From: Elliott
Game week baby! If you can't get fired up for game week, then you gotta check yourself. Here is a video to get you in the right frame of mind...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbe537-Ue-g
Matchup of the game will be Southern Miss's stud WR, DeAndre Brown, versus the Carolina secondary. I would think the Golden Eagles will try to get him matched up on Chris Culliver in lieu of Stephon Gilmore due to Culliver's lack of experience at the corner position.
Hope Tori Gurley gets better treatment from the oline this year and can cut down on the number of TDs he gets called back for an oline penalty.
Probably will not see the Gilmore package too much with UGA next week. Also, I'd expect Gilmore will need a break if he has to play more snaps due to a possible C.C. Whitlock suspension. Hope Whitlock and Auguste get to play.
If I have to sit next to "Mr Fake Punt Guy," I may gouge my eyes out, which is ok because I can get my uncle to fix em. Few things are more annoying at a game then having to endure a guy yelling (Fake!) on every punt. Hey man, do us all a favor and can it.
Time for Benjamin's Papa to dust off those same grapes he has been bringing to the tailgate since Brad Scott was coach. Nobody eats that stuff. Give me some chicken biscuts!
If you want to check out our next opponent on Saturday, UGA will be playing the La Lafayette Rajun Cajuns on Peachtree TV at 12. That is Directv channel 651.
Northwestern's Gerald Dixon looked like a big time DT last week vs South Pointe. He moved well and was in on some big plays.
Jason Heyward was on fire last night with four hits, including a 3 run bomb. If he gets hot, the Braves may make a deep run into the postseason.
I rarely pull for the ACC, but may Va Tech wallop Boise State and put an end to that nonsense.
Braves
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
Good stand
From: Austin
Spartanburg's defense held 4 times when Union County had a first a goal at the one down by 8 with minutes to go. Big time play to start off the year and a good win to begin the Clary tenure as the voice of the Vikings. Union County went away from USC commit, Ronnie Martin, all night. On ESPN, what was supposed to be a tight game became a rout when National #2, Plant HS, lost their Alabama commit QB in the first quarter to an ankle injury. #18 Manatee and star RB, Mike Blakely, ran wild. Blakely is down to Auburn, USC and Florida. He is very elusive and has good speed. He would be a nice addition to the Fighting Gamecock backfield. Don't forget to watch Brynes battle Hoover on ESPN tomorrow and South Pointe take on Northwestern on ESPNU.
Ugh, USC committ Brandon Wilds had 7 rushes for 17 yards. I hope most of that is due to poor offensive line play. 2012 target Shaq Roland had 5 tds for the Lexington Wildcats, including a kick return.
Spartanburg's defense held 4 times when Union County had a first a goal at the one down by 8 with minutes to go. Big time play to start off the year and a good win to begin the Clary tenure as the voice of the Vikings. Union County went away from USC commit, Ronnie Martin, all night. On ESPN, what was supposed to be a tight game became a rout when National #2, Plant HS, lost their Alabama commit QB in the first quarter to an ankle injury. #18 Manatee and star RB, Mike Blakely, ran wild. Blakely is down to Auburn, USC and Florida. He is very elusive and has good speed. He would be a nice addition to the Fighting Gamecock backfield. Don't forget to watch Brynes battle Hoover on ESPN tomorrow and South Pointe take on Northwestern on ESPNU.
Ugh, USC committ Brandon Wilds had 7 rushes for 17 yards. I hope most of that is due to poor offensive line play. 2012 target Shaq Roland had 5 tds for the Lexington Wildcats, including a kick return.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Fun Night
From: Elliott
Attention fans of clemmons university! In case you forgot, we won the national championship and beat you twice to do so! Now to other things.
Ryan had an entertaining evening MCing the SOAR fundraiser. This is a special needs school, and he was able to spend the majority of the time with Radio and Coach Jones. Radio notes that they are going to beat Westside and that he likes Bojangles.
The State newspaper got the message from Coach Spurrier apparently and moved Joe Person off of the USC beat and up to a paper in Charlotte. To say that Person's relationship with the USC staff was strained would be an understatement.
Bobby Bowden claims he was forced out at FSU. In other breaking news, Bojangles makes good chicken.
In the often overlooked but incredibly important special teams battles, Seth Strickland has won the holder job that was vacated when Stephen Flint gave up football. Strickland is a QB so maybe we add a new fake FG this season?
