Defense, Smelley sparkle as Gamecocks shut out WolfpackBy Travis Haney (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Friday, August 29, 2008
Photo GallerySouth Carolina vs NC State South Carolina defeated N.C. State on Thursday night, 34-0.
COLUMBIA — Steve Spurrier said a few weeks ago that he could see Tommy Beecher being South Carolina's quarterback for the next two years. But, based on Thursday's opener, Beecher probably didn't deserve more than two quarters. And he might not see a second week directing the offense. Despite four interceptions from the fourth-year junior who was lauded by Spurrier throughout the summer, the Gamecocks' defense pitched a shutout against North Carolina State and Beecher's understudy, Chris Smelley, sparked the fledgling offense. In a deceptive-looking final score, South Carolina pulled away from the Wolfpack for a 34-0 victory before 80,616 at Williams-Brice Stadium. It was 13-0 entering the fourth quarter. "It wasn't that convincing if you ask me," said Spurrier, who now has four ugly wins in his four openers at USC. "Our offense really sputtered for three quarters ... We're not sitting around here bragging about it, that's for sure. Especially our offensive guys." Suddenly, after spewing for months all sorts of confidence about Beecher, there's again a quarterback battle entering Thursday's Vanderbilt game (8:30 p.m., ESPN). "We'll have to watch film to see what in the world happened to Tommy," Spurrier said. "We'll evaluate that and make a decision. ... Yes, it is up for debate after what happened." Spurrier ultimately didn't have to pull Beecher. A minor head injury late in the third quarter did it for him. That's when Smelley entered. Remember him? He went 4-2 as USC's starter last year, only to be passed by Beecher when Smelley threw five interceptions in the spring game. But the sophomore showed no signs of that play Thursday. After entering the game, he promptly led the Gamecocks (1-0) on a six-play, 60-yard drive that was capped by a 20-yard score from Smelley to Dion LeCorn. Get this: At the time, that pitch-and-catch was the longest play from scrimmage. (On the way to a 101-yard night off the bench, Mike Davis later had a 50-yard run.) Smelley then led touchdown drives of 69 and 74 yards on the next two possessions. A 13-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jared Cook made this one look like a blowout. In those Smelley-led scoring drives, USC piled up 203 yards. It had 161 in the previous three quarters. More importantly, three drives for Smelley. Three touchdowns. "I went out there and did what I had to do," Smelley said. "I don't know if I'll be playing next week. (It's) whatever the coaches want to do." With Beecher and the offense scuffling, the Gamecocks called upon their defense. A depleted and young Wolfpack offense was dominated all over the field by first-year coordinator Ellis Johnson's unit, which held N.C. State to 80 first-half yards. The Wolfpack (0-1) had 138 total yards in the game, and failed to advance past the USC 33-yard line. A long missed field goal was as close as it got for N.C. State. An Eric Norwood fumble recovery of an errant snap set up the Gamecocks' first score, a 29-yard Ryan Succop field goal, to close the first half. Just into the third quarter, Carlos Thomas' interception and return to the Wolfpack 10 set up USC's first touchdown — a 1-yard run by Davis on a fourth-down sweep play. "I think we have a pretty good defense," Spurrier said. "Thank goodness we brought a defense." Despite the final score, it's hard to ignore how slothfully the Gamecocks' offense came out of the blocks. Beecher's first interception, on USC's first possession, came on an overthrow of Moe Brown on a deep post. The second, on USC's fourth drive, was a Beecher throw into triple coverage. N.C. State linebacker Nate Irving made a one-handed grab of the ill-advised pass. On the following possession, the third was a desperation heave downfield. Beecher had thrown three interceptions in the team's first five possessions. He added one more in the second half on another panic-stricken downfield heave. Beecher, who had numerous other overthrows and completed very few passes downfield, finished 12-for-22 for 106 yards and the four turnovers. "I don't have the answer (as to why he struggled)," Spurrier said. "All I can say is I know he threw better in practice than he threw tonight." Beecher was also sacked five times, sharing the blame for that with his offensive line. Despite more depth and experience, the line accounted for four false starts and one holding call — although, as Spurrier pointed out, it did improve in the fourth quarter with the help of North Charleston's Jarriel King at left tackle. In the end, Smelley and the defense redeemed the night for the Gamecocks. "It was, as you know, a big struggle," Spurrier said. "I appreciate our fans being patient with our offense." Reach Travis Haney at thaney@postandcourier.com and check out the new South Carolina blog at charleston.net/blogs/gamecocks/. |
Article tools |
|
Notice about comments: Charleston.net is pleased to offer readers the ability to comment on stories. We expect our readers to engage in lively, yet civil discourse. Charleston.net does not edit user submitted statements and we cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted in the comments area. Responsibility for the statements posted lies with the person submitting the comment, not charleston.net. If you find a comment that is objectionable, please click "suggest removal" and we will review it for possible removal. Please be reminded, however, that in accordance with our Terms of Use and federal law, we are under no obligation to remove any third party comments posted on our website. Full terms and conditions can be read here. |
Comments
This article has 34 comment(s)
Posted by theronce on August 29, 2008 at 7:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Granted that the offense played poorly early, be careful not to compare apples to oranges. I think that overall conditioning played some part in Smelley's success.
