Gamecocks lose a tough one to UGA

Univ of South Carolina fought hard and gave a great showing against the #2 ranked Univ of Georgia but at the end the final score was 14-7.

Carolina had their chances, shrugged off some bad calls, found ways to screw themselves but at the end of the day they had a chance. On that chance each time they tried too hard and fumbled once then threw a INT the second.

Time to re-group and focus on the remaining 9 games...look for more on the game later from the LOHD crew.....any thoughts on the game?

More HERE or HERE or HERE

Final Stats Quotes Notes Photo Gallery

Gamecocks Game 3 Prediction (UGA)

Without Kenny and a decent QB to run Spurrier’s high flying offense, I have a feeling the Dawg’s might have a field day against the Cocks. Carolina defense can only stop them so many times before they run out of gas. Especially if we are paying 5 bucks a gallon to fill the tank. Damn you Hurricane Ike. Stafford didn’t have his best game last year against USC, but look for him to bounce back this year. Johnson will have his defense ready to stop Moreno, which should leave the secondary open for Green and Massaquoi to have chances of making some big plays.

Smelley will start but the big question is when and how much will we see of Stephen Garcia. Running back by committee will also be in effect against the dawgs as Spurrier is finally going to let Maddox, and Baker have a chance to run this season. Cook will still be the go to receiver, so what for the Dawgs to double team him early, to see if they can get Smelley to throw a bad pass. USC leads the country in interceptions, so let’s hope the offense can keep them to a minimum.

My prediction

UGA- 24
USC- 12

See you tomorrow

Gameday tidbits

There are a suprisingly large number of Vanderbilt blogs with regular postings. After persusing some of the better ones, here are a few things I found to give you an idea what they are thinking:

The Sports VU is the most optimistic of a decidedly optimistic bunch:

"The day has finally arrived. Vanderbilt vs. South Carolina on ESPN. I don't think I've ever been more excited for a football game. Maybe it's because Erin Andrews is here. Maybe it's because it's my final SEC home opener as an undergraduate. Or maybe it's because there's some part of me that just knows Vanderbilt is going to win."

He goes on: "South Carolina's defense is very good, even for SEC standards. They're quick to the ball, they hit hard and they play with an attitude. With that said, the Gamecock offense is mediocre at best. They're starting a different quarterback, Spurrier's already complaining about his offensive line and their running game is nothing special."

"Tonight's game is going to come down to special teams and field position. Seems obvious enough, but I think it's even more important than usual for Vanderbilt. If the Commodores can force a few USC turnovers (and capitalize on them) and then take care of the ball on offense, I truly do like their chances. Furthermore, they'll probably need a big play on special teams to put the offense in position to score."

His prediction: "Vanderbilt 24, South Carolina 20"

jake at Save the Shield is a bit more guarded and noncommittal, but as he points out:

"Vanderbilt’s most recent win over a ranked team was, of course, at South Carolina last year, and South Carolina is also the most recent SEC team that Vanderbilt has defeated in consecutive years. On the other hand, the last time Vanderbilt was so looking forward to an early-season matchup against the Gamecocks was 2004, and of course we remember how that turned out.

It seems that Vanderbilt is more likely to win big games on the road when nobody expects it than to win big games at home when many people hope for it. Lets hope they can break the trend this week."

via Vanderbilt Sports Line Stanimal gives three keys to the game for Vandy:

"1) Force some turnovers. The Gamecocks were turnover happy in the first half of last week’s game. They’ll be going in with a new QB, but last year’s game we forced turnovers off Smelley as well. If we can get some picks then we’ll be doing great.

2) Control field position. As long as we keep this game low scoring and maintain control of the game, we’ve got this one in the bag. Keep the ball as close to our side of the field as possible, run the ball well, control the clock. SC, despite being an improved defense, is still susceptible to QB runs and option play.

3) DON’T turn the ball over. On the flip side of us winning this game is us playing smart football. Spurrier is going to try and keep Nickson from using his feet as much as possible. Chris is going to be forced to throw more this game than before, and as long as he is smart with it, we can win this game."

Frankly, these three keys look good to me. If they do those things, it might be very difficult for us to escape with a win.

Finally Moral Victory has this analysis:

"Spurrier doesn't lose early in the season unless he's playing LSU. His players are fresh and he hasn't started messing with his quarterbacks' minds yet. Heck, Mark Richt is scared to play South Carolina in September, and for good reason."

He continues: "I think this one is close. We believe we can beat Spurrier now, which is a start. But outside of Nickson, we can't run the ball consistently, and the Gamecock defense is awfully, awfully tough. Would I be surprised if we won? Well, yeah. Would I be surprised if we lost on a last-second field goal — say, 17-14? No. Would I be surprised if we lost 28-0? No.

So I'll average those two scores and say we lose 17-7."

For my part, I have am not sure what to expect. I remember the 2004 game Save the Shield refers to. While tailgating at the Parthenon, none of us knew what to expect and thought the game would be close. It turned out it wasn't and as I recall that was a game in which our atheletes shined and made a few big plays. I don't know if we can do that again tonight or not, but either way I don't the difference in our atheletes and Vanderbilt's is as great as it was 4 years ago.

I am not yet sold on the defense. I had as much fun as anyone last week watching them punish an outclassed NC State team, but I don't think anyone can say for sure how much of that performance was our defense and how much was NC State's general futility. I hope more of the former, but until proven otherwise NC State is a very bad team. Running quarterbacks scare me, but less so now with Ellis Johnson than with Tyrone Nix.

Offensively, I have always been a Smelley fan. His biggest problem has been his inability to throw the ball deep to the sidelines, an area Spurrier likes to attack. Hopefully the offseason weight program has fixed that. If he gets some time, and thats a big if, he could carve up the Vanderbilt defense, even with DJ Moore out there. If the passing game gets going, Mike Davis and the running game won't be far behind. (See 4th quarter last week))

As far as Vanderbilt's offense goes, their Chris Nickson is certainly capable of causing plenty of trouble for our defense. He is more dangerous moving than he is static, but he is a serviceable passer as well. The best way to disrupt a running quarterback is to get defenders in the backfield through penetration without having to rely on blitzes from the second level. If our defensive line can consistently get in the backfield against a realtively green Vandy offensive line, the defense's night will be made much easier.

Vanderbilt's defense, with the exception of DJ Moore, is more of an unknown quantity than our defense. Their outing against Miami OH was solid, but what did we really learn?

Final Prediction: South Carolina 27, Vanderbilt 13.

5 keys to a win for USC vs. Vandy

South Carolina vs. Vanderbilt
WHO: USC (1-0) at Vanderbilt (1-0)
WHEN: 8:30 p.m. Thursday
WHERE: Vanderbilt Stadium, Nashville, Tenn.
TV: ESPN
LINE: USC by 10

5 Keys to a USC Win

1. Contain and limit the Vandy QB

Sounds easy and should be for the mighty Carolina D. If the D is unable to limit the Vandy QB for creating then it could prove ugly. I am confident that Ellis Johnson will stack the box and force Nickson to hurt us through the air.

2. Carolina O Line Play

The Carolina O line needs to play like it is the 4th quarter against NCSU. If they do that then they should be able to protect Smelley and create running lanes for the Carolina RBs. If they struggle then the offense will struggle like it did the 1st 3 quarters against NCSU.

3. Carolina QB Play

Chris and/or Tommy needs to step up. I think Chris will play most of the game and have a lights out game...he will make a statement as to why he will be the starting qb in 2008.

4. Carolina Special Teams

Carolina can not allow DJ Moore to hurt us. Succop needs to continue to kick the shit out of the ball and make FGs. The rest boils down to tackling and blocking.

5. No injuries for USC

This is a important key to the game b.c of what is next. Not saying we are overlooking Vandy b/c USC is out for revenge. But in beating Vandy don't get hurt!

My Prediction is ----USC 30 Vandy 13

Game Day --- SC v Vandy

Big Spur, pictured above, looks like he wants revenge from last years' defeat.....

GO COCKS!

Gamecocks Game 2 Prediction (Vandy)

South Carolina might have over looked Vandy last year, but this year is a whole different story. The game will be a tail of 2 defenses that both are looking to make a statement to open up SEC play. D.J. Moore a Spartanburg native grew up watching USC play and last year showed Coach Spurrier why he should have been recruited by the gamecocks. South Carolina has some top players in the secondary as well, watch for Caption, E.Cook and Carlos Thomas to have big games against Vandy. I would expect Coach Johnson to stack the box and make Nickson beat the gamecocks with his arm and not his legs. In games like these look for Norwood and Jasper to have a field day laying hits on Nickson. I wouldn’t be surprised if by the end of the 3rd quarter Mackenzi Adams isn’t under center.

