University of South Carolina Gamecocks

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2008 Gamecock Schedule
Conference Games in Bold
4 - 1 (1 - 1)

08/28/08 vs. North Carolina State - Columbia, S.C. W 28 - 7
09/04/08 @ Vanderbilt - Nashville, Tenn. W 41 - 16
09/13/08 vs. Georgia - Columbia, S.C. L 28-49
09/20/08 vs. Wofford - Columbia, S.C. W 84-3
09/27/08 vs. UAB - Columbia, S.C. W 37-15
10/04/08 @ Mississippi - Oxford, Miss. W 56-10
10/11/08 @ Kentucky - Lexington, Ky.
10/18/08 vs. LSU - Columbia, S.C.
11/01/08 vs. Tennessee - Columbia, S.C.
11/08/08 vs. Arkansas - Columbia, S.C.
11/15/08 @ Florida - Gainesville, Fla.
11/29/08 @ Clemson - Clemson, S.C.


South Carolina has a schedule that lends itself to a rebound season, even in the SEC East. Except for Florida, all of South Carolina's toughest conference games are in Columbia. The other three SEC road opponents are Vanderbilt, Ole Miss and Kentucky. The back half of the schedule is much more daunting than the first half, with back-to-back road trips to Gainesville and Clemson to end the season.

Spurrier's arrival brought visions of SEC championships to Columbia, but those hopes have been tempered after the Gamecocks finished 6-6 and missed a bowl game in 2007. South Carolina should return to a bowl this season. Whether the Gamecocks are in SEC East contention depends on the health of the defense and – above all else – the emergence of a competent quarterback.

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School:

The University of South Carolina (also referred to as USC, SC, or Carolina) is a public, co-educational, research university located in Columbia, South Carolina, United States. Its historic campus covers over 359 acres in downtown Columbia.

The University of South Carolina, with approximately 27,000 students, offers more than 350 programs of study leading to bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees from fifteen degree-granting colleges and schools. Professional schools on the Columbia campus include engineering, law, medicine, and pharmacy.


Williams-Brice Stadium:
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Williams-Brice Stadium opened in 1934 and has an official size of 80,250 (though the record attendance is 85,000). It is currently the 18th largest college football stadium in the NCAA and 7th largest stadium among the 12-member Southeastern Conference. Plans for future expansion include adding an upper deck in the north end zone, which would increase capacity to approximately 88,000. Construction could begin following the 2008 season and could be completed in time for the first game of 2010.

It has been nicknamed "The Cockpit" by Gamecock fans and local media, although the nickname is unofficial. Steve Spurrier has suggested "The Barnyard" due to the stadium's proximity to the State Farmers Market.

Carolina football teams consistently attract standing-room-only crowds to Williams-Brice Stadium. The atmosphere on game days has been voted "the best" by secsports.com. Many great athletes have played for the Gamecocks and have become stars in the National Football League. The most famous is Heisman Trophy winner George Rogers. After the retirement of Lou Holtz in 2004, the University hired Steve Spurrier to lead the Gamecock football program.


Coaching:
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Steve Spurrier was a two-time All-American and is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame as a player. He is well known for winning the Heisman Trophy in 1966, and for coaching the University of Florida football team to six SEC championships in the decade from 1991–2000 including one National Championship in 1996. This will be Spurrier's 4th season as head coach at South Carolina, with a record of 21-16 (11-13 SEC). The Gamecocks finished the 2007 campaign at 6-6 (3-5 SEC). This record marks the first non-winning season for Spurrier since his first season at Duke in 1987.


Rivalry:
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Carolina's foremost rival is Clemson University. The two institutions are separated by just over 125 miles and have been bitter rivals since Clemson's founding in 1889. A heated rivalry continues to this day for a variety of reasons, including the historic tensions regarding their respective charters along with the passions surrounding their athletic programs. The annual Carolina-Clemson football game is the longest uninterrupted series in the South and the third longest uninterrupted series overall, first being played in 1896 (four years after South Carolina's inaugural season), and having been played every year since 1909.

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Key Losses

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HB, Cory Boyd
Hard-nosed runner, very physical player who can also catch the ball out of the backfield... Had over 1300 yards of total offense in 2007 and lead the team with 10 total TDs. Boyd is the only the second South Carolina player ever to gain 1000 yards both rushing and receiving in a career. Boyd was selected in the 7th round (238 overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.


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DE/OLB, Casper Brinkley
Physical, versitile defender, capable of playing both DE and OLB... Had 60 total tackles and 3 sacks in 2007. Signed as a FA by the Carolina Panthers hours after the 2008 NFL Draft ended.



