South Carolina's sluggish 7-3 win over N.C. State in Raleigh last Thursday night was not Picasso material by football standards.
Far from it.
It looked more like some yard sale Walmart material. But when you're broke, and need something -- anything -- to go on the wall, you'll take the yard sale piece for fifty cents, and later actually admire the piece when you place it on the wall.
USC's yard sale win on Thursday night looks pretty nice on the wall in Columbia right now. First game of the season, suspensions and injuries to deal with, a quarterback and offensive line (and thus a running game) that are still unproven, memories of the three game nightmare ending of the 2008 season...okay, you get the picture. To keep going would end with, "Happy New Year!" There were that many problems, potential problems, and questions awaiting the unveiling of the 2009 season on the road against the Wolfpack.
But the 7-3 win at least raised the curtain enough to see quite a few positives.
The defense was nothing short of magnificent. A fumble caused and recovered, the strong play of freshmen Stephon Gilmore and Devin Taylor, and the excellent job Shaq Wilson did in filling in for the injured Rodney Paulk, were highlights. Limiting the veteran-studded Wolfpack and their reigning ACC Offensive Player of the Year QB Russell Wilson to 133 yards of total offense and no touchdowns were delicious for those who love strong defensive play. The speed of the defense appears at first blush, to be better than in 2008. And that speed will pay huge dividends down the gauntlet called the SEC schedule. It was something to behold watching Cliff Matthews and Devin Taylor running down the versatile Wilson, from behind on most occasions.
The offensive line, while not perfect, was much-improved in many ways over the version we saw last year in most games. It was no mirage -- the offensive line actually pushed the veteran Wolpack D-line back time after time. Former Aynor High star T.J. Johnson played in 64 snaps, and graded out at 100% -- no missed assignments. When did that happen last for an OL in a USC uniform? I agree with you...I have no idea.
The running game, while not sterling, proved absolutely adequate. I realize adequate is not necessarily something to brag about, but then again, only those inside the USC prorgram, or great fans of the team, can even begin to appreciate how good the word adequate connected with the words "running game" looks. And it's only going to get better. Maddox was strong, and made some decent runs between the tackles. True freshman Jarvis Giles found himself in the coaches' mini-doghouse after motoring backwards instead of forwards on an early run, then later made a nifty 22-yard run that gave a small glimpse of the promise he has for the next four years at USC.
Tori Gurley. He already looks like the best of the corps to me, and that includes taking Moe Brown into the equation. He might not have more yards that the senior in the next month, but I fully expect him to lead in receptions, yardage, and touchdowns in 2009. Moe will be a solid option, but Gurley is the big package of fireworks waiting to be lit up on New Year's Eve (Sure, I can reference the holiday twice in September in a football column about South Carolina football; I own the blog!).
Lest I lead you to believe I am Bowl Blogging (marijuana, not BCS), everything wasn't wonderful about Gamecock football on Thursday night. Most of us who were watching could have become bi-polar just from that battle alone. It was a love-harte relationship. I'll guarantee that Gamecock fans gathered at bars to watch the struggle consumed 1.5 times the normal amount of beer. The good news is, for once, after consuming more alcohol, most of them actuallly felt better when the game was over.
There were ugly spots. Garcia never looked completely comfortable in the game, for whatever reason. the run-first restraints placed upon him by the coaching staff might have caused him to think too much, ending up living in run-pass purgatory. The interception wasn't the ugliest that even he has tossed, but it wasn't pretty, either. He did connect on some nice passes, but the most significan of the entire night was the 33-yard strike to Moe Brown that essentially ended the game. Not exactly the kind of pass that a QB wants to have define his night. But I believe Garcia will find his place of comfort, and finally become good. Not great, but good.
The season-ending injury to linebacker Rodney Paulk turned out to be the worst event of the night for the Gamecocks. He had already racked up six tackles when he was injured, and now he's gone for the year. Hopefully, USC can get him a sixth-year eligibility hardship. He would have been a strong -- and needed -- leadership influence on the field. Shaq Wilson, who did a great job in relief, will now be looked upon to step up in a big-time way.
