Thursday, December 31, 2009

Happy New Years from LOHD


We here at Leftover Hot Dog would like wish everybody a happy and safe new years. I know it is a bit early but I got to get packing as I will be heading to B'ham soon.

Please check back tomorrow and Saturday for updates from Birmingham and the PapaJohns.com bowl.

We will have live updates from the game and will have some posts up on LOHD about the match-up so "you all come back now, you hear!"
  • Follow LOHD on Twitter - HERE
  • Be a Fan on Facebook - HERE
Go Gamecocks!

Gamecock Clippings / New Year's Eve Headlines

2 days till Gamecocks v Huskies !

Here is a morning shot of some selected gamecocks sports headlines and other info worthy of a read.....

Gamecock Football
News from the UConn side
Gamecocks Basketball
Boston College squeezes past USC

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Former Gamecock Wide Receiver Sidney Rice makes NFL Pro Bowl Roster


Wide receiver Sidney Rice, a Gaffney and Univ of South Carolina product, was named to the NFC Pro Bowl squad when the rosters were released Tuesday evening.  Big Congrats!

Rice, in his 3rd NFL season, is having a great year in the NFL and a big reason for this standout year is Brett Favre.  They seem to have a good connection on the field.

Rice, who will be a reserve in the game, leads the Vikings with 77 receptions and 1,200 yards along with six touchdowns and is only the fifth Minnesota receiver to post 1,200 receiving yards in a season.

Make sure to check out the Sidney Rice Blog - HERE

Gamecock Clippings / Wednesday Headlines


Here is a morning shot of some selected gamecocks sports headlines and other info worthy of a read.....

Gamecock Football
Gamecock Basketball
Horn, USC take another crack at the ACC

Other Stuffs
Lattimore, Greene named to all-state team

Garnet & Black Attack Blog
Previewing the Papa John's Bowl: Topics for Discussion on UConn's Offense

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Know your UConn Huskies: WR Marcus Easley


This is the fourth installement of "Know your UConn Huskies" and this time around we want to profile their deep ball threat with the 4.3 speed - meet Mr. Marcus Easley.

Easley, who was a walk-on before this past spring, had 44 catches for 853 yards, 8 touchdowns and averaged 19.4 yards per reception.  Not too shabby for the redshirt senior seeing how he did not get looks the first 4 games of the year and for some reason UConn coaches never gave a chance until this season.

The 6-foot-2, 216-pound Easley is someone the USC secondary must be ready for because if not he can easliy burn ya.

Part 3 - Know your UConn Huskies: LB Lawrence Wilson
Part 2 - Know your UConn Huskies: DE Lindsey Witten

Part 1 - Know your UConn Huskies: QB Zach Frazer

Gamecock Clippings / Tuesday Headlines


Here is a morning shot of some selected gamecocks sports headlines and other info worthy of a read.....

Gamecock Football
News through UConn's eyes
Former Gamecocks
Knee injury ends McKinley's season with Broncos

Monday, December 28, 2009

Know your UConn Huskies: LB Lawrence Wilson


This is the third installement of "Know your UConn Huskies" and this time we want to introduce you to a kid in their linebacking corp that must be accounted for on every play... his name is Lawrence Wilson.

He is 6 foot 1 inch and every bit 220 pounds.  This redshirt junior is one of the top players at his position (weakside linebacker) in the Big East with a team-leading 136 tackles (11.3 tackles per game), including 10 TFLs, 4 sacks and 3 forced fumbles. Only three players in the FBS averaged more tackles per game than Wilson.

Along with those excellent stats, he also is playing to prove something. His hometown is only a 30-minute drive from Legion Field in Birmingham, and said his father is trying to secure around 40 tickets for family and friends to attend the game.

I know USC has faced many good linebackers this season and this is just yet again another good one they must plan their attack around.

Part 2 - Know your UConn Huskies: DE Lindsey Witten
Part 1 - Know your UConn Huskies: QB Zach Frazer

Gamecock Clippings / Monday Headlines


Here is a morning shot of some selected gamecocks sports headlines and other info worthy of a read.....

Gamecocks Football
LeCorn looks for bowl time
Bowl week schedule, weather for USC, fans

Gamecocks Basketball
NIT Bound? Why The USC Gamecocks Will Miss Dominique Archie.

SEC related
Urban - Not resigning, will take leave instead
UK's Brooks 80 percent sure he's not returning

Garnet&Black Attack Blog
Thoughts on the Urban Meyer Situation

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Catching up with Gamecocks in the NFL


Here is a quick snapshot of USC products in the NFL through Week 15...

USC products

John Abraham / Falcons DE
30 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble

Fred Bennett / Texans CB
18 tackles

Jasper Brinkley / Vikings LB
20 tackles, 1 forced fumble

Sheldon Brown / Eagles S
48 tackles, 5 interceptions, 1 forced fumble

Emanuel Cook / Buccaneers S
Practice squad

Jared Cook / Titans TE
9 catches, 74 yards

Andre Goodman / Broncos CB
37 tackles, 4 interceptions, 1 sack

Jonathan Joseph / Bengals CB
59 tackles, 6 interceptions

Lance Laury / Seahawks LB
21 tackles, 1 forced fumble

Kenny McKinley / Broncos WR
No stats

Jamon Meredith / Packers OT
7 games, 3 starts

Captain Munnerlyn / Panthers CB
35 tackles, 24 punt returns

Jamar Nesbit / Saints OG
12 games, 0 starts

Dunta Robinson / Texans CB
52 tackles, 1 forced fumble

Ko Simpson / Lions CB
30 tackles, 1 interception

Ryan Succop / Chiefs K
21-25 FGs, 53 long, 3-3 PATs

Travelle Wharton / Panthers OG
14 games, 14 starts

Troy Williamson / Jaguars WR
3 catches, 34 yards

Rod Wilson / Buccaneers LB
3 tackles

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Gamecocks Clippings / Saturday Edition

Just in case you missed some gamecocks news due to Christmas, here is a re-cap for ya...

Gamecocks Football
Gamecocks Basketball
- NIT Bound? Why The USC Gamecocks Will Miss Dominique Archie.

Other Stuff
- Incoming Gamecocks Basketball Player - All-Lowcountry Football Player of the Year: Bruce Ellington

Former Gamecocks
- Robinson's fine for shoe gaffe pays off for YMCA

Gamecocks Eric Norwood Selected for Senior Bowl


Congrats to South Carolina linebacker Eric Norwood as he has officially accepted an invitation to the 2010 Senior Bowl.  The 2010 Senior Bowl will kick off on January 30th in Mobile’s Ladd-Peebles Stadium.

