Garnet And Black Attack: FanPosts

Most important games (for me) to win in 2013

2013-05-12T23:31:04Z

Ok, been thinking about the upcoming season with great anticipation so I just wanted to throw this red meat out for you fellow Gamecocks who bleed Garnet.

First of all, every game is critical and I truly feel in my gut that this could be the year to win it all, and I don't think that I am being too delusional. So I will have to say that losing to Clemson or UCF or even Coastal, provided we Win the SECCG that may spring board us to the title game even with a loss or two would trump my choices. However, saying that.......

Here are my choices and reasons, of course BCS CG/ SECCG would be number one priorities so this may sound a little crazy.

1. Beat Clemson, 5 in a row baby, we keep winning the State and good things will happen. Actually in my demented brain we could go 1-12, but if we took Clemson down this year, I'd still feel pretty damn good. Hell that would just hurt that much more! So, provided we do this, and I think we will It's going to be a damn good year, (at least to me)

2. Beat Georgia, Oh yeah, between the hedges again and tear em up. Would be great for recruiting that state, cause I got the feeling that the dawgs still think they're waaay better than us. Send Murray out with all the Georgia records, including losing to us 4 in a row....hah! And though there are some good dawg fans, overall I'd have to say they are the most obnoxious I can think of. Clemson fans are down right polite compared to them in general in my opinion. woof woof woof!! 1-12 with this win would salvage my year too, I know.....I'm crazy.

3. This was tough but I'm going with the battle of the Carolina's over Florida. First, it is the battle of the Carolinas and I want to win it. Just because they're North Carolina and this used to be a storied rivalry. Also they're ACC and we could get some excellent recruits from that State. I'd also be embarrassed to lose to them. I know, I know non conference game.

4. Florida. (Move Tennessee here purely for personal reasons see below) Gotta make amend for that U G L Y game last year. They're our biggest east rival behind GA. Florida's got some of the best prospects in the country also. It's a big game but should we lose I wouldn't be totally crushed. It kind of be like the LSU loss last year. Bad yes, but not unexpected and their fans don't bother me. Hey, HBC's a Gator!

5. Tennessee. I F'ing hate The University of Tennessee..... Actually move them up to number 3! I hate Rocky Top, I hate Smokey, I hate Phillip Fulmer and I HATE ORANGE. I swear I've personally attended more damn Tennesee games in the past to see us lose in the last F'ing minute than any other home games. Almost happened again last year too! THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART MR CLOWNEY!!!!! Their fans suck too, as evident of there boorish habit of running their mouths and chest beating in the bars after the super close wins. 1 step below Georgia fans, but at least I like red. Hopefully they will be lost in sea of despair for many moons to the HBC. BTW I do love the state.

6. Arkansas.....Soooooeeeeeh! Their fans suck, and they're generally obnoxious, and this is coming from me and South Carolina bona fide redneck. Plus hiring that turncoat POS Petrino says a lot about their school's top dudes AD, Pres, etc. Do some research on this guy and he make Kiffen look ok. I'm a little surprised they fired him. Their fans were pissed about that....go figure. Nuff said.

7. Vandy. I like Vandy, but it would be like getting beat up by your little brother. They're also a East rival. I'm actually proud of their baseball team. They are really really good this year. Not to mention you have to be a brainiac to get into Vandy. So good for them, just don't lose to them!

8. Missouri, nothing against Missou, but they're an east rival now, and....the new kid on the block. I hope they beat Kansas every year. (I'm old school war between the states on that) I reckon so.

9. Kentucky, sure we need to beat them, and they ALWAYS seem to play us tough. Navy tough. Always liked there fans and pull for their bball team in the tourney. Cause we never seem to be in the running. However I hope Martin and Kansas State are butts to the top in bball. (way off subject) Btw that critical game a couple of years ago we lost the them....WTF, who IS COVERING RANDALL F'ING COBB IN THE END ZONE!!!

10. Mississippi State. Blow them out, I don't want to hear the cowbells.....AT ALL.

11. UCF. This is a Trap game for us. They were pretty good last year, and we're playing them at their house. They'd love to put a feather in there cap with a win over the mighty SEC. Watch out.

12. Coastal Carolina......I know it ain't gonna happen, but if they beat us, I'd be proud for them. Didn't they used to be USC coastal? Anyhow, that be like getting whipped by your little sister. Embarrassing as hell, but she's family and you'd be proud for her. Talk about an Epic party at the beach! Besides we could always blame it on looking ahead to Clemson!

1. Alternate, National Championship Game!!!! IT COULD HAPPEN.

2. Alternate, SECCG. Oh yeah! However HBC might retire on that one.

3.Alternate, Bowl Game against Ohio State or Michigan. I think they have a superiority complex vs us. 3-0 vs OSU or 2-0 vs Mich would be sweet. However I'd never rank it above beating Clemson or Georgia THIS year.

On a side note..... Congratulations Marcus Lattimore with the niners! A really good man from my hometown of Duncan. He'll talk to anyone at the Gas station. I can attest to that personally. Very humble and sincere nice guy. He's going to be great in the NFL in time. The best Goal line back I've seen since Earl Campbell.

I'd also like to give a Shout out to Taneyhills Mullet for his most excellent post "The 2012 Clemson Experience" Its well worth a re-read. One of the most exasperating win for us and crushing experiences for any Clemson fan! hahahahahahah. Fear the thumb Tiggers!

Ok, been thinking about the upcoming season with great anticipation so I just wanted to throw this red meat out for you fellow Gamecocks who bleed Garnet.

Here are my choices and reasons, of course BCS CG/ SECCG would be number one priorities so this may sound a little crazy.

8. Missouri, nothing against Missou, but they're an east rival now, and....the new kid on the block. I hope they beat Kansas every year. (I'm old school war between the states on that) I reckon so.

10. Mississippi State. Blow them out, I don't want to hear the cowbells.....AT ALL.

11. UCF. This is a Trap game for us. They were pretty good last year, and we're playing them at their house. They'd love to put a feather in there cap with a win over the mighty SEC. Watch out.

1. Alternate, National Championship Game!!!! IT COULD HAPPEN.

2. Alternate, SECCG. Oh yeah! However HBC might retire on that one.

Mr. Clowney got humbled

2013-05-07T03:51:37Z

Now let me start by saying that I do not wish to see anyone get hurt in the game of football no matter how much I dislike him. With that said, Mr. Jadeveon Clowney got a little taste of his own medicine when he suffered a neck sprain in spring practice after running into a teammate. The whole nation loved the big hit Big Bad Clowney put on little Vincent Smith of Michigan. That hit really makes you a big man Jadeveon doesn't it as you even admitted yourself you like watching the play over and over again on youtube. Well God has a way of humbling us when we get too big for our britches like you did. How did it feel when you ran into your teammate and your whole NFL future flashed before your eyes? Did it humble you any? Besides, anyone could have made that hit if they had a free shot at the ball carrier so you're not all that like people make you out to be. Lets see how many kill shots you get in the upcoming SEC season when you play 'Bama and Tennessee. And coach Steve Spurrier, the AD, Marketing Director and President of South Carolina should all be fired for printing that photo of Clowney hitting Smith on the SC media guide. Oh well, you're not called the Cocks for nothing! : )

GIF: Micheal Roth's Major League Debut

2013-04-14T04:14:27Z

Saturday evening against the Houston Astros, Micheal Roth made his major league debut for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. As an Astros fan I was a bit torn but rooting for Roth (Astros were winning so it made that easier). I was more than pleased with his outing and I hope he can exceed expectations at the major league level.

Here are a couple GIFs from Saturday nights outing.

Roth gets Justin Maxwell, his first major league hitter, out on a ground out to short.

