WOW.. Another 4 star DL commit for the Gamecocks!

DL Ladi Ajiboye (6-2 305) of Hargrave Prep, VA and Atlanta said Wednesday he will enroll at USC in January. Ajiboye is not sure when he'll sign his scholarship papers. He signed a letter of intent with Virginia Tech last February after backing off a commitment to the Gamecocks. Now, he is sure he wants to play in Columbia. "My time at Hargrave really opened my eyes," Ajiboye said. "When I went to Virginia Tech my second time, it didn't seem the same. I have friends at South Carolina (Carlos Thomas) and I have people coming in (Addison Williams) and we've been talking and South Carolina is the best place for us." As for his teammate at Hargrave DE Clifton Geathers possibly joining him at USC, Ajiboye said, "He told me he was, but you never know." Ajiboye said Clemson also recruited him hard this second time around.

Other notes: Ajiboye is the 7th best prep school prospect in the nation, and the best prep school D-lineman in the nation. Carolina is still in good standing with 4 star Clifton Geathers and 5 star Carlos Dunlap. Both are expected to be Gamecocks in the end. If this isn't going to be the best DL class in the nation, I would like to see which is. Also, with the commitment of Ajiboye, the Cocks jumped to 9th in the nation in recruiting. It's just amazing to me, and whats so crazy is, this signing class isn't over yet!

4 star Mark Barnes is a Gamecock!!!

I'm hearing that Demerick Chancellor is going to transfer??

Any truth to this? If it is true Clemson will only have 3 RBs (Davis, Spiller, and Cox) coming back next year unless they get on the ball recruiting RBs. That's pretty thin. Have you guys heard anything about this?

Carolina steals a Tennessee commitment?!

WOW, that's about all I can say..

What in the hell is going on here? Have you ever heard of a guy that was commited to Tennessee pull the ol' switcharoo and commit to Carolina? It's a sign of good things I think!

LB Alonzo Winfield (6-1 200) of Winston-Salem, NC said Thursday afternoon he has switched his commitment from Tennessee to USC. "I did that yesterday," Winfield said. "I talked to coach Spurrier. He was down in Florida recruiting. He was real excited. I like the way South Carolina's linebackers play more than Tennessee's. I felt like I could play better at USC. And I like all the coaches...coach Spurrier, coach Chatham and coach Wommack." Winfield said the USC coaches have told him he will play the same position currently held by Cody Wells. Winfield felt he was better suited for that position than the linebacker position Tennessee was holding for him. Winfield said this commitment was firm and he probably will cancel his official visit to Tennessee set for January 13th.

Other notes: With the commitment of Winfield the Gamecocks jumped 2 more spots in the national recruiting poll to 11th. Also, look for Mark Barnes to commit to the Gamecocks Saturday! If that is the case Carolina will find themselves well in the Top 10 in the nation recruiting! I hope the ball keeps rolling, and it looks like it will!

Just making sure..

When you coming back up?? The Shrine Bowl won't be televised, but it would still be nice to have you around this weekend. They will show a replay of it on CSS Sunday from what I hear.

Brents talking like he's gonna schedule himself to work the Friday of our bowl games! You need to help me talk him out of it!

I'm here, just been working.

I'm gonna check out your recruits.

Where you at Vance?

You haven't posted anything since Monday. You OK??

Finally found a pic of this Dimarco kid..

Physically he looks really impressive. Check out the size of his biceps!! Looks like a good one to me. Glad no one else found him before Spurrier did! What do you think?

Carolina lands 2 more commits..

DL Donte'e Nicholls (6-3 305) of Pompano Beach, FL committed Wednesday to USC according to his coach Greg McGirt. "He just felt good about coach Spurrier and the program they are running up there," McGirt said. "He liked what he saw on his visit. He also has family living in South Carolina." Nicholls visited USC December 2nd. He visited Rutgers December 9th and was scheduled to visit Georgia this weekend, but his coach said he won't make the visit. "He's an outstanding player," McGirt saiid. "He's quick and has a good attitude." This season Nicholls had 64 tackles and 4 sacks. He had 70 tackles and 9 sacks as a junior. Nicholls becomes the 18th commitment for the Gamecocks. Nicholls had offers from Bama, Arizona State, Auburn, Louisville, Rutgers, West Virginia, and many others..

Also:

USC has picked up a commitment from ATH Pat Dimarco (6-3 235) of Lake Brantley, FL according to his father. Dimarco committed over the phone to Gamecock head coach Steve Spurrier Monday night after receiving an offer last week. "We're all Florida Gators and that means we love coach Spurrier more than anything else," Mr. Dimarco said. "His dream has been to play for the Gators, or in the SEC, or for coach Spurrier. Coach has been very honest with him and they told him they love him as an athlete and they are going to find a place for him to play." Dimarco plays tight end, H-back, defensive end and linebacker. This season he had 120 tackles, 17 sacks and 40 tackles for loss. He also had 18 catches for 300 yards and scored 7 touchdowns. He also had offers from South FL, UCF, Eastern Kentucky, Samford and Carson-Newman.

Other notes on Dimarco: Hearing he's a kid that flew under the radar.. He wasn't even listed on the Rivals data-base. He is now. Said that he plays for a Highschool in Fl. (Lake Brantley) that plays in a 6A division (the highest SC has is 5A). Anyway, he played for a team that would have been very lucky to make it to the playoffs. Well, he lead them to the State Championship in 6A football in FL. I'm hearing that he was by far the best player on their team. Also, many are saying that he is a Ryan Brewer or Rob Deboer type player. Sounds like a good one if he is half as good as Brewer or Deboer was. The most impressive part about Dimarco's recruitment is that Steve Spurrier personally recruited him himself. If Spurrier feels this good about this kid, so do I. I'll post more info about him as I find it out.

Other notes: Carolina was ranked 16th in the nation in recruiting according to Rivals.com. With the pick-ups of these 2 guys, we jumped ahead of Ole Miss, Clemson, and GT to land at 13th in the nation.

Getting better and better! And the best part is.. I'm hearing that we haven't seen anything yet, "the best is yet to come" so to speak.. I can't wait to find out what the big secrets are!

Here's a good comical view of the Message Boards

I found this very funny, and even if you don't like him he's got a point. Also, read the comment someone wrote under the blog about Ford and the option. We are all just crazy ass football fans!

http://www.thetigernet.com/blogs/page/plyler?entry=i_will_miss_her

Bama hires new coach!!

I can't believe it!!!

http://www.creedscove.com/sites/al/newcoach/

Good picture! I hope it works out for Matthews, probably will...

As for the offense, its a sore spot with me. Back when the Tigers were good they ran the Option, I don't know bro, nobody really knows. It may not work, you guys could be exactly right. For myself it is worth it, to put it out of my mind once and for all. I like the Option, I always will. Its why I like watching Navy so much. Lets me go back in time a little bit, I really doubt you guys remember, too long ago. I hope Bowden gets it together, I really do. One key no doubt as with any team is the QB. Korn will make or break the team. I think Bowden is probably all set, but there is no guarantee and he has to stop making rediculous decisions.

I can't imagine what went through the players minds when he pulled Merriwether. That in my opinion will hurt recruiting. But recruiting alone is not enough. He has to make better decisions. Not sure he can now. If he doesn't I want a big change. Paul Johnson is my choice, I think the man can adapt. I'm not even sure he would run the Option at Clemson. I think he adapted with lesser players at Navy finding a way to win. He will be my pick to replace Bowden if the time comes. Again, I think he would find an offense to win games, bottom line.

Pretty cool pic I thought..

I'm sure you guys remember me talking about Dion Lecorn. Well, here's a pic of him and CJ Spiller when Cj was still in high school. I thought it was pretty neat.

Shrine Bowl practice pic..

Willy Korn meets Cliff Matthews and his future against Carolina!

Good news on a future Gamecock..

I'm hearing that if Cliff Matthews has a good Shrine Bowl showing he will move up to 5 stars. Looks like we have an even better shot to sign a 5 star this year now!

Ummm.. Yea I'm saying it won't work against SEC or ACC defenses

I've come to realize something though.. It's your favorite program, not mine. If thats what you want, more power to you. You know how I feel about it. I hope they do go to the flex, wish, bone, T. It would be fun to watch. But, until Clemson goes to that offense and proves that it would work I will never believe it. It's not my team, so for what it's worth I hope we see Clemson running that offense in the near future..

Here are some highlights, you telling me this won't work??

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkVGlgEpbsQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmYyI6IWgUA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VS7Ak0cFkAY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OpTRVRUEbQ

Still not convinced? Navy plays Boston College 30 Sep at 1:00, a team that beat us. Enough said.

You will also notice ND did not punt the ball.

Navy's defense cannot stop a team like ND. But Navy a team that cannot recruit. A team that has to pick players out as they arrive to play football, kids I might add that are there because of their high academics skills were able to put up that many yards on ND. These kids are going against the atheletes of ND for christ sakes. Kids of which most likely had no asperations about playing football. Come on Brent read between the lines. I watched the game and it was alot closer than the score. You telling me thats not success??? I havn't watched the Cornhuskers play, but I do know they are making a comeback. Big 12 runners up?

Finally, you say something about the offense. Not so fast my friend you cannot just tackle the ball carrier. Thats the point of the true option. You tackle the ball carrier and guess what zip .... the ball goes to the RB and he is gone. Or maybe zip, the ball goes down the field to a wide open reciever, I've seen them do it. They couldn't do it with a back up QB this year, can you imagine how bad a back up QB is at Navy? A defense has got to be disciplined and have a CB that stays on the RB instead of going after the ball carrier. Go ahead and line 8 men up in the box and see what happens. Thats why the option would work. There is no reason why it wouldn't. You don't think the I formations we line up in frequently can't run an option play? You are telling me lining up and running the ball straight up the middle or to the outside is better than the option? Thats what the option means, having the option to pitch the ball or pass it. Come back with more thoughts, I want to hear your arguments. Remember what happened when CB's tried to tackle CJ this year? Think a LB can get to the outside in time? I don't. You need to watch Navy play.