USC's lack of offfensive punch allowed the Pack to stay in the game right up to the final minutes, despite the Gamecocks practically doubling the yardage of N.C. State. That won't work against teams in the mighty SEC. Just in case you somehow didn't know, that SEC schedule begins next Saturday between the Hedges against the Georgia Bulldogs.
But a win is a win is a win. It wasn't what the offensive artist in Coach Steve Spurrier wanted to see on the canvas, but it is hanging on his wall today.
Guaranteed.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Gamecocks Tank Half Full, Not Half Empty
There can be no doubt that plenty of pundits see the 6th-ranked USC Gamecocks football team as anything but a team that should be ranked so high. Even Coach Steve Spurrier agrees his team probably isn't the sixth-best team in the nation.
It all has to do with the weak performance of the USC offense so far this season, particularly the inability of the offensive line to perform up to expectations. And there's no guarantee the O-line will grow up in time for big tilts against Tennessee, Arkansas, Florida, and Clemson to close out the regular season.
All of which sounds possibly very foreboding. A fall is in store, and Gamecock fans everywhere are going to be mighty disappointed in the coming weeks, after a 6-1 start (hopefully 7-1 after this weekend's Vanderbilt game).
But is the glass really half empty? Technically, a half empty glass is just as empty as it is full. But there are plenty of reasons for USC fans to think positively now, perhaps more than ever about a program that has worn the "mediocre" label for most of its existence.
Yes, it is entirely possible South Carolina could lose every one of those final four games and end with a thud at 7-5. That's a killer gauntlet this team must run through. How about a 1-3 finish? That amounts to an 8-4 record, and still no SEC East title. Even at a 2-2 finish, the result would be a 9-3 record, and probably no SEC East title. A 3-1 finish would be great; 10-2, and maybe, just maybe, a rematch with LSU in the SEC title game. 4-0? Are you kidding me?
Just how many times have Gamecock fans felt terrible about a 7-5 record? 8-4? 9-3? We aren't that far removed from being overjoyed with such results.
The facts, as the record stands on October 18, 2007, this South Carolina team is 6-1, and off to as good a start ever, outside of 1984's team that started 9-0, in an 11 or 12 game schedule. USC is ranked higher than at anytime since that 1984 team rose to second in the polls. The Gamecocks might have done it ugly, but win they have for the most part, and it is possible they can continue to do so against the upcoming stiff competition. The USC football program is in the best shape in the entire history of the school, under Spurrier. And, with so many young players, so many returning players in 2008, and with great recruiting, this team is poised to be legitimate Top Ten material and a top SEC contender when the curtain is raised on that 2008 season. And 2007 could yet hold magic untold for this team.
Half empty, or half full?
If it's all the same, I'll take half full.
It all has to do with the weak performance of the USC offense so far this season, particularly the inability of the offensive line to perform up to expectations. And there's no guarantee the O-line will grow up in time for big tilts against Tennessee, Arkansas, Florida, and Clemson to close out the regular season.
All of which sounds possibly very foreboding. A fall is in store, and Gamecock fans everywhere are going to be mighty disappointed in the coming weeks, after a 6-1 start (hopefully 7-1 after this weekend's Vanderbilt game).
But is the glass really half empty? Technically, a half empty glass is just as empty as it is full. But there are plenty of reasons for USC fans to think positively now, perhaps more than ever about a program that has worn the "mediocre" label for most of its existence.
Yes, it is entirely possible South Carolina could lose every one of those final four games and end with a thud at 7-5. That's a killer gauntlet this team must run through. How about a 1-3 finish? That amounts to an 8-4 record, and still no SEC East title. Even at a 2-2 finish, the result would be a 9-3 record, and probably no SEC East title. A 3-1 finish would be great; 10-2, and maybe, just maybe, a rematch with LSU in the SEC title game. 4-0? Are you kidding me?
Just how many times have Gamecock fans felt terrible about a 7-5 record? 8-4? 9-3? We aren't that far removed from being overjoyed with such results.