He follows the ground out with a strikeout of Jason Castro.

And then strikes out Chris Carter who had previously hit a homerun in the game

He collected two more strike outs in his second inning of work in the ninth keeping the Angels within a run of the Astros and keying the eventual Angels come back in the ninth inning and his first major league win as a pitcher.

It's quite amazing and unique that Roth is in the majors so early. He's only had 27 innings in the minor but due to the Angels bad farm system he's in a unique situation in which the Astros are desperate for pitching and apparently have seen something in him to give him a shot in the major leagues.

Roth gets Justin Maxwell, his first major league hitter, out on a ground out to short.

He follows the ground out with a strikeout of Jason Castro.

And then strikes out Chris Carter who had previously hit a homerun in the game

Could Jadeveon Clowney win the Heisman Trophy?

2013-04-06T23:35:25Z

If a picture tells a thousand words then what on earth does this video say? Jadeveon Clowney enters his junior year with many saying that had he been eligible for the 2013 NFL Draft, he would have been the number one overall pick. A bold statement that has led many, including myself, to question the NFL's rule requiring three years of eligibility before entering the league (I might add that there are equally compelling arguments to maintain the status quo, including here). After flirting with the idea of sitting out 2013 to avoid injury, Clowney will take the field next season as the defensive frontrunner for the Heisman, albeit with a $5 million insurance policy against loss of earnings due to injury.

So what chance does Clowney have of winning an award that's practically unattainable for anyone on the defensive side of the ball? Each year, and rightly so, commentators reference the fact that the Heisman Trophy has become somewhat of a quarterbacks award, that the only position that has a hope of winning the award outside of a quarterback, is a running back. Commentators normally go on to say that the last player to win the Heisman on the defensive side of the ball was Charles Woodson in 1997, which for me, is somewhat of a misnomer.

Yes, Woodson did play cornerback and yes, Woodson did win the award in 1997 but he didn’t win it because of what he did on defense. In his Heisman year, Woodson made 44 tackles - including 5 for a loss - broke up 9 passes and caught 8 interceptions, none of which were returned for touchdowns. As far as I can tell – and I must say, it’s very difficult to find comprehensive stats of Woodson’s Heisman year – he forced no fumbles and recovered no fumbles. It should be noted that Michigan went undefeated that season on the way to winning a share of the national championship. Don’t get me wrong, those are good numbers but they’re not Heisman numbers; to put them into perspective, in 2009 when the Texas Longhorns made the BCS National Championship, Earl Thomas made 65 tackles – including 4.5 for a loss – broke up 9 passes and caught 8 interceptions of which 2 were returned for touchdowns. Thomas’s numbers are practically identical to Woodson’s, if not better, and Texas also had a successful season, yet I don’t remember anyone screaming that Thomas was worthy of a Heisman vote. The reason that Charles Woodson won the Heisman was because he played in all three phases of the game. He rushed for 41 yards on 5 carries for a touchdown and caught 12 receptions for 238 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also had 301 yards on punt returns and another touchdown. He played on 765 of Michigan’s snaps; 613 on defense, 69 on offense, and 83 on special teams.

So if Charles Woodson wasn’t the last pure defensive player to win the Heisman, who was? Answer: nobody. Ernie Davis, Leon Hart and Larry Kelley are other notable names that won the Heisman after playing both offense and defense but no pure defensive player has ever won the Heisman Trophy. That’s right, the award given to "the most outstanding college football player whose performance best exhibits the pursuit of excellence with integrity" in a single season has never been awarded to anyone that played solely defense. It’s not looking good, Jadeveon.

The only two players on defense to even have a sniff of winning the Heisman in recent memory are Ndamukong Suh and Manti Te’o. If Ndamukong Suh was only good enough for fourth in the Heisman voting in 2009 and Manti Te’o was a runner up last season - two players who had about as dominating seasons as any on the defensive side of the ball - what hope does Clowney have? Well quite a lot actually. Clowney has something that neither Suh nor Te'o had. Hype.

Suh threw offensive lineman and quarterbacks around like rag dolls for much of 2009 but it wasn't until the Big 12 Championship game against Texas where he sacked Colt McCoy 4.5 times and had 6 tackles for a loss that much of America truly knew who he was. It was a little too late to make any real noise in New York, hence his fourth place positioning. Had he played in Alabama crimson rather than Nebraska red it might have been a different story. When Manti Te'o sealed Notre Dame's victory in Norman over 15 Oklahoma with an interception, he formerly catapulted himself into the Heisman conversation. The only trouble with that was it took until week 9 to reach the level of legitimate contender. Had he been entrenched as a favourite from the outset, maybe he could have beat out Johnny Manziel.

I'm not saying that you have to be a frontrunner from word go to win the Heisman, plenty of unknowns and dark horses have emerged from the pack. You won't be able to find a single person in the pre-season that thought the last three winners would win the Heisman ("Cam who? The kid that played JUCO last season, no chance"; "the skinny sprinter out of Waco that tore up his knee? Yeah right"; "a freshman to win the Heisman? Are you for real?") When it comes to defensive players however, I think the only realistic chance they have of winning the Heisman is if they're in the public eye from the outset and the media hype machine is preaching to the masses from day one. Te'o had all the stats, the on-field performance, the off-field sob story, the national championship contending team, the gold Notre Dame helmet and yet still fell short. I think that Clowney has more of a hope than anyone else in recent history because of the stigma surrounding him already, six months before the season even kicks off.

So what will it take for Jadeveon Clowney to win the Heisman? He might have the media hype already in the bag but he’ll obviously need to produce on the field. Last season he made 54 tackles including – are you ready for it? – 23.5 for a loss (!!!). 44% of the tackles he made were behind the line of scrimmage, including that monster hit on the unsuspecting Michigan running back in the Outback Bowl that I linked to above. In addition that, Clowney sacked the quarterback 13 times, hurried him 5 other times, forced 3 fumbles, recovered 1 and swatted 2 balls at the line of scrimmage. A truly heroic effort that leaves you understanding exactly why he was touted as a potential number one overall pick had he been eligible for the 2013 NFL Draft. If he can replicate and better these numbers, he’ll undoubtedly be in the running.

The stats only tell half the story though. Watching Jadeveon Clowney makes you truly appreciate why he might be a legitimate Heisman contender. He explodes off the line of scrimmage with a freakish burst of speed; he’s runs a 4.5 forty and you can see how when the ball is snapped. He matches his speed with elite strength to put offensive lineman on their back foot before relentlessly driving them back. He knows when to stop his rush and disengage from the blocker in an attempt to bat the ball down at the line. He has great awareness in the run game and almost effortlessly peels off blockers to make a play on the ball carrier; as can be seen by his tackles for a loss. He gets after the passer and flushes him out of the pocket with his speed. All in all, Clowney is a freakish athlete that could help make the South Carolina Gamecocks legitimate contenders in the SEC and consequently the BCS National Championship picture.

With no Alabama, LSU or Texas A&M on South Carolina’s schedule, the Gamecocks have a great opportunity to run the table next season. They have a home game against Florida to get through plus Georgia and Arkansas on the road but any time the schedule reads Mississippi State and Arkansas from the SEC West rather than Alabama, LSU, Texas A&M or Auburn, you know you’ve dodged a bullet or two. If South Carolina is able to win the SEC East, Clowney will be in a good position in the Heisman race.

If a pure defensive player is going to win the Heisman, he’ll need hype surrounding him from day one, monster stats on the field and a national championship contending team. He’s got the media hype part alright. If South Carolina win the SEC and Clowney puts up similar numbers to a season ago year, he might just better Manti Te’o’s runner up place. I'm not stupid, I know his chances are practically less than one percent; it's no coincidence the Heisman Memorial Trophy is a running back stiff-arming a defender. Nevertheless, he has a steep uphill climb ahead of him but if anyone has a chance, it's Jadeveon Clowney.

