Paul Myerberg: Is USC’s program trending up or down?
50 Opinions, Day 24: Between now and the season-opener against North Carolina on Sept. 3, we will ask 50 people: “What do you think about the Gamecocks in 2015?” We’re counting down the days until kickoff. Today’s panelist is Paul Myerberg, USA Today national college football writer:
“I view this as a crucial season in Spurrier’s tenure with the Gamecocks. Missouri’s made its mark in the East. Georgia is Georgia. Tennessee is stockpiling talent. Where does that leave South Carolina? I wonder about the program’s long-term viability as a major-bowl contender, or if the Spurrier-coached Gamecocks will be able to recapture that 11-win stride from just a few seasons ago. As for this specific team, I look at the entire roster and see two primary issues: at quarterback, most notably, and whether the defense can rebound under Jon Hoke. What’s the biggest thing? ... From my angle, there’s some uncertainty about what this year and the future holds.”