Saturday, December 20, 2008

Gamecock Basketball Update

This is the first basketball update of the season as yes it is that time of year. USC will take on The Citadel today. And here is a news thread for ya -

Gamecocks Entertain Cross-State Rival The Citadel Saturday

Bad News
Starting guard Branden Conrad is out indefinitely
Body count shrinks to nine for USC

Good News
Downey on Naismith watch list
Horn sees Jackson as perfect fit

Academic Casualties adding up in Gamecocks Camp

Now USC punter Spencer Lanning has academic issues as does fifth-year linebacker Dustin Lindsey. These two are appealing but if the appeal fails it may mean 4 gamcecocks could be sitting out as these two will be joining starting safety Emanuel Cook and reserve offensive lineman Kyle Nunn.

Wow to go guys...really.

Lane Kiffin getting another USC Coach

Vols go after USC's strength coach

Seriously, Lane stop. Go to some other school to keep taking members of their coaching staff. I know we got Giles that you wanted but now you got possibly two of our former coaches on your staff...can we call it even?

Assistant strength coach Dan Austin will oversee USC’s lifting and conditioning through the bowl game. Spurrier plans to hire a full-time strength coach in January.

Brad Scott....What?

Or does anyone else find this comment freakn' hilarious...

OL JeRquari Schofield (6-6 296) of South Aiken when asked about his choice being between Clemson and Tennessee right now in the recruiting process, had this to say about Brad Scott in the Spartanburg Herald & Journal...

"I'm still committed to Tennessee right now but I still have my eyes open. Coach (Brad) Scott has come down to my school every now and again. I know he's a very prestigious offensive line coach."

What? Did I miss something here as Clemson's o-line was horrible in 08. What kind of orange kool-aid are they giving these kids.....

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Passing classes at USC is tough for another one

Geezz...passing two classes must be tough at USC. As reserve offensive lineman Kyle Nunn joins E Cook with problems passing 6 credit hours. Both now will miss the Ouback Bowl game vs. Iowa. Thanks guys!

Also Middle linebacker Dustin Lindsey’s eligibility is in question so watch this one as he works through the appeal process. Some reason I am not surprised with this one...

Also due to E Cook giving up, it has forced Defensive Coordinator Ellis Johnson, who is not job hunting despite expressed interest in Army, to switch from a three-safety to a three-linebacker package but that on paper is a better fit against an Iowa offense that relies heavily on its ground game....we hope.....losing E Cook no matter what you think is not good.

All SEC Team by SEC Bloggers Continues


Today, we bring you the SEC Power Poll All-SEC Defense.
Check with these sites throughout the day to find out who made the cut as the inaugural SEC Power Poll All-SEC Team continues to roll out across the blogosphere:

The Red Solo Cup: Defensive Line
Garnet and Black Attack: Linebackers
Save the Shield: Cornerbacks
Gate 21: Safeties


And don't forget to
take a look at the All-SEC Offense if you haven't already -

Alligator Army: Quarterback
The Dead Guy: Running Backs
Team Speed Kills: Offensive Line and Wide Receiver

DB Jonathan Davis is a Gamecock

DB Davis commits to play for Gamecocks
Davis makes USC commitment official

You may recall that a few days back the rumor was that defensive back Jonathan Davis (5-9 205) of Tucker, Ga., had became a USC commitment over the weekend with OL Rokevious Watkins (6-4, 320 lbs) and OL Steven Singleton (6-3, 310 lbs) of Georgia Military JC. But daddy Davis said not true but now it is true. Confused? Don't worry about it, the bottom line is Jonathan Davis joins the long list of USC Commitments for the upcoming season. Welcome!

Former Gamecock Watson resurfaces

Seems the AIFA is the place to be....Along with former USC QB Blake Mitchell, who signed with the with the Carolina Force, now a another former gamecock has joined the ranks of AIFA pros.

Former USC running back Derek Watson has also signed to play in the AIFA. Watson is on the roster of the Charlotte-based Carolina Speed, according to the team's web site.

Gamecock DB to Transfer

Reserve defensive back to transfer

USC reserve cornerback Jamire Williams is leaving the program and plans to transfer to Alabama State, according to a source close to the football program.

Issue is playing time....WHAT? Hello Mr. Williams you are a redshirt freshman. Maybe earn the PT? I know USC is bringing in some nice freshman to make it more competitive to fill the shoes of losing E Cook and possibly (doubt it) Captain and Stewart but this is crap. I feel learning the position and earning it would be a better way but good luck at Bama State.