My Top Ten Plays of the 2012 Gamecock FB Season

2013-01-10T21:04:13Z

These are my top plays of the 2012 gamecock football season. Some were chosen for their significance to the outcome of the game; others for their spectacular "buzz worthiness". As with all lists, there is nothing perfect about it. You may have other opinions. That's fine. This is just mine.

10. Dylan Thompson's late game, first down scramble on third and nineteen against Clemson. A critical conversion that extended the drive, burned the clock, and set up the final TD dagger to Bruce Ellington for a fourth straight win over Clemmy.

9. DJ Swearinger's 69 yd. interception for touchdown against Arkansas. The spectacular pick six, and celebratory heave of the ball into the student section, put an exclamation point on the seniors exorcising themselves of the Arkansas demons.

8. Ace Sanders 34 yd. TD reception against Clemson. This catch gave us the lead for the first time and sent a "deathly" hush over Death Valley.

7. Damiere Byrd's long reception to open the game against Georgia. What could have been a deflating interception set up SC's first score against the Dawgs and ushered in a great night for the Gamecocks.

6. Jadeveon Clowney's sack and strip of Tyler Bray in the final minutes of the Tennessee game. After a quiet afternoon, Clowney stepped up at just the right time to salvage the victory.

5. Marcus Lattimore's 28 yd. touchdown scamper against Tennessee, the 38th and final TD of Marcus's illustrious but injury plagued time as a Gamecock.

4. DJ Swearinger's take out of Andre Ellington against Clemson. A top play not just for Jungleboi's trademark swagger but for how it symbolizes SC's recent physical domination of the Tigers.

3. Dylan Thompson's hook up with Bruce Ellington in the closing seconds to win the bowl game against Michigan. Special not just for capping a second consecutive eleven win season but for saving us the crushing anxiety of another Adam Yates field goal attempt.

2. Ace Sanders' punt return for touchdown against Georgia. After initially mishandling the punt, Ace take it to the house setting off a pandemonium in the Willy-B likes of which I've never heard.

1. "The Hit" against Michigan. They will be talking about this one in bars, pool halls, and barber shops for generations to come.

8. Ace Sanders 34 yd. TD reception against Clemson. This catch gave us the lead for the first time and sent a "deathly" hush over Death Valley.

6. Jadeveon Clowney's sack and strip of Tyler Bray in the final minutes of the Tennessee game. After a quiet afternoon, Clowney stepped up at just the right time to salvage the victory.

5. Marcus Lattimore's 28 yd. touchdown scamper against Tennessee, the 38th and final TD of Marcus's illustrious but injury plagued time as a Gamecock.

4. DJ Swearinger's take out of Andre Ellington against Clemson. A top play not just for Jungleboi's trademark swagger but for how it symbolizes SC's recent physical domination of the Tigers.

2. Ace Sanders' punt return for touchdown against Georgia. After initially mishandling the punt, Ace take it to the house setting off a pandemonium in the Willy-B likes of which I've never heard.

1. "The Hit" against Michigan. They will be talking about this one in bars, pool halls, and barber shops for generations to come.

The Outback Bowl South Carolina GIF Recap

2013-01-01T23:13:31Z

Here's my recap of the biggest plays of the game for South Carolina.

Gamecocks got the game started with this Connor Shaw touchdown pass and Damiere Byrd touchdown catch

via assets.sbnation.com

The second half was not going so well for Carolina until Jadeveon Clowney did this

via assets.sbnation.com

Right after that Shaw connected with Sanders for his third touchdown of the game

via assets.sbnation.com

Michigan would score again to take back the lead but left enough time on the clock for Thompson to make this pass with 11 seconds left in the game

via assets.sbnation.com

What a thrilling game and a nice way to end the season. I was a bit worried that the Gamecocks were backed against a wall because the offense couldn't get the defense any rest and it was giving Michigan an opportunity to stay in the game by rushing the ball and wearing down the defense. But South Carolina was resilient and certainly left everything out on the field.

Ace Sanders was named MVP of the Outback Bowl and I wholeheartedly agree: 92 receiving yards, two receiving touchdowns, 66 punt return yards, one punt return for a touchdown and three GIFs.

Here's my recap of the biggest plays of the game for South Carolina.

Gamecocks got the game started with this Connor Shaw touchdown pass and Damiere Byrd touchdown catch

via assets.sbnation.com

After a defensive stop Ace Sanders did this

via assets.sbnation.com

Dylan Thompson came into the game for a series and found Nick Jones

via assets.sbnation.com

Then Thompson connected with Sanders for his second touchdown

via assets.sbnation.com

The second half was not going so well for Carolina until Jadeveon Clowney did this

via assets.sbnation.com

Right after that Shaw connected with Sanders for his third touchdown of the game

via assets.sbnation.com

Michigan would score again to take back the lead but left enough time on the clock for Thompson to make this pass with 11 seconds left in the game

via assets.sbnation.com

Ace Sanders was named MVP of the Outback Bowl and I wholeheartedly agree: 92 receiving yards, two receiving touchdowns, 66 punt return yards, one punt return for a touchdown and three GIFs.

Gamecock Addiction and the Rose Bowl

2013-01-01T02:18:35Z

Sports addicts are different. We don’t enjoy sports like typical fans. We live them. Which, of course, sounds completely melodramatic and borderline psychotic to a non-sports addict. And yes, most of us acknowledge our insanity. Fighting it is futile.

Sports addicts crave information. We watch and re-watch every game multiple times. I use my DVR slow-motion to analyze key plays: the guards pull, the safeties overreact to the play-action, the linebackers lose track of their responsibilities, and Justice catches a 7 yard curl. Athletic symphony.

We devour every article, we worry about grades, and we fret over just how healthy individual team members might be. When our wives are trying to talk to us about our very own children, we blurt out random concerns like, “Boy, I sure hope Conner’s foot is healing.” Or, “We’ve struggled with the zone blitz - Vandy likes to zone blitz.”

We also invite these athletes into our lives. Not the real people, of course. We’re delusional, not stupid. We accept them the way they appear on the field, on TV, in the media room. We refer to them by their first names and our families know whom we’re talking about.

I was sad when Arizona recorded the last out of the 2012 College World Series. Not because our young bats went cold at the exact worst time. And not because that amazing three-year ride came to an end. But because I would miss Michael Roth, Christian Walker, and Matty Price (he’s Matty in my house).

In 2010, when we came out of nowhere to win that first National Championship, it was a tough time in my life. I was losing my job and moving all the way across the country for another one. So I trekked up to Omaha. I had nothing to lose. And the boys played the same way.

Next year, I was in a much better place. I had a better job and loved the new digs - it was a good year. So I went to Omaha again. Life had come full circle. With my own eyes I watched Scotty Wingo stab that bases-loaded screamer, scramble to his feet, and throw home. I saw the ball’s angle drift lower and lower. But Robert Beary scooped it like it was nothing. Let me repeat: he scooped it with a catcher’s mitt! Our cheers were slightly muted. More a sigh of relief. Bases were still loaded and just one down.. Then 4, 2, 3. Time to go bananas. And we did. What a ride.

I now live near a town Scotty’s minor league team visited. I shelled out the $6 and cheered for him. How could I not show up and support him? It’s what any sports addict would do.

And last, sports addicts connect life-events to sporting memories. I remember well my Senior year Homecoming dance. I left my date to dance with other dudes while I watched Game 6 of the World Series with the football coach in the Band Room. I watched in horror as my beloved Braves choked away a 2-0 series lead to the Yankees. The Yankees! I’ve never forgiven Derek Jeter or Jim Leyritz. My date went home disappointed. I went home despondent.