The key to beating Vandy will be ball control, and amount of turnovers. Last year turnovers and offensive line play killed Carolina. Look for Spurrier and the coaching staff to have the O-line ready this week for a battle in the trenches.

Key Match up. Kenny vs. Moore (both are 1st team all SEC players, should be a good one)

Offense advantage: Vandy

Defense advantage: USC

Special Teams advantage: USC

USC 24
Vandy 17

Vandy notes

It would be nice to write that Vandy is the same old Vandy and that we will roll over them, but after last year we've lost the right to dismiss them out of hand. Perhaps we can earn that right back this year with a convincing win.

Vanderbilt easily beat Miami (OH) Thursday night 34-13 and will bring some confidence in Thursday night's game in Nashville. details

Chris Nickson will get the start over MacKenzie Adams. Adams, we will all remember, started his first game against South Carolina last year in Columbia. Nickson ran for 166 yards on 20 carries against Miami (OH). Known for his running ability, he could prove difficult for South Carolina to contain, and even if the defense can contain him, the defense will still have to gameplan for him.

A group South Carolina may not have to spend time worrying about is the Vanderbilt running back corps. After accounting for Nickson's yards, an end around and reverse the Commodore running backs ran 25 times for 77 yards.

As far as receiver goes gone is unquestionably talented WR Earl Bennett. Hoping to take his place is arguably the most talented receiver on the roster WR Sean Walker. Walker had 2 TDs against the always stout Miami OH defense.

Also gone is LB Jonathan Goff, leaving Vanderbilt with virtually zero star power on the field. The defense, though, thinks highly of itself. JR defensive end Broderick Stewart ridiculously stated that he thinks the Vanderbilt defense is the fastest in the SEC.

"Hands down, I think we're the fastest," he said. "You'll see. We're going to play really fast. We've got guys all over the place who can move, some new faces that people haven't really seen, and it doesn't get any better than having a secondary like ours playing behind you.">

On the less absurd side, CB DJ Moore (from Broome High School in Spartanburg) is someone to watch. As a punt returner he returned a punt 91 yards, not for a touchdown, in last weeks game. He also had an interception. It would be nice is Smelley or Beecher would stay away from his side.

The defensive front seven returns only two starters from last year's surprisingly strong unit. With less than stellar recruiting classes, one would assume it will be difficult for Vanderbilt to replace 5 players up front. Also, Vanderbilt gave up 340 yards to Miami (OH).

As always, tickets are available.

Further reading:

Moral Victory
VandyDan

It's Smelley time

Spurrier said after practice tonight that Smelley will start at quarterback Thursday night at Vanderbilt.

More on the Story - HERE or HERE

This move really does not surprise me as Chris earned his right to get the starting nod. The question is will we see just one qb from USC participate on Thursday?

Tom O'Brien on the Carolina D...

By now we all know that NC State didn't come close in the 34-0 lose to the Gamecocks. NCSU's most effective drive ended at the USC 32-yard line....that is a nice stat and great job by the Ellis Johnson new and improved D.
NCSU's passing attack finished 5-for-20 for 49 yards and two interceptions. The 49 yards were the lowest since they had that total against Appalachian State to open the 2006 season.

O’Brien said the USC secondary and pressure on the quarterback had a lot to do the lack of a passing attack in The State recently but here is my favorite quote....

“I think they are an excellent defense,” O’Brien said. “They are powerful. I think we rushed the ball (OK). We couldn’t throw on them, couldn’t get away from them.”

Beecher's look says it all...

like damn...I just lost my starting QB job.

A Cock Rag?

Is it just me or does this seem a little inappropriate?

I mean come on - a "Cock Rag;" I think JR will have some comments for this one and she seems why to excited to be holding a "cock rag."

Cocks beat Pack but....

it was ugly. Truly a tale of two halves. Thank god for Smelley this time, who came off the bench after a sluggish (that is putting it nicely) to lead three touchdown drives against N.C. State that turned a 13-0 defensive struggle into a 34-0 blowout. But what worries me for the rest of the season was the play of offense...yes we won, yes we won big but we can not putter for a half against the likes of UGA, UF, etc. We need the offense to step up like the defense did and execute.