The facts, as the record stands on October 18, 2007, this South Carolina team is 6-1, and off to as good a start ever, outside of 1984's team that started 9-0, in an 11 or 12 game schedule. USC is ranked higher than at anytime since that 1984 team rose to second in the polls. The Gamecocks might have done it ugly, but win they have for the most part, and it is possible they can continue to do so against the upcoming stiff competition. The USC football program is in the best shape in the entire history of the school, under Spurrier. And, with so many young players, so many returning players in 2008, and with great recruiting, this team is poised to be legitimate Top Ten material and a top SEC contender when the curtain is raised on that 2008 season. And 2007 could yet hold magic untold for this team.
Half empty, or half full?
If it's all the same, I'll take half full.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Gamecocks Survive, But Questions Abound
To paraphrase the late great President Ronald Reagan, "There they go again."
As has become painful habit, the USC Gamecocks football team is at it again.
They're getting good at winning ugly. But if the latest "good" ugly win is any example, there's heartache ahead in the swirling, dangerous waters of the SEC.
Saturday's 21-15 win over North Carolina in Chapel Hill was just about as ugly as a win could be. After a dominating first half performance built a comfortable 21-3 lead, there was little reason to believe this game wouldn't be over for all intents and purposes about midway through the third quarter. Instead, Gamecocks fans were forced to chew their fingernails to the quick through the final play of the game, as UNC -- the OTHER Carolina -- held USC scoreless in the second half, and was one Hail Mary completion away from a stunning comeback win.
An incompletion to end the game, and one collective Gamecock Nation sigh of relief later, and the 7th-ranked Gamecocks were winners yet again. But do not be fooled. The Gods of College Football will not allow such gridiron blasphemy to continue much longer. The odds of winning ugly will diminish rapidly for USC after this Saturday, when they should beat Vanderbilt in Columbia to move their record to 7-1, and an SEC East-leading 4-1. Let me say right here and now, I have come to expect ugly wins for USC, and I don't doubt Vandy will play the Gamecocks tough. Of course, USC will win.
If my calculations are correct, Kentucky will lose to Florida, and Tennessee will fall at Alabama Saturday, leaving South Carolina with a full one game lead over every other team in the East. On paper, it looks like a great set-up. But if you're a Gamecock fan, that doesn't leave you resting easy at night. Just be glad you're not Steve Spurrier.
If that scenario plays out, it leaves USC to "only" have to win against Tennessee in Knoxville, Arkansas on the road the next week, then Florida at home to win the East. IF Florida loses to Kentucky Saturday, there will be no SEC Championship possibilities this season in Gainesville. IF Kentucky beats Florida, will they also beat Georgia on the road and Tennessee at the end of the season? If not, they're in trouble in the SEC East race. IF Tennessee loses to Alabama Saturday, and then to USC October 27th, their title hopes are down the drain, too, with three league losses. Georgia, already with two league losses should lose to Florida October 27th to take them out of contention. All of that to say this: The SEC East is South Carolina's to lose. The problem is, with an offense that disappears at times, that's exactly what will happen if that offense doesn't find high gear. And fast. No more time for excuses after this week.
Should they win ugly against Vandy Saturday, the now-6th-ranked Gamecocks will have the table set for an epic SEC division game at Tennessee. Win, and USC will prove something to all of the doubters, and they will give themselves just a small bit of breathing room at the top of the division. Lose, and visions of playing LSU again in the SEC Championship Game will begin to disintegrate.
For sure, after seven games, this is one of the greatest USC seasons EVER, on the Win-Loss ledger. But the lack of an offense that can deliver a knockout punch -- or sometimes look like it might not even answer the bell in the second half -- will continue to hound South Carolina until it either just wins out ugly, or wins big against a Tennessee, Arkansas,or Florida.
The pundits say South Carolina is a pretender, not a true contender. It stings proud Gamecock fans, but the truth is, nobody really knows yet. But as the season enters the stretch run, the answer SHALL be given.
The won-loss record says USC is a contender; the pure ugliness of the way they've arrived at that record suggests the pundits could be right. But regardless of whether you agree or disagree, winning against all, two, or even one of the Big Three of Tennessee, Arkansas, and Florida is highly unlikely unless this team can establish a real offensive threat that's better than has been shown to this point this season.
In other words, Coach Spurrier can no longer afford to play conservative football like his team displayed at the beginning of the second half against North Carolina. "Nursing" a lead -- a shocking thought of a Spurrier team in any case, although Spurrier himself admitted that's the curious approach he took with a big lead -- in the upcoming SEC schedule is surely a recipe for disaster.