I proposed to my wife twenty minutes before John Smoltz blew out his elbow.

My favorite Williams-Brice memory came on 9/29/2001. We stood and honored those who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks which rattled us just 18 days before. Then we watched our beloved Gamecocks fall behind Alabama, only to win it with Phil Petty’s 7-yard fade to Rod Trafford. My dad and I stayed until the band played Amazing Grace. To this day my dad refuses to admit he had tears.

The last I time missed a Gamecocks’ football game was later that same 2001 season. And I mean really missed the game. My work often demands that I miss kick-off. Blessed be the DVR. And I’ve always managed to avoid hearing the score, probably because people around me know I’ll go bananas if I ever do. Ever since the final regular-season game of 2001, that glorious victory over Clemson, I’ve watched or listened to every Gamecock football game. And, as most sports addicts know, an 11 year run requires some extreme measures on occasion.

That day - the game I last missed - was the day my family buried my grandfather in a no-name town on the Kansas-Nebraska border. For forty years he battled alcoholism’s demons. But he sobered up. And he made his last ten years count. Before his liver gave out, he led over 40 other alcoholics through AA and beyond.

It was a glorious prairie afternoon - 70 degrees and no wind. The late-fall sun cast a golden hue over the entire landscape. We put my grandpa in the ground right about the same time Corey Jenkins dove into the endzone to seal the victory.

I caught the box-score the next morning while rushing through an airport terminal. In 2001, it was still rude to check your phone at a family gathering.

That was the last time I flat-out missed a Gamecock football game. That is, until tomorrow. You see, I’m going to the Rose Bowl. Live and in the flesh. It’ll be my first time.

Like many of you, I fell in love with college football watching Keith Jackson call the Granddaddy of Them All ... in the shadows of the San Gabriel mountains. It’s been a dream to attend the Rose Bowl Game. And everything this year broke right with my job, my family, and my finances. I don’t care that Wisconsin made it in. Or that Barry Alvarez is coaching the team. It’s the Rose Bowl. And that’s special.

I must admit - I feel a little guilty. Just ditching my Gamecocks like that. Several of my sports addict friends assure me this one’s justifiable.

But I’ll be keeping a close eye on the score and a toasted right hand. Look for the guy and gal at the Rose Bowl in Gamecock hoodies. That just might be us.

Go Gamecocks. Beat Michigan.

I now live near a town Scotty’s minor league team visited. I shelled out the $6 and cheered for him. How could I not show up and support him? It’s what any sports addict would do.

I proposed to my wife twenty minutes before John Smoltz blew out his elbow.

I caught the box-score the next morning while rushing through an airport terminal. In 2001, it was still rude to check your phone at a family gathering.

That was the last time I flat-out missed a Gamecock football game. That is, until tomorrow. You see, I’m going to the Rose Bowl. Live and in the flesh. It’ll be my first time.

I must admit - I feel a little guilty. Just ditching my Gamecocks like that. Several of my sports addict friends assure me this one’s justifiable.

But I’ll be keeping a close eye on the score and a toasted right hand. Look for the guy and gal at the Rose Bowl in Gamecock hoodies. That just might be us.

Go Gamecocks. Beat Michigan.

Chad Morris Stays - Good News?

2012-12-21T21:46:11Z

A butterfly flaps its wings in Los Angeles and Clemson fans very nearly had a bad day.

Three years ago Southern Cal stole Lane Kiffin and stuck Tennessee with Louisiana Tech’s 17-20 Derek Dooley. There never was a more prototypical fall-guy.

Derek’s youthful verve dazzled us with starched orange pants and that magnificent comb-over. Energy, effort, and that precious last name kept the naysayers at bay for precisely ... er ... never mind. Tennessee fans always knew they were on the rebound. Derek secured their self-esteem, though they knew it would never last.

Poor Derek. With all the NCAA sanctions, he was given a rolled-up newspaper to take to a gun fight. Good thing for Gamecock fans, Derek’s no Jason Bourne with a rolled-up newspaper. No matter how depleted the squad, UT fans sincerely believe they gave Derek the great privilege of coaching their football team.

And very soon the Tennessee brain trust demurred like the cute 9th grade cheerleader who ditches her middle school crush for the Junior with a driver’s license. “Derek, you’re really sweet and you treated me right. My dad even likes you. But Butch drives a 300Z. Can we still be friends?”

So, Cincinnati responds by somehow upgrading to Tommy Tuberville and next thing we know Chad Morris is all Guns Up in Lubbock. It’s at this point my Clemson friends are in full-fledged freak out mode. Which was awesome. You know the end of the story - TTech opted for their very own former standout, Kliff Kingsbury.

Kudos to Kliff, by the way, for leveraging Manziel’s Heisman into his family’s permanent financial security. Well played, sir. Well played. Just don’t take investment advice from John L. Smith.

For 48 hours we got to watch Clemson fans squirm, but I was conflicted. You see, I love it when Clemson fans have bad days. But I want Clemson fans to have lots of bad days. And deep down I’m convinced that Chad Morris’s offensive philosophy is flawed and that his presence on Clemson’s staff will ultimately result in more disappointing days ahead.

Let me explain.

First, like most garnet-clad aficionados, I have a very low opinion of the ACC. I used to think of the conference as something like a 2A high school compared to the 5A. Yeah, you have some nice athletes. And every once and again you can field a squad capable of competing with the big boys, but good luck over the long haul.

I don’t think in terms of that analogy any more. I think of the ACC vs. the SEC more like the JV vs. the Varsity.

Yet, Clemson’s brand-name and fan support ACC-wise is second only to Florida State’s - the Tigers are going to draw talent. But it’s my opinion that Clemson would have posted the same win/loss record the last few seasons no matter who was coaching them. The ACC is simply that bad.

Second, consider our current football champions. The New York Giants won with a dominant defensive line and balance on offense. Same for the Crimson Tide. And have you watched North Dakota State? Defending I-AA champs (I don’t care what they call it now) and returning to the championship game? They look like Alabama clad in green and gold. And as an added bonus, NDSU fans generally refrain from sexual deviancy and arborcide when celebrating wins or mourning defeats.

I’ll let Gary Danielson make the point. Somewhere during our tilt verses Mizzou, Gary said something like, “Great teams can score slow when they have to. They secure the ball, get points, and keep the defense fresh.” Gary also said we couldn’t win the SEC with our current offensive line play. Crap. That means Gary was right twice.

I say, let Dabo and his cronies relish all the hollow victories while we build a team capable of squeezing the life out of an opponent. That’s what LSU did to us - they put us in the sleeper hold. In the long run, I’m convinced it’s better to build a boa constrictor than a jack rabbit.

Merry Christmas. Happy New Year. And many more bitter disappointments for our orange-clad neighbors.

A butterfly flaps its wings in Los Angeles and Clemson fans very nearly had a bad day.

Three years ago Southern Cal stole Lane Kiffin and stuck Tennessee with Louisiana Tech’s 17-20 Derek Dooley. There never was a more prototypical fall-guy.

Kudos to Kliff, by the way, for leveraging Manziel’s Heisman into his family’s permanent financial security. Well played, sir. Well played. Just don’t take investment advice from John L. Smith.

Let me explain.

I don’t think in terms of that analogy any more. I think of the ACC vs. the SEC more like the JV vs. the Varsity.

Merry Christmas. Happy New Year. And many more bitter disappointments for our orange-clad neighbors.

Bielema to Arky, can someone please explain this move?