McKinley headed to the Senior Bowl

McKinley headed to the Senior Bowl

South Carolina’s all-time leading receiver, Kenny McKinley said Wednesday he has been invited to play in the Senior Bowl on Jan. 24 in Mobile, Ala.

This makes 3 gamecocks playing in all-star games!

Congrats!

Gamecocks headed to East-West Shrine Bowl

Some members of the Gamecock Football team got good news this week and will be playing one more game after the Outback bowl.
USC middle linebacker Jasper Brinkley and offensive lineman Jamon Meredith are playing in the East-West Shrine Bowl on Jan. 17 in Houston.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

All SEC Blog Poll Selection at TE --- Jared Cook

The crew at LOHD take great pride in being part of the roll out of the All SEC Team conducted by the many blogs that are part of the SEC Blog Poll. We were asked to submit are ballot which you can view HERE and we have been asked to focus on one of those players as part of the roll out of the All SEC Team chosen by SEC Bloggers. Please visit the blogs listed at the end of this to view all of the players on the SEC Bloggers ALL SEC Team for 2008.

2008 All SEC Team Selection at Tight End

USC's TE Jared Cook

Jared Alan Cook was born April 7, 1987. He is a junior that is pursuing a degree in retailing but most likely will be playing in the NFL come the start of football in 2009. Some of you may recall that he has a brother, Jason Cook, that plays football at Ole Miss. I am sure Jared found great pleasure in helping the gamecocks beat Ole Miss in 2008.

Jared is listed at 6 foot 5 inches tall and weighs in around the 240lbs area. He is a beast and a total mis-match for opposing defenses. He has been clocked at a 4.37 in the 40-yard dash with a 39.5-inch vertical leap. He has progressed nicely in his career after leaving North Gwinnett High School in 2005. He has seen time at WR and TE throughout his career as a gamecock.

Let's take a glance at the stats...

-Redshirt year in 2005.
-2006: Six catches for 113 yards, an average of 18.8 yards per catch. Saw action in all 12 games either at WR or TE.
-2007: Started the season slated as a WR but quickly moved into the TE role on a more permanent role. Again played in all 12 games with 3 starts. Was third on the squad with 30 receptions for 421 yards (second on the team), averaged 14.0 yards per catch, and nabbed 3 TDs.

-2008: Was a coming out year for him as he was selected to the All-SEC 2nd Team by the AP and 1st team All SEC by the league coaches. He was a semifinalist for the Mackey Award, which goes to the nation's top TE. Cook is second on the team with 35 receptions and 550 receiving yards while leading the team with a 15.7 yard per reception average. He has the 2 longest receptions of the season by a Gamecock - a 66 yard TD catch vs. Arkansas and a 63 yard reception at Ole Miss. He has 2 TDs to his credit this year. His best day was vs. Vandy where he had 8 catches for 111 yards.

Mr. Cook is rumored to be going to the NFL in 2009. Which really and truly can you blame him? He is rated by NFL Experts as being somewhere in the #2 to #4 TE Draft Prospects. We all can agree that a legit TE in the NFL is hard to come by and many say he could be the next Antonio Gates.

What he has going for him is speed, big body, can take a hit and strength...all of which is hard to find in a TE so it is no wonder that the SEC Bloggers voted him to the ALL SEC TEAM in 2008.
_______

The inaugural SEC Power Poll All-SEC Team Offense is being rolled out across the blogosphere today. A look at who's releasing which positions-

Alligator Army: Quarterback
The Dead Guy: Running Backs
Leftover Hot Dog: Tight End
Team Speed Kills: Offensive Line and Wide Receiver

So make sure to visit and again congrats to Gamecock Nation's very own Jared Cook!

Gamecocks Joke of the Day

Columbia Police reported that an individual attempted to "egg" Coach Steve Spurrier's home last night.

The report stated:

An empty egg carton was recovered at the scene. Two eggs hit the Coach's house, 3 eggs went over his house and hit his neighbor's back door, 2 eggs hit the houses of each of his next door neighbors, and the remaining 3 eggs were found broken on the ground near the cart on.

Looking at what was hit and missed, police officials say they are considering USC Quarterback Chris Smelley as the primary suspect.

Former Gamecock Blake Mitchell part of Carolina Force

Yesterday Greenville's newest sport to try to call the Bi-lo Center home made a announcement that I thought was interesting.....

