The University of South Carolina Gamecocks have been the model for mediocrity in the SEC East since head coach Steve Spurrier took over five years ago. The cocks have had their fair share of upsets during Spurrier's reign, but have failed to live up to the high expectations that Spurrier's arrival brought to Columbia. With a resume like his, it is doubtful that the 'Ol Ball Coach is on the hot seat. But with a few more middle of the SEC East pack seasons, locals in Columbia could be convincing Spurrier to retire from coaching sooner than he had hoped. Offense has always been the bread and butter for Spurrier's teams. Stephen Garcia has been well publicized in his few years at South Carolina, but not for his play on the field. Garcia has constantly been having issues off the field, both in the classroom and off campus as well. He has all the tools to be a solid SEC quarterback if he can stay out of trouble, and that is probably the biggest key to the Gamecocks' season. The cocks will feature some new faces on offense, like highly touted freshman Stephen Gilmore, and sophomore running back Eric Baker. But as I said, the key to success on offense is squarely on the shoulders of Stephen Garcia.
The Gamecock defense should be on par with the past few seasons: good enough to win some games if the offense doesn't put their backs against the wall too often. Linebacker Eric Norwood's decision to return for his senior year will help the Gamecock pass rush in addition to adding veteran leadership. The secondary will be the question mark for this year's defense. The cocks return only one starter in a secondary which ranked #2 in the nation in pass defense last year. It will be extremely tough replacing three starters, but if some of the younger guys who played sparingly last year managed to pick up enough game experience and knowledge to carry over to this year, it could be another year of solid defense in Columbia.
Spencer Lanning will handle both the kicking and punting duties for the Gamecocks in 2009. He has been a solid punter, averaging over 42 yards per punt last year, but has never attempted a field goal in a college game. The cocks haven't shown that they have a threat to run back kicks or punts, so those duties should be up for grabs to begin the season.
The Gamecocks will kick off the 2010 college football season with a road trip to NC State on Thursday, September 3rd for a night game on ESPN. After a road trip to Athens the next week, the cocks have 5 straight home games before a tough road test at Alabama. The last four games of the season could be brutal for the cocks: road trips to Tennessee and Arkansas, followed by home contests against Florida and Clemson. The cocks better win some early games if they hope to make another bowl appearance this year.
PREDICTIONS:
Realistic Best Case Scenario: 8-4
Realistic Worst Case Scenario: 4-8
X Marc's The Spot Predicts: 6-6 (2-6) 4th place in the SEC East
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