In addition to his All-American honors, Norwood was a first team All-SEC selection by both the AP and league’s coaches and a finalist for the Butkus and Lombardi Awards. Entering the Gamecocks’ bowl game Norwood is tied for third in the SEC with seven sacks and tied for eighth with 11.5 tackles for a loss. He has two interceptions on the season — one he returned for a touchdown — and leads the team with 11 quarterback hurries.
“I just want to go down there and show what I have done over the course of the last four years at South Carolina,” Norwood said. “I want to show that I can play each linebacker position effectively, whether it’s inside linebacker or outside linebacker; that I am the complete player, the total package.”
More Here

Thursday, December 24, 2009

All I want for Christmas - The LOHD Gamecocks Wish List


Dear Santa,

I know the economy is down, there is a health care debate and the US is engaged in two "conflicts" abroad so I understand there may be some bigger issues this holiday season.  I do however want to issue you the LOHD Christmas List for 2009.  Just a few things we Carolina Gamecocks fans want to see achieved or secured in 2010. 

So here goes...

  1. A win vs UConn in the PapaJ Bowl to start off 2010 would be really nice as it would shut some of the fair weather gamecock fans up.
  2. Marcus Lattimore would be a nice treat to have going forward.  He is the type back that we need that can help us climb the SEC mountain to reach some glory not felt in Columbia before.
  3. Sharrif Floyd would be a nice present to aid in the fight on the defensive line, meaning he is a game changer.
  4. John Fulton could be the next gamecock to go to the NFL from the secondary and continue the "DB U" history that Carolina has.
  5. Justin Parker could step in and help the linebacking corp as it will be a nad bit weaker without Eric Norwood next season. 
  6. Coach Horn to get 20 wins this season with the Gamecocks Basketball team and sneak in to the NCAA tourney.  USC Women's Hoops to make it to the NCAA tourney also.
  7. Coach Tanner to take the SC Gamecocks Baseball team back to the CWS.
  8. Archie to return to the Gamecocks basketball team for next year after a speedy recovery with that pesky knee issue.
  9. Along with the recruits listed earlier please help convince OL Morgan Moses, TE Clive Walford, WR Sean Tapley and DL Ego Ferguson Jr. that they too need to wear garnet & black next season.
  10. USC football to win at least 8 or 9 games in the regular season next year.  Heck a SEC East crown would be a nice stocking stuffer.
So Santa, there is just 10 things to bring us in 2010.  Thanks in advance.

What did I miss Carolina fans?  Anything you would like to add..............

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Pac 10 vs. Mountain West

Well the bowl season is early, but I think we have learned a lot so far. The Mountain West deserves some credit. After going undefeated last year in the bowl games the Pac 10 has been a joke so far. Oregon State had a chance to represent the PAC 10 in the BCS, got whooped by BYU last night and Utah is making Cal look like Cal Polly Tech in basketball. ESPN has been trying to convince the east coast that the PAC 10 is by far the best conference in football for the past 3 years. Well after watching the past 2 games I am going to have to disagree. The conference that deserves some respect might be the Mountain West. I am not saying that Utah over Alabama last year was a fluke but I think they should deserve a automatic qualifier for the BCS. I have a heard time believing that the Big 10 deserves to have 2 teams in every year. They have a heard enough time winning a bowl game each year, why reward them with 2 BCS games. Just ask Ohio State?

Even Wyoming upsetting Fresno State gave the conference some credit, granted it was a crap bowl that nobody watched outside of the few of use that pretty much watch every football game. The only hope for the PAC 1o this year is for USC to show up against BC as long as they have enough players to play. Who knew paying players with cash, rent money and cars was against the rules. It will also help if the Ducks can crack some beer nuts in Pasadena. I am not sure if Oregon over Ohio State is considered a quality win for the PAC 10 but at least it is a win. I guess we will have to see.......

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Know your UConn Huskies: DE Lindsey Witten


This is the second installement of "Know your UConn Huskies" and this time we want to introduce you to who the USC O Line will be charged with stopping to save Garcia a headache or two.  His name is Lindsey Witten.

Witten is one of the top DE in the nation and most likely will end up in the NFL next year.  He is a All Big East Selection and will participate in the East-West Shrine Game on 1/23/10. He also was on the Chuck Bednarik Watch List in 2009.  So it is just not LOHD who thinks this guy can play.

In 2009 he logged - 41 tackles, 13 TFLs, 11.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles.  Not too shabby for the 6 foot 5 inch 260 pound end who wears number 9. 

This kid must be accounted for on every down and USC may need a RB to help out depending on the play.  He is what we like to call a "disrupter."  So USC Interim OL Coach Andy Boyd come up with the right strategy to slow this guy down or it could be a long night in the PapaJ Bowl.

Part 1 - Know your UConn Huskies: QB Zach Frazer

SEC Power Poll All-SEC Team: the linebackers



As a voter in the SEC Power Poll and, subsequently, the All-SEC Team balloting, I've been tapped to participate in the rollout. 
As you know the SEC Power Poll is a group of SEC bloggers (List of Bloggers HERE) and the All-SEC Team is chosen by this group of bloggers based on voting.

I get the honor of revealing the winning linebackers......the envelope, please…

The 2009 SEC Power Poll All-SEC Selections at Linebacker are (in order of votes received): Rolando McClain (Alabama), Eric Norwood (South Carolina) and Rennie Curran (Georgia).

Some reasoning on why these 3 are deemed worthy of this award -

1.  Rolando McClain, (Alabama)

His laundry list of accomplishments are too lengthy to mention in this post.  But the 6 foot 4 inch 260 pound "quarterback" of the 'Bama D is the definition of All-SEC in my book and the others as he was a unanimous selection amongst the voters.

Here is his just a tidbit of his higlights from 2009:
• Midseason Sporting News All-American
• Buktus Award winner
• Semifinalist for the Lombardi Award
• Semifinalist for the Bednarik Award
• Leads team with 66 tackles
• Has 2 interceptions and 7 TFL (-28)
• Five straight games with at least 7 tackles

This his junior year, he has helped the Crimson Tide rank fourth nationally in total defense (242.22 ypg) and second in rush defense (68.22).  Oh, and his team is in the national championship game which speaks volumes to his ability and leadership on the 'Bama D.

2. Eric Norwood, (U of South Carolina)

This senior is the key to the SC defense.  He is a Walter Camp 1st Team All-American, All SEC selection according to the league's coaches and the AP.  Mr. Norwood was also a finalist for the Butkus Award in '09. 
In 2009, Norwood had 71 tackles including 49 solo stops.  He finished 3rd in the SEC in sacks (7) and is tied for 8th with 11.5 tackles for losses.  He had 2 INTs and blocked 3 kicks to boot.  He was credited with 11 QB hurries, 3 pass breakups and a fumble recovery.  The 6 foot 250 pound Linebacker is Carolina's all-time leader with 43.0 career tackles for loss and is third on the all-time list in sacks with 22.0.

3. Rennie Curran (Georgia Bulldogs)

This future NFL-er was voted First-team All-SEC by the AP and Coaches in 2009, and was also named First-team All-America by CBSSports.com after leading the SEC in tackles this year as a junior.  In 2009, he had 116 tackles and of those 59 were solo.  So just that number alone says this kid was everyone and had his nose in almost everything the defense was doing on the field.  Curran is considered one of the top weakside linebackers of his class, and has been called "the most dominant defensive player in the game" by The Sporting News.

Others receiving votes:
Related Content:

Monday, December 21, 2009

Some Gamecocks Baseball News


Collegiate Baseball released its preseason poll today and it has USC in its rankings.

