Despite being out of the SEC race, SC is still ranked in the TOP 25. Kind of shocking. I figured with the loss to LUTKY, we would drop out of the rankings. But, we are still there. Oh well, maybe we can get in to a decent bowl this year.
Here is that combination of words again, South Carolina, National Championship.
Vanderbilt (3-3) at South Carolina (6-1) 12:30 EST GamePlan
Why to watch: All of a sudden, South Carolina isn't just in the SEC East race, it isn't just in the SEC race, it's knee-deep in the chase for the national championship. Firmly at the No. 6 spot in the first BCS rankings, the Gamecocks probably control their own destiny if they actually want to start dreaming about New Orleans for more than just the Sugar Bowl. It's not an easy road ahead, still needing to deal with road trips to Tennessee and Arkansas, along with home games against Florida and Clemson, but first things first, USC has to make sure it doesn't slip up against a Vanderbilt team on a two-game skid. The Commodores haven't beaten the Gamecocks since 1999, and to stay in the hunt for a bowl bid, it needs to pull off the upset.
Why Vanderbilt might win: South Carolina is pulling it off with smoke and mirrors. One game the defense is nasty, the next it can't stop the run. One game the running game is working, the next it gets stuffed. This isn't a consistent team, and there's no way it can't be getting a little ahead of itself and mentally planning for the big road trips ahead over the next two weeks. The Gamecocks can be run on. If the Vandy ground game can find an early groove, and if the defense can create a few turnovers that turn into points, this will be a much tighter game than many expect.
Why South Carolina might win: This isn't an explosive Commodore team, and it could have major problems if the USC offense can get to a double-digit lead early on. The passing game doesn't generate yards in bunches, despite having an elite talent in Earl Bennett to throw to, and the running game isn't nearly as effective as it should be, considering the mobility at quarterback. It's a simple formula for USC: score early, don't turn the ball over, control the clock, and get out with the win.
Who to watch: Considering it's the middle of the season, the quarterback situations should be solidified, not up in the air. Chris Nickson has had a rough two games for Vandy, completing just seven of 21 passes in losses to Auburn and Georgia, opening the door for Mackenzi Adams, who had a nice outing against the Bulldogs completing seven of ten throws for 124 yards and a touchdown, and running for 46 more. If nothing else, the two might rotate. .Adding to the uncertainty if the Gamecock quarterback situation. Chris Smelley has been fine since taking over four games ago, and is coming off a three touchdown pass performance against North Carolina. But Steve Spurrier being Steve Spurrier has hinted that Blake Mitchell might see time, or even get the start, after a good week of practice.
What will happen: It doesn't matter who's at quarterback; South Carolina will get another strong defensive performance when it needs it the most, and will keep the buzz going with the trip to Tennessee ahead.
CFN Prediction: South Carolina 31 ... Vanderbilt 13 ...
Since no one really cares (especially if you are reading this blog) about the other teams, I will just stick in what they have to say about South Carolina.
The SEC Champion will be ... LSU over South CarolinaThe Tigers will lose once more, but they'll still roll in the SEC title game over a South Carolina team that'll be able to stay just one step ahead of Florida and Tennessee the rest of the way. It might all come down to the October 27 date in Knoxville, and considering Steve Spurrier's history against Phil Fulmer, this might really be the year when USC becomes bigger and badder than USC.
Coach of the Midseason – Steve Spurrier, South CarolinaHe lost his All-America linebacker (Jasper Brinkley), has replaced his starting quarterback, and is using smoke and mirrors to mask a still developing offensive line. Even so, his team is finding ways to win, and after beating Georgia and Kentucky, is in a prime position to win the East.
Best remaining conference game – Florida at South Carolina, Nov. 10Even though Steve Spurrier is several years removed from his time in Gainesville, this matchup still generates plenty of interest for obvious reasons. This year, it might determine the SEC East title. Considering the Gators are the defending national champions, the atmosphere for this game will be one of the craziest in a wild year in one of the year's most important games.
Team Mid-Season MVPs & Predictions East Florida – QB Tim Tebow
predicted wins: at Kentucky, Georgia, Vanderbilt, Florida Atlantic, Florida State
predicted losses: at South Carolina
predicted record: 9-3
South Carolina – DE Eric Norwoodpredicted wins: Vanderbilt, at Arkansas, Florida, Clemsonpredicted losses: at Tennesseepredicted record: 10-2
Did someone... (other than Gamecock fans like me... ) use the words legitimate national title hopes in the same sentence with the Gamecocks? It appears so...
4. Florida at South Carolina, Nov. 10 Whenever the Ol' Ballcoach gets a crack at his old team, it's always interesting. This year, it means much more, given the Gamecocks' legit national title hopes. Last year, UF blocked a last-second field goal to preserve a 17-16 win. The home team has won 4 of the last 5 in this series.
2007 Mish Mosh
The Florida Gators... National Champions.
Congratulations to Ron Zook and to a lesser extent Steve Spurrier. Spurrier recruited Leak and Ron Zook recruited everyone else. Urban Meyer is a fraud. He has a gimmick offense and with out the exceptional talent recruited by the previous staff(s), he would not be in the national championship game.
That being said, it is still an SEC team. Is there another conference that can even begin to compete with the SEC? Not a chance. As one of the Florida players said (I believe it was Jarvin Moss but I am not sure) there are 5 or more SEC teams who would have spanked Ohio State the same way.
My teams:
Auburn
Tennessee
Arkansas
South Carolina
and LSU.
Hell I might even go so far as to say Kentucky would have a shot.
Nuff about that.
Sidney Rice.
I feel bad for the kid. Not only would I never want to have to make a deciscion like the one that faced Sidney, I feel like he made the wrong choice.
Granted I do not know his current financial status or that of his families, all I can do is comment on what I have read. Maybe Sidney should have Ben Franklined the whole thing and he would see the folly of leaving South Carolina early.
Here are my thoughts: So Sidney gets a couple of million up front. Great. Wonderful. Fantastic. After all he could get hurt next year in college and then where would he be? Well, he would have the insurance but is that worth millions? Depends... What if he gets hurt his first year in the NFL? How would his situation be different? It wouldn't. By leaving he not only left the ability to play football in college but he also lost his chance to get finish his education.
I feel bad for Sidney... I think he got Bob Sugared.
-The Cool Chicken
