Gibson Commits to USC, another OL

Join LOHD in welcoming OL Cody Gibson (6-6 260) of Tallahassee, FL who committed today to being a USC Gamecock.

Gibson made an unofficial visit to USC Sunday and Monday and contacted USC recruiter/RB Coach Jay Graham Tuesday to make it known that he wants to be a gamecock.

He committed to the Gamecocks over offers from Maryland, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa State, East Carolina, Southern Miss, Tulane and Marshall. Gibson becomes the 13th overall commitment for the Gamecocks and the sixth for the offensive line.

Orrin & the BCS

Orrin Hatch’s much anticipated article whining on behalf of his constituent Utah fans outlining his views on college football and fairness was published in this week’s Sports Illustrated. Below is the article interspersed with some comments. The article is in italics and my thoughts in normal font.

Complaints about the college football Bowl Championship Series are nothing new. Indeed, it seems every year an obviously deserving team is left out of the BCS due to its arcane and, to put it bluntly, biased nature.

Obviously deserving team? Who are these obviously deserving teams? While the term ‘deserving’ can be used in a vague and broad sense, it is up to the BCS to choose the most deserving teams to play in the BCS. Each year there are many teams who can claim to be deserving of playing in one of the five most lucrative bowls, depending on what definition of deserving is used. To say that there are teams that are obviously deserving necessarily implies that there are teams who obviously do not deserve to be included in the BCS. Anyone who follows college football and debates the merits of various teams with others knows that there is little that is obvious about who deserves to play in which bowl. Suggesting that the deserving teams are obvious demonstrates either a lack of understanding of the system or a disingenuous attempt to vilify a selection system.

According to Orrin Hatch, these teams are left out because the BCS is arcane and biased. Arcane? The BCS uses a formula that is widely known and understood, hardly mysterious or secret. I’m not sure it is arcane, but I think that Hatch’s main point, as expounded in his article, is that the BCS is biased and chooses teams who are obviously not deserving over teams who are ‘obviously deserving’.

Deserving and not deserving are subjective judgments that can be based on any number of factors and values. The BCS formula is one way, among myriad alternatives and possibilities, of trying to determine which teams are deserving and which are not. The formula is public and all of the teams in the NCAA know the formula before the season and have voluntarily agreed to play under those rules. To cry foul after the fact, without any allegation that the rules were not followed, simply because your team wasn’t chosen smacks of sour grapes.

Leaders in Washington are catching on to—and even echoing—the negative feelings about the BCS. During his campaign for president, Barack Obama said he believed the system should be scrapped in favor of a playoff, a stance he reiterated after he was elected. In May the House Energy and Commerce Committee held a hearing on the BCS. And the Senate Antitrust Subcommittee, of which I am a member, has announced it will hold hearings later this month to investigate the antitrust implications of the system.

Many people express opinions that the BCS is not perfect and that there are alternatives. Many also support these alternatives. Politicians advocating popular positions held by their constituents is hardly news, or really relevant.

Although there seems to be a fair amount of public support for these efforts to expose and potentially remedy the unfairness of the BCS, some have questioned whether, given all the challenges our nation faces, it is appropriate for the federal government to expend time and resources on college football's bowl system. However, I believe the case for government involvement—whether from Congress, the courts or the Justice Department—is compelling.
First and foremost there are serious questions regarding the legality of the BCS. The Sherman Antitrust Act prohibits contracts, combinations or conspiracies designed to reduce competition. I don't think a more accurate description of what the BCS does exists.

Without going into the complicated issues regarding antitrust legal actions, Hatch’s contention that the stated aim of the Sherman Antitrust Act is an accurate description of the BCS is a bald legal conclusion which is neither proven nor supported. Legal conclusions must be supported by specific facts and findings which are not present in Hatch’s article. The conclusion is merely an attempt to label the BCS as ‘illegal’ without buttressing such an accusation.

Under the current plan six conferences, which include slightly more than half of the teams in Division I-A, receive automatic bids to play in the five most prestigious and lucrative bowl games—even if teams from the other five conferences have had better seasons. For instance, in 2008 the only two undefeated I-A teams (Utah and Boise State) were from non-BCS conferences. And two other outside teams (Brigham Young and Texas Christian) finished higher in the BCS rankings than at least one of the champions of an automatic-bid conference. Yet only Utah was invited to play in a BCS game. And although the Utes had plenty of big wins, the BCS system denied them the chance to play for the national championship. So while every conference is technically part of the BCS agreement, the existing arrangement intentionally and explicitly favors certain participants.

