As we wait for a post season bowl destination with yet another successful regular season behind us I thought this would be a good time to get your thoughts on where the Gamecocks are heading. After seven years under coach Spurrier and his staff it's obvious that things on the field are better than they have ever been. The list of firsts, bowls, wins, exposure, recruits etc. is what every Gamecock fan has longed for…
Or is it?
Obviously every team player, alum & fan dreams of championships and the Gamecocks are no different, but I have to admit I'm beginning to worry about some of "the iron fans of college football".
It wasn't that long ago that Carolina fans celebrated their football program with a passion that other fan bases could only envy. Wins were important and losses, while deflating at times, were supported by a fans that could only be described as rock solid.
The Gamecocks and their fans were due to enjoy success, and not just here and there, but sustained success like the kind that began in 2005 when coach Spurrier arrived and fed every eternally optimistic Gamecock a morsel of what may come…
And has. Success. Consistent success.
Remember when that was what every Gamecock dreamed of? It really wasn't long ago.
Now I ask you, what has success on the field done to Gamecock Nation? Has is made the product on Saturdays less important and meaningful than of just a few short years ago? Has it made the outcome of another Gamecock victory seem so blase' that entire sections of WB are empty on national TV? Remember when we were wishing on a January bowl game and not worrying so much about which one is more prestigious? Have expectations of success bred a fan base that, although rabid, perhaps is not as deep as it once was?
Do you think todays Carolina fan would still fill WB through a winless season?
With success comes expectations, that’s just part of the package. It's also a problem that if asked years ago if you would like to have, most would have readily said yes. It's never been a better time to be a Carolina fan, that’s a fact. Don't forget to appreciate being part of a time that many will look back on one day and say "I was there when…"
That’s when you'll know you really are…
The Iron Fans of college football.
Or is it?
Obviously every team player, alum & fan dreams of championships and the Gamecocks are no different, but I have to admit I'm beginning to worry about some of "the iron fans of college football".
It wasn't that long ago that Carolina fans celebrated their football program with a passion that other fan bases could only envy. Wins were important and losses, while deflating at times, were supported by a fans that could only be described as rock solid.
The Gamecocks and their fans were due to enjoy success, and not just here and there, but sustained success like the kind that began in 2005 when coach Spurrier arrived and fed every eternally optimistic Gamecock a morsel of what may come…
And has. Success. Consistent success.
Remember when that was what every Gamecock dreamed of? It really wasn't long ago.
Now I ask you, what has success on the field done to Gamecock Nation? Has is made the product on Saturdays less important and meaningful than of just a few short years ago? Has it made the outcome of another Gamecock victory seem so blase' that entire sections of WB are empty on national TV? Remember when we were wishing on a January bowl game and not worrying so much about which one is more prestigious? Have expectations of success bred a fan base that, although rabid, perhaps is not as deep as it once was?
Do you think todays Carolina fan would still fill WB through a winless season?
With success comes expectations, that’s just part of the package. It's also a problem that if asked years ago if you would like to have, most would have readily said yes. It's never been a better time to be a Carolina fan, that’s a fact. Don't forget to appreciate being part of a time that many will look back on one day and say "I was there when…"
That’s when you'll know you really are…
The Iron Fans of college football.
