5 keys to a Gamecocks Win vs the Wildcats Today

Well by now I hope you read my preview/prediction where I laid out that this game may be a little closer than us fans would desire but the end result will be a win by the score of 27-17 for USC.  But what are the keys to the game you ask...

1.  USC must play with urgency and score first --- I feel that the 1st quarter is crucial for Carolina.  A 1230pm game is hard to get pumped for but the team needs to get "Mr. Sandman" out of their eyes and get inspired to play hard.  Play with attitude and jump all over the 'cats!

2.  USC Running Attack --- SC must have success running today.  The ground attack by the multi-headed committee that USC uses must rise up today and be just that - a attack.  I would like to see over 150 yds rushing with no mistakes as that would free up the passing attack.  Taking the burden off the arm of Garcia is a plus but look for Garcia to find success through the air but remember it is because SC has established the running game.

3.  USC on plus side of the TO battle --- I hope that Carolina does not hurt itself by playing dumb and shooting themselves in the foot.  No fumbles or INTs please on offense.  But on defense, Carolina needs to create by forcing Hartline to make a mistake.

4.  Pressure on UK --- SC's Defense must get after Hartline and force him to throw bad passes.  I look to Norwood to lead his troops in this SEC battle and get the job done.  I think USC will get five sacks today and Norwood will play big time again with at least 2 sacks.

5. The Fans --- With a noon-er it is hard to get loud for some reason.  It will be a sticky day in Columbia with a chance of rain and it is on TV.  With that being said, I feel the fans in Willy-B have to help support the Gamecocks by getting loud and being behind the team today.  If the crowd shows their true colors the team will respond and play hard.  I will be in section 301 doing my part and I hope all Carolina fans will do their part to support the team.  We need to avoid a let-down today.

Go Cocks!

Gamecocks vs Wildcats Preview / Prediction

Kentucky at South Carolina, Oct. 10

The Kentucky Wildcats (2-2, 0-2), will travel to face the South Carolina Gamecocks (4-1, 1-1 SEC) in a SEC Conference college football game on Saturday afternoon. Kick off time in South Carolina is set for 12:30PM.

South Carolina is feeling pretty good about itself after being included in the AP Top 25 recently. But the Gamecocks better be careful in Saturday's game against Kentucky as it will be a tough test. This game scares me a little as South Carolina has lost its last five games when ranked in the AP poll dating back to its collapse at the end of the 2007 season.

Yes, looking at history it will show that the gamecocks have found success against the wildcats…..South Carolina has won 9 straight against Kentucky, including a 24-17 win in Lexington last season. Two years ago, Kentucky and South Carolina were both ranked in the Top 10 when the Wildcats visited Columbia. South Carolina won that game 38-23. South Carolina leads Kentucky, 16-6-1. But again the wildcats cannot be overlooked by Carolina with an upcoming date with ‘Bama next week.

Meanwhile, Kentucky is reeling, having suffered consecutive blowout losses to Florida at Alabama. UK and Coach Brooks need this game to go their way. Kentucky is 2-2 on the season and their most impressive victory was a 31-27 victory over a down Louisville Cardinals team from the Big East Conference. The wildcats are looking to rebound in Columbia and avoid the 0-3 start in the SEC.  Looking at stats these two teams are similar and it may come down to "who wants it more."

UK Offense vs. USC Defense: Kentucky starting quarterback Mike Hartline has struggled in his past two starts hitting on just 30 of 59 with 2 touchdowns and 5 interceptions in two defeats. Kentucky has had no luck with the ground game with just 4.2 yards per gain average in 152 rushing attempts on the year. The Gamecocks are only giving up 264 yards of offense per game and 4.3 yards per play against average ranking third in the SEC conference. UK will try to establish a balanced attack early with running and passing. May see UK WR Cobb in the Wildcat. USC Defense will look to take care of business and shut down the running attack and force Hartline to beat them. USC will need to get pressure and disrupt the backfield. Look for the USC secondary to step up and create TOs once UK realizes that there is no time to pass and running lanes are closed. Thus putting USC in good position to win but like most Carolina games it is up to the Defense to shut down the opposing offense.

