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.