Positive statement of the week from the coaching staff came from Coach Beamer. Anyone who underestimated the impact Ryan Succop had on our defense through field position was reminded of that all year, especially when Spiller took the opening kick back for clemmons. Coach Beamer mentioned that both Jay Wooten and Dutch Fork's Joey Scribner-Howard placed several kicks two to three yards deep into the endzone. This could be huge. Succop was able to get good hang time as well, so we will have to wait and see on this. Watch out for kick placement. Adam Yates's biggest deficit last season was not lack of leg strength, it was putting the ball in the center of the field when his coverage was slanted to one side-see Spiller kick. Better kickoffs will only make our defense that much tougher this year.
Attention fans of clemmons university! In case you forgot, we won the national championship and beat you twice to do so! Now to other things.
Ryan had an entertaining evening MCing the SOAR fundraiser. This is a special needs school, and he was able to spend the majority of the time with Radio and Coach Jones. Radio notes that they are going to beat Westside and that he likes Bojangles.
The State newspaper got the message from Coach Spurrier apparently and moved Joe Person off of the USC beat and up to a paper in Charlotte. To say that Person's relationship with the USC staff was strained would be an understatement.
Bobby Bowden claims he was forced out at FSU. In other breaking news, Bojangles makes good chicken.
In the often overlooked but incredibly important special teams battles, Seth Strickland has won the holder job that was vacated when Stephen Flint gave up football. Strickland is a QB so maybe we add a new fake FG this season?
Positive statement of the week from the coaching staff came from Coach Beamer. Anyone who underestimated the impact Ryan Succop had on our defense through field position was reminded of that all year, especially when Spiller took the opening kick back for clemmons. Coach Beamer mentioned that both Jay Wooten and Dutch Fork's Joey Scribner-Howard placed several kicks two to three yards deep into the endzone. This could be huge. Succop was able to get good hang time as well, so we will have to wait and see on this. Watch out for kick placement. Adam Yates's biggest deficit last season was not lack of leg strength, it was putting the ball in the center of the field when his coverage was slanted to one side-see Spiller kick. Better kickoffs will only make our defense that much tougher this year.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
The Boot
From: Leon
Official announcement! I am tired of hearing all of Weslye Saunders' nonsense. Skipping team meetings and lying about the reasons is just the last in a long string of transgressions. I will forever be indebted to Saunders for his two tds in the clempson game last year, but enough is enough. Coach Spurrier should give strong consideration to giving him the boot. Here's to hoping that Justice Cunningham turns into the second coming of Jay Novacek in the Southern Miss game. When I have met Justice, I found him to be a well spoken, polite, and considerate young man. This is the kind of player who we should pull hard for.
Anyone else like me who threw up in their mouth when it was announced that Navy was added to the 2011 schedule can at least get some relief in knowing that stud QB Ricky Dobbs will graduate this year. Why am I concerned about this game? Have you seen us play Wofford recently?
Senior Mike Hartline wins the UK QB job. Hartline, who sustained a season ending knee injury at Williams Brice last year, always seems to have an off game against the Cocks. Freshman Morgan Newton looked very sharp when pressed into duty last year against the Norwood led defense. Perhaps, this is good news, or maybe Hartline will circle this as a revenge game.
Official announcement! I am tired of hearing all of Weslye Saunders' nonsense. Skipping team meetings and lying about the reasons is just the last in a long string of transgressions. I will forever be indebted to Saunders for his two tds in the clempson game last year, but enough is enough. Coach Spurrier should give strong consideration to giving him the boot. Here's to hoping that Justice Cunningham turns into the second coming of Jay Novacek in the Southern Miss game. When I have met Justice, I found him to be a well spoken, polite, and considerate young man. This is the kind of player who we should pull hard for.
Anyone else like me who threw up in their mouth when it was announced that Navy was added to the 2011 schedule can at least get some relief in knowing that stud QB Ricky Dobbs will graduate this year. Why am I concerned about this game? Have you seen us play Wofford recently?
Senior Mike Hartline wins the UK QB job. Hartline, who sustained a season ending knee injury at Williams Brice last year, always seems to have an off game against the Cocks. Freshman Morgan Newton looked very sharp when pressed into duty last year against the Norwood led defense. Perhaps, this is good news, or maybe Hartline will circle this as a revenge game.