2012-12-05T00:51:53Z

Bret McMurphy and Matt Millen showing their surprise at this move also-

http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/8709694/bret-bielema-head-coach-wisconsin-badgers-accepts-position-coach-arkansas-razorbacks-source

The logic says his style of play would fit well in the SEC, but where are any connections to recruiting both in and out of the state of Arkansas? How will he recruit in Texas and Florida? This was a stunner for both parties involved, Wisconsin and Arky, and I bet Wisconsin is furious with this move.

The 2012 Clemson Experience

2012-12-03T20:32:35Z

It’s thirty minutes to kickoff and the flag-football game known as Bedlam just started the fourth quarter. Couldn’t see that coming, ESPN? And just as I’m googling how to bounce satellite signals Sneakers-style through Russia to catch the kickoff, Chris Fowler informs us that the Palmetto Bowl will kickoff on ESPNews. No HD, but I’ll live with it.

Noooo! We’ve come out in the All-Whites. Doesn’t Coach Spurrier know the All-Whites aren’t to be trusted? Doesn’t he remember the 2005 Auburn Experience? Or 2009 Arkansas? Just then my wife asks, “What’s wrong with the TV?” Too complicated to explain because we just got a stop. And, Ace! Very nice, Ace. I’m so glad you’re in my life, Ace.

While teaching my three-year-old to fist pump, I freeze. Then sulk. Dylan Thompson just trotted into the game. See, unlike most degenerate fans - and trust me, I am a degenerate fan- I enter media lockdown three hours before kickoff. As Lyman Zerga might say, “Mister Benedict, trash talk prior to kickoff does not interest me.”

Now I really am having Nam-like Auburn 2005 flashbacks. The All-Whites! Antonio Heffner! At least we get the first play off without calling a timeout. Memo to Columbia: the only idea worse than the All-Whites is a Black Out.

I knew Conner was hurting, but come on, he’s Conner Freaking Shaw! Dude beat Vandy with a cracked shoulder. My man is a straight-up junk yard dog. And there he is. On the sideline. Fingers tucked customarily under the collars of his shoulder pads. The light gleaming off his visor hides his eyes - or should I say, soul. I would try to find some hidden meaning, but this is how Conner always looks.

It’s officially going to be a long night. Back-up quarterback. Bedlam’s poised for quintuple overtime. And Matt Millen is uttering actual analysis like, “What’s important here is that South Carolina’s offense take the ball and score.” Joe Tessitore dutifully affirms the sage counsel. I don’t even bother to break out the in-game snacks.

By the way, does Joe Tessitore sleep? Is he possibly an ESPN-created announcer cyborg? I’m pretty sure Joe announced 94 college football games this season - and does a pretty good job, I might add. Last year he called a bowl game and the same night announced a motorcyle/snowmobile jump from Las Vegas.

“Well, it’s been a really great three-year run.” I sigh. “Football. Baseball. Even the basketball team came through in a couple spots.” My wife hisses back, “Honey. Enough already. It’s just the first quarter.” Yes, it is just the first quarter.

We punt and Clemson engineers that 16 play masterpiece capped off by Boyd keeping the option. Death Valley goes bananas. Yeah, yeah. Fight Tigers. Fight Tigers. Fight. Fight. Fight.

But then something happens. Bruce weaves his way for a nice kickoff return. Our receivers, accustomed to SEC defensive backs, are finding separation a little easier. Thompson, with his cap-gun right arm, is forced to throw the ball on-time and maybe even a little early to compensate for the parabola. This isn’t the Death Valley of Baton Rouge. Or at least not the same breed of Tiger. Give Clemson their due - they are the ACC Coastal Co-Champions. But still.

Thompson to Ellington’s back shoulder confirms the hope - we can score. The prospects are still grim. Perhaps we can keep it close enough to rob any joy from a Clemson victory - we’ll always have the Conner-Marcus corollary.

Two plays, 75 yards later and we’re back where we started a few minutes ago. But there’s a strange silver lining in all this. I remember the HBC saying something about hanging the defense out to dry. And let’s give credit - Boyd to Hopkins was perfect. Let ‘em try passes like that all night. We’ll see how many they complete. ESPN cuts to Tahj. Helmet off. Earrings glinting in the cool South Carolina night. He’s doing a victory lap. Turns out that touchdown was fool’s gold. And, yes, we did make them complete those balls all night. And, yes, they hit just one more. First quarter victory laps pretty much summarize Tahj’s career so far.

In my very uneducated opinion, Clemson gave the game away in the second quarter even though the teams fought to a stalemate on the scoreboard. The defense gets a quick stop. Clowney forces a hot-air balloon. And just like that our offense is afforded the most valuable of commodities - time. The game is slowing down for Dylan. He’s scanning the field and even keeps the zone-read a couple times. And on the other side of the ball, the myth of Hopkins/Watkins slowly fades. Are they really better than Tennessee’s duo?

It’s half-time and I’m hopeful. But it’s the worst kind of fan hope - we can do this, but everything’s going to have to break right. It’s been nice the last few seasons not to have that feeling too often. We’ve all said it, “If we can just catch a break or two ...” And usually the breaks never come. At least not in the SEC. I’ve been scarred by too many years of cold-hearted execution that leaves Gamecock nation heading to the parking lot early saying, “if only.”

So we take the ball and Kenny goes for ten. Thompson to Jones for 30! Miles again. Jones again. And have I mentioned how happy I am to have Ace in my life? Death Valley goes silent (thank you Todd Ellis). Perhaps Clemson fans had a few halftime worries of their own. Sure, the IPTAY Grand Poubas gathered around the urinals and predicted a win going away. But ... it was only a week ago when that defense made Mike Glennon look like a first rounder.

Roll that Mr. Football footage. Always a good sign.

While the teams are trading field goals and [bad] interceptions, two keys seem to emerge. First, we are getting all the breaks. The Tigers let two interceptions slip through their fingers. Tough catches, but still. And the refs are feeling a little generous. And before Gamecocks fans get their panties in a wad, Coach said as much in the post-game presser.

And second, our offense lacked a bread-and-butter. Yeah, Dylan was hitting those check downs and finding some short throws, but the offense was coming in fits and starts. And when Kenny went down, oye, whatever running game we had took a major hit (one big run from Davis withstanding).

But in a weird way, that lack of continuity was ... helping! Every series went to third or fourth down. Tick tick tick. A penalty here and there. Another third down conversion. Tick tick tick. ESPN’s showing unbelievable time of possession graphics.

And then, magic! Coach Spurrier pulls the rabbit out of his hat on a 3rd and 18 quarterback draw. How beautiful was that play call? It made no sense. Compared to Conner, Dylan scampers like Gumby in cleats. And since we’d run the same exact play thirty seconds earlier for a penalty-negated touchdown, it was the last play the defense expected. But, it made perfect sense. Why ask Dylan to throw into red-zone coverage? Worst-case, we turn it over to the defense with a six point lead. Like I said, magic.

We bleed another three minutes off the clock, Dylan hits Bruce, and I can’t believe it - there’s just four minutes left. More smoke and mirrors.

Now Gamecock fans get to say some of the most beautiful words in the English language: Sick-em, Jadeveon!

The War Daddy obliges by going Mortal Kombat on a dazed Tahj. Clemson fans are stupefied - those plays worked so well against Duke and Wake. Yes, Jadeveon was superb. But I want to give our interior line a shout-out. Sutton and Jerideau held Ellington in check just enough to allow Clowney to bring his immense talents to bear.

Reminiscing with some buddies in the waning seconds, I picked Swearinger’s big hit and celebration. Yeah, the taunting hacked off the 50-somethings wearing UA golf shirts. But it fired up the 20-somethings wearing the UA uniforms. It seems D.J. summarized the team’s sentiment - “We’re bigger, stronger, and better than you. Come get some.”

Maybe I’d be singing a different tune had things gone badly, but turns out, I don’t have to! 27-17. Come get some.