Cornhuskers!

You have to be able to throw and run to win consistantly. Back when the option became popular, there was a simple defense: tackle the ball-carrier. Now there is man-free, man-zone, spies, stunts, zone-blitzing. My point is, defenses are more complicated than that nowadays. Sure, you're gonna win some games with the option, but once you get behind...game over. It is a methodical offense that take numerous plays to grind it out and keep the other offense off the field. Now, the elite teams may not beat teams by as much, but they still win. By the way I looked at a game that Navy had all those rushing yards in in a loss to Notre Dame:

http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2006-2007/navy.html

I think its gonna help recruiting??? They lead the nation in rushing every year because the can't pass the ball???

Sorry bro, not much you said is logical. Its not good what happened with JD by no means. He basically said what we all are saying however.

Also, everybody wants to run the ball. If they don't need to pass its a good thing. If you can run the ball over a team you keep the ball and tear apart the defense. My opinion and thats exactly what it is, is an opinion everybody would like to do this. You guys still have not give me a reason the offense won't work, are you saying its because you can't pass? What about the option itself why is it outdated? Why won't it work?

I never said anything about kicking anyone off the team..

Hey, Blake Mitchell got benched and never complained about not getting playing time. JD doesn't get the snaps he thinks he deserves, and he runs to the press about it?? That's silly and like I said it equals trouble. You must think it helps recruiting?

Navy has that many rushing yards because they never pass the ball. Come on Vance, you gotta come with more than that.

OK, how about this stat, and yes its true what they say stats are for losers.

Carries Total YPC Long TD
Rushing Totals 705 3929 5.6 81 38

Its well over 300 Yards per game rushing. Leading the nation in fact. Guess what its almost the same for the past four years. Leading the nation rushing. This year with a back up QB. In fact they lead the nation in rushing almost every year. Again, I want a rushing offense not a passing attack.

Make a point on JD? OK lets hear your solution, I think I know what it is and its laughable. Kick JD off the team maybe. What a joke. Spurrier weeding out? Has your starting QB been in the news this year? What happened to him? I know there is nothing Gamecock fans would like to see more than JD getting kicked off the team, it is not going to happen. Sorry bro, I still don't think your concern is whats best for the Tigers.

I have told you what I think about it..

I'm gonna leave it with this.. You said it was almost impossible to stop a passing attack out of the wing-t or wishbone?? Here's Navy's passing stats for this past season.. 104 attempts for 45 completions, 43.3 CMP%, 647 yds., 5 Td, 4 Int.. Now explain to me how it is almost impossible to stop a pass that is ran out of the out dated option offenses?? Don't give me any of that "it's unstoppable on the playstation" crap either. You will never recruit any halfway decent WRs or QBs if you run that type of offense. May as well hang it up my dear brother it's not going to happen nor do you want it to happen.. It would ruin the Clemson program.

As for the James Davis comments, or "little T.O." comments. I don't even have to prove a point on this one, Davis said enough so that I don't have to. He's pulled this type of stunt before though. He left the Clemson program in August 2005 before he ever played in a college game, because he wasn't getting enough snaps in Fall practice. Kids like this equal trouble, I've seen enough of them on Carolina's team to know. Spurrier has pretty much weeded them out I think. Anyway, here's the link Brent.

http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/sports/colleges/clemson_university/16198991.htm

Well, the offense is ok, but something has to change.

I wasn't saying scrap everything. I'm just saying if it continues not to work as it did not work this year. If it happens, I want to change strategies.

JD comments are everywhere on every web page, I think it started out in The State newspaper. Gaines Adams was on a radio call in show. Not sure which one.

You are still wrong, it is not outdated, it would work. Care to provide any facts as to why its outdated? Why won't it work? Don't say cause it don't work on playstation either.lol

I don't Like It, No matter Who Runs It.

Holtz did run the option some while he was at Notre Dame. I just don't see any Top 25 teams getting there running an out-dated offense. Maybe I need to watch Navy, but I don't think I 'll see anything to go crazy about. Clemson would not have lost 4 games if not for poor coaching in critical situations, so the offense they run now is....ok. By the way, where did you see comments from James Davis and Gaines Adams? I want to read them.

I am kidding of course..

But I don't think you guys understand how the option is suppose to work. Thats why you keep calling it the Wishbone. Its alot more than lining up in the wishbone and running plays. In a nutshell, its discipline. Few coaches can coach well enough to run the option. You need to watch Navy play. I don't think you have. Paul Johnson will pass the ball if he has the ability. Whats that? You don't think you can pass the ball in the option? You can, and its almost unstoppable. On the flip side to stop the option oppossing defenses have to be disciplined. Something virtually none of them have these days.

Anybody heard Davis's comments? Its hard to disagree with some of them. Burns wanted to keep Merriwether in and Bowden overturned his descision. Look how it turned out. Gaines Adams also made the comment Bowden doesn't motivate him, he does that on his own. I'm afraid his days are numbered now. Say what you will but Gaines is a Senior, how can you be the head coach that is there for motivation only and your players have no confidence or respect for you. Sorry guys, I will continue to support him. But I can't really see us turning the corner with him.

I submit to you dear brother that the Tigers would pull a stunt like that. About 28 years ago they pulled the same stunt. Going away from a passing type attack that was not working and doing what? Thats right folks, they went to the option. History speaks for itself. The option and discipline is why we have high expectations these days, history built from the option. Anybody notice how we are in every game these days even with as disappointing as most of them turn out? Its because we run the ball now. Its how you finally beat us this year, running the ball. Its the way to go, retarded spread formations and runs up the middle don't work consistently however and keep the Defense on the field way too much. To succeed we will need to commit to a true running attack, like the option. Trust me dear brother, its coming.

I made a deal with myself not to dog on Bowden this year.

But its getting real hard. Bowden is losing control of the team.

Also, as for the wishbone, what do you two really know about it? Do you remember the option? What are you basing your opinions on? Lou Holtz? Playstation maybe? That retarded. Tells me you have no idea what I am talking about. Lou did not run the option. Blake I am sure you can see my point in that you are cetainly not wanting the Tigers to be successfull. You not liking the idea tells me it is probably the way to go.

Both of you need to stick to making pizzas and babies, I handle the coaching changes and major football decisions around here! LOL

Tebow does look pretty fast to me when I see him run on TV..

And yea you have had 2 negative replies on the Paul Johnson thing.. From Brent and I.

If the wishbone would work in the SEC or ACC, somebody would have already thought about it. I don't think it would work. Maybe work enough to scare some teams, but not to win every week.

By the way, the rumors just keep coming. People are now saying Tommy B to West Virginia. It was his alma mater. Hey if it were true, it would be the next step to the wishbone and Paul Johnson.. lol.

Clemson isn't in dire straits enough to take a big risk like running the wishbone. The team Clemson has now is a really good team. By the time Clemson learned to run the wishbone properly, the really good team they have now would be gone. It would kill recruiting and the Clemson program pulling a stunt like changing the offense to the wishbone.. Trust me Vance.

Yep, but Tebow is no speedster, he runs over people.

Obrien is a retard.

I have been recieving rave reviews surprisingly on my push for Paul Johnson. I have yet to get a negative reply. I think it is a possibility down the road. Thoughts?

Just listened to a interview with Garcia on a Columbia sports radio show..

Few notes from it: -He said he will for sure enroll at Carolina in January.

-He thinks we will have a top 5 class this year.

-Said he will keep his long hair through his tenture at Carolina.. lol. It's true.

-Said he was at 6' 3" 215 lbs. and said he should be up to 225 lbs. by the time he enrolls at Carolina.

- Also said he has been consistantly running between 4.5 and 4.6 in the 40 yard dash..

Man that is moving for a white QB.. Tim Tebow was running a 4.7 40 at this time last year.

This kid is going to be awesome I believe!

This is how I have the QB situation..

Blake Mitchell will definatly start next year. Whether Smelley is in a better position to play over Blake next year is yet to be seen.. For now it is safe to say Blake is our starter.

Garcia should redshirt next year. I think you'll see Smelley and Garcia splitting alot of time after Blake is gone. Will be hard to go wrong with 2 highly touted QBs like Garcia and Smelley. It's gonna be interesting the next few years to say the least.

About Garcia enrolling early, it was in my post below. "My grades are going well, so I do plan on enrolling at South Carolina early. That's my plan right now." I hope he does, something like that never hurts.

I can't wait to see how these next 5 years play out! It's seems very exciting to me!!!

As far as O'brien, there has to be more to that story than what we are seeing. He couldn't have been happy at BC to take a job at NC State. I think he's retarded for doing it.

I guess the shock of the week is Obrien.

I cannot believe he is going to NC State. ESPN is reporting it is a done deal. He reportedly is not even gonna coach BC in the bowl game. Thats a load of crap. I have often thought he is a under rated coach but I have lost alot of respect for him this week. He has something going at BC and he is abandoning them for a school that is not any better. I could understand if it was a big time school but NC State, give me a break.

Good for you guys!

I guess the question now it who starts? If Smelley gets the redshirt like they are trying to do someone is going to left out in the cold unless he is planning to have a two QB system. Which is unlikely. Next year it will be interesting to see what Spurrier will do. I think he is high on Smelley but I don't know, it could go either way. No way to know until Garcia hits the practice field. Is he planning on graduating early by chance? If not it would just about have to go to Smelley. Well, I forget, Mitchell will start next year.

As for the rankings, for all intense purposes we are about tied. The average of stars is the same. As for Dunlap, I really didn't think we had a shot with that kid but now I don't know. The Tiger staff is pushing hard. Its hard to say, I just hope he stays in state. We have five stars we are still making a push for and I think its entirely possible we could end of landing another Spiller like suprise this year. Next year is really looking good for us right now in recruiting. We will only commit 4-5 more this year. Looking good for both schools right now.