The 4 Clary Boys
From: Matthew
Sure was nice on my drive in to work yesterday to hear Tommy Moody on the radio talking about the 4 Clary boys who played football for South Carolina. Not too often do you hear about guys who played in the 1930s. Of course the most important being our grandfather, Buford. Also mentioned were Ed, Wilburn, and Earl, "the Galloping Ghost of Gaffney High." It is a big honor to have a kin in the Hall of Captains. Hey, I drink my cherry coke zero every game out of my Earl Clary captain cup.
Sure was nice on my drive in to work yesterday to hear Tommy Moody on the radio talking about the 4 Clary boys who played football for South Carolina. Not too often do you hear about guys who played in the 1930s. Of course the most important being our grandfather, Buford. Also mentioned were Ed, Wilburn, and Earl, "the Galloping Ghost of Gaffney High." It is a big honor to have a kin in the Hall of Captains. Hey, I drink my cherry coke zero every game out of my Earl Clary captain cup.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Couldn't Wait
From: Austin, Cole & Benjamin
OK, we couldn't wait any longer so we attended the Dutch Fork/Irmo game at W.C. Hawkins field last Friday night. While not big fans of week zero of the high school season, we just needed to see some football. Good game all around with Irmo edging out a 28-26 win, thanks to a blocked PAT. New Irmo RB, Dejuan James, has some good speed and will be a nice replacement for Mustafa Greene, who is now with N.C. State. Let's just hope that it is not nearly that humid at Williams Brice for Southern Miss because the game might as well been played in a rain forest.
South Pointe destroyed the AFC Rangers of North Carolina 51-6. Cannot wait to see them on ESPN this Saturday against Roderick Byers and Northwestern, just hope Pam Ward is not doing the play by play. Thankfully, she has been demoted to the ESPNU game this season, because the SEC gets some 12 pm kickoffs on ESPN2 and listening to her call a game is painful. There is a new lady calling the games this year as Beth Mowins will be on Tuesday or Wednesday nights. Those of us who love to stay up and watch Ohio battle Akron will get to hear her talents. The best thing going for her is that she is not Pam Ward.
Anyone else not buying into the Christian Ponder for Heisman campaign? He has been an average QB in a league with terrible defenses. Yes, he is smart and graduated in 2 1/2 years, but he looked inept against clempson last year. FSU's biggest weakness that last 5 seasons has been their poor offensive line play. They have two of Rivals' top 30 linemen for 2010 in senior guard Rodney Hudson and senior center Ryan McMahon. Maybe a running game and some time to throw the ball may make a difference for Ponder. Hey, it may help Steven Garcia too, for that matter. Good thing we have so many new linemen this year.
OK, we couldn't wait any longer so we attended the Dutch Fork/Irmo game at W.C. Hawkins field last Friday night. While not big fans of week zero of the high school season, we just needed to see some football. Good game all around with Irmo edging out a 28-26 win, thanks to a blocked PAT. New Irmo RB, Dejuan James, has some good speed and will be a nice replacement for Mustafa Greene, who is now with N.C. State. Let's just hope that it is not nearly that humid at Williams Brice for Southern Miss because the game might as well been played in a rain forest.
South Pointe destroyed the AFC Rangers of North Carolina 51-6. Cannot wait to see them on ESPN this Saturday against Roderick Byers and Northwestern, just hope Pam Ward is not doing the play by play. Thankfully, she has been demoted to the ESPNU game this season, because the SEC gets some 12 pm kickoffs on ESPN2 and listening to her call a game is painful. There is a new lady calling the games this year as Beth Mowins will be on Tuesday or Wednesday nights. Those of us who love to stay up and watch Ohio battle Akron will get to hear her talents. The best thing going for her is that she is not Pam Ward.
Anyone else not buying into the Christian Ponder for Heisman campaign? He has been an average QB in a league with terrible defenses. Yes, he is smart and graduated in 2 1/2 years, but he looked inept against clempson last year. FSU's biggest weakness that last 5 seasons has been their poor offensive line play. They have two of Rivals' top 30 linemen for 2010 in senior guard Rodney Hudson and senior center Ryan McMahon. Maybe a running game and some time to throw the ball may make a difference for Ponder. Hey, it may help Steven Garcia too, for that matter. Good thing we have so many new linemen this year.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Friday thoughts
From: Benjamin
Congrats to Brandon Wilds on becoming the 14th commitment to the 2011 class for USC. Wilds is a bruising RB who will play fullback for the Fighting Gamecocks. This may allow Coach Spurrier to move current freshman FB, Matt Coffee, to linebacker next season in a effort to sure up the depth there. You can see Wilds at home tonight as they welcome South Florence to town at 7:30.