Former University of South Carolina quarterback Blake Mitchell has signed with the Carolina Force, Greenville’s new entry into the American Indoor Football Association.

Greenville's pro indoor football team signs ex-USC quarterback Blake Mitchell

Mitchell was a three-year starter for the Gamecocks, passing for 5,992 yards in his career. He threw 38 touchdown passes, had a completion percentage of 61.8, and a record of 14-12. That shaved head look is not good for him and the 200 bucks a game he will make and 250 bucks if they win so not like he will get rich....thoughts?

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Even Tim Tebow would frown on this...

http://www.timtebowsong.com/

Bless their heart is all I can say and shouldn't he have a #15 jersey on.....what is next a Stephen Garcia song in 2009?

Why doesn't USC go after Edwards?

Now Virginia Tech has received a decommitment from Tyrell Edwards of Marlboro County (Bennettsville, S.C.); should USC step in and go after him?

Edwards was recruited by the Hokies as a linebacker/tight end and a probable greyshirt. He was not happy about greyshirting and is now considering North Carolina State, Vanderbilt, Illinois, along with the Hokies. Tyrell's has a twin brother Tariq is still committed to the Hokies.

What is the story here? In-state guy but no love from USC? I feel that J Cook will go to NFL giving us Sanders as the starter at TE so wouldn't having Edwards in be a good thing?

Ellis Johnson interested in Army

Johnson interested in Army

Why can you not just be happy Ellis as the Def Coor for the Gamecocks? Is it that bad?

E Cook a letdown for Gamecock Nation

E. Cook out for bowl game; career likely over

Another Article

So 6 hours of class time was too much? This is a big disappointment. USC could have used the strong safety E Cook against Iowa’s Shonn Greene but so much for the team. We knew you were good and most likely headed to the NFL but this is stupid. Best of luck I guess and hope that NFL gig works out.

Time to step up Dion Lecorn and Darian Stewart!

Gamecocks set to take on North Carolina Central

The University of South Carolina men's basketball team (6-1) ends an 11-day break for exams today with an 8 p.m. home game against North Carolina Central.

Devan Downey leads the Gamecocks in scoring, averaging 19.6 points per game. Zam Fredrick (15.6), Mike Holmes (11.9) and Evaldas Baniulis (11.4) also are averaging double figures in scoring. Holmes (9.3) and Dominique Archie (8.0) lead the Gamecocks in rebounding. USC is outrebounding its opponents by six per game.

N.C. Central is winless this year after 11 contests.

USC is #135 on the RPI list and NC-Central is #342.

Raley-Ross set to return
USC's Baniulis offers a defense
Men's pregame: USC vs. N.C. Central

I say Gamecocks by 17 points....

Cory Boyd Update Part II

Former Gamecock Boyd cut in Denver

Well it seems just when you want to report good news about a former Gamecock making it in the NFL they get cut. That is want happened to Broncos RB Cory Boyd who lost his spot on the 53 man roster Monday and seems he is headed back to the practice squad.

Good luck Cory and keep working....

Monday, December 15, 2008

Cory Boyd Update...

Cory Boyd has resurfaced due to the injury bug taking a toll on the Denver Broncos tailback corp.

Latest victim - Peyton Hillis. Hillis injured his hamstring in the second quarter of the game vs the Kansas City Chiefs. The injury left Spencer Larsen, who was still recovering from a bruise on his left hip suffered the week prior against the Jets, as the only tailback in uniform.

With the recent injury to Hillis, Denver coach Mike Shanahan signed Cory Boyd from the practice squad. Cory signed with the Broncos on November 4 after being waived by Tampa Bay. The Broncos now have a bus load of RBs -PJ Pope, Michael Pittman, Andre Hall, Torain and Anthony Alridge, on injured reserve, and Selvin Young has been ailing for months. Now with Hillis and Larsen limping from injuries, Cory got first team reps this past week as the Broncos prepared for their game this past Sunday in Charlotte with the Panthers.

Also of note, Andrew Pinnock has been performing well in practice for the Broncos. Andrew, who is wearing #38 and Cory #30, are both part of the Bronco system.