We punt and Clemson engineers that 16 play masterpiece capped off by Boyd keeping the option. Death Valley goes bananas. Yeah, yeah. Fight Tigers. Fight Tigers. Fight. Fight. Fight.

Roll that Mr. Football footage. Always a good sign.

We bleed another three minutes off the clock, Dylan hits Bruce, and I can’t believe it - there’s just four minutes left. More smoke and mirrors.

Now Gamecock fans get to say some of the most beautiful words in the English language: Sick-em, Jadeveon!

Maybe I’d be singing a different tune had things gone badly, but turns out, I don’t have to! 27-17. Come get some.

A frantic 5 second GIF of Clowney's 4.5 sacks against Clemson

2012-11-29T16:29:16Z

I have to write 150 words in order to meet the Fan Post minimum, so here are some things that Jadeveon Clowney might have said after each sack.

Sack 1: Hey, good teamwork, guys! We'll get to share that sack, I think.

Sack 2: Hey man, I didn't sack you that much, and there's a flag, so, it may not even count. Oh, we declined it. Well, I didn't sack you that much.

Sack 3: Oh, I think I just got our all time single season sack record! What a tremendous honor, and I'm glad I could share it with all of you.

Sack 4: Here I come! Boom! Hey, I'm gonna do the Tebow! [does Tebow] Haha, OK guys, have a laugh. The guy's a great player, though.

Sack 5: Boy, right place at the right time tonight, I guess! Well, back to the line—oh, I think the clock ran out. Good game! Good game! Good game!

I have to write 150 words in order to meet the Fan Post minimum, so here are some things that Jadeveon Clowney might have said after each sack.

Sack 1: Hey, good teamwork, guys! We'll get to share that sack, I think.

Sack 2: Hey man, I didn't sack you that much, and there's a flag, so, it may not even count. Oh, we declined it. Well, I didn't sack you that much.

Sack 3: Oh, I think I just got our all time single season sack record! What a tremendous honor, and I'm glad I could share it with all of you.

Sack 4: Here I come! Boom! Hey, I'm gonna do the Tebow! [does Tebow] Haha, OK guys, have a laugh. The guy's a great player, though.

Sack 5: Boy, right place at the right time tonight, I guess! Well, back to the line—oh, I think the clock ran out. Good game! Good game! Good game!

Quick stats-based preview: Clemson

2012-11-24T14:46:54Z

Quite a lot has been written this week about the Clemson game. Gamecock Man has written a great preview that I mostly agree with. My only challenge is that I believe Carolina should "establish the pass" instead of establishing a ground game.

I won't add too much noise this close to the game, but I did want to share some quick numbers.

My key takeaways from the numbers are:

The Gamecock's efficient passing game has to take advantage of a weak Clemson secondary. This is why I've stated numerous times that Connor Shaw needs to be able to throw effectively to win the game. I'm not talking about 300+ yards, just a mistake free 200-250 passing yards like last year.
The Clemson passing game versus the Gamecock pass defense is a matchup of strength versus strength. If Clemson can't pass, they will not be able to score
Clemson runs the ball 62% on first downs. I hope this trend continues since I strongly believe they will not be able to run effectively. Note that Gamecock opponents only run 55% on first down out of respect for the run defense
Both teams have bad special teams and that phase of the game could swing the game in either team's favor. Carolina has a large advantage when Clemson punts. Clemson has a large advantage when they kick off. Clemson also has an advantage on field goals. Carolina kickoffs/punts are a wash

My prediction: South Carolina 31, Clemson 27

South Carolina Offense			Clemson Defense
Overall Offense	24.4 (41)	22.6 (65)	Overall Defense	Points against "average" team at "average" paced game
Pass offense	0.143 (15)	-0.031 (50)	Pass Defense	Adjusted points per play
Run offense	-0.044 (84)	0.041 (88)	Run Defense	Adjusted points per play
Successful pass (%)	47% (40)	44% (59)	Successful pass (%)
Successful runs (%)	40% (70)	41% (54)	Successful runs (%)
Pass percentage (1D)	36%	38%	Pass percentage (1D)
Run percentage (1D)	64%	62%	Run percentage (1D)


Clemson Offense			South Carolina Defense
Overall Offense	27.7 (15)	22.6 (65)	Overall Defense	Points against "average" team at "average" paced game
Pass offense	0.162 (9)	127.2 (17)	Pass Defense	Adjusted points per play
Run offense	0.042 (32)	137.0 (5)	Run Defense	Adjusted points per play
Successful pass (%)	47% (37)	40% (25)	Successful pass (%)
Successful runs (%)	44% (35)	35% (16)	Successful runs (%)
Pass percentage (1D)	38%	45%	Pass percentage (1D)
Run percentage (1D)	62%	55%	Run percentage (1D)


South Carolina Special Teams			Clemson Special Teams
Overall Special Teams	-1.11 (98)	-0.37 (74)	Overall Special Teams	Points gained/lost per game through Special Teams
South Carolina Kickoff	-0.107 (87)	-0.003 (78)	Clemson Kick return	Adjusted points per play
South Carolina Punt	0.043 (56)	0.094 (26)	Clemson Punt return	Adjusted points per play
South Carolina FG	-0.23 (88)			Adjusted points per play
South Carolina Kick return	-0.022 (89)	0.015 (35)	Clemson Kickoff	Adjusted points per play
South Carolina Punt return	0.093 (27)	-0.139 (100)	Clemson Punt	Adjusted points per play
		0.33 (16)	Clemson FG	Adjusted points per play

I won't add too much noise this close to the game, but I did want to share some quick numbers.

My key takeaways from the numbers are:

The Gamecock's efficient passing game has to take advantage of a weak Clemson secondary. This is why I've stated numerous times that Connor Shaw needs to be able to throw effectively to win the game. I'm not talking about 300+ yards, just a mistake free 200-250 passing yards like last year.
The Clemson passing game versus the Gamecock pass defense is a matchup of strength versus strength. If Clemson can't pass, they will not be able to score
Clemson runs the ball 62% on first downs. I hope this trend continues since I strongly believe they will not be able to run effectively. Note that Gamecock opponents only run 55% on first down out of respect for the run defense
Both teams have bad special teams and that phase of the game could swing the game in either team's favor. Carolina has a large advantage when Clemson punts. Clemson has a large advantage when they kick off. Clemson also has an advantage on field goals. Carolina kickoffs/punts are a wash

My prediction: South Carolina 31, Clemson 27

South Carolina Offense			Clemson Defense
Overall Offense	24.4 (41)	22.6 (65)	Overall Defense	Points against "average" team at "average" paced game
Pass offense	0.143 (15)	-0.031 (50)	Pass Defense	Adjusted points per play
Run offense	-0.044 (84)	0.041 (88)	Run Defense	Adjusted points per play
Successful pass (%)	47% (40)	44% (59)	Successful pass (%)
Successful runs (%)	40% (70)	41% (54)	Successful runs (%)
Pass percentage (1D)	36%	38%	Pass percentage (1D)
Run percentage (1D)	64%	62%	Run percentage (1D)


Clemson Offense			South Carolina Defense
Overall Offense	27.7 (15)	22.6 (65)	Overall Defense	Points against "average" team at "average" paced game
Pass offense	0.162 (9)	127.2 (17)	Pass Defense	Adjusted points per play
Run offense	0.042 (32)	137.0 (5)	Run Defense	Adjusted points per play
Successful pass (%)	47% (37)	40% (25)	Successful pass (%)
Successful runs (%)	44% (35)	35% (16)	Successful runs (%)
Pass percentage (1D)	38%	45%	Pass percentage (1D)
Run percentage (1D)	62%	55%	Run percentage (1D)


South Carolina Special Teams			Clemson Special Teams
Overall Special Teams	-1.11 (98)	-0.37 (74)	Overall Special Teams	Points gained/lost per game through Special Teams
South Carolina Kickoff	-0.107 (87)	-0.003 (78)	Clemson Kick return	Adjusted points per play
South Carolina Punt	0.043 (56)	0.094 (26)	Clemson Punt return	Adjusted points per play
South Carolina FG	-0.23 (88)			Adjusted points per play
South Carolina Kick return	-0.022 (89)	0.015 (35)	Clemson Kickoff	Adjusted points per play
South Carolina Punt return	0.093 (27)	-0.139 (100)	Clemson Punt	Adjusted points per play
		0.33 (16)	Clemson FG	Adjusted points per play

Preview: Clemson defense

2012-11-21T14:28:28Z

Earlier I stated that Clemson's offense was one of the toughest units in the nation to judge. Well, the Clemson defense is one of the easiest-they have underperformed against subpar competition. While I enjoy reading STS's weekly take on the Clemson defense and despite giving up 48 points to NC State this week, the Clemson defense is actually improved this year. However, the improvement is a case of a really bad defense becoming a mediocre one.