There's no way that no offense will equal three wins, two, or even one win in those big three games. If what happened Saturday happens on any of those upcoming Saturdays, South Carolina's SEC dream will finally begin to disintegrate.
How will USC suddenly find a killer instinct on offense when it hasn't been seen yet this year? I frankly don't have a clue. But I do know this: If anybody CAN figure it out, it is one Stephen Orr Spurrier.
If they can find the missing "it," this team will be a bona fide player on the national scene THIS year. If not, it will simply be another building year under Spurrier, although one that should set the stage for lofty Top Ten expectations for 2008.
Thus far, the Gamecocks have been able to survive the close ones, en route to the top spot in the SEC East. But that option is about to end (after Vanderbilt this weekend), and USC has no choice but to come of age right before our eyes.
No offense, Coach Spurrier, but...that's exactly the problem. Here's hoping you can give us what your reputation is all about. We'll find out soon enough.
As has become painful habit, the USC Gamecocks football team is at it again.
They're getting good at winning ugly. But if the latest "good" ugly win is any example, there's heartache ahead in the swirling, dangerous waters of the SEC.
Saturday's 21-15 win over North Carolina in Chapel Hill was just about as ugly as a win could be. After a dominating first half performance built a comfortable 21-3 lead, there was little reason to believe this game wouldn't be over for all intents and purposes about midway through the third quarter. Instead, Gamecocks fans were forced to chew their fingernails to the quick through the final play of the game, as UNC -- the OTHER Carolina -- held USC scoreless in the second half, and was one Hail Mary completion away from a stunning comeback win.
An incompletion to end the game, and one collective Gamecock Nation sigh of relief later, and the 7th-ranked Gamecocks were winners yet again. But do not be fooled. The Gods of College Football will not allow such gridiron blasphemy to continue much longer. The odds of winning ugly will diminish rapidly for USC after this Saturday, when they should beat Vanderbilt in Columbia to move their record to 7-1, and an SEC East-leading 4-1. Let me say right here and now, I have come to expect ugly wins for USC, and I don't doubt Vandy will play the Gamecocks tough. Of course, USC will win.
If my calculations are correct, Kentucky will lose to Florida, and Tennessee will fall at Alabama Saturday, leaving South Carolina with a full one game lead over every other team in the East. On paper, it looks like a great set-up. But if you're a Gamecock fan, that doesn't leave you resting easy at night. Just be glad you're not Steve Spurrier.
If that scenario plays out, it leaves USC to "only" have to win against Tennessee in Knoxville, Arkansas on the road the next week, then Florida at home to win the East. IF Florida loses to Kentucky Saturday, there will be no SEC Championship possibilities this season in Gainesville. IF Kentucky beats Florida, will they also beat Georgia on the road and Tennessee at the end of the season? If not, they're in trouble in the SEC East race. IF Tennessee loses to Alabama Saturday, and then to USC October 27th, their title hopes are down the drain, too, with three league losses. Georgia, already with two league losses should lose to Florida October 27th to take them out of contention. All of that to say this: The SEC East is South Carolina's to lose. The problem is, with an offense that disappears at times, that's exactly what will happen if that offense doesn't find high gear. And fast. No more time for excuses after this week.
Should they win ugly against Vandy Saturday, the now-6th-ranked Gamecocks will have the table set for an epic SEC division game at Tennessee. Win, and USC will prove something to all of the doubters, and they will give themselves just a small bit of breathing room at the top of the division. Lose, and visions of playing LSU again in the SEC Championship Game will begin to disintegrate.
For sure, after seven games, this is one of the greatest USC seasons EVER, on the Win-Loss ledger. But the lack of an offense that can deliver a knockout punch -- or sometimes look like it might not even answer the bell in the second half -- will continue to hound South Carolina until it either just wins out ugly, or wins big against a Tennessee, Arkansas,or Florida.
The pundits say South Carolina is a pretender, not a true contender. It stings proud Gamecock fans, but the truth is, nobody really knows yet. But as the season enters the stretch run, the answer SHALL be given.