Hatch unintentionally points out one of the chief weaknesses in his argument: the fact that the BCS is a voluntary agreement. The NCAA teams, their conferences and the bowls agreed to play under this system. It is not some BCS conspiracy that results in teams from big conferences playing in those bowl games, it is what the bowls, their TV partners, and ultimately, many fans want.

For comparison, look at the teams selected for the four BCS bowls that existed before the BCS (Rose, Fiesta, Sugar and Orange). For the twelve years preceding the BCS (the BCS has been around for 12 years now) there were exactly ZERO (0) teams who are not Notre Dame or currently in one of the six Big conferences selected to play. Not one. The BCS formula, whether arcane or biased, actually results in more mid-major participation in the major bowls.

In addition, every team from a preferred conference automatically receives a share from an enormous pot of revenue generated by the BCS, even if they fail to win a single game. On the other hand, teams from the less-favored conferences are guaranteed to receive a much smaller share, no matter how many games they win. The numbers are staggering. Last year the Mountain West Conference had one team qualify for the BCS, Utah, as did three of the automatic-bid conferences. Yet under the BCS formula the Mountain West received $9.8 million—roughly half of what the three bigger conferences got. And despite having the nation's only other undefeated team, Boise State, the Western Athletic Conference received just $3.2 million in BCS revenue.


The Big Six conferences produce more revenue, as explained below, which is why they are entitled to more revenue. The BCS was largely the creation of the large conferences. If Utah or Boise State or Hawaii or whomever, doesn’t like it, they aren’t compelled to play in the series.

This disbursement scheme places teams from these smaller conferences at a disadvantage when it comes to hiring staff and improving facilities. Because of their increased visibility and status BCS schools also receive an unfair advantages [sic] in recruiting top players and coaches. These inequities also extend far beyond the football field, as many schools in the country depend on the revenue generated by their football teams to fund other athletic programs and academic initiatives.

The BCS is not the reason smaller conference schools are at a disadvantage in terms of money. They are at a disadvantage for many reasons. They don’t license as much apparel; they don’t sell as many tickets; they don’t attract large television audiences and contracts, and, most importantly, they haven’t historically invested as much money into their programs. It‘s these large schools that make the BCS viable, profitable and lucrative. Try pitting the WAC and MVC champions against each other and see how lucrative it is. Hatch wants the mid major schools to be able to play against the BCS schools and reap an amount of revenue disproportionate to the amount they generate.

There's no denying that college football is a business. Most schools advertise and market their teams as they would a commercial product. There are also television networks, advertisers and the corporate sponsors that invest in and profit from these bowl games. All told, the BCS games generate hundreds of millions of dollars every year. If the government were to ignore a similar business arrangement of this magnitude in any other industry, it would be condemned for shirking its responsibility. In essence, those making the argument that the BCS is too trivial a matter to receive governmental attention are saying that we should hold colleges and universities to lower standards of fairness and ethical behavior than we would a commercial entity. I must respectfully disagree.

The propriety and wisdom of government intervention into any business is a complicated matter that depends on many subjective factors as well as the political and economic viewpoints of those that would favor or disapprove of intervention. Just because college football is a business that generates millions of dollars every year does not, in and of itself, justify intervention. I will leave further debate about government intervention to other commentators.

These justifications aside, government intervention into the BCS would be regrettable. There are many issues and challenges competing for Congress's attention. Those with the power to reform the system should do so voluntarily. If not, legislation may be required to ensure that all colleges and universities receive an equal opportunity. Most have argued that some sort of playoff system would be the fairest approach; frankly, almost anything would be better than what we have now. One thing is clear: No changes will take place if Congress does nothing.

Read this last section carefully. This is not a suggestion for action or the persuasive end to a position piece. It is plain and simple coercion. If you don’t do what Senator Hatch wants you to do, he will use his position within the government to do what he wants you to do. Despite any attempts made by the Senator at persuasion, understand that, ultimately, he is threatening the force of the Federal government to get the college football arrangement he wants.