Last week, Clemson's defense gave up two long touchdowns to NC State, a 77 yard TD pass and a 49 yard TD pass. This continued its trend of allowing big plays. I counted 16 plays of over 40 yards-by comparison South Carolina has only given up four. Additionally, five of those 16 are runs, which is surprising since most big plays are pass plays.

However, Clemson's defense does not fail at a greater than average rate. They allow 44% of pass plays and 41% of runs to be successful (59th and 54th in the nation respectively). It's just that when they fail, they fail spectacularly. I have not watched many Clemson games this year, but those numbers tell me that their linebackers and secondary miss tackles or take bad angles on runs and just straight-up bust coverages on passes. This is where South Carolina will miss Lattimore. He excels at finding a small hole for medium runs which would provide numerous opportunities for him to break a long run. If he gets the majority of carries, Kenny Miles will need to find a way to run through tackles this week. If he doesn't, I hope the coaching staff turns to Mike Davis similar to how they replaced Brandon Wilds with Kenny Miles early in the game last year.

Because of Clemson's schedule, it is difficult to compare South Carolina to any Clemson opponents. South Carolina has the biggest split between rush/pass offense of any team on Clemson's schedule. On a per play basis, the Gamecocks run the ball like Auburn or Duke, but pass better than Florida State or anyone Clemson has played this year. If you don't believe me, check out this stat: the Gamecocks average 3.7 yards per rush this year vs. 4.5 last year. I suspect that number is even worse now that Lattimore is out. However, South Carolina averages 8.5 yards per passing attempt this year vs. 7.4 last year.

Here is how South Carolina's offense stacks up versus the other teams Clemson has played. All numbers are my own based on play-by-play data.

	Overall	Rush	Pass	Points scored	Drives	Points/drive
Auburn	107	70	116	19	11	1.727272727
Ball State	44	34	46	27	13	2.076923077
Florida State	6	2	22	49	13	3.769230769
Boston College	85	100	68	31	14	2.214285714
Georgia Tech	14	10	18	31	11	2.818181818
Virginia Tech	84	92	70	17	13	1.307692308
Wake Forest	110	115	100	13	14	0.928571429
Duke	75	95	59	20	14	1.428571429
Maryland	118	119	112	10	13	0.769230769
North Carolina State	109	107	104	48	17	2.823529412
South Carolina	41	84	15	-	-

As you can see, Clemson had quite a nice stretch on defense after the Georgia Tech game until this past week's disaster. However, you'll also notice that those past four offenses were pretty terrible, with only Duke coming close to mediocrity. The Gamecocks bring the best offense that Clemson has seen since Georgia Tech and the best passing game (on a per play basis) that they will see all season.

In many ways, Connor Shaw is the key to this game. He is both the best running and passing threat the Gamecocks have on offense. If he rediscovers is running magic after a couple of cortisone shots expect the offense to do well. But more importantly, the Connor Shaw against Tennessee and Arkansas who found open receivers against weak secondaries has to show up.

As a quick summary, here are my keys for the offense:

Connor Shaw needs to make the throws to open receivers, and by open I mean receivers who have a step on the defender or are about to make a cut into an open part of the field
Kenny Miles or Mike Davis need to take advantage of bad tackling or angles by the Clemson defense. Miles in particular needs to run through contact at the line to get into the secondary to exploit their poor play
The Gamecocks need to take advantage of playaction passes-Clemson will be expecting many rushes but the Gamecocks need to do their damage through the air, just as they did against Georgia, Arkansas and Tennessee
An effective Shaw executing zone-read runs or scrambling is a plus--if this happens I expect South Carolina to win by multiple scores

So how many points can we expect the Gamecocks to score? I went ahead and ran a regression with the points per drive versus the rush/pass stats and came up with 2.45 points per drive, or 27 points at 11 drives or 32 points at 13 drives. If you remember, earlier I discussed 26 to 31 points for the Clemson offense. Expect a close game-I'll have more to say in a quick final preview later this week.

Here is how South Carolina's offense stacks up versus the other teams Clemson has played. All numbers are my own based on play-by-play data.

	Overall	Rush	Pass	Points scored	Drives	Points/drive
Auburn	107	70	116	19	11	1.727272727
Ball State	44	34	46	27	13	2.076923077
Florida State	6	2	22	49	13	3.769230769
Boston College	85	100	68	31	14	2.214285714
Georgia Tech	14	10	18	31	11	2.818181818
Virginia Tech	84	92	70	17	13	1.307692308
Wake Forest	110	115	100	13	14	0.928571429
Duke	75	95	59	20	14	1.428571429
Maryland	118	119	112	10	13	0.769230769
North Carolina State	109	107	104	48	17	2.823529412
South Carolina	41	84	15	-	-

As a quick summary, here are my keys for the offense:

Connor Shaw needs to make the throws to open receivers, and by open I mean receivers who have a step on the defender or are about to make a cut into an open part of the field
Kenny Miles or Mike Davis need to take advantage of bad tackling or angles by the Clemson defense. Miles in particular needs to run through contact at the line to get into the secondary to exploit their poor play
The Gamecocks need to take advantage of playaction passes-Clemson will be expecting many rushes but the Gamecocks need to do their damage through the air, just as they did against Georgia, Arkansas and Tennessee
An effective Shaw executing zone-read runs or scrambling is a plus--if this happens I expect South Carolina to win by multiple scores

Preview: Clemson's Offense

2012-11-19T03:43:16Z

The big question you'll hear this week is how many points can the Gamecocks hold the Clemson offense to? The Clemson offense is one of the toughest in the nation to judge. The Tigers have been putting up absolutely ridiculous numbers on offense, but those numbers have come against some of the worst defenses in the nation.

I will look at Clemson's past performances to understand just how applicable their past numbers are to this week's game. The table below shows the Tiger's opponents and their ranks on defense. These are from my personal ratings based on weekly play-by-play data. The only two games worth comparing to South Carolina are the Florida State and Virginia Tech games. Even better, the Virginia Tech game was played in Clemson.

	Overall	Rush	Pass
Auburn	92	104	75
Ball State	113	113	107
Florida State	18	18	22
Boston College	50	72	72
Georgia Tech	76	94	70
Virginia Tech	11	12	13
Wake Forest	57	41	67
Duke	80	83	76
Maryland	53	21	69
North Carolina State	63	79	58

At first glance, Clemson scored 37 and 38 points against FSU and VT, lending credence to everyone who believes that the Gamecocks must score in the 30s to win. However, Virginia Tech threw three interceptions (including one pick-six) and FSU allowed a garbage time touchdown. Excluding the pick-six and garbage time touchdown, we get 31 points in each game. Additionally, Clemson had short fields against Virginia Tech due to the Hokie's incompetence on offense.