The won-loss record says USC is a contender; the pure ugliness of the way they've arrived at that record suggests the pundits could be right. But regardless of whether you agree or disagree, winning against all, two, or even one of the Big Three of Tennessee, Arkansas, and Florida is highly unlikely unless this team can establish a real offensive threat that's better than has been shown to this point this season.
In other words, Coach Spurrier can no longer afford to play conservative football like his team displayed at the beginning of the second half against North Carolina. "Nursing" a lead -- a shocking thought of a Spurrier team in any case, although Spurrier himself admitted that's the curious approach he took with a big lead -- in the upcoming SEC schedule is surely a recipe for disaster.
There's no way that no offense will equal three wins, two, or even one win in those big three games. If what happened Saturday happens on any of those upcoming Saturdays, South Carolina's SEC dream will finally begin to disintegrate.
How will USC suddenly find a killer instinct on offense when it hasn't been seen yet this year? I frankly don't have a clue. But I do know this: If anybody CAN figure it out, it is one Stephen Orr Spurrier.
If they can find the missing "it," this team will be a bona fide player on the national scene THIS year. If not, it will simply be another building year under Spurrier, although one that should set the stage for lofty Top Ten expectations for 2008.
Thus far, the Gamecocks have been able to survive the close ones, en route to the top spot in the SEC East. But that option is about to end (after Vanderbilt this weekend), and USC has no choice but to come of age right before our eyes.
No offense, Coach Spurrier, but...that's exactly the problem. Here's hoping you can give us what your reputation is all about. We'll find out soon enough.
SC Football Today Blog Is Back
The Good News: After experiencing technical difficulties, and then working my blog on another site, SC Football Today is back in place.
The Bad News: I cannot transport the interim blogs back to this one, so there is a timeline gap on this blog. For that, I apologize.
Now back to the business at hand.
The Bad News: I cannot transport the interim blogs back to this one, so there is a timeline gap on this blog. For that, I apologize.
Now back to the business at hand.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Gamecocks Face Uphill Battle In Baton Rouge
The 12th-ranked (AP) USC Gamecocks are 16 point underdogs going into Saturday afternoon's game against #2 LSU in Baton Rouge.
Justifiably so. The Gamecocks are a shaky Number 12 at best, partially on the strength of their road win against then-11th-ranked Georgia, and because some Top 25 teams are early losers. Wins over Louisiana-Lafayette and South Carolina State help to make the Gamecocks 3-0, as good as the record could possibly be. But USC coaches are troubled about the personality of this team, especially on offense.
The defense performed admirably against Georgia. Some people believe USC sandbagged against Louisiana-Lafayette, and didn't play all that well last Saturday against S.C. State. But even if the defense plays as hard and well as it did against Georgia (and we believe it will), the balanced LSU offensive attack will be hard to stop.
But it's the offense that leaves the most question marks at this point. Blake Mitchell has looked like a deer in the headlights some of the time, despite being a fifth-year senior. As Coach Spurrier deftly pointed out this week, Mitchell isn't throwing well, isn't thinking well, and isn't reacting well. "He's waiting until receivers become open, and you can't wait that long. You have to have the timing down that you throw it where the receiver is going to be, and let him go to it."
If Mitchell doesn't even have that down, and if he still can't call audibles against LSU, the Gamecocks could be in for a world of trouble. The only way USC has proven it can really move the ball is by running it. But the LSU defense is giving up barely a yard per carry, and that doesn't bode well for USC.
I'm not saying South Carolina can't beat LSU Saturday afternoon; but I am saying South Carolina will have to play its best, and the QB play will have to be not only good, but exceptional. But mostly, the biggest reason South Carolina has a chance is because the Head Ball Coach is on the sidelines.
If USC can keep it close, Spurrier might be enough the win it. The question remains, however, whether the Gamecocks will even still be in the game come the start of the fourth quarter.
Justifiably so. The Gamecocks are a shaky Number 12 at best, partially on the strength of their road win against then-11th-ranked Georgia, and because some Top 25 teams are early losers. Wins over Louisiana-Lafayette and South Carolina State help to make the Gamecocks 3-0, as good as the record could possibly be. But USC coaches are troubled about the personality of this team, especially on offense.