Former USC target, Alfy Hill, was declared academically ineligible after initially gaining aproval from the NCAA Clearinghouse to enroll at Alabama and going through preseason workouts. He has left the team. Hill was a top 100 recruit and was a backup linebacker for the Crimson Tide. The issue was a lack of core courses.Wonder if USC will get involved again if it clears up for next season?
Week Zero of the High School season starts tonight. This means football is here! You can check out Shamir Jeffery and Calhoun County on Saturday as they travel to Malboro County to face Lateek Townsend and the Bulldogs. Spring Valley kicks off the first game of former USC DC Miles Aldridge's tenure as they travel to Camden. The game of the week would have to be the improved Dutch Fork squad on the road against the always tough Irmo Yellow Jackets.
Congrats to Brandon Wilds on becoming the 14th commitment to the 2011 class for USC. Wilds is a bruising RB who will play fullback for the Fighting Gamecocks. This may allow Coach Spurrier to move current freshman FB, Matt Coffee, to linebacker next season in a effort to sure up the depth there. You can see Wilds at home tonight as they welcome South Florence to town at 7:30.
Former USC target, Alfy Hill, was declared academically ineligible after initially gaining aproval from the NCAA Clearinghouse to enroll at Alabama and going through preseason workouts. He has left the team. Hill was a top 100 recruit and was a backup linebacker for the Crimson Tide. The issue was a lack of core courses.Wonder if USC will get involved again if it clears up for next season?
Week Zero of the High School season starts tonight. This means football is here! You can check out Shamir Jeffery and Calhoun County on Saturday as they travel to Malboro County to face Lateek Townsend and the Bulldogs. Spring Valley kicks off the first game of former USC DC Miles Aldridge's tenure as they travel to Camden. The game of the week would have to be the improved Dutch Fork squad on the road against the always tough Irmo Yellow Jackets.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Big day for the Braves
From: Cole
Jason Heyward lining a rbi single up the middle last night to give the Braves a bottom of the ninth win capped off a huge day for the Bravos. This was the 21st last at bat win for the Braves this year, leading the majors. The big news, however, is that Derrek Lee will be joining the team. Troy Glaus has been wearing down the last 2 months with his sore knees resulting in a low .240s average, and the loss of Chipper left a gaping hole in the middle of the order. Yes, Lee is only hitting .251 with 16 bombs in 109 games. Yes, he has a bulging disc in his back that has hampered him some, but this is a major improvement. There was talk in the last few weeks about waving Glaus and bringing up prize first base prospect Freddie Freeman. Freeman was hitting .312 with 16 home runs when I last checked. The Braves were rightly hesitant to pin so much of the hopes of their stretch run on two guys 21 and under. Lee is an upgrade over Glaus and provides a power right handed bat that was sorely lacking. 2 1/2 up with a month and half left. Go Braves!
Jason Heyward lining a rbi single up the middle last night to give the Braves a bottom of the ninth win capped off a huge day for the Bravos. This was the 21st last at bat win for the Braves this year, leading the majors. The big news, however, is that Derrek Lee will be joining the team. Troy Glaus has been wearing down the last 2 months with his sore knees resulting in a low .240s average, and the loss of Chipper left a gaping hole in the middle of the order. Yes, Lee is only hitting .251 with 16 bombs in 109 games. Yes, he has a bulging disc in his back that has hampered him some, but this is a major improvement. There was talk in the last few weeks about waving Glaus and bringing up prize first base prospect Freddie Freeman. Freeman was hitting .312 with 16 home runs when I last checked. The Braves were rightly hesitant to pin so much of the hopes of their stretch run on two guys 21 and under. Lee is an upgrade over Glaus and provides a power right handed bat that was sorely lacking. 2 1/2 up with a month and half left. Go Braves!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Don't let Carl Parker negotiate your next contract
From: Elliott
So ESPN reports yesterday that the 1.4 million dollars that it was reported that Kyle Parker signed for was a bit misleading. It turns out that he will only get $200,000 now, $700,000 in 2012, and the final $500,000 over the next two seasons. You see, the object here was to make more money, not less. At least that it what we thought. Maybe they didn't want to fork out the $20 bucks for a new wallet or didn't want over 2 million dollars? $200,000 minus 42% income tax is $116,000. It is said he is a man of faith, so subtract the 10% tithe and you get $96,000. Gotta pay that high priced agent, but luckily Carl will probably work for cheap.