The BCS is not perfect as it is. The bowl system that preceded it wasn’t, and a playoff wouldn’t be either. None of these systems is perfect, but Senator Hatch using his position in the Senate to push what he wants or what most benefits his hometown team is regrettable.

Spurrier this, Spurrier that

The Ol' Ball Coach has been at the University of South Carolina now for 5 seasons and has done well with his 28 wins heading into the 2009 season. I know 28 wins is a mere 7 per season but we are talking about my beloved gamecocks here. The 28 games USC has won during his four-year tenure are the most victories in a four-year span in Gamecock history(actually tied for wins in that span but who is really counting). I find it fascinating that each off season we hear rumbles of Spurrier leaving SC for some other school or Spurrier is growing tired of coaching and will leave soon or be forced out due to disgruntle fans like these fans are use to 9 win seasons and titles mounting up. It was just 10 years ago that USC was 0-11 in 1999. Just 10 years ago...

Let's walk down memory lane and focus on what Spurrier said when he got to SC ---

When Spurrier first arrived at SC he stated he thought he had a good 7 to 8 yrs left in him, he stated that he could not see himself coaching into his 70s and that this would be his last stop. He has turned away overtures from LSU, Miami, 'Bama and Texas A&M (the ones played out in the media). During his first tour of spring meetings, he stated that one of his coaching goals was to leave Carolina as the winngingest coach. With 28 wins in 4 seasons, he is half way there.

Year 2 has a analysis of "are we improving in the Spurrier Era?" I think we are improving but it is a slow turn around. There is no quick fix. What Spurrier inherited was not SEC elite players plus he has had to adopt to coaching college football in the 2000's. No longer can you simply "fun n gun it," at least not at Carolina. He has recruited some of the best talent Columbia has ever seen to play at USC and assembled a great crop of coaches to lead USC to gridiron glory.

I still think Steve Spurrier has what it takes to bring a SEC title to Carolina as I did when he got to Columbia. Will it be in 2009, I say unlikely but do agree with Paul Finebaum of The Mobile Press-Register who wrote that in his opinion Spurrier still has some air in the ol’ tires. While many folks are writing Spurrier off, or think Steve Spurrier is losing his mojo. Finebaum provides a warning for them: “do so at your own risk… I recently saw a man still desperately thirsting to win and still as determined as ever.”

I think Spurrier is on a mission now to prove many doubters wrong. He’s “still trying to make some history at South Carolina.” This is his new 'fire' and really it boils down to this is his last stint as a coach and he does not want to leave on a sour note. Also Spurrier is not a coach you fire, he goes out on his terms.

All of this is just some things to think about as you read THIS from Dr. Saturday today and wonder if he is in it for 'the long haul' ?

I say look to what he has said as he is a straight shooter. Seems he is at the halfway point of what he told gamecock nation from the start. I say he leaves no sooner, bearing any health or unrelated issues, before the 2011 season. If he sticks around till Dec. 31, 2011 he gets a nice million in a tax-deferred retirement package. Seems reason enough to stay - winningest coach honors, do some things at Carolina that have not been done since 1984 and a million bucks - right?

USC reveals violations to SEC & NCAA

THE STATE is reporting today that USC has reported 14 NCAA secondary violations over the past six months. Six of them were considered Level I, and submitted to the NCAA. The other eight were considered less serious and sent to the SEC.