Boyd sees no action vs. Panthers

LOHD Bowl Challenge - Call for Players

If you haven’t done so already, join our Bowl Pick ‘Em group through Yahoo Fantasy Sports. Once there go to "join a private group" and type in the following -

Group ID: 17647
password: hotdog

Sir Barkley throws in his two cents


Sir Charles took time away from Gambling and running for governor of Alabama to throw in his two cents about why Auburn didn’t hire Turner Gill as there head coach. Of course the hot top in main stream sports is why there is a shortage of black coaches in Division 1 football.

From AJC.com…. I think race was the No. 1 factor,” Barkley, who played basketball for three seasons at Auburn during the early 1980s, told ESPN.com. “You can say it’s not about race, but you can’t compare the two resumes and say [Chizik] deserved the job. Out of all the coaches they interviewed, Chizik probably had the worst resume.”

Any thoughts about what Auburn was doing when they hired Chizik, should they have hired Gill? This isn't the first time Barkley has spoken about about race in sports and I am sure it won't be the last.

Bowl Maddness is getting closer...

Well reason #1 why we will never have a playoff system for Div 1 College Football is set to begin very soon. Seriously as long as we have big money being thrown around for TV rights, etc and not to mention bowl payouts....the BCS computers will have a job.

Here is a link to the bowl games and payout associated to each - HERE.

Below are the dates, times, TV networks and match-ups for each game of the 2008-09 bowl season.

EagleBank - Dec. 20, 11 a.m. (ESPN) Washington, D.C. - Navy vs. Wake Forest
New Mexico - Dec. 20, 2:30 p.m. (ESPN) Albuquerque, N.M. - Fresno State vs. Colorado St
St. Petersburg - Dec. 20, 4:30 p.m. (ESPN2) St. Petersburg, Fla. - USF vs. Memphis
Las Vegas - Dec. 20, 8 p.m. (ESPN) Las Vegas - BYU vs. Arizona
New Orleans - Dec. 21, 8 p.m. (ESPN2) New Orleans - Southern Miss vs. Troy
Poinsettia - Dec. 23, 8 p.m. (ESPN) San Diego - Boise St. vs. TCU
Hawaii - Dec. 24, 8 p.m. (ESPN) Honolulu, Hawaii - Notre Dame vs. Hawaii
Motor City - Dec. 26, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN2) Detroit - Florida Atlantic vs. Central Michigan
Meineke - Dec. 27, 1 p.m. (ESPN) Charlotte, N.C. - North Carolina vs. West Virginia
Champs Sports Bowl - Dec. 27, 4:30 p.m. (ESPN) Orlando, Fla. - Wisconsin vs. Florida St.
Emerald - Dec. 27, 8 p.m. (ESPN) San Francisco - Cal vs. Miami
Independence - Dec. 28, 8 p.m. (ESPN) Shreveport, La. - N Illinois vs. Louisiana Tech
Papajohns.com - Dec. 29, 3 p.m. (ESPN) Birmingham, Ala. - North Carolina St. vs. Rutgers
Alamo - Dec. 29, 8 p.m. (ESPN) San Antonio, Texas - Northwestern vs. Missouri
Humanitarian - Dec. 30, 4:30 p.m. (ESPN) Boise, Idaho - Nevada vs. Maryland
Holiday - Dec. 30, 8 p.m. (ESPN) San Diego - Oklahoma St. vs. Oregon
Texas - Dec. 30, 8 p.m. (NFL) Houston - Rice vs. Western Michigan
Armed Forces - Dec. 31, Noon (ESPN) Fort Worth, Texas - Houston vs. Air Force
Sun - Dec. 31, 2 p.m. (CBS) El Paso, Texas - Oregon St. vs. Pittsburgh
Music City - Dec. 31, 3:30 p.m. (ESPN) Nashville, Tenn. - Vanderbilt vs. Boston College
Insight - Dec. 31, 5:30 p.m. (NFL) Tempe, Ariz. - Kansas vs. Minnesota
Chick-fil-A - Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN) Atlanta - Georgia Tech vs. LSU
Outback - Jan. 1, 11 a.m. (ESPN) Tampa, Fla. - South Carolina vs. Iowa
Capital One - Jan. 1, 1 p.m. (ABC) Orlando, Fla. - Michigan St. vs. Georgia
Gator - Jan. 1, 1 p.m. (CBS) Jacksonville, Fla. - Klempsun vs. Nebraska
Rose - Jan. 1, 4:30 p.m. (ABC) Pasadena, Calif. - USC vs. Penn St.
Orange - Jan. 1, 8 p.m. (FOX) Miami - Cincinnati vs. Virginia Tech
Cotton - Jan. 2, 2 p.m. (FOX) Dallas - Texas Tech vs. Ole Miss
Liberty - Jan. 2, 5 p.m. (ESPN) Memphis, Tenn. - Kentucky vs. East Carolina
Sugar - Jan. 2, 8 p.m. (FOX) New Orleans - Utah vs. Alabama
International - Jan. 3 Noon (ESPN2) Toronto - Connecticut vs. Buffalo
Fiesta - Jan. 5, 8:30 p.m. (FOX) Glendale, Ariz. - Texas vs. Ohio St.
GMAC - Jan. 6, 8 p.m. (ESPN) Mobile, Ala. - Tulsa vs. Ball St.
BCS National Championship Game - Jan. 8, 8 p.m. (FOX) Miami - Oklahoma vs. Florida