So, how long till Kyle thinks, " I gave up a guaranteed chance at financial security for the rest of my life for this." At least he can still afford a new boat.
So ESPN reports yesterday that the 1.4 million dollars that it was reported that Kyle Parker signed for was a bit misleading. It turns out that he will only get $200,000 now, $700,000 in 2012, and the final $500,000 over the next two seasons. You see, the object here was to make more money, not less. At least that it what we thought. Maybe they didn't want to fork out the $20 bucks for a new wallet or didn't want over 2 million dollars? $200,000 minus 42% income tax is $116,000. It is said he is a man of faith, so subtract the 10% tithe and you get $96,000. Gotta pay that high priced agent, but luckily Carl will probably work for cheap.
So, how long till Kyle thinks, " I gave up a guaranteed chance at financial security for the rest of my life for this." At least he can still afford a new boat.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
$825,000
From: Austin
An 86' motoryacht can be purchased right now for $729,000. Now, I wouldn't expect a 20 something year old man to go out and snatch one of these up, but it does put some everyday value to the 825,000 Kyle Parker gave up to play football this year. He is basically paying that to play QB. 825,000 is more than many people make in a lifetime! Anybody with a brain, would've taken the money and ran. This is guaranteed money! I realize CJ Spiller just signed for 25 million, but only first rounders get a large portion of guaranteed money in the NFL. Sidney Rice is making $550,000 this season, his fourth year in the league. And he was selected 44th. How many 6' tall QBs have been selected that high? What was Rice's signing bonus? One million dollars, a lot of money for most of us, but paltry in comparison to 2.25 million. Enjoy your non-guaranteed league minimum if you choose to play in the NFL.
Who is advising this guy, Bozo the clown? These guys need help. Most of my clemson friends are happy he is going to be the QB this season, but heartbroken for a kid who probably just made the poorest decision of his life.
An 86' motoryacht can be purchased right now for $729,000. Now, I wouldn't expect a 20 something year old man to go out and snatch one of these up, but it does put some everyday value to the 825,000 Kyle Parker gave up to play football this year. He is basically paying that to play QB. 825,000 is more than many people make in a lifetime! Anybody with a brain, would've taken the money and ran. This is guaranteed money! I realize CJ Spiller just signed for 25 million, but only first rounders get a large portion of guaranteed money in the NFL. Sidney Rice is making $550,000 this season, his fourth year in the league. And he was selected 44th. How many 6' tall QBs have been selected that high? What was Rice's signing bonus? One million dollars, a lot of money for most of us, but paltry in comparison to 2.25 million. Enjoy your non-guaranteed league minimum if you choose to play in the NFL.
Who is advising this guy, Bozo the clown? These guys need help. Most of my clemson friends are happy he is going to be the QB this season, but heartbroken for a kid who probably just made the poorest decision of his life.
I will freely admit that it all may turn out for the best for Parker, and I hope it does. However, it is insane to forfeit that kind of money. It may make a little more sense if Spiller, Ford, and Palmer were returning. Good luck inflating those NFL numbers with Xavier Dye and his 14 career catches. Parker wanted 3 million. He was offered 2.25 and signed for 1.4 and the opportunity to play football. So he gave up $825,000, because he wasn't offered $775,000 more. It all makes perfect sense.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Return Game
From: Cole
Anyone else realize that it has been an awfully long time since we returned a kick for a touchdown? 2003 versus Florida if my memory serves me correct. Clempson was able to turn C.J. Spiller's 8 return TDs last season and a few by Jacoby Ford into several wins in games they should not have won. What has kept us from one, just one return TD in six seasons?
Blocking is the key. Good kick returns, like hitting, are infectious. If the return team thinks they can break one, then they get energized and perform better. Our team allows the coverage team to get to deep and close to our return guy way too often.
The return men have been so so. Captain Munnerlyn almost took a punt back and Stephon Gilmore did last season, minus a phantom penalty. Look for Gilmore to break the streak this year. Anyone else think the officials are more likely to hold the flag when a stud returner is bringing the kick back? Not on purpose, but they just expect him to get loose. Chris Culliver is the all time leading return yardage man at USC. What does that tell us?