USC Offense v UK Defense: Sophomore quarterback Stephen Garcia is hitting on 60% of his passes for 1035 yards, 6 touchdowns and 2 interceptions on the year. Steve Spurrier will look to pass on the Kentucky secondary that are very young at the cornerback position especially with Lindley out. On the ground South Carolina is running by committee and is producing average numbers at 4.5 yards per carry. Teams have ran all over the Kentucky Wildcats defense this year to the tune of 190 yards per game and a 4.88 yards per carry attempt ranking 12th and last in the SEC and 107th nationally. Kentucky the last two games, allowed a combined 566 yards on the ground to Florida and Alabama. Garcia is completing better than 60 percent of his passes with six touchdowns and only two interceptions. He’s only thrown two interceptions this season and heads into Saturday’s game against Kentucky having gone 116 pass attempts without an interception.
The first quarter will hold the key in this game. Two years ago against Vanderbilt, USC committed a couple of early turnovers in their own end of the field and the Commodores jumped out to an early lead that USC was never able to overcome. Considering USC has committed just five turnovers all season, that scenario is unlikely to repeat itself unless the offense melts down. Look for the Gamecocks to establish the run early and keep the UK Defense in check, especially with a weak secondary, with a test of the long ball.

I feel this game will go the way of the gamecocks but it may not be so pretty in getting the “W” but let’s hope I am wrong and the gamecocks play with urgency and have a “killer instinct” – meaning they come out electric and just don’t let up (i.e. blowout).

After thinking about this game....I see Carolina winning 27-17 versus UK.....Go Cocks!

Gamecocks Gameday Bar Review (bar of the weekend)

Each week for the rest of the season, we are going to pick a bar either in Columbia for home games or bars in away game cities that you need to check out. This weeks winner is The Loose Cockaboos, which is located right down the street from Williams Brice Stadium.

TLC has great drink specials all the time and is a gamecock bar. They say they have the coldest beer in town. They always have the game on, as well as other games to watch. Large outside area with a stage for bands. So if you are in town for the game tomorrow, stop by the Loose Cockaboos for a cold one.

I will be taking nominations for next week and the rest of the season.

Go Gamecocks

Kentucky's state bird is Fried Chicken, Safe travels UK

Well it is 1 day away from the USC vs. UK game and I wanted to give the fans traveling from Kentucky some information about SC, Columbia, traditions at Williams Brice, and what to watch out for. If you are going to make the 430 mile drive from Lexington, Ky to Columbia, Sc here are a few things you might want to know about SC.

1.) Plan on stopping in Knoxville to punch Lane Kiffen in the gut, as UT has defeated UK 24 times in a row. So you kids born after 1984 have never seen a Kentucky win against Tennessee on a football field. I thought 9 loses in a row to USC was bad.

2.) Plan on stopping in Spartanburg to eat dinner at the Beacon Drive inn, this will be an experience you will never forget. I recommend the Beacon Burger A-Plenty, but don’t expect to make it all the way to Columbia after eating there. Plan on stopping at the rest area near Newberry to make a deposit.

3.) Bar areas in Columbia, under 30 usually hit up five points, and over 30 usually drink in the Vista.  Both are fun, and very affordable.Remember if you get a little tipsy and run into your first cousin or sister, she is still off limits. As it is against the law in SC.

4.) I wouldn’t bring up basketball in your conversations with gamecock fans as we did beat you twice last year. If you must talk about UK basketball, a good topic would be All American Point Guard Devon Downey, and how he took the wildcats to the wood shed last year.

5.) Mike Hartline will remember this name the rest of his life after Saturday because I know André Woodson hasn't forgotten , Eric Norwood. As he spends more time in the backfield then a Running Back.

Here are a couple notes from our good friend Big Angry on tailgating and getting around the Stadium.

