:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47057098/usa-today-8293552.0.jpg)
Well, it's game week. It feels weird on a Sunday, but with the South Carolina Gamecocks playing the North Carolina Tar Heels on Thursday, Steve Spurrier met the media to talk about the game and his team's approach going into their season opener. Here's just a bit of what the HBC had to say:
On what to expect overall
Spurrier mentioned that he understood the fact that there were so many unknowns surrounding the team, but is taking a "wait and see" standpoint going into the season.
Spurrier says team is unknown, looking forward to seeing how they can do. I agree, most unknowns I can remember since Spurriers arrival.
— William Gunter (@WilGunter) August 30, 2015
On the running game
The depth chart lists Brandon Wilds as the starter and David Williams as the backup, but Spurrier noted that the two are pretty even, and expressed confidence in Williams' abilities to perform, especially after showing glimpses of his ability last season.
Spurrier expects there to be no drop off from Wilds to Williams. Notes that Williams was in for key plays against Florida last year.
— GamecockCentral.com (@GamecockCentral) August 30, 2015
On last year's season opening loss to Texas A&M
Spurrier is taking a "keep it from happening again" approach to the loss instead of a "teaching moment" kind of situation. The loss certainly set the tone for the entire rest of last year, but the staff is seemingly steering their focus away from that and keeping them fixated on beating UNC on Thursday.
On the wide receiver situation
There's been some concern about the lack of depth at WR (outside of Pharoh Cooper, of course), but Spurrier affirmed his belief in the corps and is confident that they can handle the challenge.
Spurrier reaffirms starting WRs: Pharoh, Deebo Samuel and Carlton Heard. #Gamecocks
— Willie Smith (@willie_t_smith) August 30, 2015
Spurrier on guys building WR depth behind Cooper: "They'll get their chance." Says Heard, Samuel will factor in the plan.
— Jay Philips (@JayPhilips1075) August 30, 2015
On honoring the Charleston 9
With the tragedy at Mother Emanuel in Charleston still fresh in the nation's minds, the team will honor memories of the nine victims of the shooting throughout the season.
Steve Spurrier said the team wanted to honor the "Charleston 9" this season and will wear a sticker on their helmets to do that.
— SportsTalk (@sportstalksc) August 30, 2015
On the Tar Heels
"North Carolina had a year on defense kind of like we had." Calls UNC a "seasoned" team.
— GamecockCentral.com (@GamecockCentral) August 30, 2015
USC has watched some Auburn film from Gene Chizik's tenure to prepare for UNC. Chizik is going into his first year as the UNC DC.
— GamecockCentral.com (@GamecockCentral) August 30, 2015
Injuries
Starting TE Jerell Adams is a little banged up (hamstring strain), but Spurrier noted that the senior should be good to go for Thursday. Shaq Davidson had knee surgery and will redshirt.
So why was Brett Favre here yesterday, anyway?
Good question. It turns out that Favre's daughter, Breleigh, is a pretty good volleyball player, and she is currently being recruited by South Carolina to play for them. Breleigh is currently a junior at Oak Grove High School in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. It may not be the last time we see the Ol' Gunslinger around campus after all.
Spurrier says Brett Farve visited football practice because his daughter is being recruited by #Gamecocks Volleyball team.
— Willie Smith (@willie_t_smith) August 30, 2015
Favre was wowed by USC's facilities. Told Spurrier and the team they don't know how good they have it.
— David Cloninger (@DCTheState) August 30, 2015