It's Official.. Garcia is a Gamecock!

He made it official with his pledge to the Gamecocks at about 1:00 today.

"South Carolina was the one team that I really felt comfortable with from the start. I had a great meeting with Coach Spurrier a couple of weeks ago when he visited me."

"I love their offense, and I just like everything about South Carolina. You can't get any better than playing for an offensive guy like Coach Spurrier over there and I'm just excited it's all finally over."

In the end though South Carolina was just too tough to pass up for Garcia, and the talented gunslinger already has plans to check out his new school very soon.

"Actually I'm setting up the flight plans as we speak because I'm going to take another visit over there this weekend."

Grades shouldn't be a concern for Garcia as he maintains over a 3.0 G.P.A. But could the Gamecocks expect Garcia earlier than expected?

"My grades are going well, so I do plan on enrolling at South Carolina early. That's my plan right now.

But did Garcia let the cat of the bag when he made his verbal commitment to Coach Spurrier and the South Carolina staff a few weeks ago?

"I actually made the decision during the Florida vs. Florida State game. I just told him coach you don't have to worry anymore I'm coming, and I'm excited to finally be a South Carolina Gamecock."

While the Gamecocks are still steadily trying to put together another big class, Garcia plans to help the coaches with some recruiting of his own and he already has a few names in mind.

"My first call will probably be to Dion LeCorn from Trinity Catholic. He's a tremendous athlete that would be a great asset to our team."

Upon making his decision for South Carolina did Garcia have a special message for Gamecock fans?

"Get ready to win it. Get ready to win it all. It's going to happen." replied Garcia.

Other notes: With the commitment of Garcia, it moves Carolina up to 17 total commits and six 4 star commits. Carolina is now ranked 15th in the nation in recruiting according to Rivals.com. That is just 1 spot behind instate rival Clemson which is currently ranked 14th according to Rivals.com.

Moving on up, and we still have Dion Lecorn, Mark Barnes, and maybe Carlos Dunlap to sign! This really is turning out to be the best class Carolina has ever had!

I thought that would get a laugh. I went over to Tulane's webpage.

Wow, I have never seen anything more pathetic. Most messages are from 2005. No news at all and I mean none on the front page. It is worth you going over, it is almost nonexistent. I was about to say Tulane would probably be a decent job, I have to agree with you now if its anything like their rivals board. I think Burns is an OK coach, you gotta think he probably earns his money recruiting. I mean, I can't really remember anything wonderfull about our running game before Spence. I am not saying anything bad about the man, I just didn't expect to see him get a head coach offer. I kind of think our coaches are safe. I just would have though Nix would want a head coach job, even at a lesser school. I know I would, probably not there.

Tommy gets no contract extension. Thats your first sign of things to come. I was wrong, or rather the article was wrong on his contract extension. It is 2.5 million for the buyout through December 1st 2008. Save a big year next year, I think his days are numbered. I think recruiting is gonna save him untill then. Korn made it clear he was a Bowden commit. I hate to say it, that alone is enough to keep him around through next year. I just don't think the man is happy, it sounds that way to me during his press conferences.

Nix isn't going anywhere..

He turned down a much better job when the North Texas head coaching position opened up..

Spurrier on the other hand I'm getting worried about.. lol.

Tyrone Nix a candidate for the Tulane job:

Candidates:
• Bills assistant Bobby April
• Nebraska DL coach John Blake
• Clemson assistant Burton Burns
• San Diego coach Jim Harbaugh
• Ga. Tech off. coordinator Patrick Nix
• S. Car. def. coordinator Tyrone Nix
• W. Virginia off. coordinator Calvin Magee
• Texas assistant Mac McWhorter

Uh Oh more Spurrier troubles. I guess he is not so secure.

This time he mentioned the consideration himself. Sounds like one hell of a job, more trouble:

http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/16165473.htm

Pretty cool. Meanwhile I started the ball rolling on Paul Johnson, LOL. A couple of excerpt from Tiger fans:

If we get Joe McKnight, how dangerous could we be with Willy Korn's speed and agility in the wishbone offense. Can you imagine, maybe not next season but about 2 or three seasons down the road. We would be something.

That would be the perfect offense in my mind. Having Davis the guy who could muscle the 3 or 4 yards you need to get a first down and then have Spiller also next to you who could take it at any moment. Oh yeah McKnight could fit in there since it's a Wishbone. Paul Johnson you service is requested at Clemson University.

The defense for the next few of years is gonna be SICK! With the combo of that AND that offense....i can only imagine!

Remember, if it ever happens I was the one who made it happen, LOL.

Good video about Garcia..

Check it out. Give it about 2 minutes or so to buffer. Pretty neat video.

Tell me what you think?

http://www.chevyprepticket.com/(S(ryr11xbyf2pznarhaxkpxh2e))/video.aspx?itemID=1001212722&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1&bhcp=1

Garcia has pushed back his announcement press conference date..

From this Wednesday, to this Thursday to accomodate ESPN attending! Not sure of the time yet. I'm hearing that ESPNU may cover the presser live!

How many times have you seen ESPN cover a highschool QBs college decision press conference? This is gonna be huge publicity for the Gamecocks!

I saw that, its great for them if it works out.

I mean going from a RB coach to head coach thats a significant jump. Should help us attract another great RB coach.

It's being reported that..

Two Clemson assistant coaches, Ron West (LB coach) and Barton Burns (RB coach) are potential canidates for the Tulane head coaching job.

Both were assistants under Tommy Bowden when he was head coach at Tulane.

Just passing on news..

The next big football event..

The Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas

It's usually on TV every year. Almost every player in North and South Carolina that the Gamecocks and Tigs have commited will be playing in it. And a few that both teams are still going after will be playing in it too.

Anyway, it's not this Saturday but next, Dec. 16. Vance you should try to be up, and Brent you should not schedule either of us to work.. lol. It would be fun to watch and for all of us to get together just like any other college Sat.

This is, as a matter of fact, the future of our programs that will be playing in this game!

We agree to disagree, Lou did not run the option like I am talking about.

Nebraska is still not a passing team. Who do you want. Paul Johnson is a likely candidate. We will most certainly look to change schemes.

The Option Doesn't Work Anymore Vance!

The option officially ended with elite teams 4 years ago when Colorado whipped Nebraska 63-36. That team ended up falling backwards into the national champtionship and getting stomped by the Hurricanes.

Sorry Vance, but that's what Lou Holtz ran as well and look what happened to him. I am not saying those guys wouldn't be good head coaches, but I want a younger, more innovative coordinato if Spence's offense doesn't start winning ballgames.

I would much rather play Houston than Kentucky. Dammit Tommy, you and your bowl games against sorry teams!

Houston Cougars for the Cocks and Kentucky for the Tigers.

I think Koenning wouldn't be bad but Spence?

Very unlikely, first off if Spence is looking good Tommy is going nowhere because it means the Offense is working. Just can't see it at all. Crazier things have happened.

Well I'm old school. I'd rather see an option play than a pass play. Also, I disagree with you all. Who said the option stopped working? What team that ran the option went south because of the option? Not a single one. The coaches that ran it are no longer coaching. No, its not because they got fired. The Option is hard to run, it take alot of discipline from atheletes. A coach that can run it is a very good head coach. Not too many good head coaches out there. Spurrier brought in his type of Offense and everybody wanted to mimic it. First off it was successfull and secondly it was flashy. Passes all over the place. I just say its worth a shot, its not what everybody else is doing and I like that. How you gonna defend something you only see once a year? You won't. Its why we were able to compete with everybody in the country at one time.

As for WR's, thats kind of true. We wouldn't be going after the same type of WR as everybody else anyway. In the option a WR has to be able to block. Don't forget though, what was Sydney Rice a 2 star? Doesn't mean we don't get a good one. Rendrick Taylor would be the type of Reciever that would be Ideal.

Also though dear bro..

I don't think the option that Navy runs looks enticing to any Clemson fans. Wrs are not going to want to go a school that is a wishbone running team.

Johnson may be a good head coach, but if he brings that wishbone junk the the ACC or SEC it would be awful..

Not flaming, just my opinion..

You make good points..

But I honestly think if Tommy gets canned, Koenning or Spence will be the next head coach at Clemson. More likely to be Koenning, because if he doesn't get that job when Tommy gets fired someone else is going to pick him up as their head coach.

Just my opinion though, could be wrong..

One other thing dear brother..

I am serious about this:

I am still supporting Tommy and I hope he finally finds a way to get the job done. Having said that its next year or bust for him, why?

A little not well known tidbit about his contract. This year the buyout went down dramatically, after last month its now down to 2 million. Not alot by coaching standards, I think we gave Ford 3 million and that was a long time ago. This time next year? Its down to $500,000, after that it goes down to whatever he would have got paid through 2010. Chump change.

Next year one of two things must happen, he must win the ACC or beat the Gamecocks. If you lose to the Cocks two years in a row your days are numbered, coupled with two disappointing seasons in a row you can start packing your bags. You guys should be better next year. The ACC should be better next year, not looking good for him right now. I think he could get it done next year, but you can count on next year being his last stand.

Like I say, I want him to get it done, right now he is not. Bad luck, sure no doubt. His comments to the media are not helping him. I have my fingers crossed that Paul Johnson and Jim Grobe don't get snatched up. I think it is unlikely. With the fan base, recruiting and what we would likely pay we should be able to land a good coach. The Tigers are not likely to be dumb enough to go after a big time coach. I think either one of them would come, my number one choice is Paul Johnson. Grobe is a close second and he is the least likely to move anyway. I don't really see them getting picked by the schools open right now. I think Paul Johnson's option should look real enticing to the Clemson decision makers. Its the way to go, you guys saw that this year. Paul Johnson will pass the ball if he has the capability. Wow. How do you defend a true option team that can pass the football? In short you can't. Thats my two cents, what do you think?

I knew you were kidding..