6.) As far as traffic and tailgating go. This isn’t your run of the mill tailgate for an hour and go to a game. USC fans love to tailgate and will be down there by 8am. So buckle up, dress like you are going to the Derby, and enjoy yourselves. When it is time to leave you might as well drink for a couple hours until traffic dies down cause you wont get far in your horse and buggy. Plus you might spook your horse when you start looking at him with the lust in your eyes after too much JACK.

7.) Tickets should be easy to come by since it is such an early game. But beware of that drunken frat kid selling you his ticket 15 rows up. It is a good seat however you have to have a USC student ID to use it. Buy one from your normally usually highly reputable ticket scalper. And if you pay over face you need to lay off the Mint Julips.

We will see you tomorrow at 12:30 !

Help Give Gamecock Eric Norwood a Nickname !

LOHD  has been pushing for Eric for Heisman and with that it is time for us to begin conducting a campaign to give USC Linebacker Eric Norwood a nickname ! 

One given to him by you the true fan not some beat writer or TV personality (no offense as we love ya).  We will push for entries till after the Alabama Game, after that we will present to you the final slate of choices for final votes and it will conclude on 10/31/09.  On the day of the UT game we will release his new nickname chosen by you the fan !

But LOHD needs your help in making this contest viral so spread it please and have them come here to post in the comments section their choice for his nickname.  Everyone who reads this - please post a nickname any time and as many times as possible so we can get lots of good choices to choose from in the comments section and then ask your friends to do it or post the link on a message board so we can get many many choices for Mr. Norwood !

P.S - Keep it clean kids !

USC - UK Stat Breakdown

Found this chart below over at http://johnclay.bloginky.com/ , John Clay is a sports columnist for the Lexington Herald-Leader.

South Carolina TE Saunders out vs UK due to ankle

Spurrier is on the record saying that starting tight end Weslye Saunders will miss Saturday's game with Kentucky because of an ankle injury.  Seems he rolled his ankle in between classes in a stair way and it needs more time to heal.

Saunders will be sorely missed as he is the third-leading receiver with 14 catches for 156 yards this season.

Enter Justice Cunningham who will get his first start in place of Saunders. Cunningham has played in all five games doing back-up duty this season and caught his only pass in last week's 38-14 victory over SCSU which resulted in a 9 yard gain for the freshman.

Also USC OL Terrence Campbell remains out indefinitely with a neck sprain.

SEC Slate of Games for Oct 10th

Here is what is going to go down on 10/10 ---

Vanderbilt (2-3, 0-3) at Army (2-3)
11 a.m. CT CBS College Sports
West Point, N.Y.
Michie Stadium (39,929)

Auburn (5-0, 2-0) at Arkansas (2-2, 0-2)
11 a.m. CT ESPN
Fayetteville, Ark.
Reynolds Razorback Stadium (72,000)

Georgia (3-2, 2-1) at Tennessee (2-3, 0-2)
12:21 p.m. ET SEC Network / ESPN360.com / ESPN GamePlan
Knoxville, Tenn.
Neyland Stadium (100,011)

Houston (3-1) at Mississippi State (2-3, 1-2)
11:30 a.m. CT ESPNU
Starkville, Miss
Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field (55,082)

Kentucky (2-2, 0-2) at South Carolina (4-1, 1-1)
12:30 p.m. ET FS South / ESPN360.com / ESPN GamePlan
Columbia, S.C.
Williams-Brice Stadium (80,250)

Alabama (5-0, 2-0) at Ole Miss (3-1, 1-1)
2:30 p.m. CT CBS Sports
Oxford, Miss.
Vaught-Hemingway Stadium (60,580)

Florida (4-0, 2-0) at LSU (5-0, 3-0)
7 p.m. CT CBS Sports
Baton Rouge, La.
Tiger Stadium (92,400)

Welcome the Gator Bowl to the SEC family

Seems the ACC would not budge with what the Gator bowl wanted so they took their football game and when home.  Only to sign up with the SEC.  I say - ACC lost , SEC won...as usual right?

