Good morning Gamecock Nation. If you were asking Santa to keep EJ in Columbia in 2012, then it's shaping up to be a hard-candy Christmas.
Ellis Johnson
Jackson Clarion-Ledger: Ellis Johnson to be next USM coach.
Hattiesburg American: Source: Johnson to be named USM coach.
According to Josh Kendall's reporting from yesterday, the USC staff is expecting EJ to coach the Cap One Bowl no matter what.
Darryl Stater blogs about coach 'Zo Ward's perspective on the EJ news over at The Spur of the Moment Blog.
Gamecock Football
CBS Sports.com: Relaying Josh Kendall's report - Spurrier: RB coach's hiring not imminent.
ESPN SEC Blog: Edward Aschoff blogs that Jeffery and Swearinger miss practice - he also discusses the latest on EJ and that the HBC will personally coach RBs and TE's for the Cap One Bowl along with a graduate assistant.
Post & Courier: Darryl Slater writes that Clowney, Ingram 'keep pushing'Clowney, Ingram just 'keep pushing'.
Anderson Independent Mail: On a similar note, Brad Sinkew writes: Freshman standout Clowney’s ‘best days are ahead of him'.
The Daily Gamecock: Sports Editor Isabelle Khurshudyan also writes an excellent piece about the Ingram/Clowney duo.
Spur of the Moment: Read Darryl Slater's notes from Monday practice.
GoGamecocks.com: Free content article - Shrine Bowl notes: Future Gamecocks have big days. As much as I am going to miss Alshon Jeffery, I am also looking forward to seeing Shaq Roland on the field (and possibly on the hardwood).
Bleacher Report: LOHD (Flounder) writes about the The 10 Most Important People in the Program. Not so fast with number 3, Flounder. Short slideshow.
LOHD: Flounder breaks down the five USC juniors eyeing the NFL draft.
Washington Post: 10th-ranked Gamecocks back on the field to start preparations for Nebraska at Capital One Bowl.
Keep reading Recruiting, Women's Hoops, Baseball and NU Football links after The Jump!
RecruitingKornblut: Bullard puts off announcement until New Year. A bit of welcome news - it means that Clemson has not totally sold the young man, and we at least will have a chance to introduce him to a new coordinator if EJ departs for Hattiesburg.
Women's Basketball
ESPN.com: Gamecocks knock off Tar Heels. The World Wide Leader is being nice on its sweetheart Heels - Dawn Staley's squad crushed them 79-48. The Lady Gamecocks are 9-2.
Cornhusker Football
Big Red Today: Omaha World-Herald writer Rick Kaipust says that South Carolina's Spurrier defies age, critics.
Big Red Today: Rumors about Bo Pelini leaving are something Husker fans will have to get used to.
Husker Extra: Lincoln Star-Ledger columnist writes on the same topic: Get used to Pelini in job speculation. Most of these NU fans grew up in the Tom Osborne Golden Age - the new world order is not so pleasant.
Husker Extra: Interim defensice coordnator Papuchis says defensive coaches will keep same roles in the Cap One Bowl.
Gamecock Baseball
WCBD Charleston: Gamecocks, Tigers and Cougars ranked in preseason poll. I'm not the least bit upset about a number 2 pre-season ranking. All that matters is you make Omaha.
Greenville News: SEC baseball tourney expanding to 10 teams. I'm not sure I'm sold on this, but then we'll have two new squads soon.