Key Players

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QB, Chris Smelley #7
So. - 6'2" - 216 lbs
Smelley split time in the 2007 season with the now graduated Blake Mitchell. He threw for 1176 yds, 9 TD, 7 Int, completing 58.6% of his passes in 7 games. Smelley is rated at 82 Overall, with Throwing Power and Accuracy at 89/90 respectively. Although considered outright to be the team's #1 QB, Smelley will have some competition pushing him along. Red shirt Freshman Stephen Garcia is poised to take the reins should Smelley turn to Stinky. Garcia (79) is much quicker than Smelley (58) and has comparable strength (91) and accuracy (84). However, with no game experience, he does need to work on his awareness (58) before he is ready to lead the team.


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WR, Kenny McKinley #11
Sr. - 6'0" - 182 lbs
Kenny McKinley started his career in the shadow of Sidney Rice, but he has carved a nice career out for himself. McKinley caught an SEC-leading 77 passes last season for 968 yards and 9 touchdowns. He could leave South Carolina as the school record-holder for several receiving marks. McKinley is sure to be an impact player at 92 overall with 93 speed and 94s in acceleration and agilty. He is expected to get off the line quick, run quality routes (91) and create separation from the DBs (Release 87), as well as make the difficult catches (Spec. Catch 91) even in traffic (88).


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MLB, Jasper Brinkley #52 ------------------- OLB, Rodney Paulk #45
Sr. - 6'2" - 275 lbs ---------------------------- Jr. - 6'0" - 226 lbs
Twin brother of ex-Gamecock and now Carolina Panther Casper, Jasper Brinkley is poised to have an outstanding (super-)senior season. The All-conference and All-America linebacker candidate received a medical redshirt for the 2007 season after suffering a knee injury, but now looks 100% for this upcoming season. An impact player and leader on the defense, he was a first-team All-SEC performer as a junior in 2006 when he led the team with 107 tackles. Brinkley is a 97 overall and is a force to be reckoned with in the middle - 89 Awareness, 92 Tackle, 97 Hit Power, 97 Block Shed, 95 Play Recognition, 95 Persuit.

Paulk started 22 games over the past two seasons, ranking third overall (91) among the returning players behind only seniors McKinley (92) and Brinkley (97). Paulk is a tough, consistent performer who has registered 100 tackles over the past two seasons, including 8.0 tackles for loss and a pair of sacks. Paulk has some speed on the outside (84) but similar Brinkley, is more of a big hitting run-stopper - 87 Accelartion, 86 Tackle, 80 Hit Power, 88 Block Shed, 80 Play Recognition, 89 Persuit.


Keys of the Future

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HB, Eric Baker #28
Fr. - 5'11" - 187 lbs
One of three signees from Fork Union (Va.) Military Academy, Eric Baker will be one of the running backs putting pressure on veteran Mike Davis. As a senior at Jacksonville (Fla.) Baker led the state with 1,703 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns. He rates in at 82 overall, but could be redshirted in favor of smiliarly skilled but more experienced Sr. Bobby Wallace (83).

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CB, Akeem Auguste #3
Fr. - 5'9" - 179 lbs
Another addition from Fork Union, Akeem Auguste is competing with Carlos Thomas at a cornerback spot. Could be special both in the secondary and in the return game. Is explosive as a kick returner (86). Has elite speed (92), very good change of direction skills (agility 87, acceleration 90) and reaction time. If Auguste doesn't win the starting job, he still could see time in the nickel package. He also only wears one sleeve, which only adds to his awesomeness.

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Offense:

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Leading rusher and team leader Cory Boyd is gone, leaving the position to Davis - a senior who has rushed for 1,658 yards and started 14 games over the past three seasons. But he's under pressure to perform after the Gamecocks averaged an SEC-worst 113.7 rushing yards per game last season. Davis hasn't always been in the coaching staff's good graces, and he has plenty of other backs looking to take his spot.

South Carolina has usually lined up in a single-back formation with three wide receivers. Look for a return to a more classic 2-back scheme this season with more focus on a power running game. Though he has a reputation as a pass-first coach, Steve Spurrier has had the most success with a balanced offense.

South Carolina could give defenses fits with a two-tight end set. The Gamecocks have the personnel to do so with Jr. Jared Cook (81 ovr) and So. Weslye Saunders (75 ovr). Even with veteran Andy Boyd on the roster last season, Cook and Saunders combined for 42 catches for 602 yards. Cook had three touchdown receptions.

As always, Spurrier's quarterbacks will be under the microscope. Sophomore Chris Smelley, who went 4-2 as a starter last year, is the most experienced. Smelley and junior Tommy Beecher will continue to compete into the fall. The question looming throughout camp will be the handling of redshirt freshman Stephen Garcia. He looks to have the most talent of any quarterback on the roster, but can Spurrier count on him?