Here is a little summary of how it went down....ACC associate commissioner for football operations Michael Kelly said ACC officials had rejected a proposal by Gator Bowl officials to eliminate the "one-win rule" from the conference's bowl selection process.  That rule states that when a bowl selects its ACC representative, it must choose a team with a conference record that's within one win of the team with the best available ACC record.  In other words, if a team with a 5-3 conference record was available to a bowl, it can select a team with a 4-4 record, but not a team that's 3-5 in the ACC. Kelly said Gator Bowl officials wanted to the freedom to select any bowl-eligible ACC team.

So the Gator Bowl left and ended up joining the SEC where they will likely have the No. 6 pick in the SEC. At the same time, the SEC is ending its ties with the Independence Bowl and moving said team to Jax for the Gator Bowl, which before was reserved previously for the ACC v. Big XII/Big East/Notre Dame. This won’t happen until next season.  But to me this is a welcome change to the bowl slate.

News from the UK side

Here is some news out of the UK realm...

• Lindley out vs. Gamecocks
• UK Football: A monkey on the back -- Brooks, Wildcats hope to end South Carolina streak
• Wildcats and Gamecocks tee it up in Columbia
• Kentucky Football Blues
• Lindley Out, Warford Day-to-Day
• UK blowing its margin for errors
• Cats mirror Gamecocks
• Hartline still has Brooks' support
• Wildcats still have tough road ahead
• UK's 'Wildcat' has lost its claws
• Cats don't have luxury of QB controversy
• UK's Locke knows stats can be for winners, too

SEC Power Poll : LOHD Ballot

1. Alabama
Simply taking care of business week to week; Saban is earning those dollars.

2. Florida
Showdown in Death Valley coming up - will Tebow shake the concussion and Tigers off?

3. LSU
Hopefully the officals will not help them this week but will they even need it is the question?

4. Auburn
If anyone thought Auburn would be 5-0 please raise your hand.

5. South Carolina
Still yet to play a complete game of football and getting by doing it.

6. UGA
Officals didn't help them at all but still good and looking to rub dirt in UT's face.

7. Ole Miss
Snead is not playing to his potential and it shows but thank god for Vandy, right?

8. Arkansas
If only they had a defense to go along with a good QB.

9. Mississippi State
Don't go create "Dan the Man" t-shirts quite yet but still MSU is going in the right direction.

10. Tennessee
If Lane only had gotten points for running his mouth in the preseason this team would be good.

11. Kentucky
Is it too late to get members of the basketball team to play?  Somebody has to ask the question.

12. Vanderbilt
Simply not their year but something tells me they will upset someone in the SEC, question is who?

thoughts? how wrong are we?

FULL SEC POWER POLL HERE FOR WEEK 5

UK players from South Carolina

Kentucky has more then a handfull of players from the State of South Carolina. Joker Phillips has done a pretty good job of recruiting the state of SC for Kentucky after he learned the ropes while he was here as an assistant for Lou.

#35 Cartier Rice a RS fresh CB out of Byrnes.

#33, Calvin Harrison a 3V Sr saftey from Richland NE.

#45 Antwane Glenn a soph DT out of Broome.

#49 Antonio Thomas also a soph from Broome playing LB.

#85 Gene McCaskill a soph WR from Chester.

#94 Taylor Wyndham a RS fresh @ DE out of Swansea. (also known as the Tebow Killer)

#10 Matt Lentz a Soph Safety out of Simpsonville, SC

Thinking about Kentucky coming to Columbia to face the Gamecocks

On Oct. 10th the streak is on the line in Columbia.  What streak you ask?

South Carolina has defeated Kentucky 9 straight times in football and has not lost the the Wildcats this decade.

UK Coach Rich Brooks has never beaten Carolina.

USC has not lost to UK at Willy B since 1999, when the Cats took a 30-10 win against the first year gamecock head coach Lou Holtz.  That loss added to the 0-11 season but let's not talk about that game or that year.

The gamecocks vs the cats in columbia in recent years have been very good for Carolina.  In 2001, the cocks beat UK 42-6.  In 2003, SC squeaked a win by UK with a 27-21 win.  In 2005, Carolina won 44-16 and on a ESPN Thursday night game in 2007 the 12th ranked Gamecocks beat then ranked 8th UK 38-23.