But I wasn't.. Tommy Bowden is a cry baby.. Just Kidding, lol.

You're right about the NC thing. USC will never live that one down.

On another note, I'm hearing Carolina got 2 commits today! More to come..

LOL, OK enjoy your win, I was just trying to rattle your cage a little.

Its OK because since you won I don't have to watch what I say.

Actually, if we had been in the top five or something I would be devasted. As it turned out I was so disappointed already it really didn't matter. It just topped everything off. My biggest fear at the start of the season was we would be undefeated and get beat by the cocks. As it turned out it was pretty much what was expected. I felt like you guys would win, nothing much else went right this year so why would that?

What made me remember was watching the USC and UCLA game. Wow, how would you feel if your rival knocked you out of the National Championship game. How long would it take to live that down? I'd say never.

Long as we win.. I don't care..

Good or bad, we still won!

I'd rather have an evil villian as a coach than a cry baby.. Tommy certainly looks like a cry baby with his lip always quivering during an interview after a game that he's lost.

I know you're hurting Vance, and I know why. You took a little spanking by the Big Bad Gamecocks!

Good or evil, the Gamecocks won! Get used to it!

I know it hurts you guys and you are searching for a reason why.

Good is always supposed to triumph over evil. The good guys are always supposed to win. In other words the Clemson Tigers should win every year.

But, every once in a while the bad guys win. Luckily it doesn't happen very often. Darth Visor has the power of the Dark Side of the force with him. He certainly looks like an evil villian. He will be a tough Big Bad. But in the end its always the same, the good guys will prevail.

Guess its all a mute point anyway, cut and paste straight from Tommy:

- Last pass: I made the call. Ran it twice, on the third I wanted to try to win it...They brought six on five and got the sack. Jad's got the leg to make that kick. He's a veteran guy who's been in that situation before.

- The play called required a fake and then a throw. Had Will recognized the coverage, he was to abort the fake and throw it over the head of a receiver for an incompletion.

I agree Brent, I am for sure planning on going to all the games one day and getting season tickets.

It would be great if me and you both could do it. I am glad to see you looking on the bright side. I mean, I am sitting here watching two teams that we beat play for the ACC championship. You are completely right, Korn is going to be the best QB in college football. Probably not next year but he is going to silence all critics next year. Personally, I think he is going to shock people next year at how good he is in his first year. He will still not be as good as he is going to be one day. The kid is a proven winner. I feel like he will be a winning QB, in other words a QB who finds a way to win the game. We will still take the occaisional loss from a team like VT this year, just had our number on that night. A winning QB could have won the rest of our games this year because it would have only took one play. I think he will be the one play maker. No doubt what so ever he has the talent and sheer atheletic ability and anybody who doubts that is retarded.

As for you Blakeroo, I disagree with you wholeheartedly. First off Spence didn't lose the game. We also didn't lose the game because of spectacular play calling for the Cocks as no doubt the Old Ball Sack is capabable of. We lost that game because you were able to run the ball up the middle on us. If a team can run the ball up the middle on you, you cannot beat them. Personally, I think play calling for the Cocks was not very good. You should have ran the ball more. Evidence of that is the interceptions that should have lost you the game. I think in fact even though it was retarded to go for it on fourth down, if he had ran the ball you would have got the first down. Instead a retarded pass that put you down eventually by two scores. Then another game saving fourth down that could have gone either way. Had you lost would you be saying Spurrier was a bad play caller? I think not. Spence did what I wanted him to do, he went for the win. Most Tiger fans think he should have called a run. I disagree, he should have done exactly what he did, that was going for the win. The Cocks made a good call on defense by blitzing. Spence was limited in the second half of the year in his play calling due to poor play execution by Proctor. Recievers were open and believe me they catch everything thrown to them. Proctor could not get them the ball. As for the missed blocks, it is not playstation and Spence does not have a controller with a wire going up Dukes butthole, so I can't really say it was designed for him to miss a block. In other words, it was probably a missed block or a play that never developed. Still, my opinion, good play calling on Spence's part to call a pass and try to win the game. Poor execution, but a good call. Then we still should have tied it, again poor execution.

Poor play from the Tiger defense against the run lost the game, I still like Vic, just a bad game and it was time for you guys to finally win one. Spence will take care of bussiness, bank on it. He was brought in not to be an offensive master mind. He was brought in to run the football which is what you have to do to win consistently. CJ needs 83 yards to give us two 1000 yard rushers for the year. I'd say he did what he was brought in to do and we will continue to improve under him.

One final play before the FG..

I watched the replay of the final play before the field goal today. Then after that, I watched probably 20 more times.

I wondered after I watched it the first time why Jasper Brinkley and Syvelle Newton got into the backfield to sack Will Procter so easily. After I watched the play so many times and saw what was actually going on I realized it was some bullshit Rob Spence designed play. It was a type of play that shouldn't have been called in this situation in my opinion. Just sit tight Brent and keep reading, because I'm going to help your case of not liking of Spence's retarded play calling.

When I watched the replay of the play, Clemson RT Marion Dukes drops back with his hands to his side and blocks no one. I'm not sure exactly what Spence's plan was with Dukes on that play, but it wasn't for him to block anyone. He didn't even attempt to. I believe it's got something to do with the whole zone blocking scheme. I mean, I can see a guy trying to block the guy in front of him and not being able to because he got burnt, but when he comes out after the snap and not having his hands up trying to just even slow a blitzer down? He just dropped back with his hands to the side. That had to be a part of that designed play. May be it was the whole zone blocking scheme. I don't know.

Anyway, to further my point. The two outside wideouts run a 2 step turn around route then jump up in the air? As like a fake jump or something? What the hell is that?

Ok, there were 3 WR on the play a TE, and a RB. The two outside WRs were just used as a decoy of some sort of fake route and the TE is used to pass block.. So may be your RB is going to run a route and try to get open.. Nope, the RB runs out to the flats only to block a DB?

So you have one WR out there that is Stuckey who I think would have ran a slant over the middle, and probably not even have picked up the first down much less a TD. You put all your marbles on one open WR and one QB to make a TD on some kind of designed mad scientist bullshit play. I know it's hard to understand what I am talking about until you watch the play over a few times like I did, but you should agree with me after you see it.

Heres the link to watch the replay. Scroll down a little and it will come up on the screen to your top left. Double click the screen for full screen.

Only one WR was supposed to make a play in a situation like that.. I see now why you hate Spence so much..

http://www.cockytalk.com/video.php

Que Que.

I talked to him about a month ago. He said he liked Georgia and Clemson, but not real sure right now. I think he will develop into a decent balanced running back, if he stays out of trouble in small Abbeville. I need to go see him play, especially if he is gonna be good enough for division I ball and if he is seriously interested in clemson. He is really tall and built, but I think he needs to add a few pounds. I see him as a James Davis type RB good, but not great speed.

Regardless, Clemson will be loaded at running back as long as Spence is there, and Willie Korn will run his offense to full potential. We will win 10 ball games next year even with him struggling a bit. He will make some awesome plays too. He is as good as anyone at CU now (including Proctor) and going to be as memorable as Whitehurst in my opinion. Imagine his potential with this talent, and not a mediocre line at Byrnes this year. He is the real deal and a natural leader with all the tools to make it big. Coots are his only critics right now. Go tigers and go GT for a shot at the Gator Bowl for the ACC's best team. I am excited about our bowl game and the spring game. Chris Pless said he will go to the spring game and you too Vance. When we get older with more money we should go in and get season tickets.

Qua Qua on his way? LOL

Anybody got any word on his favorite or what kind of back he is? He is from Abbeville.

I said Paul Johnson not Danny Ford.

But before you get into he wouldn't work these days and all that bullshit. Let me remind you he did beat Bobby Bowden, Paterno, Switzer, Woody Hayes, Tom Osborne and a host of other names. Why in the hell wouldn''t it work? We havn't really been worth a damn since he left. Why? because of all that complicated offense crap that we will never have the talent to run. We are trying to run a Southern Cal type offense (before Spence) and shocked that we don't have the talent for it. What a surprise. We will never be better than we are trying to run a complicated offense, bank on it. There will always be a missing link, this year the QB, next year the O-line. Why? Its too fucking complicated thats why. LOL

Danny Ford is the past!

In college football, you have to be sophisticated on offense if you want to be elite. You have to be able to run and pass. Danny Ford's offense would be shut down in today's times. I do like Jim Grobe and he would make a great head coach for us, but hopefully we don't start running a damn triple option. Thats for dummy colored people.

Wake Forest outcoached us too. Look I am not ragging Tommy, you can just forget an ACC championship as long as he is there. We will never have a losing season, we will just stay at the 8 or 9 win bubble.

Carolina Lands 2 Huge WR Commits!

USC Wednesday landed a verbal commitment from WR Joseph Hills (6-4 195) of Bradenton, FL. Hills committed in person to his recruiter David Reaves and then talked on the phone with head coach Steve Spurrier. "It's closer to home and there's the chance for playing right away," Hills said. "My family loved it and I loved it. They need receivers desperately. The receivers they have are okay, but I feel like I can go in and play right away. That's what it's about, playing right away as a true freshman." Hills had over 30 offers and he also made official visits to LSU and Georgia. This season he had 50 catches for 600 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also had 5 interceptions as a safety.

Other notes on Hills: Hills is a 4 star prospect and the 16th best athlete in the nation. He is projected to start off at WR and grow into a TE.

WR Jason Barnes (6-4 196) of Charlotte committed Wednesday morning to USC according to his coach Tom Knotts. Barnes had been torn between USC and North Carolina for months. "I'm just glad he finally made a decision," Knotts said. "He made the best decision for he and his family. Coach (Fred) Chatham did a great job." Chatham made his in home visit with the family Tuesday night and got the call from Barnes Wednesday morning. Barnes is a Shrine Bowl selection.

Other notes on Barnes: Barnes in a 3 star WR but is projected to jump to 4 stars with a good Shrine Bowl showing. He is a player that both Spurrier SR. and JR. wanted badly..