Full list of violations---

• January 9: Men’s Basketball prospective student-athlete was interviewed by the media during an official visit [NCAA bylaw 13.10.1] - Level II
• January 12: Ineligible Football student-athlete was provided transportation to an away-from-home contest [NCAA bylaw 16.8.1.2] - Level II
• January 12: 2009 Student-athlete practiced beyond the permissible 14-day period prior to being added to the squad list [NCAA bylaw 30.13] - Level II
• January 29: Track coaches were present during voluntary athletically-related activities on one calendar day [NCAA bylaw 17.02.13] - Level I
• January 30: Men’s Soccer student-athletes were provided an impermissible nutritional supplement [NCAA bylaw 16.5.2] - Level II
• February 9: Student-Athletes were provided impermissible snacks during away-from-home contests [NCAA bylaw 16.5.2] - Level II
• February 13: Men’s Basketball prospective student-athlete and current student-athletes were provided with impermissible entertainment during an official visit [NCAA bylaw 13.6.7.5] - Level I
• March 5: Women’s Track coaching staff provided two prospective student-athletes with an official visit prior to receiving proper approval [NCAA bylaw 13.6.3] - Level I
• March 6: Assistant Football coach sent an impermissible text message to a prospective student-athlete [NCAA bylaw 13.4.1.2] - Level I
• March 24: Men’s Basketball complimentary admissions were not issued via the proper procedure [NCAA bylaw 16.2.1.2.1] - Level II
• April 22: Impermissible complimentary admissions were provided to the Men’s Basketball NIT contest [NCAA bylaw 13.8.1] - Level II
• May 25: Men’s Basketball prospective student-athletes were provided with impermissible hotel accommodations during an official visit [NCAA bylaw 13.6.6] - Level II
• May 29: Football prospective student-athletes viewed a display which simulated a game day experience [NCAA bylaws 13.6.7.9 & 13.7.3] - Level I
• June 10: Men’s Swimming student-athlete participated in competition prior to being certified as eligible [NCAA bylaw 14.3.1] - Level I

Okay now move along nothing really here that is that big of a deal....sure media will spin this.

Gamecocks Week 1 Opponent loses 4 players

Four players who were expected to be on N.C. State’s 2009 football roster will not be with the team, the school announced this past Thursday.

Coach Tom O’Brien announced that sophomore cornerback Dominique Ellis is transferring. Three players who signed with N.C. State in February – Tyson Chandler, Raynard Randolph and Bryan Underwood – will not enroll in the fall.

More HERE from the News&Observer

Sunday Gamecock Clippings

Slow USC news cycle but here is some reading on your post 4th of July day---

USC Baseball

• Smoak promoted to Triple-A
• Virginia standout commits for baseball ...He's regarded as one of the top players in Virginia for the 2010 class and is a national top 150 player.
• Former Gamecock earns first win against Alumni

USC Football

• Spurrier believes he has a lot of coaching left
• Spurrier on the hot seat in '09....according to Nebraska Huskers Blog
• No love for USC v Clemson is this top rivalry countdown by Pat Forde of ESPN

LOHD Recent Blog Posts

• 3 Players that must step up for SC in '09
• 3 areas of the USC football team that is questionable

***Oh and if you are really bored today and need a laugh then visit Gamecock Coach Steve Spurrier's online kids camp ---http://www.campspurrier.com/ -- good for kids though.

Happy 4th!

Happy 4th of July to everyone and God bless our troops!

3 Players that must step up for SC in '09

The University of South Carolina Football team kicks off their quest for a SEC Championship in 62 days with NCSU out of the gate on 9/3/09. But before that arrives tis the season for previews (summed up by The State - HERE) or a good one from our pal at Team Speed Kills - HERE. Before LOHD gets to their prediction, we here want to put forth some other things to think about like 3 questionable areas for the Gamecocks in '09 or today's edition of 3 Players that must step up in '09 for USC to have success on the gridiron. Before I begin, I could easily say Garcia, Norwood, Gilmore, Giles, Holloman, Pepper, Ladi, etc. But I want to look at players that need to rise up and play to their potential. These 3 below, if playing to their potential (which is All SEC caliber in my eyes that they do possess) will only aid the others around them and make them better. This translates to better play and winning! (i.e which we long for) It will also make Garcia, Norwood, Gilmore, etc and the entire team look better.

Here goes and not in any particular order ---

1. #4 Jason Barnes --- With the departure of WR Kenny McKinley to the NFL their is a huge hole in the receiving corps. Jason ranked fourth on the team with 27 receptions for 346 yards, an average of 12.8 yards per catch, had 2 TDs and started 9 games last year. This guy has the potential and the ability to be a great WR. He just has to gain confidence and continue to buy into the coaching philosophy. I feel he will do really good things this year especially now that Kenny is gone and USC QBs will not be always looking to Kenny. Having Toni Gurly behind him will help push him along. Look for Jason to break out this year. USC needs him to break out this year and be the deep threat USC needs but also be a go-to guy for Garcia.