Posted by bigriver1 on August 29, 2008 at 7:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is the offensive guru after 4 years? LOL. New predictions 4-8, 2-6 and No BOWL, again! LOL. Really is going to be fun to watch these losers this year. Let the chicken kicking begin! Some things never change.
VANDY 27 sc 3
Posted by summerville_guy on August 29, 2008 at 8:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You're right, BigRiver. South Carolina will only win 4 games this year. *rolls eyes*
The bottom line is that USC delivered a shutout last night. Do you honestly think Clemson can do the same tomorrow?
Posted by sbs920 on August 29, 2008 at 8:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
other than the solid D, nothing to be proud of. . .
Beecher is not the "man". Smelley did okay on a tired NC State D.
Whipping Average Coast Conference NC State is no big accomplishment, many more will do it.
Even Craig James told national TV last night how weak the acc is. No big surprise. . .
Posted by summerville_guy on August 29, 2008 at 8:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
And one more thing - before you start comparing Bama to NC State and moaning about how Bama is a much better opponent, let's break it down like this:
Alabama = SEC
NC State = ACC
So is it really USC's fault that Clemson is in a weak conference?
Posted by whiskeyagogo on August 29, 2008 at 9:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Long ago there was an orange bumper sticker with one word on it - "Obnoxious". The O's were replaced with tiger paws. bigriver1 brings it home for me. Hey bad man, why didn't you comment on the CU PTI story yesterday? Is beating up girls ok with you?
Posted by sbs920 on August 29, 2008 at 9:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
sorry, little ditch O's mom banned him from the computer yesterday. . . He's baaaaaaaack. . .
Posted by IslandGirl83 on August 29, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The game was definitely boring until the 4th. I think Smelley should be your guy but then again there are alot of factors. He definitely looked good after watching Bleecher play.
Posted by JRob on August 29, 2008 at 9:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It's one game, people. If your name is not big river, don't read too much in to it.
Posted by fantasy5 on August 29, 2008 at 9:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If I were a Carolina fan, I'd be kinda worried. From a truly objective POV, I thought that was a very poor performance by a SC team I expected more out of. NC State is not good whatsoever, and your QB's were playing catch with their linebackers. I think USC has a long ways to go in the next two weeks or its going to be an even longer season than last year...
Posted by fantasy5 on August 29, 2008 at 9:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sorry, I meant to add that the score is not indicative of how the game went. SC should have won by a lot more than that. Up 3-0 at half with 3 TO's and no TD's, you have to capitalize on turn overs!
Posted by Rooster07 on August 29, 2008 at 9:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hats off to the defense. NC State only had one scoring opportunity and that was a 49 yard FG attempt. Thats defensive domination. The only thing that worried me in the first half sometimes it looked like our guys didn't know how to tackle. Probably still in practice mode because SOS won't let them hit much in practice. That changed in the 2nd half though.