USC is ranked 28th in the poll (the poll ranks the top 40 teams). The Gamecocks are coming of a 40 win season and lost in a Regional at East Carolina to end last season. Carolina is one of seven SEC teams ranked in the poll.

Texas, LSU, Virginia, Cal State Fullerton and Arizona State are the top five teams.

The Gamecocks will open the season February 19th vs Duquesne. 

Also South Carolina junior right-handed pitcher Sam Dyson earned third-team Louisville Slugger Preseason All-America honors as announced by Collegiate Baseball on Monday afternoon - HERE.

All SEC Ballot

As you all know the LOHD blog is part of the SEC Power Poll," which is a group of bloggers from across the SEC.  Look to the right column of this blog for a list of 'who is who' in the SEC Power Poll.  Now with the season done it is time to submit ballots for the "ALL SEC" Team chosen by us the bloggers. 

Here is the LOHD ballot.......

Offense

QB: Ryan Mallett (Arkansas Razorbacks)
RB: Mark Ingram (Alabama Crimson Tide)
RB: Dexter McCluster (Ole Miss Rebels)
OG: Mike Johnson (Alabama Crimson Tide)
OG: Mike Pouncey (Florida Gators)
OT: Ciron Black (LSU Tigers)
OT: John Jerry (Ole Miss Rebels)
C: Maurkice Pouncey (Florida Gators)
TE: Aaron Hernandez (Florida Gators)
WR: A.J. Green (Georgia Bulldogs)
WR: Brandon LaFell (LSU Tigers)

Defense

DE: Cliff Matthews (South Carolina Gamecocks)
DE: Carlos Dunlap (Florida Gators)
DT: Terrence Cody (Alabama Crimson Tide)
DT: Malcolm Sheppard (Arkansas Razorbacks)
LB: Eric Norwood (South Carolina Gamecocks)
LB: Rolando McClain (Alabama Crimson Tide)
LB: Rennie Curran (Georgia Bulldogs)
CB: Javier Arenas (Alabama Crimson Tide)
CB: Trevard Lindley (Kentucky Wildcats)
S: Eric Berry (Tennessee Volunteers)
S: Joe Haden (Florida Gators)

Special Teams

PK: Blair Walsh (Georgia Bulldogs)
P: Drew Butler (Georgia Bulldogs)
RS: Javier Arenas (Alabama Crimson Tide)

Gamecocks Archie Out for the Year

News broke today that Dominique Archie will have season ending knee surgery. This comes as a surprise as it was originally diagnosed as just a knee sprain. This also brings up some questions as to weather he will pursue a medical hardship for a 6th season of eligibility. Or will Archie just try to get the knee back to playing shape and try the European market.

After the lose to Wofford on Saturday night Carolina is in need of a player that can step up and fill Archie’s shoes.  Archie averaged 14.4 points and 6.0 rebounds in five games played this season. He is the most versatile player on the Gamecocks roster and he will be a big loss to the team. There is no one player on the team that can rebound, shoot and score the way Archie did prior to his injury. The Gamecocks have not been the same since they lost him.  Hopefully this will motivate some of the younger guys to play hard and make the most of the opportunity to have increased playing time.

Only time will tell what happens this season but all is not lost......or with the injury is the season lost?

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Gamecocks Have NO Business Losing to Terriers


First let me say congrats to Wofford. 
They outplayed the South Carolina Men's Basketball team especially down the stretch.  They outrebounded Carolina and got to the charity stripe more often.  Basically it boiled down to the fact that the Terriers came to play and SC didn't bring the energy needed to overcome a good Southern Conference team in Benjamin Johnson Arena.

Wofford earns first victory against South Carolina since 1939 by the score of 68-61.  Wofford (6-6) played close the whole way, never trailed by more than four points, and surged ahead for good with about 10 minutes remaining. The Terriers held the Gamecocks without a field goal on seven straight possessions down the stretch to pull away.  Wofford outrebounded South Carolina, 43-33, and it was 22-11 on the offensive end. 
Carolina could not muster up enough fight to do the little things to get the edge on Wofford.  South Carolina had only three field goals (on nine tries) on its final 18 possessions. One of the buckets was a meaningless 3-pointer in the final seconds by Devan Downey, who led the Gamecocks with 17 points but shot only 5-for-14, including 1-for-5 on 3-pointers, and had five turnovers compared to just one assist.

My hope is that Carolina learns from this and don't blame the loss on being down two starters.  Losing a game like this is not what we want to see every again.  Learn that there are no easy games.  Learn that you have to come hungry for a win every game.  Learn that you must do the little things like box out, dive for the loose balls and make the extra pass. 

I ask that the team look in the mirror and remember how a loss like this tastes.  Move on and don't let this hurt worse come Monday night vs Furman.  Realize that now there is work to do to get in the "Big Dance" and get to work.

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Gamecocks Clippings for Saturday

Here is a shot of some selected news for ya...

Gamecocks Football
General SEC
Lane Kiffin Says Tennessee’s Recruiting Was Legal
SEC to use pitch clock to shorten baseball games

Gamecocks Basketball
USC v Woof-ford

Other

Gamecocks take on Wofford Today in Men's Hoops

The Gamecocks own a 40-18 series advantage over the Terriers, which includes a 78-61 victory over Wofford in the most recent meeting last season.

The Terriers are 5-6 overall, but they are 2-1 at home. Of their six losses this season, four have come by five or fewer points.   In the recent victory over Navy, Wofford forced 19 turnovers and earned a 20-9 advantage in points from the foul line.  The Terriers are led by Noah Dahlman with 18.3 points and 6 rebounds per game. Dahlman also leads the Southern Conference in scoring.

Wofford’s last win in the series came in 1939 – South Carolina has won 21 straight against the Terriers.

South Carolina has gotten off to a promising start, as seven of the team's nine games have resulted in victory. On Wednesday, the Gamecocks had finally got rolling in the second half in route to a win versus Richmond by a 76-58 final.

Gamecocks should win today vs Woof-ford with balanced scoring and strong defense. Devan and Muldrow should lead the charge today and give Carolina a 14+ pt win.

USC Gamecocks junior safety Chris Culliver expects to return in 2010

Per this article, Chris Culliver says he will complete his final year at Carolina.  This is very good news for SC as it means the secondary will be strong in '10.

Here is what the article says -
Culliver again emphasized he doesn’t plan to take a shot at the NFL until he completes his eligibility at USC.  “I don’t think I am going to the NFL,” Culliver said. “You don’t get that experience of playing another college football season back. That is what I really want to do. I want to come back next year and, hopefully, have fun.”

Friday, December 18, 2009

Happy Holidays Video from the USC Gamecocks Men's Basketball Team

Gamecocks Backup RB Eric Baker Out with Serious Knee Injury


Bad news out of the Gamecocks practice yesterday, reserve running back Eric Baker hurt his knee in practice Thursday and it looks like he will need surgery.  Rumored to be a ACL issue or at very least significant ligament damage.  Spurrier seems to think surgery will be required and that would likely cost Baker his 2010 season.


LOHD has always been a big fan of Mr. Baker - here & here - he just got buried in the depth chart.  He was rumored to be thinking about a transfer and if that is true this certainly does not help that issue.  Eric is a sophomore and does have a redshirt year available.  LOHD hopes he bounces back very soon!

Gamecocks Downey nominated for 2010 Bob Cousy Award


South Carolina Gamecocks PG Devan Downey is listed as a candidate for the 2010 Bob Cousy Award, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced on Thursday.

The annual award, named for the Hall of Famer and former Boston Celtic Bob Cousy, recognizes college basketball's top point guard. Downey is one of 72 athletes nominated for the award.

Make sure to visit - http://www.downey2therim.com/

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Notes and Thoughts on arachnophobia


The Richmond Spiders gave the Gamecocks all they could handle last night in the Colonial Life Areana. If it wasn't for Spiders guard # 5 David Gonzalvez getting into early foul trouble this game might not have had the same out come. Gonzalvez was a tough match up for the gamecock guards early in the game. Lucky for the Gamecocks Gonzalvez had a couple of touch fouls early in the 1st half that keep him on the bench for long periods of time.

Devon Downey had probably his best game of the season so far. After a rough start Downey took over the game both on offense and defense. Sam Muldrow carried the Gamecocks in the first half. Sam's post play has come a long way from last season. He can also make free throws which is a giant plus, as Carolina seems to struggle in that department just about every year.

Once again Evaldas Baniulis was ice cold from behind the 3 point line, throwing up a couple shots that didn't have a prayer of going in. He did finally hit a three late in the game from the corner in transition.

The most impressive player of the night was Jr college transfer Johndre Jefferson who had a season high 12 points. The General was getting a little worried that we might have wasted a scholarship on Jefferson, but last night he showed intensity, and a knack for getting on the offensive glass and putting back rebounds with some authority.

Does anybody know where Mike Holmes is? He has not been on the bench supporting his team the last 2 games. If you have see Mike please let us know.



Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Know your UConn Huskies: QB Zach Frazer


Leading up to the Jan. 2nd matchup in the PapaJohns.com Bowl between UConn and Gamecocks, LOHD will ensure you know who it is the Gamecocks will be beating in the Bowl game. 

First up, a quick look at who their man under center is....

Well believe it or not, it is a former Notre Dame Quarterback. 
UConn Starting QB Zach Frazer left Notre Dame after being told by now former ND Coach Weis that he would finish fourth in the four-man competition to replace Brady Quinn in May 2007.  He picked UConn over Cinncy to continue his football career and lead his current team to a win against his former team a few weeks back.

Frazer, a former Elite 11 QB participant, was UConn's starting quarterback to begin the 2009 season, but lost the job to Cody Endres when he hurt his knee.  Endres then ends up hurting his left shoulder during a 28-24 loss to Rutgers.  Enter the 'Zach Attack' or better known as Zach Frazer.

Here is Zach's stats in 2009 ---

The 6 foot 4 inch QB has passed for 1354 yds, was 107 for 197 with 9 INTs in 7 games.  He has been sacked 6 times in '09.  Since getting the starting job back after the Rutgers game he is 3-1 with wins vs. ND, Syracuse and USF.

As you can see, UConn has a capable passer to go along with their strong run game so again as LOHD has been saying this is not going to be a walk in the park.  It will be a good match-up and one that Carolina will have to be ready to execute.

thoughts?  stay tuned for more looks at the Huskies team.....

South Carolina Gamecocks Bowl History

With a bowl game coming up, take a gander at this below.

Record: 4-10

Jan. 1, 2009 Outback Bowl-Iowa 31, South Carolina 10

Dec. 29, 2006 Liberty Bowl-South Carolina 44, Houston 36

Dec. 30, 2005 Independence Bowl-Missouri 38, South Carolina 31

Jan. 1, 2002 Outback Bowl-South Carolina 31, Ohio State 28

Jan. 1, 2001 Outback Bowl-South Carolina 24, Ohio State 7

Jan. 2, 1995 Carquest Bowl-South Carolina 24, West Virginia 21

Dec. 28, 1988 Liberty Bowl-Indiana 34, South Carolina 10

Dec. 31, 1987 Gator Bowl-LSU 30, South Carolina 13

Dec. 28, 1984 Gator Bowl-Oklahoma State 21, South Carolina 14

Dec. 29, 1980 Gator Bowl-Pittsburgh 37, South Carolina 9

Dec. 29, 1979 Hall of Fame Bowl-Missouri 24, South Carolina 14

Dec. 20, 1975 Tangerine Bowl-Miami (Ohio) 20, South Carolina 7

Dec. 30, 1969 Peach Bowl-West Virginia 14, South Carolina 3

Jan. 1, 1946 Gator Bowl-Wake Forest 26, South Carolina 14

Abbeville's Gilchrist signs with the Gamecocks

Toquavius Gilchrist signed a letter of intent to play at South Carolina in a Wednesday afternoon ceremony at Abbeville High School via this report.

The 6-foot-3, 230 pounds linebacker has 3 yrs to play D 1 and will do that at Carolina.  Gilchrist chose the Gamecocks over offers from Houston, Kansas, Kansas State, North Texas and Toledo. Gilchrist originally committed to Newberry out of high school, but eventually signed with Butler.

Welcome Home and Go Cocks!

Gamecocks Nick Ebert Named to the NCBWA Preseason All-America Team


Congrats to the Gamecocks Third Baseman Nick Ebert for being named to the 3rd team of the 10th annual National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Pro-Line Athletic 2009 Preason All-America Team.

Gamecocks Baseball lands 11th Commitment for the Class of 2011


Wade Hampton High School star Kyle Martin becomes the 11th player to say they will be a gamecock in 2011.  This comes after the Class of 2010 was solidified.

Martin, who gave his verbal last week, becomes the third player in his class that can both hit and pitch. Martin joins Laurens Academy’s Alex Satterfield and Austin Gambrell from Belton-Honea Path as the two-way players in the class of 2011.

The six-feet-one, 200-pounder is the top first baseman in the state and is known for swinging a big bat both in high school and for his Canes AAU team.  He is ranked the No. 8 overall prospect in the state in Diamond Prospect’s summer rankings.  A southpaw, Martin becomes the first left-handed pitcher to commit in his class.

Coach Tanner continues to stock the baseball roster with talent year after year.  Great to see, go cocks and welcome Mr. Martin.

Gamecocks Geathers to test NFL waters


Being reported that USC junior defensive end Clifton Geathers has decided to test the NFL waters. He will submit paperwork to the draft advisory committee to see where he would be projected to go in the April draft. Unless he is a first or second rounder he expects to return for his junior season.  Having said that...LOHD expects him to return and it is best for him to do just that.

Two more current gamecocks may follow suit, this is a rumor, and they are junior defensive back Chris Culliver and possibly junior tight end Weslye Saunders also could submit NFL paperwork.

