Tyrone Nix Firing Watch, Day One
by cocknfire
on Nov 26, 2007 1:01 AM EST
in News
4 comments
The season's over. I'm still here, but got in from Columbia late. A review of the Saturday night disaster will be up by sometime tomorrow.
In the meantime, Garnet and Black Attack introduces the Tyrone Nix Firing Watch, which uses a rigorous scientific calculation of the possibility that Tyrone Nix will -- justifiably or not -- be let go in the offseason.
Again, I wish to make one thing clear: This is not an endorsement or criticism of the idea that Nix should be removed. It's the likelihood, near as I can tell, that he will be.
Explanation
Just listen to Steve Spurrier's comments on the last Clemson drive:
"We're not going to beat them two in a row, because we couldn't stop third-and-18," Spurrier said. "That's how close a game it was."
Or listen to Nix and Spurrier's differing takes on the defense's play Saturday:
Coach Steve Spurrier said the defense played its best Saturday. Nix said the team had plenty more to prove.
When the head coach and the defensive coordinator disagree on just how good the defense actually is, that's not a good sign for the DC.
That said, both of these comments could be seen as an attempt by Spurrier to protect Nix. This picture, taken just after the game-winning kick by the Tigers, tells the tale:
I don't think he was upset about Bucholz's kicking approach.
Finally, I talked to fans and one beat writer after the game. The consensus seemed to be that while the late-season collapse, or even the Clemson loss, couldn't be blamed on Nix, he was likely to be the fall guy.
Most of them though it was a question of "when," not "if."
Things change, though, and emotions cool. An announcement might be put off until after the bowl situation is known. Remember, the last DC to "part ways" with South Carolina in the Spurrier Era was conspicuously absent from the Gamecocks' bowl trip.
0 recs |
4 comments
Email
Print
Comments
He's gone
From your Spurrier quotes, I'd say Coach Nix is out, too. I'm still not 100% sure it's the right solution, because the injuries revealed extremely questionable players on the depth chart, which just goes back to the fact that until last year, we haven't recruited at a high level. Still, though, even though the defense stepped it up last weekend, there were a number of inexplicable gaffes. It may be best to look elsewhere for a new coordinator. Maybe we should look for a new special teams coach, while we're at it.
Do you think we'll be chosen for a bowl? My understanding is that the Independence Bowl gets to choose between us and Bama. I would guess that they'll choose the Saban circus, although neither USC or UA are exactly attractive options. And UA played in the Independence Bowl last year. I had heard that there's a possibility that bowls with ties to other conferences might pick us up if those conferences don't have enough eligible teams; do you know anything about that? I certainly don't think that we deserve a bowl bid, but on the other hand, I'd love to see us get a chance to redeem ourselves a bit.
by Gamecock Man on
Nov 26, 2007 10:58 AM EST
reply
actions
0 recs
I'll put up more on the bowl situation later...
But I'll say this: The best guesses have us either headed to the Armed Forces Bowl in Ft. Worth or staying home. I think Alabama's loss might give us an outside shot at the Independence, seeing as how we at least beat the Louisiana-Random City team that we played, but I think that's stretching it.
I agree that we don't deserve a bowl game, and I'm not sure I want to go to one. If we lose, all chance we have of salvaging the recruiting class this year, which is already in trouble, is gone.
by cocknfire on
Nov 26, 2007 12:46 PM EST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
That picture of Spurrier...
... man.
He looks pissed, disusted, tired... whatever you can think of.
Can't totally blame him. The offense wasn't great this year but Spurrier eleveated them to the point that they could have won games. Usually, when you put up 30 points, you win in the SEC. The 'Cocks have done that a few times this year.
In a grinder like this one, I guess it was a combo. The 'Cocks were down most of the game and it's always hard to come back and win. Wears you down. The defense held Clemson to 23 points. Should have been a winnable game.
I know you'll disagree, Brandon, but I see that picture of Spurrier with his exhausted scowl and I think back to that LSU game when he kicked the field goal in the third quarter.
This is a different coach from the one I remember. Something has changed.
by Gatorpilot on
Nov 26, 2007 11:10 AM EST
reply
actions
0 recs
Changes Needed
Coach Spurrier needs to make some changes as the Gamecocks looked beat on both sides of the ball the last few games. While I know that it will take time for Spurrier to get the players he wants for his type offense, the defense needs help. I do hope he fires Nix. We need some changes to compete in the SEC and beat Clemson each season.
by RoyIngle on
Nov 26, 2007 2:17 PM EST
reply
actions
0 recs
New FanPost
Certain photos copyright © 2009 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