It took 3 quarters, but the O-line finally started to click, hence the 2nd half scoring. Overall, I would say its a good first game result based on openers from previous years. I think Beecher gets another start next week, but the leash will be much tighter this time around.
Posted by fjms on August 29, 2008 at 10:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Congrats to the cocks. The defense looked very good.
Posted by Rggr on August 29, 2008 at 10:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The USC defense looked good. The offense raised some questions. The interceptions were bad of course, but the offensive line didn't look good. The did later in the game, but it's hard to know if that was because they started to click or if they took advantage of NC State's lack of depth.
Posted by idennis on August 29, 2008 at 11:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Cudo's to Ellis Johnson. Pitching a shutout his first game. Welcome home Ellis. The offense took a while but started clicking. Coach Spurrier, you're a QB away from a team to be reckoned with. One might emerge real soon.
Congrats Gamecocks.
Posted by sbs920 on August 29, 2008 at 11:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
fantasy -5
If I were a CU fan I would be worried too, about Sat nite.
To use your own quote "don't you have a game to worry about". We'll see, won't we. . .
fjms, how 'bout do a spell check and a grammer check for me on this one, while your kids are coloring in your class okay?
Do you get the "Orange Kool-aid" thing yet ? LOL!
Posted by nikkiP on August 29, 2008 at 11:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
blarg, I was there for that and it was ugly. I could care less what the score was, our offensive line was embarassing.
I think Beecher was just struck by nerves, wasn't this his first time starting? But if USC plans on proving themselves, they'll do what's best for the team. Smelley didn't do too bad, but before anyone starts saying how good he is, let's not forget Tenn. last year when Mitchell had to rescue the team to a not-so-embarassing loss.
Clemson's schedule is pathetic. Maybe they should move up to playing the local high school teams. When Wake Forest and South Carolina are two of the hardest games, it's just kinda sad at that point.
Posted by rebel1 on August 29, 2008 at 11:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
WOW,those puttykat fans had to get sick of hearing espn talk about how weak the avg coast conf is and how the SEC is the strongest in nation.I kinda felt sorry for them. 3 out of the last 5 NATIONAL CHAMPS were SEC and remember AUB went 14-0 in the SEC and didnt get a chance at it. I dont know if I heard right but the puttkats record against ALA is 0-14. Well maybe they will have better luck this year since a pre bowl 6-6 ALA is still a young and weak SEC team. Why wont tammy sch games with FLA,GA,AUB,TENN and the list goes on. The only sad thing is USC looked weak against the weakest conf in the nation. One thing about SOS is he runs the team and not the players and he will make adj for the better.
Posted by KidYendor on August 29, 2008 at 11:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Gamecocks will get revenge on Vandy and will hold them to two touchdowns. Smelley should start but we don't want him banged up early and then have to deal with Beecher whose interceptions seemed to float right into the hands of the defense. He did not lead some receivers and overthrew the others. Lets hope for a great year for the Gamecocks. Being a Gamecocks fan makes living in our high-tax state barely bearable.
Posted by tiggerlady on August 29, 2008 at 12:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It's funny how lamecock fans talk about how weak ACC teams are when they can't even beat Clemson....so what does our schedule have to do with the carolina/clemson wins and loses?
Posted by fjms on August 29, 2008 at 12:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
sbs920, I'm a History teacher at FJMS and I'm not sure what I spelled wrong. Congrats is just slang for Congratulations but if you like I will be at Gold's Gym on James Island tomorrow at 8:30 a.m. with a FJMS shirt on and we can talk about it there smart ###!
Posted by fantasy5 on August 29, 2008 at 12:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Rebel, I'm not sure of the CU /AL. record, but I guarantee you its not 0-14. i know AL has won 11 straight, but we'll be okay. Why don't you go swim in the glory of all the other SEC schools that have a winning tradition, lol. Does that make you feel better, honestly?? In regards to schedule, how retarded are you? We have UGA lined up for '10-'11 and I'm sure well have a plethora of other schools that we'll end up scheduling from the SEC in the near future, but it doesn't happen overnight, except in this case where both schools needed a fill-in game and both were available. We do have a game to deal with on Saturday night, but I'm not too preoccupied with it.
My comments were completely honest and I wasn't poking at SC, I was making a valid point that SOS has to get his QB before SC can have a legit chance at winning, and I don't think either of these two kids are going to cut it for him. Just an observation. SC won and the W is what counts, but I expected to see SC beat the crap out of NC State, but apparently I expect too much. The 34-0 score is not a good indicator of how good/bad SC really is...
Posted by guidedbystewart on August 29, 2008 at 12:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Congrats on the win! The defense played well, but the offensive line was horrible and Beecher made some major mistakes. At least we have some depth in this postion, and if we stay healthy, we should at least win seven games. Hopefully this year, the offensive line and quarterback play could improve, yet NC State was not much of a test.
Posted by fantasy5 on August 29, 2008 at 12:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
fjms, he probably thought defense is spelled de-fence because thats how you spell fence and they hold up signs at the games with "DE" written on one and another that has a drawing of a fence. Common misconception right? It's okay though, he's not a graduate of any SC state institutions, SC or CU...
Posted by sbs920 on August 29, 2008 at 1:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
fantasy5, or should we call you rosy palms (synonym) since its probably what you call your righthand/girlfriend or more like your boyfriend. Try the other hand and your arm won't hurt as much.
fjms, I'm at the Navy Base Gym. Mons and Thurs around 11:30 just look for the only white boy, don't forget your fjms t-shirts. . .lol
rosy palms you can come along too, it'll be fun, I Promise!
Posted by Tulane75 on August 29, 2008 at 1:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am trying so hard to pull for Clemson vs. Alabama, but it is no easy task after reading some of the posts above. Ultimately, the higher Clemson is ranked when USC beats them, the better it is for USC.
Maybe if I don't read the paper I can do it! And spend the next 32 hours and watch the game in total isolation!
Posted by bigriver1 on August 29, 2008 at 1:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
VANDY 27
sc 3
Let the chicken kicking begin!
Posted by TTBoy on August 29, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
too bad ACC records still exist from when usc was in the league. Check the Independent and Metro records while yer at it. Not even 'Vandy has gone 0-21 while they have been in the SEC. Getting beat by better teams every year has only made your imagination better. No more next year, how about this year!
Posted by summerville_guy on August 29, 2008 at 1:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
TTBoy, you're right. The 21 losses in a row are completely relevant today. Especially considering the fact that USC won by 34 points last night, and Clemson has yet to even play. You make about as much sense as bigriver, and that's not saying much.
Posted by charlestonhome on August 29, 2008 at 5:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Lotta talkin goin on. It doesn't matter how "ugly" the win was, or how many INTs the QB threw, 34-0 is a whitewash. Like winning an election by 30 points. While reading about USC's January bowl game, no one will remember that it was an "ugly" win or a "poor performance". 12-10 can be ugly or a poor performance. 34-0??? I don't think so.
Posted by tigerama on August 29, 2008 at 5:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
NC state going into this season was picked to finish last in the ACC. Then they lost most of their offensive skill players. Then lost their only remaining starter at QB. And still almost 0 to 0 at half!! The score is what it was since the NC State defense lost hope and was exhausted. If I was a SC fan, I would be really questioning the coaches decision making ability with the QB selection. I think he is setting the table for Garcia. Now that Beecher is one and done, once Smelley makes a mistake - in goes Garcia to develop. Long season coming since the O-line was not impressive!!!!
Posted by tightlines on August 29, 2008 at 7:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't give a damn what you obsessed, arrogant CU fans think... Gamecocks won 34-0. We had zero players in the training room after the game and Jarriel King is a absolute beast! Go Cocks!!!
Posted by JAMJOH on August 29, 2008 at 7:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
bigriver, your an absolute idiot. Is it really necessary to post the same thing twice, or are you just that pathetic and have nothing else to do. Get some class buddy and a life. Id be willing to put everything I own that the Vandy score will not be 27-3, or anywhere near that.
Posted by youmanyo on August 29, 2008 at 8:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
A win is a win but in all honesty you guys didnt look that good to me , except for the defense.