Last year, UK fell to Carolina by the score of 24-17.  UK managed to finish 2007 with a record 7-6 and went on to win the Liberty Bowl versus ECU.

For South Carolina to win this game, SC will have to force UK qb Hartline to beat them.  Shut down UK's ability to run the ball and limit Randall Cobb out of the "wildcat" formation.  Also Carolina MUST have success throwing the ball.

For some news and info from the Univ of Kentucky side please visit our blogging pals at -

A Sea of Blue

Over the Pylon

Vote for Eric Norwood for Heisman !

LOHD may not have him on our "heisman watch" but ESPN does have him on their list again for the 2nd week - here. 

Please go to HERE TO VOTE for Gamecocks LB Eric Norwood and let's get him to move up the leaderboard.

Eric Norwood had 3 tackles, 1 INT, 1 Blocked Punt and 2 QB Hurries vs SCSU last week.

LOHD Heisman Watch

Here yet again is the LOHD Heisman Watch list in no special order...

Tim "Concussion will not hold me down" Tebow, Florida QB
Season: 44 of 68 passing for 643 yards, 6 touchdowns and an interception. He also has five rushing touchdowns.

Colt McCoy, Texas QB
Season: 103 of 145 for 1,145 yards, 9 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. He also has rushed for a touchdown.

Tony Pike, Cincinnati QB
Season: 116 of 174 passing for 1,493 yards, 13 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. He has also rushed for two scores.

Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame QB
Season: 100 of 148 passing for 1,544 yards, 12 touchdowns and 2 interceptions.

Kellen Moore, Boise State QB
Season: 92 of 133 passing for 1,217 yards, 13 touchdowns and 2 interceptions.

Dropped off:  Best, Cal RB and Keenum, Houston QB

South Carolina’s 2010 recruiting class #13

USC's Shane Beamer, as recruiting coordinator, is putting together a great class and still has some big names on the board.  The 2010 recruiting class is ranked No. 13 overall by ESPN at the end of September.  It does not take into consideration the punter we snagged recently so keep that in mind.

This would add to last year's No. 12 recruiting class from 2009.  Even with how good this sounds for the Gamecocks whether you look at last year or this upcoming class, USC still has work to do in the SEC.  South Carolina’s class currently sits at 7th among SEC programs. Florida (No. 1), Georgia (No. 3), Alabama (No. 4), Tennessee (No. 5), LSU (No. 6) and Auburn (No. 12) rate ahead of them for 2010.  That is a tell-tell sign on how good the SEC is and in my opinion how good USC is becoming on a national level.  Yes, as mentioned they have work to do in the SEC but it would seem that Carolina is gaining ground.

A lot of ground could be made if Carolina gets some of the names, which are still in the hunt for 2010:
Marcus Lattimore (Duncan, S.C./James F. Byrnes), John Fulton (Manning, S.C./Manning) and Sharrif Floyd (Philadelphia, Pa./George Washington).

SC currently has (as of 9/30/09):
16 commits
4 ESPNU Top 150 commits
6 4 star commits
6 3 star commits

Link to ESPN Top 15

Alabama Vs. USC

CBS has used there option to wait for 6 days before picking either Florida Vs. Arkansas or USC vs. Bama on October 17, 2009. The CBS game will be at 3:30 and the ESPN game will be at 7:45.

Gamecock Quote of the Day - Ric Flair says....

Comes via Ric Flair, the 16 world heavyweight champ, in this article, where he is quoted in making a bold prediction for the gamecocks......

“They’ll probably go undefeated the rest of the year. That’s my prediction. They’re that good.”

thoughts?  I wish I was that confident but the schedule is nasty. I will say it is a fact this team has talent and potential to make it interesting against 'Bama and UF.  They just need to step it up, play a complete game and develop a "killer attitude."

To Close in the words of Flair....Woooooooooooooo!

quote of the day from Saturday

SC STATE band announcer guy " welcome the Champagne Dancers from SC STATE Marching 101, if you are under 21 please do not watch, as you must be 21 to sip the Champagne Dancers."

