COLUMBIA, S.C. - The last month of the season has rarely looked so appealing to South Carolina. That says more about its opponents than the Gamecocks.
Starting with Tennessee on Saturday, only one of the Gamecocks' last four opponents has a winning record.
Florida is 6-1, but UT, Arkansas and Clemson are a combined 9-14. Contrast that to last year when three of the Gamecocks' last four opponents were nationally ranked and all four were bowl-bound.
Last year has been the norm. And South Carolina's record reflects how it has struggled through a difficult November schedule.
Since Arkansas was added to South Carolina's November schedule in 2002, the Gamecocks are 6-18 in the last four games of the season.
Although the November opponents' records aren't as good as usual, South Carolina defensive tackle Nathan Pepper doesn't expect an easier stretch run.
"I let guys know these teams are just like us," Pepper said. "If you feel we're a dangerous team, then you should think of them as a dangerous team."
As for UT, Pepper said, "Their won-loss record (3-5) is deceiving. I know how good they are."
South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier doesn't expect an easier road, either.
"Arkansas and Tennessee are not having the year they normally have," he said. "But we've got to go play. We haven't proved we could beat anyone decisively."
Although the Gamecocks beat North Carolina State 34-0 in the season opener, the Wolfpack was in the game until the fourth quarter. The Gamecocks haven't beaten anyone else by more than 13 points. They defeated I-AA Wofford by 10 points and UAB by 13.
Coaching Family: David Reaves is following in his father's footsteps as a coaching assistant to Spurrier.
David Reaves, the South Carolina recruiting coordinator and quarterbacks coach, is the son of John Reaves, who was on Spurrier's Florida staff in 1990-92 and in 1994.
David Reaves' brother-in-law is Lane Kiffin, who was fired earlier this month as coach of the Oakland Raiders.
Not So Homey: The Gamecocks haven't had a home-field advantage in SEC games under Spurrier.
In Spurrier's three-plus seasons, South Carolina is 8-7 in SEC road games and 5-9 in conference home games.
Spurrier & Spurrier: Scott Spurrier, the youngest son of Steve Spurrier, is a junior walk-on wide receiver at South Carolina.
Nate Spurrier is also a junior walk-on with the Gamecocks, but he's not related to the coach.
Injury Update: Tight end Jared Cook (foot) will play Saturday, but senior guard Jamon Meredith is questionable (ankle). If Meredith can't play, the Gamecocks will be without two starting guards. Heath Batchelor is suspended for the game.
Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knoxnews.com.
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Comments » 17
blitzshoot writes:
An the reason for this article is.......
woodwr#217203 writes:
If anyone is questioning the character of the orange players and staff, how those player & staff play out a heartbreaking and heartbroken season will say a lot.
Do these Vols take out their frustrations on South Carolina or are they consumed with Alabama, and diastracted with wondering who will be coaching Tennessee in 2010.
If the whole staff instead of just the offensive coaches were new (like say Michigan) fans and boosters would be more patient. It would be a shame to throw the defensive babies out with the bath-water.
invisiblekid writes:
After reading this, I was reminded of a scene from one of the truly great movies of the 90's, Billy Madison. The quote is as follows:
Mr. Adams(ed.), what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Could you be a little clearer to us exactly how you feel about thie article?
invisiblekid writes:
Ummm....it sucked. No discernable point other than SC hasn't been very good in November and could be better this year due to the pathetic nature of their competition.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKjxFJ...
gamecockguy46 writes:
You could think that; but, the reality is South Carolina is better this year. Our defense is tops in the SEC. Our offense is showing signs of life now with Garcia. Granted UT, Arkansas, and Clemson suck this year, but that's just one half the reason for a better finish for the Gamecocks. You'll see for yourself Saturday night.
