A censored Ball Coach this time?By Travis Haney (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Tyrone Walker Gamecock head coach Steve Spurrier. HOOVER, ALA. — A year ago, South Carolina football coach Steve Spurrier took the dais here at the Wynfrey Hotel and boldly declared his Gamecocks ready to compete for a Southeastern Conference title. Confused looks and smirks dominated the room filled with hundreds of media types who had heard Spurrier's confidence before but never at South Carolina. That same group shared an impressed feeling as the Gamecocks raced out to a 6-1 record, climbing as high as No. 6 in the BCS standings. Then came the rest of the season and the I-told-you-sos from the media. He will face that same group Friday with an entirely different message. Look for a more censored Ball Coach. For one, he'll echo the same thought he put forth last week: That, as a switch, the goals will remain in-house this year. But, c'mon, you know them by now anyway: Compete in the East (meaning be competitive in every game), finish above .500, go to a bowl game, win a bowl game. They haven't changed. Just Spurrier's tone. As in there won't be one. Spurrier is always one media days story to follow. Here are five more: Heisman winner OK, we've all got it down by now that Tim Tebow was the first sophomore to win the Heisman. That jinx is toast. But did you realize that he was the SEC's first recipient since 1996 (Danny Wuerrfel)? Kind of a drought for reputedly the country's best conference. Tebow will be hounded with all sorts of topics. It'll be interesting to hear about his summer vacation, which purportedly included a trip to South America. Probably mission work for the humble Tebow, who pulls kittens from trees in his spare time. Champion arrives Les Miles did a lot of work with his mouth last year, irking Southern Cal and others in the summer months. But Louisiana State went out and backed up his gab. Yeah, the Tigers lost a pair of games (in triple overtime) and narrowly escaped in several others. But, still, they were undisputed national champs and you can't take that from them. What's Miles got on his mind this year? Surely he'll field some questions about his quarterbacks, since Ryan Perrilloux is playing near here, in Jacksonville, Ala., for those other Gamecocks Miles, leaving is left with a redshirt freshman and a Harvard transfer as his options at QB. Don't feel too badly for Miles. The Tigers just put 14 players on the three-tiered SEC all-conference team released Monday, four more than second-place Florida. Saban rides again Look, as long as an Alabama coach shows face at this conference, it's a story. Maybe it's not a story everyone cares about. But it's certainly relevant here. If you don't believe it, come to this event one year and see the throng of memorabilia hounds in the lobby waiting to get a Sharpie in the Bama coach's face. Add to that these facts: The current Tide man is making $4 million this year and has the personality of a piece of corkboard. It's high drama with a mic. Saban's already got his recruiting machine going. Will he get his team in gear this season? Bobby's world Bobby Petrino faced an avalanche of criticism after walking away from the Atlanta Falcons with the season still in progress. But the new Arkansas coach hasn't directly faced this many people about it. Petrino's sure to get a few hard-nosed questions from reporters curious about his credibility and loyalty. It'll be intriguing to see how he responds (or doesn't respond). Many would like to know, too, how Petrino plans to win this year considering the crater-like holes left in the backfield by NFL first-rounders Darren McFadden and Felix Jones. Houston Nutt's a man to watch here this week, too, since he left Arkansas for Ole Miss. Georgia on our mind We're all taking bets how the media will vote in the SEC East. Will it be Georgia or Florida atop the projected standings as we navigate July and August's superfluous season in college football? Georgia's certainly got the team, returning more players than any SEC club in recent memory. But does it have the team to tackle its most daunting schedule? Road games at South Carolina, Arizona State, LSU, Auburn — and the Cocktail Party in Jacksonville — make you wonder if it's possible for the Dawgs to come through the division without looking like they were part of Vick's pound. The Bulldogs will be the talk of the week, though. Interesting that coach Mark Richt and UGA decided to bring defensive tackle Jeff Owens and receiver Mohammed Massaquoi to this week's event when there were seemingly much more obvious choices. Where's quarterback Matthew Stafford? Where's back Knowshon Moreno, being hyped for the Heisman? It's just like the rest of this week: A tease. Less than six weeks from kickoff, though. Reach Travis Haney at thaney@postandcourier.com and check out the new South Carolina blog at www.charleston.net/blogs/gamecocks/>
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Comments
This article has 38 comment(s)
Posted by theronce on July 23, 2008 at 7:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
ESPN reported that Tebow went on at least 3 missionary treks including South America, South Africa, and the Ukraine. They said nothing about any cat, but I have not doubt that he would try to help. It's good for us that he has time to play some football. He's not on my team, but I like to watch him play. Also, some of my team could watch his behavior off the field and learn something else maybe.