Why the interest by these juniors and others around the college football circuit?  Well, it is due to the fact that the current NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement is set to expire.  The result is a possible new agreement that could see rookie salaries drop in 2011 which means some juniors may think it is best to jump now to the NFL before the current deal expires (i.e $$$).

Fellow gamecock blogger - Garnet & Black Attack - dove into this issue better than I so make sure to check his opinion out - HERE.

National Champs


It looks like USC might have played 2 national champs this past season, that is if Alabama can beat Texas in Pasadena on January 7. The other is
SC State who one the 2009 SBN Sports Black College National Football Championship yesterday. The bulldogs posted a 10-2 record the season only losing to USC and App State. This is SC States first National Championship since 1981. South Carolina has played the eventual national champion on there regular schedule the last 3 seasons but this might be a first where they have played 2 national champs in one season. Maybe the ACC should look at picking up SC state if they ever decide to add another team.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Gamecocks Eric Norwood is truly a "All-American"


Gamecocks Linebacker Eric Norwood is very fitting of the award of being named a All American by the AP and being named to Sporting News Squad.  Not only has Eric Norwood left his mark on the Gamecocks history books on the field (Norwood is Carolina's all-time leader in both sacks (29.0) and tackles for loss (54.5) and is the SEC active leader in both categories), he's also left his mark in the classroom.

Eric Norwood graduated this past weekend from USC with a criminal justice degree in just 3 1/2 years.  He is the first in his family to get a college education.  Keep in mind this is a guy that was denied admission to USC but was determined.  He got in and through that determination has left his mark on Carolina in many ways.

Eric is truly deserving of all the praise he gets as he is a first-class guy.  He is the first Gamecock since Ko Simpson (2005) to make a first-team All-America squad, and the first Gamecock to be named to the AP first team since 1984 – when both Del Wilkes and James Seawright made the squad.

The 6′ 1″ Georgia native will play his final game at USC on January 2 in the Papajohns.com Bowl against Connecticut.

Congrats Mr. Norwood!

YSU Names Eric Wolford Head Coach


Copy of the press release issued by the Youngstown State University today ---

The energetic Eric Wolford, a Youngstown native who has been labeled a top recruiter at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivison level, was named the sixth head coach in school history on Tuesday, YSU President Dr. David C. Sweet announced. Wolford, a graduate of Ursuline High School, takes over his hometown program after building an impressive resume the past 16 years as a collegiate assistant. Of those, 12 have been spent on the FBS level.

"Coach Wolford comes to Youngstown State with an impressive coaching background and we are more than happy to welcome him to our Football Family," Sweet said. "He will represent our university in a first-class manner and is very highly regarded throughout the collegiate ranks. He is a great fit for our community, university and football program."

Wolford has a tremendous background working with some of the most reputable names in college football. As an assistant, he has coached for Steve Spurrier (South Carolina), Ron Zook (Illinois), Mike Stoops (Arizona), Darrell Dickey (North Texas), Dana Dimel (Houston), Jim Leavitt (South Florida) and Bill Snyder (Kansas State).

In each of the past five years, Wolford has helped programs rank in the top 20 nationally in recruiting according to Scout.com. In 2008, Rivals.com labeled him a top-20 FBS National Recruiter.

"We are very excited to have Coach Wolford join the Youngstown State Football Family," YSU Athletics Director Ron Strollo said. "In all of my discussions with him, he has shown a passion to lead our football program and be an outstanding leader for our student-athletes. He has received extremely positive reviews from within the coaching ranks and members of our community. His ability to be a top-notch recruiter will help take our program to level we all can be proud of."

Wolford spent the 2009 season as the running-game coordinator and offensive line coach at South Carolina. The Gamecocks posted a 7-5 mark this past year and will make an appearance in the PapaJohns.com Bowl on Jan. 2 against UConn. USC had four running backs rush for more than 100 yards in a game in 2009 after having just one eclipse the mark in the previous campaign. During the campaign, he had four members of his offensive line make their first career starts. Overall, 10 different players started at least one contest up front, while three started at multiple positions. After joining the staff in January, Wolford showed his talents helping the Gamecocks land the 13th-ranked recruiting class in the nation.

The 38-year-old Wolford spent two seasons at Illinois (2007-08) with Zook before heading to South Carolina. In his two seasons with the Illini, his lines led the Big Ten Conference in rushing (2007) and passing (2008) yards per game. During his two years, Illinois ranked in the top 20 nationally in recruiting. Averaging 269.3 yards in the air, the Illini ranked first in the Big Ten in the category and 19th nationally in 2008. The team finished the season second in the conference in total offense with 438.8 yards per contest, which also ranked 19th in the NCAA. Illinois’ total yards topped 5,000 for just the fourth time in school history and for the second consecutive year.

Wolford helps the Gamecocks post a 7-5 record in 2009. He spent the previous two campaigns at Illinois.In 2007, Illinois finished with a 9-4 overall mark and represented the Big Ten in the Rose Bowl following a 6-2 league mark. His veteran unit led the offense to 3,338 rushing yards, the most in school history, and paved the way for running back Rashard Mendenhall’s record-setting season. The Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, Mendenhall broke school records for rushing yards, rushing touchdowns and total scores in a season.

Wolford served as an assistant coach at Arizona from 2004-06, North Texas in 2003, Houston from 2000-02, South Florida from 1996-99, Emporia State in 1995 and at Kansas State in 1994.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in 1994 in social sciences with a focus on monetary policy and banking from KSU. Wolford signed a free-agent contract with the Arizona Cardinals before returning to Manhattan to embark on his coaching career.

A 1989 graduate of Ursuline High School, Wolford earned All-Northeastern Ohio honors in 1988, in addition to being named the defensive player of the year in the Steel Valley Conference. He played both offensive and defensive line helping the Irish to the SVC championship as a senior. In the summer of 2009, he was enshrined into the Ursuline High School Athletics Hall of Fame.

Wolford and his wife, Melinda, have a son, Stone, and a daughter, Marlee.
{Photo: The State}

Letter from USC Coach Steve Spurrier


Via The Daily Gamecock

Nice letter from the Head Ball Coach to the Students a few weeks back. I agree with him as the Carolina Student Body did a good job in 2009 getting behind the gamecocks and making playing in Willy B truly a home field advantage for Carolina as they finished 6-1 this season at home.  Best home record since 1988.

Copy of letter below....
___

To The Carolina Student Body,

I want to personally thank you for the super support that you gave our football team this ‘09 season. Shepard Smith, a news anchor with Fox News and an Ole Miss alumnus, said that Williams-Brice was the loudest SEC stadium that he had ever been to after our victory back in October. This past Saturday, you and all of our other great fans made it very difficult for Clemson to hear their signals and try to communicate throughout the entire game.

We won six of seven at home this year, with our only loss to No. 1 Florida, and it was 17-14 in the fourth quarter. We definitely have a big-time home field advantage here at Carolina. This is “Our House!”

Our coaching staff and our players believe there is no better place to play college football than right here in front of our Carolina student body.

Thanks again and Go Gamecocks!

Sincerely,

Steve Spurrier
South Carolina Head Football Coach

King Cry Baby


Well the story of the PC fan that was removed from the game last Saturday against UNC has now made national news.

If you haven't heard or seen the video of Roy "King Tar-Baby" Williams get a Presbyterian College fan thrown out of the game for yelling "Miss it Dion" while he was shooting a free throw. Just like any story there are 2 sides, well Roy isn't saying much about his side of the story. The PC fan Brian King has now come out and said his side of the story. UNC fans will have you believe that he said racial slurs towards Dion and the North Carolina team. They will also have you believe that he was drunk out of his mind.

Per Kings story neither of these comments are true and he is now trying to save face with the media.

This reminds me of a Kentucky game a few years back when our good friend JR heckled Keith Bogans for the entire game. It was awesome, he had Bogans questing every shot he took. If Roy had been the coach that day for Kentucky, he would have probably fought JR in the stands like Ron Artest against the City of Detroit. Granted JR might have had a few beers but that was allowed in the House that Dave "Man Hands" Odom built.

What will come of Roy vs. The Fan? UNC will apologize to Brian King, and Roy will stick to his side of the story. The Wine and Cheese crowd will bitch about how they get no respect and this will just fuel the fire when they visit Cameron Indoor in March.

The best quote from this story might be this one, I was told, 'Because this is Roy's house, and when Roy says you need to go, you go' " King said. "I thought it was sort of amusing."

Monday, December 14, 2009

Spurrier gets extra year on contract


USC Board of Trustees approved a one-year contract extension for Spurrier on Monday, taking him through the 2013 season. His salary will remain $1.75 million.  This was mostly done for recruiting purposes but still a deserved move in my eyes.

Coach Steve Spurrier entered the season under a little pressure, but he appears to have the Gamecocks headed in the right direction. At least, the administration thinks so. A contract extension was recommended for Spurrier on Dec. 1 and this was just the formal step of making it offical so no real news here as the gamecock faithful knew this was coming.

Spurrier is 35-27 in five season with the Gamecocks.

The Gamecocks went 7-5 this season and begin practice Tuesday to play Connecticut in the PapaJohns.com Bowl on Jan. 2 in Birmingham, Ala.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Wolf gone --- Youngstown State Media Outlets Reporting Gamecocks Wolford to be named Head Coach?

LOHD Breaking News

Eric Wolford is out at USC.....

Rumors of Eric Wolford becoming the next Head Coach at Youngstown State are getting stronger and seems it is a done deal now that a TV station in the YSU area (WYTV 33) is reporting .....

"Multiple sources close to the YSU program say that Ursuline High School product Eric Wolford is set to be hired as the next head football coach at Youngstown State."

Along with that news source, another - 21 WFMJ- is reporting the same "breaking news" that Wolford will be named YSU coach this week and likely Tuesday.  Wolford has a three-year contract with the Gamecocks with two years remaining at $200,000 per year.  He is expected to sign a five-year contract with Youngstown State, with the final salary expected to be in the $250,000 range.

Eric Wolford is currently the Running Game Coordinator/Offensive Line Coach at the University of South Carolina and  would be sorely missed if this proves true. 

I hate to see him leave Carolina as he has improved the line from last year and has a great crop of OL talent coming in to the program next year.

If this is just another rumor then I feel Eric Wolford needs to issue a statement first thing Monday that he intends to stay with Carolina, us fans (and potential recruits) need to know the truth.

South Carolina Gamecocks 2009 Football Season Highlights Video



The best plays from the 2009 season put together by vagabound197979
Note: FAU and SC State were left out due to youtube's 10 minute time limit on videos.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

PapaJohns.com Bowl Gift for Gamecocks

HERE is a full rundown of what each bowl is giving out to their respected participants this year. 

As you saw in the above referenced article the gifts vary from bowl to bowl.  From Oakley sunglasses and a Brut hairdryer to Ipods and a Fossil Watch....just to name a few of the things football players and team staff will get as a participant in their bowl.

Well what do the gamecocks get for being in the PapaJohns.com Bowl on Jan. 2nd?

--- A RCA mini HD camcorder & a Oakley Surf pack backpack (stuffed with goodies, one is a $250 gift card)

Not sure of the model of the camcorder so hard to show ya a pic or what the value is for it.  But a pretty good gift.  Also not sure if the backpack is the 5.0 version valued at $90 or not.  But seems to be pretty cool gift too.  What about papajohns pizza?

Youngstown State after Gamecocks Wolford?


According to this article, it seems that Youngstown State is interested in USC's Offensive line coach/run game coordinator Eric Wolford.

Friday night, word broke that Florida State will hire Arizona defensive coordinator Mark Stoops to replace the retiring Mickey Andrews....then this makes Wolford the number one target for the Penguins right?

I agree with Joe Person at The State, who unearthed this story, that Eric to YSU just doesn't seem like the right move for him.  He has tremendous potential as a coach and is making a great impression by helping Spurrier lead the Gamecocks.  I feel it would be wise for Eric to stick around a few more years and then leap to the HC game.

Four Gamecocks freshman All-SEC

Four players from the South Carolina Gamecocks football team got placed on the coaches Freshman All-SEC team, which was released on this past Thursday.
Wide receiver Alshon Jeffery and offensive lineman T.J. Johnson on offense and cornerback Stephon Gilmore and defensive end Devin Taylor on defense all made the team.

Here is the full list of the Freshman All-SEC team.

OFFENSE

TE Orson Charles, Georgia
OL Barrett Jones, Alabama
OL Aaron Douglas, Tennessee
OL Xavier Nixon, Florida
OL Ryan Seymour, Vanderbilt
OL Larry Warford, Kentucky
OL T.J. Johnson, South Carolina
WR Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina
WR Chad Bumphis, Mississippi State
QB Morgan Newton, Kentucky
RB Trent Richardson, Alabama
RB Warren Norman, Vanderbilt

DEFENSE

DL Devin Taylor, South Carolina
DL Tenarius Wright, Arkansas
DL Fletcher Cox, Mississippi State
DL Montez Robinson, Georgia
DL Omar Hunter, Florida
LB Nico Johnson, Alabama
LB D.T. Shackelford, Ole Miss
LB Herman Lathers, Tennessee
DB Johnthan Banks, Mississippi State
DB Corey Broomfield, Mississippi State
DB Daren Bates, Auburn
DB Stephon Gilmore, South Carolina

SPECIAL TEAMS

PK Ryan Fowler, Vanderbilt
P Tyler Campbell, Ole Miss
RS Warren Norman, Vanderbilt

Update on USC Recruiting Target Marcus Lattimore

Byrnes RB Lattimore was named SC's Mr. Football for 2009.  Lattimore rushed for 1,898 yards and 31 touchdowns this season as he led Byrnes to the 4A state championship game. 

The Rebel runningback beat out Berkeley's Bruce Ellington, Daniel's DeAndre Hopkins, Goose Creek's Malcolm Howard and Boiling Springs' Dylan Pace Thompson.

Last week he was also named S.C. Gatorade Player of the Year and was chosen to play on South Carolina's Shrine Bowl team and in the 2010 U.S. Army All-American Game in January.

