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Outback still likes USC; Beecher demoted

Despite final loss, Gamecocks may land in Tampa; Spurrier discusses staff changes

Written by JOSEPH PERSON

jperson@thestate.com
Posted on 12.02.08
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Where will USC be headed to a bowl game?

Outback Bowl president Jim McVay watched South Carolina’s 31-14 loss to Clemson on TV. So he saw the four interceptions thrown by Gamecocks quarterback Chris Smelley, the big plays surrendered by the USC defense and the disappointment on the USC sideline.

And McVay still believes USC would be a good fit for his bowl.

“It was a tough game on Saturday. ... That’s football. The other team has scholarships, too,” McVay said Monday. “Does that impact our thoughts about South Carolina? Not at all.”

McVay stopped short of confirming the Gamecocks (7-5) would be in Tampa, Fla., on New Year’s Day, saying LSU (7-5) is the other SEC team under consideration.

But because the Outback has not selected an SEC West team since 1997, most observers believe the Gamecocks will be returning to Tampa for the first time since beating Ohio State in back-to-back Outback appearances following the 2000 and ’01 seasons.

If USC is the choice, the Gamecocks would face No. 24 Northwestern (9-3) or Iowa (8-4), McVay said.

Staff shakeup. Steve Spurrier said his decision to fire offensive line coach John Hunt was difficult but necessary. Hunt was with Spurrier at Florida and the Washington Redskins before joining him at USC, where the Gamecocks’ line struggled to develop consistency.

“It wasn’t his fault. It’s just the way it is. If it’s not working well up front, we can’t sit pat,” Spurrier said. “We’ve got to try to make some changes and make something better happen. That’s part of this coaching business. It’s no fun. But you just have to do it sometimes.”

Spurrier said graduate assistant Cedric Williams, who started at guard under ex-USC coach Lou Holtz, will serve as the interim line coach.

Spurrier is uncertain how he will fill the quarterbacks position vacated by David Reaves. Spurrier could shift his son, Steve Spurrier Jr., from receivers to quarterbacks coach.

Eye on the NFL. Spurrier questioned the effort level of several of the Gamecocks’ NFL draft prospects in the loss at Clemson. Spurrier benched junior tight end Jared Cook for the second half, saying the Gamecocks’ leading receiver did not appear to be into the game.

Though none of the juniors has yet to declare for the draft, coaches have received indications that Cook, strong safety Emanuel Cook and cornerback Captain Munnerlyn will leave early. Linebacker Eric Norwood will ask the NFL’s underclassmen advisory committee for an evaluation but said he plans to return to school.

“A few guys aren’t playing quite like they did early in the year. I think that was obvious,” Spurrier said. “It’s disappointing. Football season’s a long time. Teams either get better or worse. I thought we were getting better after the Arkansas game, and then it seems like we’ve taken a down turn since then.”

Beecher demoted. Quarterback Tommy Beecher, who started the N.C. State opener, will practice with the scout team but will make the trip to the bowl game. Spurrier considered leaving Beecher off the bowl travel list because of the senior’s unwillingness to play.

“That’s OK. Football’s not for everyone,” Spurrier said. “But we need to practice with the guys that really want to play.”

Reach Person at (803) 771-8496.

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