GoGamecocks.com
Five reasons USC will be better, five reasons they might not be
Garnet team quarterback Stephen Garcia rushes during Saturday's Garnet & Black Spring game at Williams-Brice Stadium
BrettFlashnick.com/Special to The State
CommentsTake an overview of South Carolina football this decade, and the term that comes to mind is “average.”
USC finished 7-6 last season. Since 2000, the Gamecocks have averaged 7.3 wins and 5.3 losses per season.
Never more than nine wins and never less than five. Never more than seven losses and never less than four.
Some programs might take that. Gamecock fans hanker for more.
So in the final season of this decade, what can be expected? Here are five reasons the Gamecocks might finally break through and have a stupendous season, and five reasons their fortunes could go the opposite direction:
FIVE REASONS USC MAY BE BETTER
1. NEW COACHES
An overhauled coaching staff — six new assistants and another in a new assignment — will infuse energy and new ideas into the program.
Eric Wolford turns around the offensive line; G.A. Mangus succeeds in his role as quarterback Stephen Garcia's shadow; Jay Graham gets the running game going; and the special teams, with Shane Beamer taking over after Ray Rychleski's departure to the NFL, show no drop-off.
2. STEPHEN GARCIA
The redshirt sophomore finally lives up to the hype. He benefits from being the unquestioned starter and from going through an entire spring practice.
Garcia's dual-threat abilities give the offense a new dimension: He learns when to abandon the pocket and when to stay in it, and he figures out when to throw the ball away. Spurrier calls just enough designed quarterback runs to keep the defense off-balance.
3. AN OPENING IN THE SEC EAST
OK, it seems far-fetched that anyone will finish ahead of Florida, which returns Tim Tebow, Brandon Spikes and company from the team that won the national title. But no clear-cut No. 2 exists.
Georgia has to replace its quarterback, and who knows how soon, or even if, new coach Lane Kiffin will turn around Tennessee.
No. 2 in the SEC East might not be so bad.
4. THE DEFENSE
Two key figures, linebacker Eric Norwood and defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson, return. So do enough other members of the supporting cast, including budding stars Cliff Matthews (end) and Chris Culliver (safety), safety Darian Stewart and a deep line.
The main question is at cornerback, but new assistant Lorenzo Ward has a great track record, and there is a lot of young talent at the position.
5. INFLUX OF NEW TALENT
The Gamecocks signed a top-15 recruiting class in February, and several of those players participated in spring practice and have a chance to contribute early.
Spurrier has said freshman Stephon Gilmore, who grabbed a starting cornerback spot, has a chance to be the best player to ever play at South Carolina.
Tailback Jarvis Giles showed huge potential in the spring, and receiver Alshon Jeffery was one of the nation's top prospects.
FIVE REASONS USC MIGHT NOT BE BETTER
1. NEW COACHES CAN DO SO MUCH
What if the offensive line problems weren't the fault of ousted assistant coach John Hunt? And even if schematics were a problem, Wolford has to replace two longtime starters, Jamon Meredith and Justin Sorensen. And maybe most importantly, what if Mangus can't get through to Garcia?
2. STEPHEN GARCIA
Experience still counts, and Garcia is a redshirt stophomore. He is raw, and 2009 could end up being another developmental season for him. Or perhaps he’s just not as good as the high school recruiting rankings made him out to be.
3. THE SCHEDULE
Football guru Phil Steele ranked USC’s the toughest in the country. Steele, who has a history of making accurate predictions, pointed out that USC's opponents had a combined winning percentage of .628 last season.
USC must play road games against North Carolina State, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee and Arkansas. Florida, Mississippi and Clemson will visit Williams-Brice.
The Gamecocks could be underdogs in the majority of their games.
4. THE DEFENSE
Personnel losses from last season were heavy: Middle linebacker Jasper Brinkley, underrated cornerback Stoney Woodson and end Jordin Lindsey are gone, and safety Emanuel Cook and cornerback Captain Munnerlyn left early for the NFL.
That leaves plenty of questions, including: Who will step up at the spur position? Will the young corners be able to handle high-flying SEC offenses?
5. LACK OF EXPERIENCE
Gilmore might be a star in the making, but he's a freshman, and he will be targeted early by opposing quarterbacks. Giles and Jeffery have a lot of competition at their positions.
Replacing the NFL's Mr. Irrelevant, place-kicker Ryan Succop, will be relevant to the Gamecocks. Spencer Lanning has experience punting but not attempting field goals.
Most Viewed Stories
- Gamecocks receive an urgent message
- Shorthanded to start: 5 questions facing USC baseball
- North Carolina Receiver Holds USC Offer
- Men's pregame: Gamecocks vs. Gators
- Downey injures ankle but expects to play
- USC Interested In Union County Lineman
- USC recruit could be removed from high school
- USC Taking Look At Florida Lineman
- SEC basketball: Midseason report
- Downey held out of practice
@Nyx.CommentBody@