2. #83 Cliff Matthews ---A past "All SEC Freshman" winner, a past LB who is now playing in the dirty trenches as a DE. Cliff, this is your year big boy. You are a junior, who in the past as been able to log key tackles, block punts, get a sack, cause fumbles and this is what is expected in '09. Career wise you got 58 tackles with 7.5 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks. You are reliable in having played in all 25 games over the past two seasons making 22 consecutive starts. So now is your year to prove more...because most opposing Off Coordinators will be keying in on where Norwood is then it is your time to get after it. We fans have seen what you can do and now it is time to elevate your game and dominate.

3. #24 Darian Stewart ---I mentioned yesterday that the USC secondary is suspect entering the season due to lack of experience, well the old man of the group is Mr. Stewart. This former "spur" on defense may see playing time at that spot some or in the strong safety role. Regardless, he needs to be the dean of the USC secondary, teach the young guys the ropes by playing hard ever play and not running your mouth (let the actions speak as that is leadership). I think the hype around Gilmore, Holloman and Whitlock has helped in remain focused on having a stellar senior season. I expect this senior to be the stopper for the defense and be the blanket in coverage. I feel this will be his all SEC year and will continue the tradition of USC secondary players going to the NFL.

Post some thoughts....Did I miss someone?

3 areas of the USC football team that is questionable

As I ponder the upcoming football season now that it is 63 days away till we take on NCSU...I wanted to take a quick look at the 3 areas of question of the team on paper from my point of view heading into the season. No particular order -

1. Offensive line: Not being able to find a quarterback has no doubt cost Steve Spurrier in his first four seasons at South Carolina, but inconsistent play in the offensive line has been just as damaging. Spurrier likes his new line coach, Eric Wolford, (as does LOHD) but how it all comes together up front for the Gamecocks remains to be seen. This is a area that can only go up due to sorry play the last two seasons. Everyone knows that the heart of a offense scheme is the O-line. If they can block - Garcia has time to create, if they can run block - then the USC backs have running lanes....you get the picture.

2. USC Secondary: Losing so many the last few years to the NFL is great but the down size is you lose really good talent. So here we are again, where we have been before due to USC being "DB Univ." This time is a little different due to the inexperience we have on the roster that is slated to be starters. I trust this latest crop of youngsters will live up to the precedent that was set for them by Dunta Robinson, Andre Goodman, etc. However, this area is weak on paper but has the talent to do good things...only time will tell as the gamecock coaches have some "potential" in a pair of true freshmen -- cornerback Stephon Gilmore and safety DeVonte Holloman.

3. QB #2?: Okay, you could easily say Garcia. But I am holding out hope for th kid. I want to say and trust that he has grown up now and got all the "kids will be kids" nonsense out of his system. But the real issue I feel is more of "what" and "who" is behind him? Yes, "in Garcia we trust" is the motto for the start of '09 but if he goes down..whatca got? Scary to think that Garcia and the hopes of the gamecock football team is one ankle twist away from a lot more questions but that is also how a good sports movie runs right. So maybe we will see pleasant surprises from this crop of QBs, heck they have a Heisman winning teacher to learn from.

Honorable metion --- USC FG unit now that Ryan Succop is gone. A FG within 45 is not longer a sure bet.

thoughts?

Gamecock Clips - "News in Review"

LOHD Blog Posts

• USC RB Jarvis Giles is a "sleeper"
• Love it - Lane Kiffin Show - SEC East Preview
• Pumped about USC Coach Eric Wolford
• Former Gamecock Brinkley signs with Vikings
• USC Baseball OF Jackie Bradley, Jr. Honored
• LOHD Reports another OL has committed to USC
• Team USA 78 France 0
• LOHD Breaking news - Alshon Jeffery is in
• Spurrier's deal gets a new incentive clause
• Congrats Former Gamecocks for making the BC Lions

USC Football

• Steve Spurrier will likely give South Carolina QB Stephen Garcia more leeway this season, because he really has no other options.
• Tebow, Snead stand apart from unproven QBs...this is what is going to make the 2009 SEC season so great in my opinion...
• Hope and concern: South Carolina
• USC walk-on pleads, pays fine
• Morris: Race for first offer turns absurd
• NCSU LB hurt in accident and could be out for 1st game