-our defense has allowed a lot of points
-he has had the job for 3 seasons
Culliver, in spite of his blazing speed, has looked very mediocre on most of his returns, sans one or two last season. He is fast but not elusive. Why is this important,? Review any return by Spiller last season and the difference becomes clear. Bryce Sherman was a welcomed change and was close to busting one or two. He brings increased elusiveness without sacrificing speed. D.J. Swearinger is also in the mix, but I don't believe he has breakaway speed. The best bet appears to be Sherman. Return some kicks and we may win a game we shouldn't. How about Auburn?
Anyone else realize that it has been an awfully long time since we returned a kick for a touchdown? 2003 versus Florida if my memory serves me correct. Clempson was able to turn C.J. Spiller's 8 return TDs last season and a few by Jacoby Ford into several wins in games they should not have won. What has kept us from one, just one return TD in six seasons?
Blocking is the key. Good kick returns, like hitting, are infectious. If the return team thinks they can break one, then they get energized and perform better. Our team allows the coverage team to get to deep and close to our return guy way too often.
The return men have been so so. Captain Munnerlyn almost took a punt back and Stephon Gilmore did last season, minus a phantom penalty. Look for Gilmore to break the streak this year. Anyone else think the officials are more likely to hold the flag when a stud returner is bringing the kick back? Not on purpose, but they just expect him to get loose. Chris Culliver is the all time leading return yardage man at USC. What does that tell us?
-our defense has allowed a lot of points
-he has had the job for 3 seasons
Culliver, in spite of his blazing speed, has looked very mediocre on most of his returns, sans one or two last season. He is fast but not elusive. Why is this important,? Review any return by Spiller last season and the difference becomes clear. Bryce Sherman was a welcomed change and was close to busting one or two. He brings increased elusiveness without sacrificing speed. D.J. Swearinger is also in the mix, but I don't believe he has breakaway speed. The best bet appears to be Sherman. Return some kicks and we may win a game we shouldn't. How about Auburn?
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Shotgun Willy
From: Benjamin
Wasn't one of the many reasons that Coach Tommy Bowden was relieved of his duties from mighty clempson university the pent up frustration among the tiger faithful from Bowden's refusal to play the savior Willy Korn? I seem to believe that it was. Now, Korn handled himself with nothing buy dignity and class throughout the entire situation and transferred to the Marshall Thundering Herd for this season. Interesting to note, that Korn finished 4th in the 4 way QB battle and was moved to safety last Friday. We wonder whether Kyle Parker would have made such a boneheaded move with his baseball contract if Korn was still in tigerland.
Wasn't one of the many reasons that Coach Tommy Bowden was relieved of his duties from mighty clempson university the pent up frustration among the tiger faithful from Bowden's refusal to play the savior Willy Korn? I seem to believe that it was. Now, Korn handled himself with nothing buy dignity and class throughout the entire situation and transferred to the Marshall Thundering Herd for this season. Interesting to note, that Korn finished 4th in the 4 way QB battle and was moved to safety last Friday. We wonder whether Kyle Parker would have made such a boneheaded move with his baseball contract if Korn was still in tigerland.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Coaching Staffs
From: Leon
I got to thinking the other day about how so many people are anticipating a dramatic improvement in offensive line play because we got a new coach. How much impact does an assistant coach have on the play of his unit? Coach Elliot and the oline are a topic for another day because this led me to another thought. Remember how excited Gamecock Nation was when Coach Spurrier was hired? Think back to that first year. We had just come out of the 95% run offense of Coach Holtz's later teams and were expecting to need neck braces for all the high flying passes. But, look at the entire coaching staff that season. How bad a staff was that and for how many seasons has that negatively impacted our program?
Head Coach-Spurrier-top notch
QB Coach/Recruiting-Reeves-not too good
RB Coach-Madre Hill-ugh
Oline Coach-Hunt-Have you seen our oline?
WR Coach-Spurrier Jr-getting better each season
TE Coach-Chatham-average on a good day
Dline Coach-Oliver-ok
LB Coach/Defensive Coordinator-Thompson-awful
DB Coach-Cooper-good coach with a lot of baggage
DB Coach-Wommack-ouch
The impact of this staff's poor coaching, talent evaluation, recruiting efforts, and player development is still being felt today. Yes, we won some games, but have not improved to the next level. Our dramatically improved staff from top to bottom should put forth a higher quality team this season. Does that translate into more wins? I don't know.