Spurrier has his work cut out for him beyond the quarterback spot. The line should be improved after the Gamecocks struggled to run the football and allowed the second-most sacks in the SEC. Tackles Jamon Meredith (LT - 87 ovr)and Justin Sorensen (RT - 89 ovr) return, joined in the starting lineup by three others who started at times last season. Indeed, seven linemen who started at least one game last season return this season. Even with McKinley and the two tight ends, South Carolina would like to find more options at wide receiver, starting with sophomore Dion Lecorn (78 ovr).


Defense:

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New coordinator Ellis Johnson brings a 4-3 defense to South Carolina. He has several quality edge rushers at his disposal in Eric Norwood (91 ovr) and Jordin Lindsey (86 ovr). And a strong linebacker corps anchored by Jasper Brinkley.

Brinkley was en route to possibly becoming the best linebacker in the SEC before suffering a season-ending knee injury after four games last season. When healthy, Brinkley is a tackling machine. In 2006, he had 107 tackles, 14.5 tackles for a loss and five sacks. South Carolina needs him to reclaim that form to improve the SEC's worst run defense.

South Carolina allowed a combined 487 rushing yards to Darren McFadden and Felix Jones last season. The run defense should improve with the return of Brinkley and tackle Nathan Pepper (81 ovr), who blew out his knee early last season. Still, the Gamecocks need more than just marginal improvement against the run if they're going to seriously challenge for the SEC East title. Coaches hope moving some players around will toughen the run defense.

Senior DT Marque Hall (84 ovr) got off to a good start as a key backup as a true freshman and sophomore. He hasn't been quite as effective since returning from a 2006 knee injury, though. Hall could start alongside sophomore Ladi Ajiboye (84 ovr) in the interior, but whether he starts or is a backup, the Gamecocks need Hall to be a factor. He is even more important now that backup Kenrick Ellis has been dismissed from the team.

South Carolina finished fourth in the nation in pass defense at 168.8 yards per game. Part of the reason is because it was so easy to run the ball on the Gamecocks. The other reason is that South Carolina has good talent in the secondary. Captain Munnerlyn (86 ovr) can be a lockdown corner, Emanuel Cook (83 ovr) is a hard-hitting strong safety who had three picks and two forced fumbles in 2007 and Darian Stewart (86 ovr) is a returning starter at free safety. Cook and Munnerlyn are legit all-league candidates.

No unit in the SEC has a higher ceiling for improvement than South Carolina's defense. The Gamecocks should have an all-conference (or better) linebacker in Brinkley. Pepper and end Jordin Lindsey, who sat out because of academics last season, are back in the mix. Lindsey's return and the emergence of sophomore Cliff Matthews allowed South Carolina to move undersized end Eric Norwood (19.5 tackles for loss last year) to outside linebacker, where his big-play capabilities should come to the forefront more often. Matthews, meanwhile, looks to move from linebacker to end. An example of what the added talent should mean: Senior Marvin Sapp (84 ovr) started eight games at middle linebacker last season but is listed as the 2nd stringer headed into fall camp.

[Totem Pohl]

Rocky Start for Smelley, Gamecocks

August 28, 2008
Final:
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The #21 ranked Gamecocks pulled out a victory over visiting North Carolina State in the season opener Thursday. The game looked well in hand when the Wolfpack's first three drives resulted in two interceptions and a 4th down stop inside the 10 from the Gamecocks' defense. However, sophmore quarterback Chris Smelley threw 4 interceptions, including 2 in the endzone and another inside the 20, in his first game as sole starter to keep the Wolfpack's hope alive.

Aside from the interceptions, Smelley had a good outting, going 19/27 for 367 yards, 3 TD. The O-line protected him well, allowing zero sacks and opening up huge holes for Senior HB Mike Davis to run through. Davis had 104 yards and a TD on 23 attempts; he also had 2 rec for 35 yards out of the backfield. Senior WR Kenny McKinley had only 2 receptions, but he made the most of them with 140 yards. His first reception was a 93 yard quick dump off that resulted in the Gamecocks second TD of the game. The sophmore Chris Culliver was the second leading receiver with 4 catches for 57 yards and a TD.

Defensively, the Gamecocks looked sharp, picking off the Wolfpack 3 times and forcing 2 fumbles. Junior free safety Darian Stewart led the squad with 8 tackles and an interception. Captain Munnerlyn, a junior CB, came up big with 5 tackles, an interception, and 2 pass deflections. Senior MLB Jasper Brinkley had a great first game back after recovering from a knee injury last season to record 4 tackles, including one in the backfield to stop the Wolfpack on 4th down near the Gamecocks' 5 yard line.

Coach Spurrier had this to say about his team's opening game win, "I'm happy that we got the victory. And many of our guys performed well. There were obviously some mistakes, some first game jitters, and I saw some things that we need to address in practice. We'll work on these in practice this week and come out strong next Saturday."

The Gamecocks travel to Nashville to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores Thursday, September 4 at 8:30pm. Check your local listings.