Other notes on recruiting: QB Stephen Garcia (6-3 218) of Tampa has scheduled a news conference for next Wednesday afternoon at his school to announce his college decision, and he left little doubt Wednesday afternoon he will be announcing for USC. "It's safe to say that," Garcia said. "But I do want to keep the suspense going a little bit longer." Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops is coming in Monday for an in home visit. His Ole Miss recruiter is coming in Sunday. USC head coach Steve Spurrier and assistant David Reaves made their in home visits Tuesday night. "It went really well," Garcia said. "They really want me to come up there early and start competing with the other quarterbacks. They want to start coaching me really quickly." Garcia added that Spurrier left his home with a good idea about what he's thinking. "He's got a pretty good feeling already," Garcia said. "There's not much to worry about." Garcia can graduate from high school early and is leaning towards doing so but he said he has not made a definite decision on that. Garcia will play Saturday in his county's all star game.

DE Carlos Dunlap 6-6 245) of Fort Dorchester has scheduled his official visit to USC for January 13th, the primary recruiting weekend for the Gamecocks this recruiting season. That's the first official visit date firmed up by Dunlap. He is also considering Clemson, Florida, Tennessee and several others for official visits

Finally! Something I can disagree with you on.

Two things actually:
First off why do you say the option won't work? What about it is not going to work? Brent, I know 1A teams went away from it, but I really don't think you have ever really seen or remember how a true option play is suppose to work. I would not want any other coach to implement the option other than Paul Johnson. If you want to see how it is suppose to work, watch Navy play in their bowl game unless they are completely outmatched. He has conditioned players with little or no atheletic ability to compete with major 1A teams. A true option team is conditioned better than anybody else. Danny Ford was known to have the most gruesome practices imaginable. The coaches stayed in the players faces. Why? I guess you would have to go back to his roots and Bear Bryant. Did you see the movie, oh man what was it called, Victory Junction? Sorry if the name was wrong. Unfortunately, he also inherited some of his bad habits in recruiting. He was no saint in that area either. But you bring up another point of mine on why is would work. Nobody sees it anymore and they could not possibly know how to defend it well. Do you think Wofford should have competed with SC. Certainly not. I cannot imagine someone trying to stop Korn, Spiller and CJ in the option. Other major running backs would be lined up to come to Clemson. Navy leads the nation in rushing every year. It would work and work well, I have no doubt of that. By the way, Lou Holtz did not run the type of option I am talking about. What about Grobe? Again another coach conditioning lesser atheletes to compete. The Misdirection he uses is phenominal. His motivational skills are unbelievable.

Point number two. Being outcoached is not the problem. We were outcoached twice this year. First and foremost Va Tech. I am sorry Brent, Beamer is a damn good coach. We are gonna get this from time to time. I think Beamer is outcoaching everybody at this point in the year. Secondly Spurrier, maybe. Is he a better coach no doubt. He is arguably the best coach going in college football right now. Its gonna happen. I am not so sure however it was great coaching that beat us. They ran the ball up the middle on us. If a team can run the ball up the middle you are in trouble, period. Any coach will attempt to run the ball over you. It really didn't take the offensive genius that Spurrier no doubt is to do that. Had we stopped the run we would have won handily. I mean hell, Mitchell had three interceptions. Didn't matter they ran the ball effectively which of course opened up a few big pass plays. Outcoached? How about out motivated. The fans of Va Tech also played a big part.

Motivation is Bowdens problem right now. Either he learns to motivate or we will continue to be where we are right now. Fortunately, that is still on the verge of something great. His motivation in part needs to be from benching players that don't perform. In that aspect he certainly does need to learn from Spurrier. Thoughts?

You guys spend too much time on recruits!

The option would not work Vance! There's a reason Division 1 teams don't run it anymore. We just need a quarterback and some aggressive playcalling. I'm not sure about Tommy Bowden right now. I don't agree with canning him either, but his staff has been getting outcoached recently. You know IPTAY will not put up with another loss to USC.

I think he is staying. Just wondered why he was in Florida.

Is anything possible? Of course unlikely at best.

One thing though, not a flame. Not better programs? Not better recruiting? I know they have better recruiting and programs than Clemson. I think we still have the edge over you. I also think Spurrier would completely disagree with you. His point in staying was to build a program, comparing your programs or recruiting to Alabama or Miami, well I wouldn't want to make a comparison to Clemson with them.

Hes not leaving, but he is not leaving because SC is more of a challenge than any of those other schools and it is certainly not that SC has a better program, recruiting or tradition. I think it is exactly the opposite.

What do you think?

Do you think Spurrier's trip to Florida was a plan to recruit players or something else?

You know what I think, but I don't understand why this keeps getting brought up?

Do you really think he is going to leave Carolina?

Just wondering?

Sounds to me like he's at a better program than the programs that are offering him.. Better record, better talent, and better recruiting class. Why would he leave Carolina?

Sounds good.

Keep him from visiting Oklahoma. Stoops is another buttwad.

Close to choosing the Gamecocks?

As of tonight, Tampa (Fla.) Jefferson four-star quarterback Stephen Garcia is the only signal caller in the Rivals250 to have not committed to a school. It appears things are about to change.

"I'm leaning towards having a press conference at my school next Wednesday," the 6-foot-3, 205-pound Garcia said. "I'll know for sure in the next day or two."

Garcia spent most of his Tuesday evening with South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier.

"He and coach (David) Reaves were at my house for about four hours tonight," Garcia said. "It was just crazy spending that much time with him in my own house. I mean, he's the best coach in America when it comes to offense and quarterbacks. I loved it."

During the visit, Spurrier addressed the persistent rumors that he could be headed to Alabama to replace the recently fired Mike Shula.

"He said there's no chance of it happening. He's staying at South Carolina for sure, so that was good to hear."

Garcia is still contemplating when he'll take his visits and whether he'll graduate in December and enroll in college in January.

"As far as the visits go, I'm definitely visiting South Carolina and maybe Oklahoma. Ole Miss is still in there a little bit, too, but I don't know if I'm going to get there for a visit or not. It's really down to those three teams."

As has been the case throughout the process, one team remains at the top of his list.

"It's South Carolina. They're still No. 1 on my list."


Who do you think he will choose? I got my money on Carolina!

You got that right..

You are thinking the right way. It's nice to have the guys that you are going after to be ranked high, but I have come to realize that it doesn't matter to much when they get to college. I am confident in who Spurrier will take a commitment from, regardless of what thier star ranking is.

A few examples of missed star rankings:

1. Sydney Rice 3 star
2. Eric Norwood 3 star
3. Jasper Brinkley 3 star
4. Casper Brinkley 3 star
5. Captain Munnerlyn 2 star
6.Emanuel Cook 3 star
7. Freddie Brown 3 star
8. Ryan Succop 3 star
9. Johnathan Joseph 3 star
10. Ko Simpson 2 star

Like I said, good pickup for the Tigers if he as good as they say he is. I would take him if he is.

You are right no way to know for sure.

Just going by the article and Rivals predictions. The kid sure has the size, I guess in this case stars really don't matter. Biggest recruit since Spiller thats for sure. Wow, two awesome players for 2008. I am cetainly more worried about keeping him than stars. We keep him and he can be a 2 star.

Big pickup for the Tigers..

He was a Clemson fan, and there was no doubt he wasn't going to pick Clemson in my opinion.

Even if he wasn't a Clemson fan, I'm sure it would have been hard for him to pick Carolina over Clemson with Carolina picking up Cliff Matthews, Travian Robertson, possibly Carlos Dunlap, and already having Eric Norwood who is a freshman this year. I'm not saying that he is afraid of competition, but Carolina probably wouldn't look to humbling to him right now.

Also, with the departure of Gaines Adams, Clemson is in a huge need for depth in the DE position. No better place for a DE to pick to go to school than his favorite school.. In this case it's Clemson.

I will say this.. Don't be so sure he is a 5 star, no rankings have come out yet. Cris Ard and Roy Philpot have been known to over hype early Clemson commits. Don't listen to every thing you hear on the message boards. I have no doubt that he will be a 4 star though.

But on any note, good pickup for the Tigers. Big fill for a huge need. Congrats, and I would love to see him play for Carolina.

Latest 5 star for the Tigers!!

If we hold on it means a five star for three years straight!!

Yea it was planned..

He had in home visits planned for yesterday in Ocala FL. with these 2 guys. Dion Lecorn and Antonio Allen. Scroll down.. I have posted about them before.

My source is the main writer for Gamecockcentral.com.

Here's his post on the subject:

As I type this (Monday at 12:30 p.m. ET), Steve Spurrier is in Ocala, Florida, meeting with WR Dion Lecorn and safety Antonio Allen. He is scheduled to be on the road recruiting with a different assistant coach each day this week.

They had a recruiting meeting as a staff yesterday, and my sources say Spurrier is jacked up about going out on the road to sign the best recruiting class in USC history. He is also said to be ecstatic about the future of USC's program.

Did you think he wasn't going to recruit in Florida anymore? : )

Not to be an ass, but I have to post it, its news..

Spurrier is not in Columbia this week. He is reportedly in Florida on a recruiting trip. Was it planned Blake?

You're not gonna like this, I am almost glad we finally lost.

Its the only way we will ever see changes.

I have to agree with you this time.

His comments were pretty lame. I don't understand him. I really think he is tired of coaching. I know that I wasn't that pissed or frustrated until I heard him. Either he needs to change his attitude or most likely the way he addresses the media. It ain't working.

This is not the year for us to fire him anyway, jobs open all over the place now with Alabama adding themselves to the coachless. I hear NC State has a press conference later today, not sure now how Amano could keep his job.