I got to thinking the other day about how so many people are anticipating a dramatic improvement in offensive line play because we got a new coach. How much impact does an assistant coach have on the play of his unit? Coach Elliot and the oline are a topic for another day because this led me to another thought. Remember how excited Gamecock Nation was when Coach Spurrier was hired? Think back to that first year. We had just come out of the 95% run offense of Coach Holtz's later teams and were expecting to need neck braces for all the high flying passes. But, look at the entire coaching staff that season. How bad a staff was that and for how many seasons has that negatively impacted our program?
Head Coach-Spurrier-top notch
QB Coach/Recruiting-Reeves-not too good
RB Coach-Madre Hill-ugh
Oline Coach-Hunt-Have you seen our oline?
WR Coach-Spurrier Jr-getting better each season
TE Coach-Chatham-average on a good day
Dline Coach-Oliver-ok
LB Coach/Defensive Coordinator-Thompson-awful
DB Coach-Cooper-good coach with a lot of baggage
DB Coach-Wommack-ouch
The impact of this staff's poor coaching, talent evaluation, recruiting efforts, and player development is still being felt today. Yes, we won some games, but have not improved to the next level. Our dramatically improved staff from top to bottom should put forth a higher quality team this season. Does that translate into more wins? I don't know.
The Clary Show
From: Matthew
Ok, I hope y'all are having as much fun as I am listening at work to Ryan on ESPN Spartanburg this am. It sure is fun to hear him ranting and slamming on clempson fans. He does give a very accurate analysis of the tiger football team. You can catch him on http://www.espnspartanburg.com/. Hit the listen live button on the left of the page. Leon says he is about to call in on the studio line 1-864-573-1400.
Ok, I hope y'all are having as much fun as I am listening at work to Ryan on ESPN Spartanburg this am. It sure is fun to hear him ranting and slamming on clempson fans. He does give a very accurate analysis of the tiger football team. You can catch him on http://www.espnspartanburg.com/. Hit the listen live button on the left of the page. Leon says he is about to call in on the studio line 1-864-573-1400.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Looking through the media guide
From: Benjamin
Well practice is closed and it is pouring outside, so I thought I'd spend some quality time with my granddad perusing through the media guide. This is some thrilling reading for sure. Based on the pictures, here are the media guide awards/thoughts....
1) Most likely to kill you if you met him in a alley....Travian Robertson
2) 1st round draft pick in a Baddest Man Alive Contest..... Jarriel King
3) If Jarvis Giles gained 8 lbs this offseason, half of it is hair.
4) Speaking of the dread look, is that the new team doo? One doesn't look too tough with hair halfway down their back. D.L Moore and Lamar Scruggs have enough locks to take a half second off their forty time. However, Stephon Gilmore is the man no matter what.
5) If the quality of the coaching staff is related in any way to how good their wives look, this is the best staff ever. Coach Spurrier Jr. winning a close race with Coach Johnson.
6) Bru Pender/Calvin Owens "Is he still on the team?" award"-Ryan Broadhead
7) Best Teeth goes to Demario Jeffery
8) How many deep snappers does one team need?
9) Without cheating, how many guys share the same number? OK there are 105 players and 99 numbers. Why do we have so many repeats?
Well practice is closed and it is pouring outside, so I thought I'd spend some quality time with my granddad perusing through the media guide. This is some thrilling reading for sure. Based on the pictures, here are the media guide awards/thoughts....
1) Most likely to kill you if you met him in a alley....Travian Robertson
2) 1st round draft pick in a Baddest Man Alive Contest..... Jarriel King
3) If Jarvis Giles gained 8 lbs this offseason, half of it is hair.
4) Speaking of the dread look, is that the new team doo? One doesn't look too tough with hair halfway down their back. D.L Moore and Lamar Scruggs have enough locks to take a half second off their forty time. However, Stephon Gilmore is the man no matter what.
5) If the quality of the coaching staff is related in any way to how good their wives look, this is the best staff ever. Coach Spurrier Jr. winning a close race with Coach Johnson.
6) Bru Pender/Calvin Owens "Is he still on the team?" award"-Ryan Broadhead
7) Best Teeth goes to Demario Jeffery
8) How many deep snappers does one team need?
9) Without cheating, how many guys share the same number? OK there are 105 players and 99 numbers. Why do we have so many repeats?
Thursday, August 5, 2010
An All-Time Great
From: Cole
Best wishes and prayers go out to one of the all-time great gamecocks, Kenny McKinley, who was placed on injured reserve today with a knee injury. This puts him out for the season. Hopefully, he'll be back with the Broncos next season.
