"See y'all Thursday." Those were Steve Spurrier's final words at his press conference earlier this afternoon. Of course, the South Carolina Gamecocks face the North Carolina Tar Heels Thursday night at 6:00 p.m. on ESPN in the first game of the 2013 college football season. Coach Spurrier described the matchup as a "big game" against a "good team." He noted that had the Tar Heels not lost a few close games last season, "they'd be a ranked team right now."
Offensively, "UNC tries to do a little bit like Clemson" and "snap it quickly." The Ol' Ball Coach says "the answer is to stop them and make them punt." On the defensive side of the ball, Spurrier said North Carolina "struggled a bit last year." However, he said that, on the whole, "North Carolina has always had a bunch of top players" and that "they're a talented bunch of guys." Spurrier believes both teams are better than they were when they last met, a contest which the Gamecocks won 21-15 in 2007, and that it "should be a heck of a game." The fans, he said, are going to be "ready to scream and yell," while noting that the Gamecocks are "25-3 the last four years [at Williams-Brice Stadium]." The fans have "done their part" and "even learned to stay for the alma mater. So, they've done their part. They're coachable." We certainly are, Coach, we certainly are. And, we'll see you on Thursday.
Noteworthy Comments From The Presser
- Rory Anderson (TE) is not likely to play in the UNC game
- Shon Carson (RB) should get a few carries
- Nick Jones (WR) has done "very well" and is "right there in the mix."
- Victor Hampton (DB) will return punts and be back deep on kickoffs with Damiere Byrd (WR).
- There will not be a short leash on Connor Shaw (QB)
- Pass protection has been very good in practice "when Clowney's not in there."
- Spurrier said the "[d]aggum NFL guys are crowding our TV game," voicing frustration over the NFL having and televising Thursday night games.