Each day San Antonio Express-News’ Tim Griffin breaks down his preseason football poll.
He has Carolina at number 14.
It’s tough being a quarterback at South Carolina under the often withering tutelage of the “Ol’ Ball Coach,” Steve Spurrier. Connor Shaw emerged at the position after Stephen Garcia’s dismissal last season. The move worked out as Shaw led the Gamecocks to a school-record 11 victories after he claimed the job for good in the fourth game.
Coach: Steve Spurrier (eighth season at school, 55-35 record; 23rd season overall, 197-75-2 record) Last year: 11-2, 6-2 in SEC East (second place), including 30-13 victory over Nebraska in the Capital One Bowl. Ranked ninth in final Associated Press Poll, eighth in final ESPN /USA Today coaches’ poll, 10th in final Sagarin ratings, 32nd in schedule strength
2011 national rankings: Rushing, 25th; passing offense, 95th; total offense, 74th; scoring, 42nd. Rushing defense, 45th; pass-efficiency defense, second; total defense, third; scoring defense, 11th
Last league title won: 1969 ACC
Last non-bowl season: 2007
Starters lost: 13
Lettermen lost: 19
Lettermen returning: 44
Key players: QB Connor Shaw, RB Marcus Lattimore, C T.J. Johnson, DE Devin Taylor, DE Jadevon Clowney, LB DeVonte Holloman
Strengths: Lattimore was expected to challenge for the Heisman last season before his injury. His good health should open up the offense and make Shaw’s job a lot easier.
Weaknesses: The Gamecocks’ special teams are in flux as new position coach Joe Robinson — South Carolina’s third special-teams coach in three seasons — sorts out open jobs at punter, kicker and kick returner.
Biggest game: LSU. Trying to beat the Tigers in “Death Valley” will be an immense challenge, considering South Carolina has lost five straight meetings and is 2-16-1 against the Tigers. The Gamecocks will be tested by LSU’s athleticism and the roaring crowd at Baton Rouge, where they have won only once in 11 games in the series history.
BCS bound if: The offense improves with Lattimore’s return, and the defense plays as well as last season’s stout unit.
Doomed for December bowl if: A retooled offensive line doesn’t emerge, Lattimore’s recovery isn’t complete, and the special teams struggle.
It’s a fact: The Gamecocks have beaten SEC East rivals Georgia, Tennessee and Florida each of the past two seasons.
Bowl prediction: Cotton Bowl vs. Oklahoma State
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/college_sports/college_football/article/College-football-Top-25-countdown-No-14-South-3781810.php
He has Carolina at number 14.
It’s tough being a quarterback at South Carolina under the often withering tutelage of the “Ol’ Ball Coach,” Steve Spurrier. Connor Shaw emerged at the position after Stephen Garcia’s dismissal last season. The move worked out as Shaw led the Gamecocks to a school-record 11 victories after he claimed the job for good in the fourth game.
Coach: Steve Spurrier (eighth season at school, 55-35 record; 23rd season overall, 197-75-2 record) Last year: 11-2, 6-2 in SEC East (second place), including 30-13 victory over Nebraska in the Capital One Bowl. Ranked ninth in final Associated Press Poll, eighth in final ESPN /USA Today coaches’ poll, 10th in final Sagarin ratings, 32nd in schedule strength
2011 national rankings: Rushing, 25th; passing offense, 95th; total offense, 74th; scoring, 42nd. Rushing defense, 45th; pass-efficiency defense, second; total defense, third; scoring defense, 11th
Last league title won: 1969 ACC
Last non-bowl season: 2007
Starters lost: 13
Lettermen lost: 19
Lettermen returning: 44
Key players: QB Connor Shaw, RB Marcus Lattimore, C T.J. Johnson, DE Devin Taylor, DE Jadevon Clowney, LB DeVonte Holloman
Strengths: Lattimore was expected to challenge for the Heisman last season before his injury. His good health should open up the offense and make Shaw’s job a lot easier.
Weaknesses: The Gamecocks’ special teams are in flux as new position coach Joe Robinson — South Carolina’s third special-teams coach in three seasons — sorts out open jobs at punter, kicker and kick returner.
Biggest game: LSU. Trying to beat the Tigers in “Death Valley” will be an immense challenge, considering South Carolina has lost five straight meetings and is 2-16-1 against the Tigers. The Gamecocks will be tested by LSU’s athleticism and the roaring crowd at Baton Rouge, where they have won only once in 11 games in the series history.
BCS bound if: The offense improves with Lattimore’s return, and the defense plays as well as last season’s stout unit.
Doomed for December bowl if: A retooled offensive line doesn’t emerge, Lattimore’s recovery isn’t complete, and the special teams struggle.
It’s a fact: The Gamecocks have beaten SEC East rivals Georgia, Tennessee and Florida each of the past two seasons.
Bowl prediction: Cotton Bowl vs. Oklahoma State
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/college_sports/college_football/article/College-football-Top-25-countdown-No-14-South-3781810.php
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