One thing is for sure, you lose to the Cocks two years in a row and your days are numbered. That coupled with disappointing regular seasons and it is not looking too good. Throw in stupid comments to the media justifying why the year was OK and well, he has nobody to blame but himself. He will almost certainly stay this year, for one their will be a shortage of coaches worth a damn for us, too many jobs already open. Grobe has my vote, second is Paul Johnson. It could happen one day, back to the option maybe? They both fit the Tigers, thats the real reason we were so competative in the past, ask the Cocks about Wofford. Don't see too many people stopping CJ in the option offense. Thoughts? Even Bowden knew running is the way to go, bring the option back, its our only hope.

Heartbreaker....

Well, finally the Gamecocks got what they wanted so badly: a win. Carolina's draw plays is what won it, I think. Clemson was pathetic on tackling the entire game. Koenning's defense wasn't ready and the Tigers paid the price. I am disappointed in this season, not this loss. I just feel like this team was capable of more than playing some second rate team in Charlotte or Boise. I just think Tommy likes collecting those ugly bowl trophies. I really do think he is satisfied with those bowl games. I don't see the pain when he loses, just the "Oh well, I knew it would be close."

The bad thing is, when you don't leave a way out...

People get fired.

Whats funny to me is every site is just putting up everything to be true..

They are not even saying this might be the case its crazy. It looks like the old flame wars we used to have on this site. The Sportaholic News is the least flaming site on rivals right now, LOL.

I doubt there is much validity to any of it..

Wow! This is the most mudslinging I have ever seen before the big game. The Gamecock faithfull are in total pandomonium. They are on every board going wild, you should check out the Miami site. They are pulling Georgia and Florida into it. Some are saying Richt is going. Its been crazy all week.

Can't blame me for posting on it, its all over the place. Everyday I keep finding more from official sites that have just gone wild. I hear it was on around the horn today, I didn't see it. I am interested to see what the front will look like this time next week. Like I said, I don't believe any of it is true but man anything that turns up accurate would really shake up the college football world. Hopefully the Tigers will simply stay out of it and concentrate on the game. Brent where are you? The Sportaholic News will bring you breaking live coverage of all the action this week, lol.

Here's an even better article!

SPURRIER DISMISSES ALLEGATIONS

Steve Spurrier dismissed as "internet crap" a report on a Clemson web site Monday that USC committed major violations in the successful recruitment of defensive end Travian Robertson of Laurinburg, N.C.

Spurrier blamed the story on envious college football programs fearful that USC is about to become a highly successful – and winning - program. He said he dealt with the same innuendo when he was head coach at Florida.

"It doesn't bother me. Some people think we've got something going here," Spurrier said. "We may be building a football program that's going to irritate some people. We've got some commitments from kids that some people don't like. Whatever they can find negative to say, they're going to do it. Our fans need to understand that. That's the way life is. They don't want to see us have something good going. That's part of the game."

Spurrier says he spoke with Tyrone Nix, who was accused in the article of making illegal phone calls to Robertson and his family. Nix, USC's defensive coordinator, assured him nothing improper occurred. Spurrier contended Kevin Milligan, a central figure in the article, was a "long-time friend of the family up there."

Under NCAA rules, Milligan had a "pre-existing relationship" with the family and thus, contrary to the core allegations in the article on the Clemson web site, Milligan was not a booster.

Spurrier compared the truthfulness and accuracy of the article to the one that appeared on CSTV.com early Sunday claiming that Spurrier would "likely" become the next head coach at Miami.

"That report had a lot of similarities to report that had me going to Miami," Spurrier said. "I don't like to comment on internet crap. Anybody can put anything on there. Why people believe it is beyond me. If we made any impermissible phone calls we would certainly turn ourselves in."

MITCHELL HONORED BY SEC: USC quarterback Blake Mitchell, whose incredible resurgence continued against Middle Tennessee two days ago, was honored as the SEC Player-of-the-Week after connecting on 21-of-28 passes for a career-high 388 yards and four touchdowns in USC's convincing 52-7 win over the Blue Raiders.

Mitchell tossed two touchdown strikes to Sidney Rice for 37 and 27 yards and one each to Andy Boyd (15 yards) and Cory Boyd (19 yards). He was 13-of-18 for 250 yards in the first half.

In the 10 quarters since replacing Syvelle Newton as quarterback, Mitchell has completed 60-of-82 passes for876 yards with 6 touchdowns and one interception.

Mitchell becomes the fourth USC player to be honored with Player-of-the-Week honors by the SEC, joining Ryan Succop, Sidney Rice and Casper Brinkley.

NOTES:

-- Spurrier accepted sarcastic congratulations from the media for being named the new head coach at Alabama Monday. "It's always flattering when someone throws the South Carolina coach's name out there," he said. 'I'm very happy here. We're going to try to win us an SEC."

-- Spurrier said he agreed with Clemson head coach Tommy Bowden that the pre-game handshake is not needed this year. "We're going over there to play football," Spurrier said. "They don't have to worry about that fighting crap anymore. Not on our side, that's for sure and I don't think on their side (either). Let's go play football. If they want to do cartwheels coming down the hill, that's fine with me."

-- Spurrier discounted a newspaper reporter's question that he's de-emphasized the rivalry with Clemson. Spurrier acknowledged he's also concerned with conference games but described Clemson as USC's biggest rival. "This is the biggest game of the year," Spurrier said. "This could make it a good year for us if we find a way to beat those guys."

Gamecocks Begin Clemson Week

The University of South Carolina football squad (6-5) began its preparations for Saturday's noon contest at 24th-ranked Clemson (8-3) by working out at the Bluff Road practice fields on Monday evening. Saturday's game will be televised nationally on ESPN with Sean McDonough, Chris Spielman and Rob Stone working the contest.

Following the session, head coach Steve Spurrier met with the media:

On being rumored as the next head coach at Alabama: "Miami yesterday, Alabama today. Well thank you. I appreciate it. It's always flattering that someone would throw the South Carolina coach's name out there. Obviously, I'm very, very happy here. We're going to try to win us an SEC. That's the goal. That's my mission."

On scoring in the red zone: "That will be a big key this week. It was a big key last year in the Clemson game. We were three field goals and two turnovers in the red zone (last year), so we didn't get many points."

On the report of recruiting violations that was reported on a website earlier in the day: "That report might have been like `me going to Miami next year' report. It had a lot of similarities."

On the pre-game handshake (that was done prior to last year's Clemson game): "We don't need to do it this year. We're going over there to play football. They don't have to worry about that fighting crap anymore. Not on our side, that's for sure and I don't think on their side. Let's just go play football. If they want to do cartwheels coming down the hill, that's fine with me. We're over there to play football. This could make a good year for us if we can find a way to beat those guys. We know that."

Sounds like Spurrier thinks that recruiting violation report was pretty much bullshit.. Much like the Spurrier going to Miami report.. LMAO.

Like I said though, other teams are going to go after Spurrier. If their program is in trouble, why wouldn't they?? He is one of the best coaches in the game. But guess what, he isn't going anywhere or even considering leaving. He wants to win a SEC championship at Carolina, and Carolina is very close to doing that. Why would he leave when he is so close to his goal? Doesn't make much sense.. Spurrier going to Miami or Bama is the most ridiculous thing that I've ever heard of, and the way Spurrier talks, it's the most ridiculous thing he's ever heard of too.

No it's not your average rumor that Spurrier is going to Miami.. It's not even that. It's a silly little rumor. Just because ESPN or CSTV reports it , doesn't mean it has any relevance at all. ESPN even countered it's reports by saying that he is staying at Carolina. Spurrier isn't going to consider any other job, and any report that says so is retarded..

All Purple baby, lets start a new tradition Saturday, Brent? This is why...

The 1980 game will not be remembered as a classic in terms of the final score. Clemson dominated soon to be Heisman Trophy winner George Rogers and the No. 14 Gamecocks. Defensive back Willie Underwood had two interceptions – the first ones of his 47-game career – including a 37-yard touchdown return to ice the Tigers’ 27-6 victory in front of 64,000 fans in Death Valley.

Flashback: Clemson vs. South Carolina
November 22, 1980
Tigers 27, Gamecocks 6

No, 1980 will be remembered for one thing – the berth of the orange pants.

Clemson entered the South Carolina game with a 5-5 record after being blasted the week before at Maryland 34-7. The Tigers had lost four of their last five games and there were rumors, that if Clemson did not beat Jim Carlen’s 8-2 Gamecocks, head coach Danny Ford was sure to be fired. “It didn’t look real good for us,” Ford recalled when looking back.

South Carolina came into the game playing well. The Gamecocks’ only two defeats came at Southern Cal and at Georgia, both of which were ranked in the top 5 of the Associated Press poll. More impressive was the fact USC had a win at No. 17 Michigan and were winners in six of their last seven games.

With his team down on itself after the loss to Maryland, Ford knew he needed to do something to inspire his football team. Taking a page out of his mentor’s book – Alabama’s Bear Bryant – Ford reached deep into his bag of motivational tricks and pulled out a pair of orange pants.

When Ford played at Alabama, Bryant would allow his team to where crimson pants with the crimson jerseys against rival Auburn when he felt his team deserved to play in them or if they needed an emotional lift.

In hopes of inspiring his team, Ford broke out the all-orange uniforms – a first for any Clemson team at the time – against South Carolina that November afternoon in Clemson.

“We warmed up in the white pants, but we all knew we were going to change into the orange pants when we got back to the locker room so all throughout warm-ups we were pumped up and ready to go,” Clemson All-American linebacker Jeff Davis said. “We knew how excited the fans would get when they first saw us come to the top of the Hill wearing nothing but orange.

“I mean we had the orange helmet, the orange jersey and the orange pants. The only thing we did not have on that wasn’t orange was our shoes. When the fans saw us, they went crazy. We knew right there we were going to win.”

The chain of events it sparked after that will forever live in Clemson lore.

The Tigers got the scoreboard first late in the opening quarter when Obed Ariri capped a 60-yard drive with a 41-yard field goal. The Gamecocks answered on their next possession with an Eddie Leopard 47-yard field goal to tie the game at three.