The defense performed admirably against Georgia. Some people believe USC sandbagged against Louisiana-Lafayette, and didn't play all that well last Saturday against S.C. State. But even if the defense plays as hard and well as it did against Georgia (and we believe it will), the balanced LSU offensive attack will be hard to stop.
But it's the offense that leaves the most question marks at this point. Blake Mitchell has looked like a deer in the headlights some of the time, despite being a fifth-year senior. As Coach Spurrier deftly pointed out this week, Mitchell isn't throwing well, isn't thinking well, and isn't reacting well. "He's waiting until receivers become open, and you can't wait that long. You have to have the timing down that you throw it where the receiver is going to be, and let him go to it."
If Mitchell doesn't even have that down, and if he still can't call audibles against LSU, the Gamecocks could be in for a world of trouble. The only way USC has proven it can really move the ball is by running it. But the LSU defense is giving up barely a yard per carry, and that doesn't bode well for USC.
I'm not saying South Carolina can't beat LSU Saturday afternoon; but I am saying South Carolina will have to play its best, and the QB play will have to be not only good, but exceptional. But mostly, the biggest reason South Carolina has a chance is because the Head Ball Coach is on the sidelines.
If USC can keep it close, Spurrier might be enough the win it. The question remains, however, whether the Gamecocks will even still be in the game come the start of the fourth quarter.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
SC Game Day Picks For September 15
1. South Carolina State at South Carolina
An easy tune-up for the Gamecocks in their first-ever matchup against the Bulldogs, or against a MEAC opponent, for that matter. USC fans can use this week to focus on various units and players to see how well they execute, and to see if some new young receivers emerge. For Coach Steve Spurrier, the task is to win easily, get those young receivers in a little bit of a groove in anticipation of next week's big game against LSU in Baton Rouge, and yet give Tigers coaches as little as possible to prepare for...South Carolina 35, South Carolina State 0.
2. Furman at Clemson
Another easy win goes into the books for Clemson. If Furman had been able to beat Hofstra last week, the Paladins would be able to think upset a little bit more. But if they can't beat Hofstra, they sure as heck won't topple the Tigers in Tigertown. Furman might hang early, but not past midway through the first half, as the Tigers look to improve...Clemson 41 Furman 14.
3. Georgia Southern at Coastal Carolina
Coach David Bennett is one of the best head coaches in the Southeast, and Coastal fans better enjoy him while he's in Conway, because at some point an offer is going to come that he just can't refuse. We wouldn't be surprised if he's wearing a Clemson cap one day. But after some spectacular seasons, especially reaching last year's playoffs in Division 1-AA, the Chanticleers are going to take some lumps this season. Georgia Southern may still be a little down, but they are showing signs of being a Top 25 FCS team this season. Saturday night's results will find Coastal Carolina off to a rough 1-2 start with Furman and James Madison looming on the horizon...Georgia Southern 34 Coastal Carolina 24.
4. The Citadel at Wisconsin
Last week, the Bulldogs torched a no-name team for 76 points, but this week, it's back to reality in a big kind of way. The Badgers are big and bad, and perhaps the class of the Weak 10 -- ahem, Big 10. The Bulldogs' Appalachian State imitation might be good enough early to throw a quick jab, but the Badgers will eventually wear them out...Wisconsin 45 The Citadel 10.
SEC GAMES
5. Tennessee at Florida
After Saturday, we'll see who the national media will re-adjust their picks to win the SEC East. Many pundits are still skeptical of USC, and that's understandable. It will take some time -- and more big South Carolina wins -- for them to believe. With Georgia having lost to USC already, the prognosticators are already saying this could be a "down" Georgia season. Just because they lost to USC. Since they don't believe USC is "there" yet, and they don't believe Kentucky or Vanderbilt are viable contenders, that really leaves only Florida and Tennessee as possible SEC East winners in their eyes. After tonight, the "experts" will be saying...Florida. The Gators are not good enough to win another National Championship this season, but they are still better than Tennessee. Better than South Carolina? We'll see. This week, we see Tebow being effective against Tennessee, although the defense is somewhat suspect. In a close one...Florida 30 Tennessee 27.