Ten Questions from this past weekend

1.) Is this Bobby Bowden’s last year at FSU, losing to BC probably didn’t help?

2.) Bigger ACC blunder, UVA over UNC or Maryland over Clemson?

3.) Could Dabo be one and done at Clemson, if so, who will the tigers hire next?

4.) Stanford is 3-0 in the PAC-10, do they have a realistic chance of winning the PAC -10?

5.) ESPN has released there updated bowl projections, they have South Carolina playing in the Chick-fil-A bowl, is this a realistic expectation.

6.) Per the General. Are you more scared that you will get Swine Flu or your team will get the Swine Flu?

7.) Oregon’s coach Chip Kelly could reinstate LeGarrette Blount as early as the first week of November, do you think he should be allowed to play?

8.) Coach most likely to be fired before the season is over, can everybody say Dan Hawkins all at once?

9.) Does a SEC team have to go undefeated to make the National Championship Game?

10.) Is Auburn back, I am going to ask this question every week, Can Auburn win the SEC West this year?

Gamecock Recruiting News

After reading this today, I felt it would be good to pass on a few things concerning USC recruiting.

Calhoun County OL Eric Mack (6-4, 310), who had stated that he was "backing off" his pledge to be a gameock after a trip to Auburn, well now he is fully committed to being a gamecock football player and part of the 2010 class.

This is great news, as he will be a good kid for USC offensive line coach Eric Wolford.

Mack is rated 4 stars, 6th best OL and 10th best prospect in SC by Rivals - HERE.

South Carolina picked up a verbal commitment on Saturday when punter Patrick Fish (Lawndale, N.C./Burns) committed to the Gamecocks over Illinois and Central Florida.  The Gamecocks plan to redshirt Fish next season and give him the chance to win the job in 2011.  Fish averages 40 yards per punt with an average hangtime of 4.5 seconds.  MORE HERE.

Also take a gander at the Rivals.com South Carolina Preseason Top 30 2010

Mumme Poll Ballot

I will be voting in the Mummme Poll this year, which is a poll run by The 3rd Saturday in Blogtober and Get the Picture. The poll ranks the Top 12 teams but only the top 5 are specified in any one ballot. Unlike the traditional polls, there is no preseason or even early season voting. This ballot is the first of the year. Also, unlike traditional polls, you can vote in it if you want.

Senator Blutarsky explains:

The inspiration for the Mumme Poll came from the final 2007 regular season Coaches Poll and Tony Barnhart’s post breaking down some of the more questionable ballots. (You can read that post here.) The poll is in fact named in honor of the most questionable vote of that Coaches Poll – Hal Mumme’s ballot listing Hawaii as the number one team in the country.

In response, the initial Mumme Poll ran at Get The Picture for the 2008 season. Florida finished first at season’s end.

As far as your possible participation, the Senator continues:

We’re (small “d”) democrats here. Mumme Poll voting is open to any knowledgeable, enthusiastic college football fan. That’s part of the fun of it.

Follow the links for more information and explanation. If you want to vote, you need to hurry; I think they are going to close out registration at 9pm on Monday.

link, link, link

The ballot

1. Florida

Still undefeated after last year's national championship. Until proven otherwise, they are the number one team.

2. Alabama

Despite yesterday's meh-inducing win over Kentucky, they are playing like the most complete team in the country. Their wins over Arkansas and Virginia Tech continue to look impressive.

3. Virginia Tech

The Miami win and an understandable loss to Alabama put the Hokies in the Top 5.

4. Southern Cal

Road wins over Cal and Ohio State outweigh a head scratching loss to Washington.

5. LSU

Quality win at Georgia anchors an otherwise mediocre resume.



The rest, in no particular order

Texas

They look like a Top 5 team, but without a signature win, I don't think they deserve to be there yet. They will have plenty of opportunities to earn their way there.

Auburn

Undefeated and looking impressive while doing it, but no real signature win to propel them into the top 5.

Iowa

Clearly deserving because of their win at Penn State, but way-too-close wins over Northern Iowa and Arkansas State may indicate some chinks in the Hawkeye armor.