Posted by Clemson1979 on July 23, 2008 at 7:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Silly Coots. How did you do in your bowl game last year?
Posted by bigriver1 on July 23, 2008 at 8:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Confused looks, that is the way all lamecocks look after Clemson smacks them every year. 6-6, 3-5 again. No bowl, all lamecocks sitting at home watching all real teams playing in the bowls. Spurrier retires. Bring in the next legend.
Posted by flinsc on July 23, 2008 at 8:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
They have already accepted an invitation for the "Toilet Bowl" to be played in New Jersey.
Posted by JAMJOH on July 23, 2008 at 9:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
bigriver you say the same exact thing in every article concerning usc, find something new because thats getting pretty old. the toilet bowl? is that really the best you have.
Posted by TheClick on July 23, 2008 at 9:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
JAMJOH, I'm a Clemson graduate and fan and I find myself agreeing with you.
Posted by Churnstar on July 23, 2008 at 9:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
All you stupid and ignorant Clemson fans can go to h***. From what I recall you lost your bowl game last year. You choked against a mediocre Auburn team. If you lameheads think Bowden is going to erase the "Tillman curse" that has been put on Clemson you are mistaken. Who in the world has colors "orange and purple"? Who plays in a stadium called "Dead Valley", because they have a dilapidated cemetery beside their stadium, who rubs a "rock" wishing for good luck only to see it turn to crap. Who uses a kid for national publicity and then turns their back on him and his brother. This is the "family" they preach about at Clemson. So in other words to you Clemson fans go to h***! Noone cares about you and your "Tillman Tech" philosophy and all that family crap you preach. Last I heard the Reverend Leroy Jenkins is going to be enshrined in the Clemson hall of fame. Go figure!!
Posted by ashleyriver on July 23, 2008 at 9:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
While I disdain most of the juvenile finger pointing between the 2 schools (and certainly most of these comments are directed towards just one portion of the article), the above post does invite questions:
churnstar: "Noone (sic) cares about you...........and all that family crap you preach.".........Hmmm, I'll bet the parents of all these young athletes REGARDLESS of the university they choose to attend DO CARE about that "Family Crap" or Family Values as its generally recognized.
And who is Reverend Leroy Jenkins? & I apologize beforehand for failing to know the name.
Posted by sptiger on July 23, 2008 at 9:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
hey churn - a little jealousy??? there wasn't one usc negative comment posted from a clemson supporter and that's your reply? bigriver is an oklahoma fan that obviously knows how to rile you up. oh and your post definitely lets the rest of us know your level of education and maturity. you stay classy though! i'll bet you didn't even go to usc (couldn't get in???).
Posted by Rggr on July 23, 2008 at 10:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
USC is the only team to ever humble Spurrier.
Posted by mcfadden00 on July 23, 2008 at 10:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Ummm...if Auburn is mediocre, what in the world is South Carolina?
Posted by UrGatorbait on July 23, 2008 at 11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
USCe has a way of humbling great coaches. USCe=Where coaches go to die. Spurrier did it to him self.
As usual another hack job on the SEC from the PnC.
Posted by Rebel_Yell on July 23, 2008 at 11:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
big river is not an oklahoma fan--nice try. He's as orange overall as it gets--whether he admits it or not, he squeels like a pig. Clemson gets a paper championship yesterday without cheating and no scar fans care or comment. This stupid article is printed about SEC media day and the clemson thugger fans show up with the usual childish comments. I don't care what any of you think, just interested to see how this season turns out. And based on the typical rude thugger fans, will pull for the thuggers to blow it, again, as usual. I can't tell you how good that will make me feel due to tarded fans like bigriver. I would love to pull for an undefeated rivalry game with a national title on the line, but there are too many obnoxious clemson fans to pull for their success in any form. I curse them XX$#@!