6. Arkansas at Alabama
Houston Nutt is one of the most enigmatic coaches in all of college football. He's proven to be one of the top coaches in the top conference in all the land. His record proves it. Now comes Nick Saban to guide the Crimson Tide into the SEC Holy Land. I'm buying for the long haul, but the short term is way too clouded to tell for 2007. LSU is by far the best of the SEC West, but Arkansas and 'Bama's game today will tell us a whole bunch about who has the best shot at spoiling the Bayou Tigers' party. Despite the great 1-2 RB punch in MdFadden and Jones for the Hogs, we like Alabama to pull out a close win with defense...Alabama 20 Arkansas 17.
7. Louisville at Kentucky
Two of the nation's best QB's will be showcased in Lexington tonight, but the real key is going to be which DEFENSE can step up and make big plays. Neither team has a good "D", so it may come down to which defense makes the biggest play to preserve a win late. If Kentucky doesn't win this one, it will take a lot of steam from the enthusiasm on the Wildcats team...Louisville 38 Kentucky 31.
8. Mississippi State at Auburn
Why is Sylvester Croom still the head coach at Mississippi State? Don't even get me started. In his fourth season at MSU, Croom is a pitiful 10-25. Do they simply want to accept dungeon-level performance in the name of keeping a coach in place because it is the politically correct thing to do? Does anybody remember when Mississippi State had a football team that actually put fear into the hearts of opponents? Well, it's been a while, but there is a record of it happening. We call it ancient history now, and that's the way it will stay for Bulldogs faithful until several years after a change is made at the top...Auburn 34 Mississippi State 17.
ACC GAMES
9. Boston College at Georgia Tech
I never thought Chan Gailey would be this good at Georgia Tech, but I was flat-out wrong. Gailey has brought in excellent talent, and has this team primed for a huge season. In fact, right now, Georgia Tech is THE class of the whole league! Florida State's comeback year? Fuhgettaboutit! Miami? Don't make me laugh. Virginia Tech? Too much emotion spent on remembering the on-campus strategy early on? Wake Forest? Don't count them out in any way yet, but the experts still don't want to believe. Clemson? Good, but not good enough. Which leaves Boston College. Everybody else seems to be on the bandwagon, but we're not buying yet. BC is a strong program, relying on the strength of their big uglies up front and a very good college QB. But we simply think Georgia Tech is more athletic, and will win with that tonight...Georgia Tech 24 Boston College 20.
10. Virginia at North Carolina
Al Groh is another coach I have to scratch my head and wonder about. Grugg, hateful, and another smoke-and-mirrors guy who has somehow managed to hold onto his job despite less-than-glorious achievement. Most of the pundits don't seem to agree, but I say North Carolina's defense will pick it up enough this week to beat Virginia in a game that will be a statement of sorts for both Groh and Tar Heels first-year coach Butch Davis...North Carolina 27 Virginia 21.
An easy tune-up for the Gamecocks in their first-ever matchup against the Bulldogs, or against a MEAC opponent, for that matter. USC fans can use this week to focus on various units and players to see how well they execute, and to see if some new young receivers emerge. For Coach Steve Spurrier, the task is to win easily, get those young receivers in a little bit of a groove in anticipation of next week's big game against LSU in Baton Rouge, and yet give Tigers coaches as little as possible to prepare for...South Carolina 35, South Carolina State 0.
2. Furman at Clemson
Another easy win goes into the books for Clemson. If Furman had been able to beat Hofstra last week, the Paladins would be able to think upset a little bit more. But if they can't beat Hofstra, they sure as heck won't topple the Tigers in Tigertown. Furman might hang early, but not past midway through the first half, as the Tigers look to improve...Clemson 41 Furman 14.
3. Georgia Southern at Coastal Carolina
Coach David Bennett is one of the best head coaches in the Southeast, and Coastal fans better enjoy him while he's in Conway, because at some point an offer is going to come that he just can't refuse. We wouldn't be surprised if he's wearing a Clemson cap one day. But after some spectacular seasons, especially reaching last year's playoffs in Division 1-AA, the Chanticleers are going to take some lumps this season. Georgia Southern may still be a little down, but they are showing signs of being a Top 25 FCS team this season. Saturday night's results will find Coastal Carolina off to a rough 1-2 start with Furman and James Madison looming on the horizon...Georgia Southern 34 Coastal Carolina 24.