Cincinnati

Looking good against weak competition. How good are they? Will anyone on their schedule be good enough for us to judge?

Boise State

Relying on the Oregon win more than blind man relies on his seeing eye dog. Their putrid schedule will probably keep them out of the top 5, but they appear to be one of Top 12 teams in the country.

Miami

3-1 after playing the hardest opening schedule in the country.

Oregon

After an early loss to Boise State, the Ducks have rebounded nicely with wins over Utah and Cal.

Comments, arguments, irrational rants?

USC & SCSU reflections

The gamecocks love to make it interesting don't they?  Most had hoped that Carolina would make quick work of SCSU yesterday and then shift into cruise control.  But the team waited until the second half to get the offense going and allowed the SCSU to linger.  I am glad we won as SCSU is a good team, just wish SC got off to a faster start in the 1st half.  I agree with Spurrier that SCSU will win the MEAC conference.

So what are some good things to take away from this game -

• Garcia showed a nice touch on many of his 13 completions, but particularly on audibled touchdown throws to Brown in the third quarter.
• USC Kicker Adam Yates had a "touch back" .... need more of those!
• USC was good on converting 3rd downs - 7 for 13.
• Offense seemed balanced, as the ground game rolled up 213 yards while in the air 164 yds gained.
• Running backs Maddox, Jarvis Giles and Kenny Miles took turns carrying the load Saturday night, and each proved effective. Giles led the way with 74 yards and a 6.7 average per rush while Miles averaged 6.0 yards on 10 carries and Maddox 6.4 yards on seven attempts.
• Moe Brown stepped up to big and is the 2nd USC receiver to post a 100-yard game this season, grabbing six balls for 100 yards. Brown had touchdown catches of 40 and 9 yards.

Some negative interesting things to build upon before UK -

• South Carolina, who entered the game leading the SEC in sacks, did not have one against the Bulldogs.  This has to improve going forward.  A good pass rush is essential to USC success.
• USC TE has to get back into the game, after making 12 catches for 146 yards in his first two games, tight end Weslye Saunders has just two catches in the Gamecocks' last three games and wasn't thrown to Saturday.
• Dear Moe - no more fumbles, use more "stick'em"
• Dion LeCron, Barnes and Gurley - step it up!  You guys have been quiet.

BOX SCORE

Akeem Auguste suspended indefinitely

South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier said after Saturday night's 38-14 victory against S.C. State that sophomore starting cornerback and punt returner Akeem Auguste will miss at least the next three games for violating a “team and university policy.”

“He's indefinitely suspended – we’ll wait and see the outcome,” Spurrier said.

Just another dumb thing, not sure the full story or why but regardless it is just dumb.  The kids must remember that they are part of a team.  If they make a dumb mistake it impacts the entire team.  It is unfortunate for Auguste and for the team with the meat of the SEC schedule ahead.

C.C. Whitlock replaced Auguste in the starting lineup. Stephon Gilmore, the other starting cornerback, filled in for Auguste as the punt returner.

Gamecocks Clippings / Weekend News Round-up

Here is some news links to fill your gamecock heart up today....

First - GAMECOCKS ARE #25 in AP Poll

USC Football
I wouldn't go so far to say - Gamecocks light up Bulldogs
Brown did step up and deliver for Gamecocks
USC breaks free of S.C. State
South Carolina rolls past S.C. State, 38-14
Halfway Runaway: USC sinks S.C. State
A lesson in Perseverance from Moe Brown
Running backs mix things up
Power goes out on TV broadcast

Good Read Today on SEC from Sporting News

• The first says the SEC is all about economics.
• The second says the SEC is all about competition.

Another Good Sunday read...

• Painkillers: A big, and unregulated, part of college football

Gamecocks #25 in AP Poll

Congrats to The University of South Carolina Gamecocks who have moved into the AP Top 25 for the first time this season. 

They currently sit at #25!

Co Cocks!

More Here and Poll Here

The Gamecocks are not ranked in the USA Today coaches poll, finishing 27th in the voting behind Georgia.