss, who can take care of the ball and all that."

When asked Monday about South Carolina's potential new-look offense, N.C. State coach Tom O'Brien made specific note of the Gamecocks' desire to run.

That's an interesting place to turn the focus considering South Carolina was 112th out of 117 FBS teams in running the ball a year ago.

"We're probably going to run the ball a lot more," Garcia said early in camp. "We'll run the ball better this year. The defenses won't be so antsy and blitzing. It all goes together. We have to run the ball, and we didn't do that last year."

So, what is Garcia's perception of the offense? Does he even know what to expect?

"Everybody's kind of flying under the radar," he said. "Nobody really expects any big things. But, us as an offense, we know what we're capable of. We know we're a lot more along than we ever have been before."

Once again, South Carolina will have the nation's eyes in the Thursday night opener. Do viewers -- maybe even the other SEC teams -- know what to expect?

"Not yet," Garcia said. "But after that first game, when they're watching it on ESPN, it'll be an eye-opener to some people."

Reach Travis Haney at thaney@postandcourier.com and check out the South Carolina blog at www.postandcourier.com/blogs/gamecocks.