USC Basketball

• USC men to play Richmond
• Positive buzz returns to SEC preseason

USC Baseball

• Bradley catches more top baseball honors
• Charlotte infielder headed to USC
• Lefty joins 2010 baseball class
• Ex-USC signee finds his groove
• Baseball adds commitment for 2011
• Future Gamecocks earn national accolades
• Dalles signs with Orioles

Other Gamecocks newsmakers

• Men's swimming recruiting class ranked 21st
• Gamecocks Place 39th in Directors' Cup

General SEC Stuff

• SEC 2009: Who, What, When, Where, and Why
• Vols gain commitment from 13-year old ...alright stop the press this is getting dumb now.
• Dawg Sports is not buyn' South Carolina in 2009

Garnet & Black Blog Posts

• Post-Spring Previews: South Carolina State
• Keys to Success in 2009: Number 3, Stephen Garcia

Team Speed Kills Blog Posts

• SEC 2009 // Guessing the Gamecocks
• South Carolina Leans on Hope, Again
• The Carolina Calendar
• Spurrier Meets with Two Students
• Stephen Garcia -- and the Rest of the Depth Chart
• Hope and Homerism

Gamecock Quote of the Day

ESPN's Chris Low in rating his top 12 list of his favorite SEC Stadiums, which has Williams-Brice at #6, says this about USC Football on gameday -

"One of the most underrated game-day experiences in college football.
Gotta love the Cockabooses."

USC RB Jarvis Giles is a "sleeper"

According to Steven Lassan of AthlonSports.com, the University of South Carolina Gamecocks have a "sleeper" on their hands at the running back postion.

No not Ben Axon, Eric Baker, Brian Maddox or Kenny Miles but it is J Giles who makes his list of 2009 Sleeper Candidates.

Here is what he writes---

Jarvis Giles, South Carolina - The Gamecocks cannot afford a repeat of last season, when they finished a dismal 112th in the nation in rushing offense. Giles is a promising true freshman, but has to compete for time with Eric Baker and Brian Maddox, along with getting improved play from the offensive line. Giles should be one of the top freshman contributors this season and a solid keeper league option.

Love it - Lane Kiffin Show - SEC East Preview

You may remember are first post involving the Lane Kiffin show - HERE - well below is the SEC East Preview.

Here is what he says about the Gamecocks ---

"I am going to send those gas pumping morons back to Columbia in a greasy KFC bucket. Their coach needs to recognize that I am now the coach with the biggest mouth in this conference. I am going to teach them real lesson, just wait and see...."

Pumped about USC Coach Eric Wolford

This off season has hads its storylines from recruiting to arrests to prepartion for next year. I have enjoyed the updates and storys I read about USC's Eric Wolford, the new offensive line coach/run game coordinator.

Here is a good story about him - HERE - from thebigspur.com. But here are the quotes I love as LOHD for about 3 years now has been pleading that the biggest issue for the USC football team is it does not have the "fire in the belly." Before I get to the quotes, you may be thinking what is "fire in the belly" and no it is not bad taco bell. It is the hunger to win, to squash your opponent to go out there for the entire game/season and prove to the world why you are a gamecock. I think you get the picture basically it is about closing and doing your job at a high level with intensity. We have been lacking this desire over the last few years, I mean go to #6 in the polls to not making a bowl....I will stop there.

Alright back to the quotes from USC's Wolford --

• "I'm trying to get those guys to understand it's a 24-hour commitment not just a two hour commitment each day.”
• "If you're willing to meet me half way you will be successful. I think we might have some freshman come in and take somebody's job this year.”

I love his response to this question...Will the offensive line be tougher in 2009?

“I hope so. We have to play harder and be more physical and tenacious. Those are the things I expect to see. Spring was a filling out process for the guys to see what I was like and what I wanted. As a player you have to be willing to be coached. Our job is to take them where they can't take their self. When we get into fall we're going to finish this deal up and go up there and I expect guys to play with their hair on fire.”

I really think he along with the entire coaching staff is getting some of these boys in line and making it clear to them what it takes to play in the SEC. LOHD is a big fan of Coach Wolford and the other new coaches - Craig Fitzgerald ,Jay Graham ,Johnson Hunter ,G.A. Mangus and Lorenzo Ward . We love the new energy and hope it translates to the field.