WeLoveTennesseeVols writes:
Adams has to write something, just to stay consistent he's writing about our opponents. Keeps his options open if he wants to jump to another state and revive his flagging career. Of course everybody loves him in Knoxville, as long as he keeps on putting down the Vols and Fulmer. Like Obama putting down the war, in order to life himself up. I like JOhn, i really do, it's just the insanity he creats that we are against.
givehim6 writes:
Pepper said there win-lose record is deceiving I know how good thay [UT] are. You trying to blow us up? hahaha
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Appearing in Columbia Nov 1 for a one-night stand-
The Not Daunters and Phixable.
invisiblekid writes:
SC has been as good or better the past three years than the Vols, they just haven't gotten the breaks. Don't think it'll be an issue Saturday night though because I expect SC defense to stifle the Vols.
Your running game is worse than ours as hard as that is to believe but, given we have absolutely no depth at DT, the Gamecocks should be able to run the ball effectively in the second half. Our best chance is to get a couple of turnovers and defensive scores because our offense is beyond terrible in the red zone.
My post was more to indicate that the article itself left something to be desired. As for the schedule and the Gamecocks fortunes the rest of the year, I could care less.
alwaysorange81 writes:
Ok...normally I dont post I just like to read. But this is the second time today I have come across a political tie-in while talking about UT football. Can anyone please tell me what presidential politics (which will be over in 5 days) has to do with D1 SEC football and coaching??????? Can we please refrain from voicing our political views (legitimate and ridiculous alike) on sports threads? If you just cant help yourself there are plenty of political blogs and forums where you can spew your talking points all you like. Go Vols.
shipperman#280095 writes:
Take your pills, Mrs Fulmer, and shut up
gamecockguy46 writes:
If SC is able to run the ball at all against the Vols, you have no shot. That is unless your defense and provide points. SC has had quite a few turnovers this year early with Smelly at QB. Garcia protects the ball mush better. Don't expect too many turnovers. However, even if SC does turn it over, the SC defense had been very effective at stopping the opponent after turnovers.
With all the junk you guys have going on up there, I just can't see this Tenn team turning things around. Especially against a SC team that is much improved over the team you barely beat last year at home.
invisiblekid writes:
"With all the junk you guys have going on up there, I just can't see this Tenn team turning things around."
Honestly, our last legitimate shot to turn things around went out the window last week IMO. A win over 'Bama could have possibly given the Vols some momentum to finish strong. Instead, another disappointment leads to us just playing the string out at this point and wondering about the coaching situation. I obviously hope the Vols win Saturday, but I don't expect it to happen against one of the best defenses in the conference. Offensively, I don't think the Gamecocks will run the ball early, but our backup DT's are tipping the scales at 255lbs each. They will wear down late in the game like last week.
stormblast writes:
Never have caught up to the Hobbitts that took your ring huh?
Listen Gholem...I believe they're headed to Mordor or Tuscaloosa or some forsaken place where computer technology hasn't reached quite yet.
If you hurry now...NOW. You can catch them. Go...Go. Run you fools.
gamecockguy46 writes:
You're probably correct. I obviously want SC to win this week; but, I'm no UT hater. I hate a different orange clad team. I really like the SC/UT game much better when your fans are confident in a win.
I think UT beats Wyoming and Kentucky. I'm just not sure if you guys will get past Vandy. Obviously 6-6 or 5-7 is a terrible year for such a quality SEC program.
stormblast writes:
It is what it is.
Our defense is strong. We've had a decent run defense despite the attention our LBs and secondary, especially Berry, have gotten this year.
But, we only have one healthy defensive tackle going into the game saturday (Demonte Bolden).
I believe we'll get shut out. We have no offensive punch at all. Our defense will keep us in the game for maybe a half...but will tire due to no first down relief from our offense. SC will kick it into gear with the run game and short passes to offset probably late 3rd quarter. Same old story this year for us.
SC has the best defense in the conference. Proved it against Georgia. I can't wait for the SC-Florida game. Should be really good. Could see South Carolina in a New Years Day bowl.
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