Clemson took a 6-3 lead when Ariri was true from 47 yards with 7:31 to play in the first half. USC eventually tied the game again in the third quarter with a 29-yard Leopard field goal.

With time running down in the third quarter, the Gamecocks moved the football to the Clemson 16 where it appeared poised to take the lead for the first time in the day, but Underwood stepped in front of a Gary Harper out pass and raced 64 yards down the left sideline to the South Carolina 24. Six plays later, quarterback Homer Jordan went in from the one, giving Clemson a 13-6 lead.

On the Gamecocks’ next possession, Harper again threw the ball into the flats to Ben Cornett and again Underwood made a break for the ball and took the pass back for a 37-yard touchdown and a 20-6 Tigers lead.

Clemson later added a 15-yard Jeff McCall touchdown to seal the 27-6 victory. Rogers finished the afternoon with 168 rushing yards, but ended his USC career without scoring a touchdown against the Tigers.

Underwood’s 101 return yards are still a Clemson record to this day. The senior also recorded a game-high 17 tackles and for his efforts was named the National Defensive Player of the Week by Sports Illustrated.

As for the rest of the Tigers, the win over South Carolina did more than just secure a winning season and save Ford’s job, it also was a springboard for Clemson’s national championship run a year later.

It was a good thing the Tigers decided to wear orange pants.

Wow.

South Carolina Commits NCAA Violations

By Brett Jensen Posted Nov 19, 2006

The University of South Carolina football program broke NCAA rules during the recruitment of a North Carolina prep star, the school’s cell phone records show. Those same bills also display hours of conversation with a known South Carolina fan, who drove the football player to Columbia on a recruiting visit.

University of South Carolina cell phone records obtained through the Freedom of Information Act by CUTigers.com, which is part of the Scout.com/FoxSports.com network, show that Gamecocks defensive coordinator Tyrone Nix called Travian Robertson of Laurinburg, N.C., illegally during the month of July.

According to NCAA rules, phone calls to a prospect or a prospect’s relatives or legal guardian(s) may not be made after May 31, or before September 1 of the beginning of the prospect’s senior year in high school.

The cell phone bills show that Nix called the cell phone owned by Robertson’s father, Tony, twice on July 23, just two days after the younger Robertson visited Clemson and two days before he visited South Carolina for the final time.

On July 27, Robertson, who is listed as one of the top defensive ends in the nation at Scotland County High by Scout.com, committed to the Gamecocks. The commitment came less than a week after he had rated his visit to Clemson as perfect. He was expected to commit to the Tigers officially on July 27 at a press conference after having informed Clemson coaches his intentions to do so.

“I didn’t really commit,” Robertson said. “They took it the wrong way.”

When he took his final visit to South Carolina before committing, he was driven to the school some 130 miles away by Kevin Milligan, Robertson said.

Milligan is continuing a long-time family tradition by serving as publisher of the town’s newspaper, The Laurinburg Exchange. He also serves as president of a local country club.

Milligan’s grandmother, Doris Bowie Milligan, was listed in the 2005 football program as a full scholarship donor to South Carolina. His grandfather, Jim Milligan, graduated from South Carolina.

Just during the month of July, 81 cell phone contacts totaling 305 minutes between members of the Gamecocks coaching staff and Milligan took place.

On more than one occasion, contact between the coaches, Milligan and Robertson were intertwined.

South Carolina defensive line coach Brad Lawing had the most contact, reaching Milligan 43 times for 185 minutes. David Reaves, the recruiting coordinator, contacted Milligan 36 times for a total of 101 minutes. Nix called him twice for 19 minutes.

Milligan would be classified as a booster under NCAA guidelines.

According to rule 13.02.12, “a ‘representative of the institution’s athletics interests’ is an individual, independent agency, corporate entity (e.g., apparel or equipment manufacturer) or other organization who is known (or who should have been known) by a member of the institution’s executive or athletics administration to:

“Be assisting or to have been requested (by the athletics department staff) to assist in the recruitment of prospective student-athletes;

“Be assisting or to have assisted in providing benefits to enrolled student-athletes or their families.”

According to Robertson, Milligan drove him, his father and his high school football coach Mark Barnes to the campus in Columbia, on July 25. A booster driving a recruit to a campus visit is a violation of NCAA rules.

Attempts to reach Milligan Sunday night were unsuccessful.

Lawing is no stranger to being connected with questionable recruiting.

In a Memphis U.S. District Court in February of 2005, former Trezevant High School head coach Lynn Lang testified under oath that Lawing, then a Michigan State assistant coach in January of 2000, asked him how much it would take to buy the services of one of his star players.

“Lawing wanted me to get into his car and ride around with him,” Lang said. “That’s when he started telling me – now this is when Nick Saban had left and Bobby Williams took over – that he had a new coach in town who was willing to pay more money (than other schools) and he was asking me how much it would take.”

Lang said he told Lawing it would take more than $100,000. Shortly thereafter, the Spartans stopped recruiting the player.

Rilvary importance!

Weekend clarifies Tigers’ path to bowls
Losses by Maryland, Wake Forest help Clemson’s chances for bid to Gator Bowl
By PAUL STRELOW
pstrelow@thestate.com

CLEMSON — The more the top of the ACC’s Atlantic Division was shaken up during the weekend, the quicker No. 24 Clemson rose in the bowl grab bag.

The Tigers’ postseason options remained the same as they were the week before.
But the scenarios by which they could wind up at a particular bowl were simplified.
With only its regular-season finale against non-conference rival USC remaining, Clemson (8-3, 5-3 ACC) remains likely to be chosen up by either the Chick-fil-A or Gator bowls, which own the first two choices of ACC teams that do not advance to the Bowl Championship Series.
It appears the only way the Tigers fall below the Gator Bowl is if Georgia Tech loses the ACC title game and the Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A Bowl passes on its hometown team.
“The biggest thing from the weekend is now we don’t know who’s playing in the championship game,” Gator Bowl president Rick Catlett said Sunday. “So we’re just going to have to wait and see.”

A first-year ACC rule prohibits bowls from selecting a team if another finishes with two fewer conference losses during the regular season.

Coastal Division champ Georgia Tech and Atlantic Division co-leaders Wake Forest and Maryland entered the weekend with one ACC loss. If the Atlantic Division champ reached the ACC title game with the single loss, the Chick-fil-A Bowl could not have chosen three-loss Clemson ahead of the title game loser.

But losses by Wake Forest and Maryland ensure that Georgia Tech will be the only ACC title game participant with one loss.

If the Yellow Jackets win the ACC championship Dec. 2 and advance to the BCS’ Orange Bowl, the Chick-fil-A Bowl would have Virginia Tech and Clemson among its pool of candidates, both of which have historically supportive fan bases.

The Chick-fil-A Bowl gets the fourth choice among the SEC’s non-BCS entries, and this weekend’s rivalry game between Georgia Tech and Georgia figures to have significant bearing on its eventual pick.

Bowl president Gary Stokan said a Georgia Tech win would help the Yellow Jackets’ case for Chick-fil-A selection if they went on to drop the ACC title game. Conversely, two Georgia Tech losses could lead the Chick-fil-A to look at a team with more momentum, i.e., Virginia Tech.
Using the same rationale, a Georgia win would make the home-state Bulldogs an attract draw. Coupled with a Georgia Tech victory in the ACC title game, the Chick-fil-A might be inclined to pick Clemson ahead of Virginia Tech to renew the border battle with Georgia.

“If Clemson loses to South Carolina this weekend, they’re probably not going to be in our selection process,” Stokan said.

If Georgia Tech does not drop below the Chick-fil-A, Clemson is all but a shoo-in for the Gator, which is believed to covet a match-up between the Tigers and either Oklahoma or West Virginia.

The catch is that if the Atlantic Division representative wins the ACC title and the Chick-fil-A takes Virginia Tech over Georgia Tech, the Gator cannot pick three-loss Clemson over the one-loss Yellow Jackets.

Should that happen, Clemson could fall to one of three tie-ins: the Champs Sports Bowl in Orlando, Fla., where they went last year; the Meineke Car Care Bowl in Charlotte, N.C., against Navy; or the Music City Bowl in Nashville, Tenn.

Spurrier, two thumbs up.

Spurrier rates Tiger duo highly
USC coach says Davis, Spiller are nation’s top rushers
By JOSEPH PERSON
jperson@thestate.com

Arkansas tailbacks Darren McFadden and Felix Jones have run for more yards, but USC coach Steve Spurrier called the Clemson duo of James Davis and C.J. Spiller the nation’s top rushing tandem.

Davis, a sophomore from Atlanta, leads the ACC in rushing with 1,115 yards; Spiller, a freshman from Florida, is fifth with 759. Both average more than six yards a carry and have the Tigers ranked fifth nationally in rushing offense.

“They’ve got that No. 28 (Spiller) that’s hard to contain,” Spurrier said. “Spiller’s a player, along with Davis. They’re the best running backs in the country on the same team.”

Davis rushed for 145 yards and scored the game-winning touchdown with a 2-yard, fourth-quarter run last year to lift the Tigers to a 13-9 victory against USC in Columbia. That was before Spiller arrived on campus.

“Obviously, for us to have a chance, we’ve got to contain those guys somewhat,” Spurrier said.

Just out of curiosity where was your source?

ESPN? CBS?

Its entirely possible its true.

Miami? Hate to admit it I just don't think they would want him (Tommy), lol. Its not rumor Miami is going after Spurrier, its a fact he is at the top of the list. For the record, I don't think he is going, mainly because its not an SEC team. Rumors run amuck, no doubt. These are not your average rumor, the are coming from sources other than message boards and fans. Does that make them true, of course not. Again, I don't think he is going but, I certainly would not rule it out just because he denies it. After all, he would never say I want the job one week before the regular season ended and with Coker not yet gone. Can you imagine the effect if he didn't end up going after that? No way he would say he is going at this moment in time, even if he is. Also, no way I could pass up this topic.