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Gamecock Commit wins SC Mr. Football

Gilmore Wins Mr. Football

ATH Stephon Gilmore of South Pointe was named the winner of the Mr. Football Award in South Carolina for 2008.

Playing quarterback and cornerback, the 6-foot-1, 180-pounder led the Stallions to a 15-0 record this season, capped off by a 35-21 victory against Rock Hill rival Northwestern last Friday night in Clemson to claim the South Carolina Class 4A, Division II championship. Gilmore passed for 1,146 yards and 13 touchdowns and rushed for 1,147 yards and 12 touchdowns this season.

Gilmore is a future gamecock so this is great news for Gamecock Nation and with E Cook possibly leaving for the NFL he could get some early PT time in 09.

USC has a great recruiting weekend

TheBigSpur.com is reporting that commitments came in this weekend for the Gamecocks from OL Rokevious Watkins (6-4, 320 lbs) and OL Steven Singleton (6-3, 310 lbs) of Georgia Military JC. Also rumored is that DB Jonathan Davis (5-9, 205 lbs) of Tucker, GA made a pledge to USC but there is some conflicting reports regarding if this is truly accurate.

Tampa (Fla.) Hillsborough running back Lindsey Lamar was in this past weekend to scope out USC so let's hope after Giles that Lamar comes also. Having them both would be awesome!

Nabbing 2 big boys up front with JC experience could be a huge boost in 09. To go along with these two we need Timberland OL Quinton Washington (6-4 315) to make his commitment to USC, as it has been reported that he is leaning towards SC. Getting OL's in for 09 is crucial!

SEC Blogger Poll --- All SEC Team

Many of you are aware that LOHD participates in the SEC Blog Poll. We have been asked to submit our All-SEC Team for 2008 and here was our ballot---


QB - Timmy Tebow - Florida
RB - Knowshon Moreno - Georgia
RB - Charles Scott - LSU
WR - Julio Jones - Bama
WR - Percy Harvin -Florida
L - Andre Smith - Alabama
L - Micheal Oher - Ole Miss
L - Herman Johnson - LSU
L - Clint Boling - UGA
C - Antoine Caldwell - Alabama
TE - Jared Cook - South Carolina
DE - Robert Ayers - Tennessee
DE - Rahim Alem - LSU
DT - Terrence Cody - Alabama
DT - Peria Jerry - Ole Miss
LB - Brandon Spikes - Florida
LB - Eric Norwood - South Carolina
LB - Dominic Douglas - Mississippi State
CB -D.J. Moore - Vanderbilt
CB - Trevard Lindley - Kentucky
S - Eric Berry - Tennessee
S - E Cook - South Carolina
P - Tim Masthay - Kentucky
K - Colt David - LSU
All Purpose - Dexter McCluster - Ole Miss
KR- Brandon James -UF
PR- Javier Arenas - Alabama


Make sure to check out our pal at http://www.garnetandblackattack.com/ to view the final ballot which should be up soon.

Gene Chizik....Was that a Sneeze?

Auburn hires Chizik

When someone says to me Gene Chizik is in at Auburn, I have to think that was a sneeze and got to say to them "bless you." Seriously, close your eyes and think about this. Better yet try it...next time you are in the office blow your nose and say Gene Chizik real fast. I guarantee that someone will say "bless you."

Not sure about this hire at Auburn...seems Auburn could have done better but maybe they know something we don't. Yeah he is one heck of a defense coach but his head coaching career at ISU did not blow anyone's socks off. Come on the Chief rival 'bama has Saban and you, the Auburn fan, has Chizik. Hmmm....

Thoughts?