Posted by theronce on July 23, 2008 at 11:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Granted, usually the national champ must go through or avoid the SEC to get the title. TV loves to try to hook up the Big 10 with the Pac 10, because the larger population inflates their ratings. Clemson will have to go through a couple of SEC teams to have a chance. Churn, you are so funny; try taking that routine to TV. Right now, all is even.
Posted by gaitor66 on July 23, 2008 at 1:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow calling us Stupid and who has a chicken for a mascot?
Posted by rebel1 on July 23, 2008 at 1:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This article had nothing to do with the tiggers but since you clemson pukes want to go there lets go. let see, who has won more acc titles, tammy with the powerhouse tiggers or sos with little ol duke? could it be spurrier? I think so and in only 2 years. how long has tammy been at tigger town with top 10 recuiting classes and with the weakest sch in the nation and still cant do it. Now that should be the biggest joke in college football. Keep on bragging about beating a 6-6 USC team that was full of injuries by 2 points. Some of you guys are idiots..
Posted by MSC on July 23, 2008 at 1:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Clemson1979: How did you do?
Posted by Rggr on July 23, 2008 at 2:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good point, Rebel. Spurrier had more success at Duke than USC. Okay, we'll stop bragging about beating the 6-6 USC team, which of the others should we talk about?
Posted by SCMomof2 on July 23, 2008 at 3:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I have to say, the childish banter between Clemson/Carolina fans is somewhat amusing, but getting old fast. I am a Carolina Gamecock fan- to the core. With that said, do you really think I care what rival fans have to say about my team? Absolutely not. Do I still pull for them, even when the odds are stacked high against them? Absolutely. I do realize that my beloved Gamecocks are not the best, most athletic, blah blah blah- but you know what? I still love them and will continue to support them and be there when they're playing. I will continue to pay my dues for my season tickets - whether we're 0-11 or at our highest ranking in a very long time. It doesn't matter to me. Point is, if you're a CAROLINA GAMECOCK fan- be just that and stand by your team and continue supporting them - quit stooping to the ridiculous arguing with the "other" ;) team.
Posted by RW on July 23, 2008 at 3:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
As an Auburn Grad "86." Clemson has no tradition. If they were in the SEC..THEY'D BE NO BETTER! If Clemson was crazy enough to come down to the plains we would wax them just like do everyone who comes to town!
Posted by fantasy5 on July 23, 2008 at 4 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow RW, really? You Auburn guys really waxed us in the Chick-fil-A bowl. Great point. No traditon? Can you say mirror image. 10-4
Posted by tigerfan07 on July 23, 2008 at 4:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Rebel1,
Tommy hasn't had top 10 recruiting classes until recently. (the last 2 or 3 have been top 20) USuC has beaten us in the recruiting rankings, even when Holshtz was there. Nice try though to make yourself feel better for doing nothing as well. We haven't made the most of our opportunities at CU, esp when we had the ACCCG in our grasps the last 2 years, but I guarantee you that we will get there. At least we had a chance to get to the CG. Have you recently? I can't say the same for you. I know that once we do get that coveted ACC-Champ., you won't have a lot to talk about anymore now will you.
Posted by tigerfan07 on July 23, 2008 at 4:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
RW,
FYI, we are coming to the plains in a few years so we will see how it goes. I hope we won't get waxed, but it should be a good game nonetheless.
Posted by idennis on July 23, 2008 at 4:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Apparently some people like to show their intelligence or lack thereof. But go ahead you just might look good with your foot in your mouth.
'
Posted by tigerfan07 on July 23, 2008 at 4:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
idennis,
Who was that directed to?
Posted by Clemson1979 on July 23, 2008 at 4:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by MSC on July 23, 2008 at 1:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Clemson1979: How did you do?
Actually I thought we played OK. But, obv you missed the point. Chickens choked and made no bowl game.
Posted by RW on July 23, 2008 at 5:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Fantasy,
I think your little kittens were favored in the bowl game werent they? We had a crummy quarterback and still won! Your little cubs would only be a marginal SEC team in the SEC and your side knows it! Georgia alone waxes your butt every tiome they play you! You guys want to go down to the bayou and play LSU on a Saturday night...I think not. You guys are good in an cakewalk conference! LSU humiliated Virginia Tech last year...the ACC's best team.LOL! War Eagles!
Posted by RW on July 23, 2008 at 7:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Please excuse my typing.
Posted by ChasCarolinaGirl on July 23, 2008 at 10:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
They suck as always ... woop ti do! Great one BIG RIVER "The Lamecocks" So true!
Posted by youmanyo on July 23, 2008 at 10:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I cant wait till my Tigers kick there arse in November .
Posted by tightlines on July 23, 2008 at 11:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Clemson1979, did you graduate or were you born in 1979? Either way it's sad and you must be 51/50. The in-state rivalry is lopsided but the arrogance of the CU fan base is puzzling.
Posted by fantasy5 on July 24, 2008 at 10:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
RW, we may have been favored, but last time I checked that has NOTHING to do with the game, which was close if I remember correctly, we did go to OT did we not? My best friend is an Auburn fan and I have the utmost respect for Auburn, especially since the similarities are frightening between the schools. I mean lets not forget, we both own SC do we not?
Posted by RW on July 24, 2008 at 11:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
fantasy,
You seem level headed.Cant get anyone to bite. I am just sick of the over coverage for Clemson. I know Auburn really should not get any press here..hell it's two states away. But look at Georgia only a few hours away from Clemon and they wax Clemson every time they play too. When you play in the SEC you just dont respect anyone else! I wish we were having a rematch instead of Clemson vs Alabama. By the way BAMA fans arent giving the tigers[Capital T is for Auburn} any respect either. By the way Auburn played a pitiful game against Clemson while you guys played the best game in 3 yrs! You guys should be happy that you beat USC though. USC would beat everyone else in your conference!
Posted by RW on July 24, 2008 at 12:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
bigriver1,
Beating the Gamecocks seems to be getting more difficult for you. It's funny how you guys struggle with a marginal team in the SEC and yet you guys are hyped as some sot of powerhouse! Hell Aburn could play every game away in the ACC and go undefeated! War-Eagles! If I was a Clemson fan I would be happy to beat Carolina as well because it strengthens your RPI..something that powerhouse Duke cant do for you. Oh yeah..havent they beaten you recently? But there again it is such an intimidating environment up at Duke. Much more than Jordan-Hare, Sanford Stadium, The Swamp or Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge
Posted by RW on July 24, 2008 at 12:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Heck,
I give up! I have been throwing rocks at the ACC and Clemson for 2 days and no one wants to scrap! So good luck to Clemson and beat the living snot out of Alabama! However do not underestimate the Gamecocks though.Like it or not they do seem to be getting better. Spurrier it seems just needs a quarterback. I have been to Clemson. It is beautiful there. Especially in the fall. Not quite as pretty as Auburn though!! I appreciate the respect that Clemson fans have shown Auburn! They have good taste!
Posted by fantasy5 on July 24, 2008 at 3:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
RW, the Clemson Tigers (mind which state you are in before giving rules on the T concept), the Gamecocks have no chance of beating "every" team in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Also, We get "waxed" every time we play Georgia? We GOT waxed the last time we played in 2003, and the year before we should have beaten them but lost 31-28. Waxed, right... Prior to that, we played in the 80's and 90's and went back and forth with them during that period, so saying waxed might be overdoing it...
Posted by fantasy5 on July 24, 2008 at 3:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
But thank you for the kudos and right back at ya' on the class issue!
Posted by RW on July 24, 2008 at 5:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Alright Clemson fans..you wouldnt fight me! But you a&&^%^ beat BAMA! You think I'm bad! You will meet more arrogant BAMA fans then you want to know! That's all you will hear is traditon..National Titles..puke!