Best wishes and prayers go out to one of the all-time great gamecocks, Kenny McKinley, who was placed on injured reserve today with a knee injury. This puts him out for the season. Hopefully, he'll be back with the Broncos next season.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
We're talking about practice
From: Austin
Ok, I went to practice last night with one of the greatest gamecock fans of all time, Larry Dodson. That was the highlight, because what can you tell from a practice in helmets and no pads? I love to hear about how internet guy says the 3rd string tight end is gonna be awesome this year because of what he saw at practice. Here is what in my opinion a non-football coach could notice after one practice...
1) I would look Ace Sanders eye to eye, and I am short. He sure is fast though.
2) Bryon Jerideau is listed at 6 feet. He may be that tall if he is standing on Rodney Paulk's back. He sure is big-I mean really big.
3) Devin Taylor and Travian Robertson both gained a lot of weight.
4) Our starting oline makes me as nervous as a clemson fan with an upcoming dental appointment. Here's to hoping Lattimore doesn't have to break two tackles to get back to the line of scrimmage like Watson did in 1999. Import LSU's line and this team gets 10 wins easy.
5) Connor Shaw has nice touch on his ball
6) After a summer of workouts and individual drills, we still struggle to throw the fade.
7) Larry Dodson was the best fan at the entire practice.
Ok, I went to practice last night with one of the greatest gamecock fans of all time, Larry Dodson. That was the highlight, because what can you tell from a practice in helmets and no pads? I love to hear about how internet guy says the 3rd string tight end is gonna be awesome this year because of what he saw at practice. Here is what in my opinion a non-football coach could notice after one practice...
1) I would look Ace Sanders eye to eye, and I am short. He sure is fast though.
2) Bryon Jerideau is listed at 6 feet. He may be that tall if he is standing on Rodney Paulk's back. He sure is big-I mean really big.
3) Devin Taylor and Travian Robertson both gained a lot of weight.
4) Our starting oline makes me as nervous as a clemson fan with an upcoming dental appointment. Here's to hoping Lattimore doesn't have to break two tackles to get back to the line of scrimmage like Watson did in 1999. Import LSU's line and this team gets 10 wins easy.
5) Connor Shaw has nice touch on his ball
6) After a summer of workouts and individual drills, we still struggle to throw the fade.
7) Larry Dodson was the best fan at the entire practice.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
The Sideways Trot
From: Matthew
One of my most vivid memories of Coach Tanner's early teams was Coach Meyers' sideways trot out to the mound to talk to Bouknight, Bauer, Blackwell, or Barber. The announcement of his return to the Yardcocks brought a time of reflection and anticipation. Some thoughts on the new/old pitching coach...
1) One of the biggest knocks on our staff the last few years has been the lack of fall and in-season development of our pitchers. Cooper and Roth are the biggest examples of success in that area last season. However, there were many that did not progress for one reason or another. Meyers' staffs almost always improved.
2) Whether it was Coach Tanner's or Meyers' decision, the team often seemed to depend on 6-7 pitchers and stick with them. This sometimes led to arm fatigue later in the season. One of Coach Calvi's most important contributions last season was convincing a long time head coach to use his entire bullpen. Will this new philosophy continue?
3) Calvi hit the correct button with most every move he made last season. Meyers cannot be expected to be perfect, no matter how talented he is. Expectations should be high, but not through the stratosphere.
4) How long until Ron Morris brings up Arik Hempy?
Here's to the sideways trot and more CWS titles!
One of my most vivid memories of Coach Tanner's early teams was Coach Meyers' sideways trot out to the mound to talk to Bouknight, Bauer, Blackwell, or Barber. The announcement of his return to the Yardcocks brought a time of reflection and anticipation. Some thoughts on the new/old pitching coach...
1) One of the biggest knocks on our staff the last few years has been the lack of fall and in-season development of our pitchers. Cooper and Roth are the biggest examples of success in that area last season. However, there were many that did not progress for one reason or another. Meyers' staffs almost always improved.
2) Whether it was Coach Tanner's or Meyers' decision, the team often seemed to depend on 6-7 pitchers and stick with them. This sometimes led to arm fatigue later in the season. One of Coach Calvi's most important contributions last season was convincing a long time head coach to use his entire bullpen. Will this new philosophy continue?
3) Calvi hit the correct button with most every move he made last season. Meyers cannot be expected to be perfect, no matter how talented he is. Expectations should be high, but not through the stratosphere.
4) How long until Ron Morris brings up Arik Hempy?
Here's to the sideways trot and more CWS titles!
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