[Totem Pohl]

Gamecocks Strut Their Stuff

September 4, 2008
Final:
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South Carolina (#20) started out their second game of the season much like they started their first: with an interception in the red zone begining a long drive culminating in a 20 yard TD run by senior HB Mike Davis. The Gamecocks held the Commadors to 3-and-outs their next two possesssions, leading to another South Carolina TD and a 48 yd FG by senior Ryan Succop, who was 2/2 on the day. Smelley had a smarter outting, going 12/18 for 125 yards, 2 TDs and only 1 int late in the game. Said coach Spurrier, "I dont know what go into him. We called a run from the sideline, but he saw something he liked and audibled to the pass. We're going to disect some film and try to see what he saw and hopefully show him his mistakes." Davis finished with 155 yds, 3 td, and a fumble on 27 attempts. Receivers Kenny McKinley and Freddie Brown each had 2 receptions and 1 TD.


The Gamecock defense dominated the Vandy spread/option offense in the first half. But they got sloppy in the second half, missing easy tackles and blowing coverages. "Whether they just got tired or they got, pardon the pun, cocky, the point is the defense broke down in the second half. We're not going to be able to get away with that kind of slop the rest of the season, so we're going to have to correct it right meow. I think it's safe to say these boys have some running ahead of them," defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson said. The defense came away with interceptions by SS Emanuel Cook and nickle CB Stoney Woodson and a sack by sophmore DT Ladi Ajiboye. Jasper Brinkley lead them all with 7 tackles, including 2 in the backfield.

The Gamecocks have quite a challenge this week, when they host #1 Georgia Bulldogs (Insuffilate) Saturday, September 13 at 3:30pm. Check your local listings.

[Totem Pohl]

'Cocks Got Rocked

September 13, 2008
Final:
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In their second conference game of the season, the #19 South Carolina Gamecocks crumbled at the hands of the #1 Georgia Bulldogs. Chris Smelley had a fair outting, going 26/39 for 288 yards, 3 TDs, and 3 interceptions. The O-Line, however, was completely inept, allowing Smelley to be sacked 4 times and opening very few holes for RB Mike Davis. The senior finished with 40 yards on 16 attempts and 5 receptions for 46 yards.

The Gamecock defense was no match for the high powered Bulldog offense. The D-Line got absolutely no pressure on QB Matt Stafford and allowed huge holes to be created for RB Knowshon Moreno.

The Gamecocks look to rebound against Wofford (FCS SE) next Saturday, September 20. Check your local listings.

[Totem Pohl]

Wofford Shmofford

September 20, 2008
Final:
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Unfortunately for the Terriers, #22 South Carolina were still upset about their loss to Georgia when they entered Bryce Stadium on Saturday. The Gamecocks never let up their relentless assault on the formerly Division II school. Smelley only completed 9 of 17, but those 9 went for 318 yards and 7 TDs. Mike Davis busted his 16 attempts for 220 yards and 3 td, including a nifty 90 yard scamper. Receivers Culliver and McKinley had 3 and 2 TDs respectively.

The defensive stand was lead once again by senior Jasper Brinkley who amassed 15 tackles. FS Darian Stewart commanded the deep zone with his 2 picks and 5 tackles. Not to be outdone, CB Carlos Thomas matched Stewart's 2 interceptions, but also turned one of those into a 80 yard pick-6.

Coach Spurrier said after the game, "The boys were really having a lot of fun out there. And I let them. After that loss last week, I thought they needed a chance to get out there and just really let loose. But we're going to try to not let the score get to our heads. We have a tough match-up next week when UAB comes to town, and come Monday morning, this game will be forgotten and all eyes will be on the Blazers."

The Gamecocks host the UAB Blazahs Saturday, September 27. Check your local listings.

[Totem Pohl]

Smelley Shines Through the Rain

September 27, 2008
Final:
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The score is no idication of how close this game actually was. The Gamecocks scored 3 times in the final 2 minutes, capped by a pick-6 by SS Emanuel Cook. Smelley was perfect in the fourth quarter and ended the game throwing 16/20 for 255 yards, 3 TDs, and 1 INT. Davis turned 19 attempts into 103 yards and a score. The receivers were lead by Kenny McKinley who hauled in 7 grabs for 123 yards and a TD.

Captain Munnerlyn lead the defense with 9 tackles, followed closely by Darian Stewart's 7. The defense stepped up big in the second half. Captain Munnerlyn lead the defense with 9 tackles, followed closely by Darian Stewart's 7.What looked to be a tight matchup turned into a decisive win. Due to a missed extra point, the Blazers were 1 point down at half. After their second TD, the Gamecocks stopped a 2 point conversion in the 3rd and that was it for the Blazers. Momentum swung and the Gamecocks rolled on to victory.

The Gamecocks next test comes when they travel to Ole Miss this Saturday, October 4. Check your local listings.