Virginia Tech's defense is the most similar to USC's defense. The Gamecocks are better against the run but worse against the pass. Let's look at each of Clemson's drives against Virginia Tech:

Drive	Starting Yardline	Plays	Yards	Result
1	CU 32	3	-10	Punt
2	CU 25	7	44	Interception
3	CU 18	13	73	Field Goal Good
4	CU 41	3	6	Punt
5	VT 26	6	26	Touchdown
6	VT 43	3	-2	Punt
7	CU 34	3	6	Punt
8	VT 47	3	2	Punt
9	CU 48	7	48	Touchdown
10	VT 47	3	47	Touchdown
11	CU 39	4	-9	Punt
12	CU 25	3	9	Punt
13	VT 41	9	41	Touchdown

So here is your Clemson offense:

More than half their drives were 3 and outs (7 out of 13)
Every Clemson Touchdown was scored on a short field starting on the Virginia Tech side of the field
Clemson had 13(!) drives on offense for 31 points. By comparison, the three comparable offenses the Gamecocks faced, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Georgia, each had 11 drives against USC. Clemson's 31 points on 13 drives is scaled down to 26 points at that rate
Clemson averaged 3.0 yards per carry

Looking quickly at the FSU game, Clemson scored two touchdowns on long plays (60 and 52 yards) and one on a short field. Their other 10 out of 13(!) non-garbage time drives led to 10 points. Additionally, Clemson average 3.6 yards per carry

So here are my key takeaways for how the Gamecocks can hold Clemson to under 30 points

Do not give Clemson a short field on offense. This is obvious, but must be said
Limit big plays-Clemson has trouble driving the field when they don't hit a big play
Shut down the run and put Clemson in passing downs-the two good defenses Clemson played already did, and the Gamecocks have a better run defense than either of those two
Set Clowney, Taylor, and Sutton loose on Boyd in passing downs and play coverages that limit big plays--don't give Boyd time to throw those long passes to Watkins and Hopkins, who will get open against the Gamecocks secondary

I will admit that I was initially concerned that Clemson would light up the Gamecocks defense. However, the only team that has been successful against USC has been Tennessee, which has possibly the best OL in the nation. Georgia and Arkansas were much less successful and have OLs that are more comparable to Clemson's OL. Additionally, Clemson has not been quite as successful on offense against the two good defenses that they have played.

If the Gamecocks control the ball on offense, don't turn it over, and hold Clemson to 10-11 drives on offense, they should be able to keep Clemson around 20-24 points.

	Overall	Rush	Pass
Auburn	92	104	75
Ball State	113	113	107
Florida State	18	18	22
Boston College	50	72	72
Georgia Tech	76	94	70
Virginia Tech	11	12	13
Wake Forest	57	41	67
Duke	80	83	76
Maryland	53	21	69
North Carolina State	63	79	58

Virginia Tech's defense is the most similar to USC's defense. The Gamecocks are better against the run but worse against the pass. Let's look at each of Clemson's drives against Virginia Tech:

Drive	Starting Yardline	Plays	Yards	Result
1	CU 32	3	-10	Punt
2	CU 25	7	44	Interception
3	CU 18	13	73	Field Goal Good
4	CU 41	3	6	Punt
5	VT 26	6	26	Touchdown
6	VT 43	3	-2	Punt
7	CU 34	3	6	Punt
8	VT 47	3	2	Punt
9	CU 48	7	48	Touchdown
10	VT 47	3	47	Touchdown
11	CU 39	4	-9	Punt
12	CU 25	3	9	Punt
13	VT 41	9	41	Touchdown

So here is your Clemson offense:

More than half their drives were 3 and outs (7 out of 13)
Every Clemson Touchdown was scored on a short field starting on the Virginia Tech side of the field
Clemson had 13(!) drives on offense for 31 points. By comparison, the three comparable offenses the Gamecocks faced, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Georgia, each had 11 drives against USC. Clemson's 31 points on 13 drives is scaled down to 26 points at that rate
Clemson averaged 3.0 yards per carry

So here are my key takeaways for how the Gamecocks can hold Clemson to under 30 points

Do not give Clemson a short field on offense. This is obvious, but must be said
Limit big plays-Clemson has trouble driving the field when they don't hit a big play
Shut down the run and put Clemson in passing downs-the two good defenses Clemson played already did, and the Gamecocks have a better run defense than either of those two
Set Clowney, Taylor, and Sutton loose on Boyd in passing downs and play coverages that limit big plays--don't give Boyd time to throw those long passes to Watkins and Hopkins, who will get open against the Gamecocks secondary

If the Gamecocks control the ball on offense, don't turn it over, and hold Clemson to 10-11 drives on offense, they should be able to keep Clemson around 20-24 points.

Georgia Tech vs. South Carolina Football Ticket Stubs

2012-11-14T01:28:11Z

Hey guys,

I'm a long time Georgia Tech fan and alum and have been attending Tech football games since I was a young kid. Ever since about 1997, I've kept all of the ticket stubs from games that I attended.

Last December I began collecting Georgia Tech ticket stubs from all seasons. Up to this point, I've amassed a collection of over 900 tickets spanning nearly 600 games back to 1921.

In April I launched a website to display my collection at http://georgiatechticketstubs.com. If you take a look at the site you'll see pictures of all of the unique stubs, full tickets, and press passes in the collection.

I've got many Tech vs. South Carolina tickets in the lot, the oldest being a 1949 South Carolina at Georgia Tech ticket. You can see this image here:

http://georgiatechticketstubs.com/collection/1940s/1949-season/1949-11-19-georgia-tech-vs-south-carolina/

There are still many Tech vs. South Carolina tickets that I need, and I was hoping that by posting on here I may locate someone that has some of them. Some years in particular that I need are:

1972 South Carolina @ Georgia Tech
1971 Georgia Tech @ South Carolina

There are many older than this, but I figured this was a good short list to post to see if it generated any interest. The entire list of what I'm seeking can be found on the Wanted Tickets page of the site.

If anyone has either of these tickets or stubs and is willing to sell or donate them, please shoot me an e-mail at brad@georgiatechticketstubs.com.

I've also got many duplicate ticket stubs that I may be interested in trading for those listed above or others that I'm seeking.

If you don't have any available, then I hope you enjoy the collection! The older games have statistics and game summaries that I wrote based on old newspaper articles written the day after the games.

Thanks for reading!

Hey guys,

I'm a long time Georgia Tech fan and alum and have been attending Tech football games since I was a young kid. Ever since about 1997, I've kept all of the ticket stubs from games that I attended.

Last December I began collecting Georgia Tech ticket stubs from all seasons. Up to this point, I've amassed a collection of over 900 tickets spanning nearly 600 games back to 1921.

I've got many Tech vs. South Carolina tickets in the lot, the oldest being a 1949 South Carolina at Georgia Tech ticket. You can see this image here:

http://georgiatechticketstubs.com/collection/1940s/1949-season/1949-11-19-georgia-tech-vs-south-carolina/

There are still many Tech vs. South Carolina tickets that I need, and I was hoping that by posting on here I may locate someone that has some of them. Some years in particular that I need are:

1972 South Carolina @ Georgia Tech
1971 Georgia Tech @ South Carolina

If anyone has either of these tickets or stubs and is willing to sell or donate them, please shoot me an e-mail at brad@georgiatechticketstubs.com.

I've also got many duplicate ticket stubs that I may be interested in trading for those listed above or others that I'm seeking.

If you don't have any available, then I hope you enjoy the collection! The older games have statistics and game summaries that I wrote based on old newspaper articles written the day after the games.

Thanks for reading!