South Carolina Gamecocks Scrimmage Report

by Gamecock Man on Aug 17, 2011 10:40 PM EDT in South Carolina Gamecocks Football

The Gamecocks held an open scrimmage this evening. Here are a few thoughts on the reports coming out of it.

Shon Carson may seriously challenge Kenny Miles for backup RB. Earlier this summer, I said that I think Carson has a good shot at backup RB, and some of you said that you think it's unlikely that a true freshman will beat out a seasoned back like Miles. Well, I hate to say "I told you so," but Carson continues to show out at practice. He had some very nice runs tonight. If he doesn't displace Miles, he'll at the very least get a solid bit of playing time. I think we may have gotten a real sleeper in this kid.

Connor Shaw played well. Shaw had some good throws tonight. I still expect Garcia, who is playing steady, to be the starter all year. However, I'm glad that Shaw is beginning to show signs of maturity, and I'll welcome him as our QB if Spurrier sees reason to play him much this year. Unfortunately, he left the scrimmage with a minor hand injury. He's expected to be back within a week.

We have great WRs. We're hearing nothing but extremely positive things about our WR corps. Even the formerly struggling Jason Barnes has begun to play very well. It sounds like it's not just going to be Alshon Jeffery this year for the Gamecocks.

The secondary may be struggling. It sounds like our DBs are making some nice picks, which is a pleasant surprise. However, they're also blowing coverages and giving up long TDs. In other words, more of the same from last year. That's not good, folks.

Jadeveon Clowney is ready to make an impact. Clowney was dominant tonight, with many observers commenting that the speed he shows off the line is absolutely unprecedented. On one play, he sacked Garcia, forced a fumble, and ran the fumble back for a TD. I still wonder how well Clowney will do as a true freshman going up against seasoned SEC offensive lines, but he will have an impact this year. Down the road, he should be one of the country's most dominant defensive stars. This kid is the real McCoy.

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Spurrier on our other frosh RB:

“Brandon’s a good running back,” noted Coach Spurrier. “He can make guys miss and knows how to hit the hole. Brandon’s probably going to play because he can play special teams too we’ve learned. He’s a good athlete.”

Garnet and Black Attack: A Blog By and For Gamecocks Fans.

by Gamecock Man on Aug 17, 2011 11:33 PM EDT reply actions

I know some of it's just hype, but I can't help but feel that everyone associated with this program--coaches, players, etc.--has a very positive feeling about this team. You just get that impression every time we hear from them.

Strap your seatbelts, folks.

Garnet and Black Attack: A Blog By and For Gamecocks Fans.

by Gamecock Man on Aug 17, 2011 11:34 PM EDT reply actions

Only two more weeks. until college football starts.

Pretty exciting fall for me. A lot of sports to watch. Braves in the Wild Card right now, Carolina football, Falcons football and the Rugby World Cup(USA will only win one match and get knocked out after pool play, but it will still be fun to watch the other teams.).

- FOW

by skandrewj62j on Aug 18, 2011 9:25 AM EDT up reply actions

Very pleased with the Braves right now. Everybody would be calling them one of MLB's best if they weren't lined up against the Phillies.

As far as Carolina goes, I know it’s hard to make much of practice, particularly with scrimmages like the one last night where the starters play very little. However, I feel like things are going as well as could be hoped for.

Garnet and Black Attack: A Blog By and For Gamecocks Fans.

by Gamecock Man on Aug 18, 2011 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions

Yeah. and even if I was hearing great things,

which we’re hearing a lot of good things, I would still be hesitant. I mean we won’t really know what we’ve got until game 2. And, even after that it won’t be until game 6 that we really now how good or bad Carolina and UGA both are. But 15 days until USC plays ECU. Man I am excited.

- FOW

by skandrewj62j on Aug 19, 2011 9:56 AM EDT up reply actions

I'm really really trying to tamp down expectations,

but posts like these make mein believe this could be a special season for Carolina.

by robert guiscard on Aug 19, 2011 7:33 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

one more thing...

How is the o line looking? I haven’t been following the team as closely as I should, so I was wondering whats going on with them. If they can hold serve…oh boy.

by robert guiscard on Aug 19, 2011 7:34 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions