From: Elliott
So some tigers have submitted paperwork to the NFL advisory committee. Hmm. While it is not unusual for a team's juniors to inquire of their status, I thought clemmons did not have the correct forms or their fax was always broken in January. Their guys almost never leave early. clempsen consistently returns their top talent for their senior season, while the Fighting Gamecocks lose guys who are not projected to be drafted. No surprise that Daquan Bowers is looking. He is a lock to bolt. Juniors Andre Branch (DE), Brandon Thompson (DT), Antoine McClain (G), and Jamie Harper (RB), along with redshirt sophomore Dwayne Allen (TE) did as well. Thompson and Branch are leaning towards returning, and Dabo better hope they do. The tiger defensive line was stout the last few seasons. With Bowers gone and DT Jarvis Jenkins graduating, Thompson will be expected to anchor the line in 2011. Expect Dabo the salesman to come out in full force here. Jamie Harper arrived at clemmons with a 3 year plan and says he will leave if he gets a 3rd round grade or higher. That is about as likely as likely as the Gamecocks winning a big game with Brad Dodson in the stands. Harper will be lucky to get a 4-7 round grade, and it will be in his best interest to return for 2011. However, what he will do is anyone's guess. Allen entered the season as the best receiving threat for the tigers and was quiet for most of the year. He has all the physical tools and may leave because he is frustrated, but if he does you can insert his name into the first season storyline for former Gamecock Clifton Geathers.
Braves
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Brad Dodson
From: Matthew
Who is this you say? Based on past experience, Brad has a direct role in determining the success of the Gamecock football squad. Dodson went to the university during the end of the ugly Brad Scott era (1-10)and was there through the 0-11 campaign. He suffered through many losses, never missing a big game. Yes, he was in the stands in Birmingham for the debacle last season. What changed? In case you were in a coma, the Gamecocks are SEC East champs this year. What you didn't know is that Brad moved to New Orleans and did not attend a single game. Oh, except one. He did make it back for the SEC Championship. How'd that go? Good news Gamecock fans, we have confirmed that Dodson will not be in attendance for the Chick-fil-A Bowl on Friday. Thank heavens. Somebody quit giving him tickets!
Who is this you say? Based on past experience, Brad has a direct role in determining the success of the Gamecock football squad. Dodson went to the university during the end of the ugly Brad Scott era (1-10)and was there through the 0-11 campaign. He suffered through many losses, never missing a big game. Yes, he was in the stands in Birmingham for the debacle last season. What changed? In case you were in a coma, the Gamecocks are SEC East champs this year. What you didn't know is that Brad moved to New Orleans and did not attend a single game. Oh, except one. He did make it back for the SEC Championship. How'd that go? Good news Gamecock fans, we have confirmed that Dodson will not be in attendance for the Chick-fil-A Bowl on Friday. Thank heavens. Somebody quit giving him tickets!
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Chick-fil-A Bowl
1) Return game. There is no question that the coverage teams took a huge step forward from 2009. The return games on the other hand were abysmal. Hopefully, the coaches took opportunity to try some new return men and most importantly some new blocking schemes. We'd love to see Ace Sanders on kickoff return and Stephon Gilmore back on punt return. Yes Gilmore's gaffes contributed heavily to the Kentucky loss, but he was close to breaking a few prior to that dreadful game.
2) Stopping the long pass. Coach Ward hopefully spent the entire practice sessions working on not biting on the double move.
3) Speaking of coverage, how about the linebackers guarding the Tight End? In order to run a Cover 2, the MLB must be able to drop in coverage over the middle. Our linebackers seem to forget the TE exists sometimes, although Dwayne Allen was covered up the entire clemmons game. Getting those boys to cover someone seems like a pretty good idea.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Weekly Thoughts
From: Benjamin
So Maryland doesn't balk a bit when Vandy goes after their "coach in waiting." Next, it is reported that Ralph Friedgen will be bought out for $2 million. Hmm, while this is not a lot of money for an SEC school, for Maryland, that is a hefty chunck of change. Why o why? Orangebloods.com, who seems to know everything about everyone, is now reporting that former Texas Tech coach Mike Leach will get the job. Sucks to be you clempsen. Not only is the best coach out there no longer on the market, but he is now coaching one of your divisional conference foes, ouch!
Vandy hires James Franklin. Yep, that about sums up our feelings on that one.
Florida grabbing Will Muschamp is the best case scenario for the Gamecocks. They had the potential to go get an experienced big time head coach. Muschamp, could become the best coach in Florida history. He could. He also coulg bomb. A big time program should be able to secure a proven winner. Settling for a could be is the best the SEC East could hope for.
Ohio State drubs us in basketball. Lots to say about that later, but did I see the stat correctly? We are 319th in the nation in free throw shooting. Come on, there are only 336 teams! I never imagined our free throws could get any worse than when Eddie Fogler was coach. But, Dave Odom saw that through. Just when you thought that our % couldn't get any poorer, we put forth an effort like this. Wow, 319th!
So Maryland doesn't balk a bit when Vandy goes after their "coach in waiting." Next, it is reported that Ralph Friedgen will be bought out for $2 million. Hmm, while this is not a lot of money for an SEC school, for Maryland, that is a hefty chunck of change. Why o why? Orangebloods.com, who seems to know everything about everyone, is now reporting that former Texas Tech coach Mike Leach will get the job. Sucks to be you clempsen. Not only is the best coach out there no longer on the market, but he is now coaching one of your divisional conference foes, ouch!
Vandy hires James Franklin. Yep, that about sums up our feelings on that one.
Florida grabbing Will Muschamp is the best case scenario for the Gamecocks. They had the potential to go get an experienced big time head coach. Muschamp, could become the best coach in Florida history. He could. He also coulg bomb. A big time program should be able to secure a proven winner. Settling for a could be is the best the SEC East could hope for.
Ohio State drubs us in basketball. Lots to say about that later, but did I see the stat correctly? We are 319th in the nation in free throw shooting. Come on, there are only 336 teams! I never imagined our free throws could get any worse than when Eddie Fogler was coach. But, Dave Odom saw that through. Just when you thought that our % couldn't get any poorer, we put forth an effort like this. Wow, 319th!
Friday, December 10, 2010
Baseball on TV
From: Cole
Excited about the new SEC baseball game of the week next season on ESPN. Games will be on Thursdays with the defending National Champions kicking off the programing April 7 at 7:30 with the series opener at Tennessee. The remainder of the games are:
Apr 14 - 7:30 p.m.Tennessee at Alabama
Apr 21 - 7:30 p.m.Ole Miss at Auburn
Apr 28 - 7:30 p.m.Kentucky at LSU
May 5 - 7:30 p.m.Florida at Arkansas
May 12 - 7:30 p.m.Mississippi State at Ole Miss
May 19 - 7:30 p.m.Vanderbilt at Georgia
The Gamecocks open the season February 18 with a three game series at home vs Santa Clara. The following week they host Southern Illinois. Baseball season ticket renewals are due today.
Excited about the new SEC baseball game of the week next season on ESPN. Games will be on Thursdays with the defending National Champions kicking off the programing April 7 at 7:30 with the series opener at Tennessee. The remainder of the games are:
Apr 14 - 7:30 p.m.Tennessee at Alabama
Apr 21 - 7:30 p.m.Ole Miss at Auburn
Apr 28 - 7:30 p.m.Kentucky at LSU
May 5 - 7:30 p.m.Florida at Arkansas
May 12 - 7:30 p.m.Mississippi State at Ole Miss
May 19 - 7:30 p.m.Vanderbilt at Georgia
The Gamecocks open the season February 18 with a three game series at home vs Santa Clara. The following week they host Southern Illinois. Baseball season ticket renewals are due today.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Award Season
From: Leon
Congratulations to Alshon Jeffery on earning a slot as a finalist for the Biletnikoff award, which is given to the nation's top WR. Jeffery was overlooked in the preseason in favor of Alabama's Julio Jones and UGA's A.J. Green, but outperformed them all season. With Garcia returning at QB, there is no reason for Alshon not to plan for a return trip to the awards ceremony next fall.
Speaking of awards, Marcus Lattimore is racking them up. CBS National Freshman of the Year! Think about it: South Carolina will have the preseason first team All-SEC WR (Jeffery), RB (Lattimore), and QB (Garcia) in 2011. I know some are still not on the Garcia bandwagon, but who returns a stronger QB? UGA's Aaron Murray and Mississippi State's Chris Relf are the closest, but the margin between the two of them and Garcia is great. Tennessee's Tyler Bray, Vandy's Larry Smith, the LSU duo, and the Florida trio are the next wave. Auburn (Newton), Alabama (McElroy), Ole Miss (Masoli), Arkansas (Mallett), and Kentucky (Hartline) all break in new signal callers in 2011. Only Arkansas gave the backup quality minutes in 2010, and he looked great in limited time. Having the best players in the conference at these three key offensive positions will hopefully serve the Gamecocks well next year.
Congratulations to Alshon Jeffery on earning a slot as a finalist for the Biletnikoff award, which is given to the nation's top WR. Jeffery was overlooked in the preseason in favor of Alabama's Julio Jones and UGA's A.J. Green, but outperformed them all season. With Garcia returning at QB, there is no reason for Alshon not to plan for a return trip to the awards ceremony next fall.
Speaking of awards, Marcus Lattimore is racking them up. CBS National Freshman of the Year! Think about it: South Carolina will have the preseason first team All-SEC WR (Jeffery), RB (Lattimore), and QB (Garcia) in 2011. I know some are still not on the Garcia bandwagon, but who returns a stronger QB? UGA's Aaron Murray and Mississippi State's Chris Relf are the closest, but the margin between the two of them and Garcia is great. Tennessee's Tyler Bray, Vandy's Larry Smith, the LSU duo, and the Florida trio are the next wave. Auburn (Newton), Alabama (McElroy), Ole Miss (Masoli), Arkansas (Mallett), and Kentucky (Hartline) all break in new signal callers in 2011. Only Arkansas gave the backup quality minutes in 2010, and he looked great in limited time. Having the best players in the conference at these three key offensive positions will hopefully serve the Gamecocks well next year.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Initial Urban Meyer thoughts
From: Cole
Coach Meyer sure looked run down at the end of the season, but the announcement of his retirement today caught us off guard. How will this effect the Gamecocks and Tigers in the years to come?
First off is recruiting. Both in-state teams recruit the Sunshine State heavily. Meyer is a master recruiter and the new Florida head man will most likely be a step backward. Remember the infamous Shariff Floyd dream? The Pennsylvania DL was set to become a Gamecock until Coach Meyer dreamed of coaching Floyd to national titles in a gator uniform. How's that working out for you Shariff?
On the field. While the Gators struggled this season, their unlimited financial resources should enable the program to nab a coach who will maintain the high level of play Coach Meyer's teams put forth. No big change here.
The interesting factor will be if Mississippi State head coach, Dan Mullen, gets the job. Mullen, the former offensive coordinator at Florida under Meyer, has revived the Bulldog program in his two seasons as head man. They rotate on the Gamecock schedule the next two years. Thus, while a Mullen hire may be a long-term headache as Florida is an east opponent, it will help in the short-term by weakening the Bulldogs. With the talent the Gamecocks return and they almost 100% chance that Florida will get a good coach anyway, it should be good for the Gamecocks to see Mullen in Gainesville.
Here are Florida's 2011 commitments with their rivals.com grades.
Mike Blakely 4 stars RB Bradenton, FL
Clay Burton 3 stars LB Venice, FL
Kyle Christy 2 stars K Brownsburg, IN
Jeff Driskel 4 stars QB Oviedo, FL
Chase Hounshell 3 stars OL Kirtland, OH
Chris Johnson 3 stars DB Ocala, FL
Tommy Jordan 3 stars OL Ridgefield, CT
Hunter Joyer 3 stars RB Tampa, FL
A.C. Leonard 4 stars TE Jacksonville, FL
Javares McRoy 4 stars WR Lakeland, FL
Louchiez Purifoy 4 stars ATH Pensacola, FL
De'Ante Saunders 3 stars DB Deland, FL
Ryan Shazier 4 stars LB Plantation, FL
Valdez Showers 3 stars DB Madison Heights, MI
Ja'Juan Story 4 stars WR Brooksville, FL
Trip Thurman 4 stars OL Dover, DE
Nick Waisome 4 stars DB Groveland, FL
Coach Meyer sure looked run down at the end of the season, but the announcement of his retirement today caught us off guard. How will this effect the Gamecocks and Tigers in the years to come?
First off is recruiting. Both in-state teams recruit the Sunshine State heavily. Meyer is a master recruiter and the new Florida head man will most likely be a step backward. Remember the infamous Shariff Floyd dream? The Pennsylvania DL was set to become a Gamecock until Coach Meyer dreamed of coaching Floyd to national titles in a gator uniform. How's that working out for you Shariff?
On the field. While the Gators struggled this season, their unlimited financial resources should enable the program to nab a coach who will maintain the high level of play Coach Meyer's teams put forth. No big change here.
The interesting factor will be if Mississippi State head coach, Dan Mullen, gets the job. Mullen, the former offensive coordinator at Florida under Meyer, has revived the Bulldog program in his two seasons as head man. They rotate on the Gamecock schedule the next two years. Thus, while a Mullen hire may be a long-term headache as Florida is an east opponent, it will help in the short-term by weakening the Bulldogs. With the talent the Gamecocks return and they almost 100% chance that Florida will get a good coach anyway, it should be good for the Gamecocks to see Mullen in Gainesville.
Here are Florida's 2011 commitments with their rivals.com grades.
Mike Blakely 4 stars RB Bradenton, FL
Clay Burton 3 stars LB Venice, FL
Kyle Christy 2 stars K Brownsburg, IN
Jeff Driskel 4 stars QB Oviedo, FL
Chase Hounshell 3 stars OL Kirtland, OH
Chris Johnson 3 stars DB Ocala, FL
Tommy Jordan 3 stars OL Ridgefield, CT
Hunter Joyer 3 stars RB Tampa, FL
A.C. Leonard 4 stars TE Jacksonville, FL
Javares McRoy 4 stars WR Lakeland, FL
Louchiez Purifoy 4 stars ATH Pensacola, FL
De'Ante Saunders 3 stars DB Deland, FL
Ryan Shazier 4 stars LB Plantation, FL
Valdez Showers 3 stars DB Madison Heights, MI
Ja'Juan Story 4 stars WR Brooksville, FL
Trip Thurman 4 stars OL Dover, DE
Nick Waisome 4 stars DB Groveland, FL
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Braves making minor moves
From: Benjamin
Nice to see the Bravos making some minor adjustments to the roster.
-Trading for right handed reliever, Scott Linebrink. The former Astro was with the White Sox last season and is the last year of his contract.
-Resigning Eric Hinske to a 1 year deal with a club option for a 2nd.
-Nontendering Matt Diaz.
Nice to see the Bravos making some minor adjustments to the roster.
-Trading for right handed reliever, Scott Linebrink. The former Astro was with the White Sox last season and is the last year of his contract.
-Resigning Eric Hinske to a 1 year deal with a club option for a 2nd.
-Nontendering Matt Diaz.
Friday, December 3, 2010
clemmons 2010
From: Elliott
It is the eve of our first SEC Championship Game appearance. The excitement is overwhelming! However, after a week of reflection on the clempsen contest and amusement at some of their fan's reaction, some thoughts on the tiger squad for next season:
1, count that 1 scholarship QB who is not a true freshman. Ouch! Tajh Boyd does have a strong arm, but his completion % has hovered around 50% in most of his appearances. That is not recipe for success. We have seen that movie before. It is called the career of Dondrial Pinkins. Most of the reasonable tiger fans I know wish Boyd had played the entire Wake Forest game to get some kind of experience. Nope! clemmons would be wise to go to spread offense, with DeAndre Hopkins and the 3 other big time WRs they have coming in next year. This would get their best athletes on the field and decrease the "football knowledge" a QB needs to run the system. But, and it is a huge but, this puts their only QB at risk of injury by putting him in postion to take more hits. Something they can ill afford to do with their one QB. He is also prone to take a big hit, look at the big pops the Gamecock D put on him in one half. Boyd also came to clemmons because he did not want to run a spread. Tough decisions await.
The defense should continue to be good, but will not be as dominant as it was last season. It just isn't possible. DE Daquan Bowers, DT Jarvis Jenkins, S DeAndre McDaniel, and CB Marcus Gilcrest will be replaced by quality athletes. There is no way they will be able to equal their level of talent and experience that will be lost. Those are four very good players who had good years. The offense will simply have to score more points.
Can you say 3peat?
It is the eve of our first SEC Championship Game appearance. The excitement is overwhelming! However, after a week of reflection on the clempsen contest and amusement at some of their fan's reaction, some thoughts on the tiger squad for next season:
1, count that 1 scholarship QB who is not a true freshman. Ouch! Tajh Boyd does have a strong arm, but his completion % has hovered around 50% in most of his appearances. That is not recipe for success. We have seen that movie before. It is called the career of Dondrial Pinkins. Most of the reasonable tiger fans I know wish Boyd had played the entire Wake Forest game to get some kind of experience. Nope! clemmons would be wise to go to spread offense, with DeAndre Hopkins and the 3 other big time WRs they have coming in next year. This would get their best athletes on the field and decrease the "football knowledge" a QB needs to run the system. But, and it is a huge but, this puts their only QB at risk of injury by putting him in postion to take more hits. Something they can ill afford to do with their one QB. He is also prone to take a big hit, look at the big pops the Gamecock D put on him in one half. Boyd also came to clemmons because he did not want to run a spread. Tough decisions await.
The defense should continue to be good, but will not be as dominant as it was last season. It just isn't possible. DE Daquan Bowers, DT Jarvis Jenkins, S DeAndre McDaniel, and CB Marcus Gilcrest will be replaced by quality athletes. There is no way they will be able to equal their level of talent and experience that will be lost. Those are four very good players who had good years. The offense will simply have to score more points.
Can you say 3peat?
Conference Bowl tie-ins
From: Austin
The bowl tie-ins changed this season. Here are the updates.
SEC
1-BCS National Championship
2- Sugar Bowl
3-Capital One Bowl vs Big 10
4-Cotton Bowl SEC West vs Big 12
4A-Outback Bowl SEC East vs Big 10
5-Chick Fil-A Bowl vs ACC 2
6-Gator Bowl vs Big 10
7-Music City Bowl vs ACC
8-Liberty Bowl vs Conf USA
9-Compass Bowl vs Big East-this bowl is Jan 8. Hate these.
ACC
1-Orange Bowl
2-Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl vs SEC 5
3-Champs Sports Bowl vs Big East or ND
4-Sun Bowl vs Pac-10
5-Meineke Car Care Bowl vs Big East
6-Music City Bowl vs SEC 7
7-Indepence Bowl vs Mountain West
8-Military Bowl vs Conf USA
9-Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl vs WAC
The bowl tie-ins changed this season. Here are the updates.
SEC
1-BCS National Championship
2- Sugar Bowl
3-Capital One Bowl vs Big 10
4-Cotton Bowl SEC West vs Big 12
4A-Outback Bowl SEC East vs Big 10
5-Chick Fil-A Bowl vs ACC 2
6-Gator Bowl vs Big 10
7-Music City Bowl vs ACC
8-Liberty Bowl vs Conf USA
9-Compass Bowl vs Big East-this bowl is Jan 8. Hate these.
ACC
1-Orange Bowl
2-Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl vs SEC 5
3-Champs Sports Bowl vs Big East or ND
4-Sun Bowl vs Pac-10
5-Meineke Car Care Bowl vs Big East
6-Music City Bowl vs SEC 7
7-Indepence Bowl vs Mountain West
8-Military Bowl vs Conf USA
9-Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl vs WAC
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