The last bit of good news to report is that THE Unviersity of South Carolina will get a offical visit from Marcus.  Eventhough he has made numerous trips to Columbia and knows the campus very well it is still good to get a offical visit.  LOHD and many believe USC is in the lead for him and LOHD feels he will sign but only time will tell.

Congrats to Gamecocks Eric Norwood

USC LB Eric Norwood has been selected by the Walter Camp Football Foundation as a All-Amercian.

Great to see much deserved accolades coming Mr.Norwood's way.

He is the first player in school history to earn three straight first-team all-SEC honors and this recent award from the Walter Camp Foundation is icing on the cake.

For 2009,  Norwood is tied for third in the SEC with 7.0 sacks this season. He is tied for eighth in the league with 11.5 total tackles for loss. He also leads the team with two interceptions, has recovered a fumble, forced a fumble, leads the team with 11 quarterback hurries and has blocked three kicks. He is the school's all-time leader in career sacks (29.0) and tackles for loss (54.5) and was one of five finalists for the Butkus Award, which recognizes the nation's top linebacker.

Friday, December 11, 2009

LOHD asks for you to Pray for Jake Nicolopulos

The LOHD staff asks you to pray for and keep Jake Nicolopulos in your thoughts. 

Nicolopulos, a TL Hanna football player and Clemson recruit, suffered a stroke this past Wednesday morning at his home before school, and had surgery at AnMed Health Medical Center in Anderson, SC yesterday.

Most in the state connected to sports has heard about this young man, before it was concerning what he did on the football field yet now it is about his new battle off the field. 

We wish him a speedy recovery. Shows how special life is and to make the most of each day given.  Our prayers are with Jake, his family and firends.

Full Story HERE

"Pray for Jake Nicolopulos" Facebook Group

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Gamecocks Darrin Horn to get more Money


Per The State - Coach Horn, who is in the second year of a five-year contract he signed after being hired in April of 2008 is set to get a 300k boost and a possible extenstion.

In his first year, the Gamecocks basketball team went 21-10 (10-6 in the SEC) after consecutive losing years under former coach Dave Odom.  This raise increases Horn’s annual salary to $1.1 million but still leaves him in the lower half of the SEC in coaching salary (i.e. bargin).

Some may question the timing of the raise after one season but I think most who truly follow the program know that they have a good coach at Carolina that is going going to do good things. 

Need evidence?  First year team wins 21 games.  First recruiting class is rated in the top 10 by experts. 

I stand by my prediction for the season and think the money shelled his way is deserved. 
Keep building Mr. Horn.

The Tebow Shirt that Bama Fans Gotta Have


Wednesday, December 09, 2009

Former Gamecock Jasper Brinkley gets starting nod for Vikings


Vikings turn to Brinkley to replace Henderson

As you read in the above article, former Gamecock and Vikings rookie Jasper Brinkley has gotten the starting nod due to the injury of EJ Henderson.  Henderson went down with a horrific broken leg against Arizona this past Sunday, Brinkley instantly became the quarterback of the Vikings' base defense for the remainder of the season.

The Vikings traded up in the fifth round of April's draft to get Brinkley, who was second team All-SEC in his final season at South Carolina after missing most of 2007 with a knee injury.  At S. Carolina, he started 29 of his 30 games as a Gamecock, racking up 193 tackles (20 for lost yardage), 7.5 sacks, and three interceptions.

Some say a veteran linebacker is needed to run the defense of the 10-2 Vikings football team and due to the injury to EJ some think the Vikings chances of NFL glory are over.  But the Vikings team believe that they have themselves the perfect replacement and future defensive quarterback in Jasper.  It is time for him to show exactly what Gamecocks fans already know and that he is a special player with huge talent and will get the job done.  LOHD wishes Jasper success and EJ a speedy recovery.

NCAA Investigating Vols, Lane has some explaining to do


Tennessee's recruiting practices are under scrutiny by the NCAA, the New York Times reports, with the focus on recruiting bait pretty ladies recruiting hostesses.

More news on this:  HERE , HERE , HERE

From the Times:

The N.C.A.A. is conducting a wide-ranging investigation into the University of Tennessee’s football recruiting practices, according to interviews with several prospects, their family members and high school administrators. A significant part of the investigation is focused on the use of recruiting hostesses who have become folk heroes on Tennessee Internet message boards for their ability to help lure top recruits. ...

Interviews with multiple recruits and their family members revealed that the N.C.A.A. has strong interest in Tennessee’s use of recruiting hostesses, students who are part of a formal group at the university that hosts all manner of prospective students at campus visits, including athletes. It is not clear whether the university sent the hostesses to visit the football players.

In one case, hostesses traveled nearly 200 miles to attend a high school game in South Carolina in which at least three Tennessee recruits were playing.

Marcus Lattimore, a running back who made an unofficial visit to Tennessee but said he would not enroll there, said multiple Tennessee hostesses attended a game at James F. Byrnes High School in Duncan, S.C., in September. He said they brought signs, including one that read, “Come to Tennessee.”
I am sure this will be fun to watch and I am sure this will aid the Gamecocks on the recruiting trail.

Tuesday, December 08, 2009

14-year-old catcher commits to Gamecocks Baseball

Nick Ciuffo commits to USC

According to the article above, Gamecocks Baseball Coaching staff has recieved a verbal commitment from Wando High School freshman Nick Ciuffo.  Ciuffo will be the top player in the Class in 2013.

Great news right?  Get this....The kid is 14 and has not taken a swing in a varsity game! 

Crazy, crazy stuff but I trust Tanner and Chad Holbrook as by reading the article the kid seems to have tons of potential at 6 foot and 180 lbs. 

Just goes to show how serious Tanner is about continuing to build the SC program and shows how the game has changed.  It will be interesting to see in four years of Nick ends up being a gamecock.

Also note the comment made by Aaron Foote, college baseball writer for Baseball America, about the Gamecocks Baseball Team in the article...
"That program is clearly one of the best in the nation"

Gamecocks in Lattimore's Top 5

According to this article, RB Marcus Lattimore has ruled out UNC, leaving the star running back with a final five of USC, Auburn, Penn State, Oregon and Georgia.

I like the fact that the Gamecocks are still in the hunt for Marcus, as his services could help the USC offense from the word go....think Knowshon Moreno.  He brings a lot to the table and could really help the running game that already has some very talented backs (Miles, Giles, Maddox, Baker) then add him - well USC could be quite the running threat.  That equates to opening up the passing game which you know makes Spurrier happy.  As you have seen, to be truly successfull in the SEC you got to have a great rushing attack and this could give SC the edge it needs due to the talent assembled on the team already and its youth.

Now you understand why Spurrier is sticking around a few more years?  The best is just ahead.

More Honors for Gamecocks Football Players

The SEC's 12 coaches laid out their choices for "ALL-SEC" today and a couple fo gamecocks made the list.

Gamecocks LB Eric Norwood made the first team and DE Cliff Matthews made the second team.

