I'm not sure what's happened over the past few weeks here in Columbia, but as Steve Spurrier mentioned yesterday, "the guys are playing like winners." At 6-3 with two games left, they are winners. I'll admit, following the Vandy game I was preparing myself mentally to see this team finish 4-7. Two games later, we're going bowling. We can win the next two, the only question lingering is, 'will we?' Some thoughts on the rest of the season...
0 wins - Independence
1 win - Peach
2 wins - Outback
Florida's in town next. I'll be in Black Mountain for work (4th year in a row for the UF game). Don't worry, I'll be watching with the Shandon folks while my advisors are delegated the task of ensuring the spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being of 15 middle school youth.
On to the game... After UF slipped past Vandy in overtime I think there's no question this is a game we can win. Talent-wise the Gators have a solid advantage, but when it comes to heart there are few teams, if any, flying higher than the 'Cocks this November. No doubt Spurrier will be preparing some interesting things this week. This is not a game he wants to lose. It should be close. It will be exciting. I, for one, can't wait!
No matter what happens, the following week will bring Spurrier's induction into the USC/Clemson rivalry. Walking outside Death Valley about an hour after 'the Brawl', I told a Clemson-fan buddy of mine that "if," and at that time it was still a case of "if," we landed Spurrier as our coach, "(they'd) better enjoy the winning while (they) can." I stand by that statement.
Now, I'm not saying we'll beat UF and/or Clemson this year. What I am saying is that the first strokes of a masterpiece are hitting the canvas in Columbia weeks before Turkey Day '05, much earlier than many would've predicted. With all the off-field turmoil, media bashing, and general taunting our program has suffered in the last 12 months it's little short (kind of like an Arkansas 4th down) of a football miracle that the Gamecocks are sitting at 6-3.
Other highlights: First win at UT, second since joining the SEC in 1992. First win at Arkansas since 1997. 3 losses; to the current #3 (Alabama), #9 (Georgia), and #17 (Auburn) rated teams in the Coaches Poll. Passing records are falling and falling fast. Impact players are YOUNG. The team is playing like a team every down, every week.
Lou Holtz talked long and often about needing a culture change. Well, with Steve Spurrier in the Cockpit, the lip service has ended and the culture is changing before our eyes. Teams, coaches, and fans of other programs feel it. The Iron Fans feel it. The Gamecocks and coaches know it. It may take a miracle to win both of the next two, but as Coach has said for two weeks now, "God is smiling on the Gamecocks." Let's hope the smile persists.
Final record: 7-4
See you in Atlanta!
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4 comments:
atlanta would be best case scenario for me. two hours down the road. affordable. able to make it back home.
something to think about fla. ... a LOT of their good players are hurt. we're back home. who knows?
while you're in black mountain, my usual thing around fla. time is that it usually falls on or around my birthday.
darth visor ruined my 01 b-day 54-17. maybe he can make this one a good one!
lastly ... isn't it great to win in november?!
e+
i think atlanta would be easiest for most fans.
UF's secondary is the most banged up position from what i've heard. could be a big day for Rice, McKinley, and Clark. not to mention mitchell.
'01 game was the last one i attended, so maybe it's better i'm not there.
i'd love to see an undefeated november. we'll see.
Chris
Let's not forget the last time the Tigers came callin in Williams "Lavon Kirkland" (cause he owned it) Brice Stadium. 63-17, enough said. And Hell, being bowl eligible with that schedule isn't that impressive, almost as easy as the Carolina Panthers schedule. But a win is a win, so congrats. This Rivalry is always better, the better the teams are. Michigan/Ohio State my ass. Give me the Tigers and the Cocks ANYDAY.
p.s how bout Vandy getting screwed on that unsportsmanlike call.
love ya Jar
Seriously, though, who would’ve predicted we’d be where we are after all the off-field nonsense? We're a relatively weak team, but we're playing well enough. I know, Clemson would be 9-0 with our schedule. So it goes.
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