4. The Citadel at Wisconsin
Last week, the Bulldogs torched a no-name team for 76 points, but this week, it's back to reality in a big kind of way. The Badgers are big and bad, and perhaps the class of the Weak 10 -- ahem, Big 10. The Bulldogs' Appalachian State imitation might be good enough early to throw a quick jab, but the Badgers will eventually wear them out...Wisconsin 45 The Citadel 10.
SEC GAMES
5. Tennessee at Florida
After Saturday, we'll see who the national media will re-adjust their picks to win the SEC East. Many pundits are still skeptical of USC, and that's understandable. It will take some time -- and more big South Carolina wins -- for them to believe. With Georgia having lost to USC already, the prognosticators are already saying this could be a "down" Georgia season. Just because they lost to USC. Since they don't believe USC is "there" yet, and they don't believe Kentucky or Vanderbilt are viable contenders, that really leaves only Florida and Tennessee as possible SEC East winners in their eyes. After tonight, the "experts" will be saying...Florida. The Gators are not good enough to win another National Championship this season, but they are still better than Tennessee. Better than South Carolina? We'll see. This week, we see Tebow being effective against Tennessee, although the defense is somewhat suspect. In a close one...Florida 30 Tennessee 27.
6. Arkansas at Alabama
Houston Nutt is one of the most enigmatic coaches in all of college football. He's proven to be one of the top coaches in the top conference in all the land. His record proves it. Now comes Nick Saban to guide the Crimson Tide into the SEC Holy Land. I'm buying for the long haul, but the short term is way too clouded to tell for 2007. LSU is by far the best of the SEC West, but Arkansas and 'Bama's game today will tell us a whole bunch about who has the best shot at spoiling the Bayou Tigers' party. Despite the great 1-2 RB punch in MdFadden and Jones for the Hogs, we like Alabama to pull out a close win with defense...Alabama 20 Arkansas 17.
7. Louisville at Kentucky
Two of the nation's best QB's will be showcased in Lexington tonight, but the real key is going to be which DEFENSE can step up and make big plays. Neither team has a good "D", so it may come down to which defense makes the biggest play to preserve a win late. If Kentucky doesn't win this one, it will take a lot of steam from the enthusiasm on the Wildcats team...Louisville 38 Kentucky 31.
8. Mississippi State at Auburn
Why is Sylvester Croom still the head coach at Mississippi State? Don't even get me started. In his fourth season at MSU, Croom is a pitiful 10-25. Do they simply want to accept dungeon-level performance in the name of keeping a coach in place because it is the politically correct thing to do? Does anybody remember when Mississippi State had a football team that actually put fear into the hearts of opponents? Well, it's been a while, but there is a record of it happening. We call it ancient history now, and that's the way it will stay for Bulldogs faithful until several years after a change is made at the top...Auburn 34 Mississippi State 17.
ACC GAMES
9. Boston College at Georgia Tech
I never thought Chan Gailey would be this good at Georgia Tech, but I was flat-out wrong. Gailey has brought in excellent talent, and has this team primed for a huge season. In fact, right now, Georgia Tech is THE class of the whole league! Florida State's comeback year? Fuhgettaboutit! Miami? Don't make me laugh. Virginia Tech? Too much emotion spent on remembering the on-campus strategy early on? Wake Forest? Don't count them out in any way yet, but the experts still don't want to believe. Clemson? Good, but not good enough. Which leaves Boston College. Everybody else seems to be on the bandwagon, but we're not buying yet. BC is a strong program, relying on the strength of their big uglies up front and a very good college QB. But we simply think Georgia Tech is more athletic, and will win with that tonight...Georgia Tech 24 Boston College 20.
10. Virginia at North Carolina
Al Groh is another coach I have to scratch my head and wonder about. Grugg, hateful, and another smoke-and-mirrors guy who has somehow managed to hold onto his job despite less-than-glorious achievement. Most of the pundits don't seem to agree, but I say North Carolina's defense will pick it up enough this week to beat Virginia in a game that will be a statement of sorts for both Groh and Tar Heels first-year coach Butch Davis...North Carolina 27 Virginia 21.
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