Norwood is the first player in school history to earn three straight first-team all-league honors.  Norwood is tied for third in the SEC with 7.0 sacks this season. He is tied for eighth in the league with 11.5 total tackles for loss. He also leads the team with two interceptions, has recovered a fumble, forced a fumble, leads the team with 11 quarterback hurries and has blocked three kicks. He is the school's all-time leader in career sacks (29.0) and tackles for loss (54.5) and was one of five finalists for the Butkus Award, which recognizes the nation's top linebacker.

Matthews, a 6-4, 249-pound junior from Cheraw, S.C., registered 44 tackles including 32 solo stops. Matthews was second on the team with 10.0 tackles for loss and tied for the team lead and ranked third in the SEC with 7.0 sacks. He also ranked second in the SEC with three fumbles forced and tied for second in the league with three fumble recoveries.
___

Also USC DB Stephon Gilmore and USC WR Alshon Jeffery were named 1st team Freshman All-American by College Football News.
USC Defensive End Devin Taylor made the Third Team defense on the same list, while USC OL T.J. Johnson was named to the Honorable Mention list.

Congrats!

Gamecocks RB Coach Jay Graham in running for Univ of Tennessee Job?

Along with the current USC recruiting coordinator Shane Beamer being a candidate for the head coaching vacancy at Murray State (Source) seems current South Carolina Running Backs Coach/Special Teams Coordinator Jay Graham is being considered for UTs open Running Backs Coach position according to fellow blogger Gates21.

Graham is a former Vol running back that some feel could fill the void left by Eddie Gran, who left to go join Jimb at FSU.

If either were to leave it would be a huge blow to what Spurrier is trying to build at Carolina do more towards their relationships on the recruiting trails.  Graham is crucial to getting Marcus Lattimore to Carolina so let's hope both of these don't prove true as both coaches needs to stay at Carolina.

BallHype: hype it up!

Monday, December 07, 2009

Several Gamecocks Make AP All-SEC List

The AP All-SEC List came out today and several gamecocks made the cut. 

The list is lead by USC linebacker Eric Norwood, who was a unanimous selection on the Associated Press’ All-SEC team and it marks the second year in a row he made the honor.

Two of Norwood’s defensive teammates also were honored. Safety Chris Culliver made the second team, while defensive end Cliff Matthews was honorable mention.

The complete list:

FIRST TEAM
Offense
WR — Shay Hodge, Mississippi, 6-2, 207, Sr.
WR — A.J. Green, Georgia, 6-4, 207, So.
L — Mike Johnson, Alabama, 6-5, 303, Sr.
L — Ciron Black, LSU, 6-5, 322, Sr.
L — Mike Pouncey, Florida, 6-5, 315, Jr.
L — John Jerry, Mississippi, 6-6, 335, Sr.
C — Maurkice Pouncey, Florida, 6-5, 310, Jr.
TE — Aaron Hernandez, Florida, 6-2, 250, Jr.
QB — Tim Tebow, Florida, 6-3, 240, Sr.
RB — u-Mark Ingram, Alabama, 5-10, 212, So.
RB — Anthony Dixon, Mississippi St., 6-1, 235, Sr.
K — Leigh Tiffin, Alabama, 6-2, 212, Sr.
All-Purpose — Dexter McCluster, Mississippi, 5-9, 170, Sr.
All-Purpose — Randall Cobb, Kentucky, 5-11, 188, So.

Defense
E — Antonio Coleman, Auburn, 6-3, 261, Sr.
E — Carlos Dunlap, Florida, 6-6, 290, Jr.
T — u-Terrence Cody, Alabama, 6-5, 354, Sr.
T — Dan Williams, Tennessee, 6-3, 327, Sr.
LB — u-Rolando McClain, Alabama, 6-4, 258, Jr.
LB — u-Eric Norwood, South Carolina, 6-1, 252, Sr.
LB — Rennie Curran, Georgia, 5-11, 225, Jr.
CB — Javier Arenas, Alabama, 5-9, 195, Sr.
CB — Joe Haden, Florida, 5-11, 190, Jr.
S — u-Eric Berry, Tennessee, 5-11, 203, Jr.
S — Mark Barron, Alabama, 6-2, 214, So.
P — Drew Butler, Georgia, 6-2, 203, So.

SECOND TEAM
Offense
WR — Joe Adams, Arkansas, 5-10, 182, So.
WR — Riley Cooper, Florida, 6-3, 215, Sr.
WR — Brandon LaFell, LSU, 6-3, 206, Sr.
L — Clint Boling, Georgia, 6-5, 297, Jr.
L — Chris Scott, Tennessee, 6-5, 346, Sr.
L — James Carpenter, Alabama, 6-5, 300, Jr.
L — Mitch Petrus, Arkansas, 6-4, 315, Sr.
C — Ryan Pugh, Auburn, 6-4, 289, Jr.
TE — Colin Peek, Alabama, 6-6, 255, Sr.
QB — Ryan Mallett, Arkansas, 6-7, 238, So.
RB — Dexter McCluster, Mississippi, 5-9, 170, Sr.
RB — Montario Hardesty, Tennessee, 6-0, 215, Sr.
RB — Ben Tate, Auburn, 5-11, 218, Sr.
K — Blair Walsh, Georgia, 5-10, 185, So.
All-Purpose — Derrick Locke, Kentucky, 5-9, 190, Jr.
All-Purpose — Javier Arenas, Alabama, 5-9, 195, Sr.

Defense
E — Jermaine Cunningham, Florida, 6-3, 257, Sr.
E — Justin Houston, Georgia, 6-3, 259, So.
E — Pernell McPhee, Mississippi St., 6-4, 275, Jr.
T — Geno Atkins, Georgia, 6-1, 290, Sr.
T — Corey Peters, Kentucky, 6-3, 295, Sr.
T — Jerrell Powe, Mississippi, 6-2, 330, Jr.
T — Malcolm Sheppard, Arkansas, 6-2, 291, Sr.
LB — Brandon Spikes, Florida, 6-4, 255, Sr.
LB — Sam Maxwell, Kentucky, 6-3, 248, Sr.
LB — Rico McCoy, Tennessee, 6-1, 220, Sr.
CB — Patrick Peterson, LSU, 6-1, 211, So.
CB — Myron Lewis, Vanderbilt, 6-2, 205, Sr.
CB — Walt McFadden, Auburn, 6-0, 175, Sr.
S — Chad Jones, LSU, 6-3, 231, Jr.
S — Chris Culliver, South Carolina, 6-0, 190, Jr.
P — Chas Henry, Florida, 6-4, 222, Jr.

HONORABLE MENTION
Offense
Zipp Duncan, T, Kentucky, 6-5, 291, Sr.; Trindon Holliday, All-Purpose, LSU, 5-5, 161, Sr.; Lee Ziemba, T, Auburn, 6-8, 308, Jr.

Defense
Ahmad Black, S, Florida, 5-9, 185, Jr.; Chris Marve, LB, Vanderbilt, 6-0, 230, So.; Cliff Matthews, E, South Carolina, 6-4, 249, Jr.

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Mark Ingram, Alabama
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Rolando McClain, Alabama
COACH OF THE YEAR
Nick Saban, Alabama
FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR
Warren Norman, Vanderbilt