On the offense side, their were some good plays and good performances - I liked how Mike Davis looked and Taylor Rank performed at running back. Our WR/TE was not stellar but did some good things. Again sore spot was the O-line but they began to play good towards the end of the game but not sure if that was fatigue on the NCSU side or good better play.

Defense and Special teams we were great. Succop has one heck of a strong leg and should get paid nicely for it in the NFL. Defense held N.C. State to 138 yards total offense, got some INTs, forced a fumble and put a lick on some players. Lindsey up front looked real good and he put a licking on the NCSU qb but thank goodness he is going to be okay.

-Hit of the game goes to USC RB Mike Davis, who after a Beecher bad pass that resulted in a NCSU INT he laid a lick on the NCSU secondary player....pancaked the kid.

-Dumb play of the game - E.Cook and his pushups....

Safety Emanuel Cook was called for an unsportsmanlike penalty after he missed an interception and started doing pushups – the only whistle against the defense all night. “That was a touchy call,” Spurrier said. “In practice when they drop an interception they do 10 pushups. So E-Cook thought he needed to do some pushups. But you can’t do that. The referees can call almost anything they want to. But it was a touchy one.”

I know it was a win and I am happy but still left with some mixed emotions . Our pal at Garnet & Black sums it up nicely with 5 points. I think the team has some things to work on this week and I will close with one last thing....Smelley deserves the start at QB against Vandy....now go to work b/c it is a long season!

This is not Jasper...

despite confusion at the gamecock walk, LOHD was able to confirm that this is not Jasper pictured above.

Mike Davis...LOHD is here for you

Mike Davis if you ever need a sports drink please contact LOHD because this is nonsense. We will be happy to provide you with enough sports drinks to keep you happy and to help fight off the urge to break "in to a locked refrigerator in the team's weight room."

The real reason behind Davis not starting

I found ths article in the Post and Courier this morning talking about why Davis is not starting tomorrow night. When will these guys learn to just follow the rules like everybody else.

COLUMBIA — The reason South Carolina running back Mike Davis is sitting to begin Thursday night's opener is disciplinary and not directly linked to his health or performance in recent practices, a pair of sources close to the team told The Post and Courier on Tuesday.
On Sunday, Davis broke into a locked refrigerator in the team's weight room that contained sports drinks, sources said. Davis bent the door's frame to get a drink, they said.
The players were summoned and the guilty party was asked to come forward by strength coach Mark Smith. Smith told everyone there was a surveillance tape of the area.
But no one confessed. The football staff learned later, through that video footage, that it was Davis.
The coaches then decided the best mode of action was to bench the senior from Columbia, at least to begin the game against North Carolina State. A source said Davis is also expected to pay for the damages to the refrigerator.
The information takes some of the stun out of coach Steve Spurrier's decision Monday to name career reserve Taylor Rank the Gamecocks' starter.
Spurrier said Monday, and again Tuesday, that Rank had performed well in practice and Davis had struggled to show he was ready after a shoulder injury and an illness sidelined him for a couple of weeks during camp.
"Mike hasn't hit any basically all preseason, and he's been hurt about the whole time," Spurrier said. "Taylor's really had a better preseason. He's done everything we've asked and so forth. But Mike's ready to play. Mike's ready to play."
When asked if the benching was about trying to send Davis a message, Spurrier said no.
"No, no, I'm not unhappy with Mike's effort," Spurrier said. "He'll be fine."
Running backs coach Robert Gillespie was requested Tuesday for an interview, but he declined. He referred general questions to Spurrier through USC's sports information department.
Davis rushed for 518 yards last season, and has 1,658 rushing yards in his three-year career.
Davis, along with a couple of teammates, will also have to sit one game later in the season because of spotty class attendance. It will likely be the Sept. 20 Wofford game or the Sept. 27 UAB game.
Rank has started one game before. He rushed for 101 yards on 15 carries in the 45-6 win over Florida Atlantic in 2006. Otherwise, he's rushed for 3 yards on seven carries.
Sophomore Brian Maddox was ahead of Rank initially when Davis went down. But Maddox has had trouble hanging onto the ball during practice, making Rank the more dependable, experienced option.
On Monday, Spurrier referred questions about Maddox to Gillespie.
Spurrier said five running backs — Rank, Davis, Maddox, freshman Eric Baker and senior Bobby Wallace — will dress for Thursday's game. That likely indicates that freshman Kenny Miles is a candidate for a redshirt.