Tiger staff talking? Its entirely possible, Tommy? Unlikely, I think he is getting tired of coaching. Impossible, absolutely not.

I'm not trying to flame, or throw something back at you..

I want you to post stuff if you're not sure I know about it, and I think you want me to do the same for you. So please don't think I'm flaming.

Here goes. There are new rumors arising, that Clemson coaches including Tommy Bowden were discussing jobs with another or multiple programs this past weekend.. It hasn't been made known yet if it is Miami, FSU, or even if it is one of those two teams, but that is the rumor. People are saying it will be made known to the public soon. So I guess we will know the relevance of it soon enough.

It's funny how rumors can be so easily started.. Wonder how much truth there is to this?

Gamecock fans may as well get used to it..

When you have a head coach that is the caliber of Steve Spurrier, he is going be frequently mentioned as the top replacement when a major head coaching job comes open. It's nice to have a head coach that the teams like Miami, Bama, ect. want.

I agree with you that if Bama makes a head coaching change, Spurrier is going to be at the top of their list as a replacement. Does that mean Spurrier will take the job, or even have the slightest bit of interest? Absolutely not..

Like I have said before, Spurrier wants to win at Carolina. He wants to go down in history as the first head coach to win at Carolina. Here's 5 good reasons why I know he isn't leaving South Carolina for a while..

1. South Carolina just unveiled a 200 million dollar facilities upgrade plan.. Which includes adding 8,000 seats to Williams Brice, the new baseball stadium, an academic center, and numerous other upgrades. Guess who was leading the way, and campaigning the most for the upgrades. You got it, Steve Spurrier.

2. Spurrier just made a donation himself to the university of 250,000 dollars.

3. The recruiting class we have coming in is going to be jam packed full of first class talent. Spurrier has been talking a lot here lately about how great he thinks this class is going to be. This could possibly be the best class Carolina has ever had, and Spurrier knows that.

4. Think about how much improvement has been made this year with this very very young class. The three weeks before we beat the crap out of MTSU, we lost to 3 of the top 12 teams in the nation by a combination of 14 points. Also something else for Spurrier to look forward to, Carolina is only losing 3 starters on offense and 1 starter on defense after this season. Just look at how well we have done with such little experience. Spurrier has already made it a goal for next year to play for the SEC championship. He can't do that if he's in North Cuba.

5. Money is not a factor with Spurrier. Spurrier was offered a lot more money by Carolina than he is making. Spurrier was offered over 2 million dollars a year by Carolina, and he turned it down. He is making an estimated 1.3 million dollars a year now. So, I don't think he will be running for the money.

Like I said though, Carolina fans better get used to programs coming after Spurrier. They also better get used to Spurrier shooting them down. Of course Bama and Miami are going to go after Spurrier, and so will Penn State and FSU after Jo Pa and Bobby retire, but they can go ahead and hang it up.. Spurrier is going to retire at Carolina!

We are on our way and Spurrier knows and believes that more than anyone else...

Rest easy Gamecock fans, rest easy.

Yea I've seen it..

I personally don't think he's going anywhere, especially not an acc school...

That article was blown way out of proportion.. The part about him "jokingly said that he hopes to be back at South Carolina next year, but that depends on the school's athletic director and president."

His actual quote right after that comment was "I'm not leaving unless I get run off."

I listened to the tele-conference myself and in this article (that I'm going to post) is exactly what he said, and if you listened to his way of speaking, and if you just heard the way he talked I'm sure you would be convinced that Spurrier is going to be at Carolina for a while..

Spurrier wants to make history by doing something that has never been done, and that is to win a SEC championship at Carolina. He has stated that over and over again..

He won't be able to do that at Miami or Alabama. Simply because it has been done at Bama, and it can't be done at miami because they are in the acc.

Spurrier isn't looking for another job, and I won't worry about him leaving for somewhere else until after he wins an SEC championship at Carolina. But I think he will retire at Carolina, and win many SEC championships during his tenture.

This whole thing is going to make a laughing stock out of the reporters that wrote articles like the one you posted. I had read that same article that you posted earlier today, and the guy from CSTV that wrote that article got embarrassed by Spurrier during the tele-conference I listened to. Spurrier called him out for starting rumors from seeing stuff on the internet.. The guy said "thank you coach Spurrier" then he hung up the phone. Two hours later, this article comes out.. lol..

After Spurrier was quoted saying (and I heard him say it) he had no interest in the Miami job, the guy wrote in that article that "he never insisted he wasn't interested, but instead, tip-toed around the answer." LOL.. That guy is a joke. He's just mad because Spurrier embarrased him in front of all his media friends. What's even funnier is, that guy has no actual quotes from Spurrier..

You read Spurrier's REAL quotes and comments, then tell me what you think..


Spurrier: I have no interest in Miami job

Calming the fears of South Carolina fans, Steve Spurrier denied widespread speculation Sunday afternoon that he's leaving South Carolina to take the heading coaching job at Miami.

"That's a rumor I guess someone started," Spurrier said. "In a way it's flattering that they would throw my name in there with one of the top football programs the last 25 years. I came to South Carolina to win a SEC Championship."

CSTV first reported late Saturday night that a deal to make Spurrier the new coach at Miami was close to being consummated, saying Spurrier would "likely" be named the next head coach for the Hurricanes.

Spurrier confronted the CSTV reporter during the teleconference.

"Listen, I have no interest and they haven't expressed any interest in me," Spurrier said. "Somebody just started a rumor about it. I'm the coach at South Carolina and I'm trying to beat Clemson this week."

ESPN picked up the story and reported it on its internet site and during 'SportsCenter' on Sunday morning. Spurrier also confronted ESPN's Joe Schad during the teleconference. Schad told Spurrier he had been informed the Hurricanes had targeted him as "their top choice."

"Who at Miami (has made him the top choice), the President, the AD or some guy sleeping under the bridge down there?" Spurrier asked.

Larry Coker, the embattled head coach of the Hurricanes, is expected to be fired shortly after the regular season concludes. Miami is 5-6 this season and must beat nationally ranked Boston College in its final regular season game to become bowl eligible.

Coker is 58-15 at Miami.

Spurrier said he first heard of the reports when his daughter Amy called him Sunday morning. Shortly thereafter, Spurrier spoke with Ivan Maisel of ESPN and he denied any interest at that time.

"I am not a candidate for any job," Spurrier said. "Just leave it at that."

Spurrier said he hasn't even been contacted by anyone at Miami about the job and does not expect to be contacted.

"I don't think anybody is going to contact me here," Spurrier said. "If Miami does make a change, I'm sure there are good candidates. Miami is not going to call me. Rumors are easy to start."

With players such as wide receiver Sidney Rice expected to return in 2007, Spurrier repeated his earlier statements that USC should be a SEC championship contender next season.

"We're going to make that our goal starting next year and hopefully every year I'm here," Spurrier said. "That's the exciting and challenging part of coaching here at South Carolina."

Asked if he would return to South Carolina next season, Spurrier said, "I certainly hope so. We have a President and athletic director that make it the cause. This is the challenge and the opportunity that I really look forward to. I'm not leaving unless I get run off."

USC was 6-5 in Lou Holtz's final season at USC in 2004 but declined a bowl bid after a ferocious brawl in the Clemson game.

Spurrier understood he wasn't inheriting a powerhouse program.

"I knew we would take our lumps a little bit the first couple of years," Spurrier said. "We're trying to build our team up. This is a wonderful place with wonderful fans and that's the goal, to win a SEC Championship at South Carolina. We knew it wasn't going to be easy."

USC is 6-5 entering Saturday's annual rivalry game with Clemson following a convincing 52-7 victory over Middle Tennessee yesterday at Williams-Brice Stadium.

Spurrier led the Gamecocks to a 7-5 record last season in his first season as head coach that included historic wins over Tennessee and Florida.

"This is where I plan to be hopefully for the next five, seven, eight years," Spurrier said.

Spurrier is 13-10 in two seasons in Columbia.

ESPN reported Sunday that "influential trustees and boosters" have convinced the University of Miami President to replace Coker, despite his lofty record.

Hoping to make a "splashy hire," Spurrier, the head coach at Florida from 1990-2002, was the top choice for the job, ESPN reported.


Now what do you think? Hope it looks better for you now : )

Not looking good...

Anything could happen I guess:

http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stories/111906abn.html

Wow, big talk over Spurrier.

He denies any interest but, will not completely deny he will consider the job. Some Miami sources are saying its a done deal and he won't admit it because the season is not over and Coker has not been dismissed. I didn't really think he would go to an ACC school, but who knows. If Bama hits him up it could be trouble. It headlines on the Canes site. Thoughts? I thought all this was rumors by the fans but I guess not.

Remember though, you didn't get spanked last year..

I sure you will be shocked to learn I disagree with you about the Tigers, LOL. If the Tigers were on a roll I would agree. The Tigers have been down and out for quite some time. Tommy was asked about J. Davis and he said he was indeed banged up for the NC State game, and he was sick. I think alot of the players had a stomach flu. You could believe it from watching them play. One thing is for sure, the time off can't hurt, it may not help, I just don't see it hurting because they are playing bad already. The bottom line to me is Proctor. He will either show up or we will likely lose unless we can run the ball over you, unlikely as everybody seems to be able to shut it down.

For the Cocks? Blake Mitchell, he can throw the ball. The thing you still have to look for is can he not throw a critical interception at the end. He always seems to do that in big games, I have heard Spurrier mention it several times. If you lose a close one that will probably be the case. I do however thing either team could blow the other one out. Its a hard game to predict this year. 35 to 14 Tigers (a true guess, or maybe wish). I don't know bro, you have to look on the bright side, if the Tigers finally lose this game it could actually help them in the long run. Other than in state recruiting I feel like beating the Cocks every year seems to be holding them back and I want the rilvary to be more competative. In fact, I want the rilvary to be between the ACC and SEC champs one day, I think it is quite possible. Next year maybe?