Spurrier hopes Kentucky-bound Gamecocks aren't too confidentThe Post and Courier
Monday, October 6, 2008
Erik Campos South Carolina's Chris Smelley hands off to Mike Davis against Mississippi in the fourth quarter. OXFORD, MISS. — Steve Spurrier surmises that, about a week ago, a lot of people were patting Houston Nutt on the back and talking about an Ole Miss team gaining confidence following the big upset at then-No. 4 Florida. A few days later, Nutt and his team of Sports Illustrated coverboys are again grounded. Spurrier wants the Gamecocks, 31-24 winners Saturday at Ole Miss, to avoid a similar fate as they head to Kentucky this week. "Each week stands on its own," Spurrier said Sunday during his weekly teleconference. "Hopefully it will build some confidence for us, but we've got to play (well) in back-to-back games." The Wildcats, suddenly staunch on defense, stuck close with second-ranked Alabama on Saturday in a 17-14 defeat. Spurrier talked a lot Sunday about good fortune and errors that his team made, despite the victory — USC's first SEC win in a year (seven games). He said each facet — offense, defense and special teams — has things to correct this week. But, still, he can't be too fed up. For one thing, the Gamecocks (4-2, 1-2 SEC) won, and won on the road. For another, USC's offense finally perked up thanks to a steady effort by quarterback Chris Smelley, the emergence of young receiver Jason Barnes and the return of senior receiver Kenny McKinley. Those elements helped the Gamecocks rack up 405 total yards, including a career-high 327 passing yards from Smelley. It was the first time USC had cracked 400 yards this season. South Carolina converted 7 of 13 third downs, moving it into the SEC lead in third-down conversions. Its 20 first downs kept USC first in the league in that category, as well. Those two sentences tell you that the Gamecocks haven't just been rotten offensively. What the unit hadn't done, though, was hit big plays and score. And it did both Saturday. USC's top four receivers had plays of 20, 27, 32 and 63 yards. Additionally, running back Mike Davis had a 17-yard reception and a 16-yard run. The 63-yarder, a third-down pass and catch from Smelley to tight end Jared Cook, was the longest play for USC since November 2006. The ultimate sign of success for the Gamecocks was an 11-play, 95-yard drive in the late third and early fourth quarters. It resulted in the touchdown that pushed USC up 10, out of reach from the Rebels. Smelley uncharacteristically rolled out of the pocket, bought some time and found Joe Hills open in the back of the end zone for a 4-yard score. "I don't know what came over us," said Barnes, the redshirt freshman who caught seven passes for 76 yards and two scores. "We started expecting to score anywhere on the field, even if we didn't have good field position. Our confidence is way up." Yes, but will the Gamecocks play well enough this week for it to stay up? Reach Travis Haney at thaney@postandcourier.com and check out the new South Carolina blog at www.charleston.net/blogs/gamecocks. |
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Comments
This article has 12 comment(s)
Posted by uscsax on October 6, 2008 at 9:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Seems quite today....where are all the talkers from last week...no offense....defense can't stop them look what they did to Florida and Florida is way better than SC...come out, come out, whereever you are. I'm sure you want to come tell us how Kentucky is going to beat us bad since they played so tight with Alabama.
Posted by sptiger on October 6, 2008 at 10:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
hey sax - i think you mean quiet...
i couldn't help myself there
congrats to the chickens on the victory as it was easily the best they've looked all year. it might be too early to conclude that things are coming together and clicking at the right time but more things are going in the right direction for yall than for the tigers and in a big way unfortunately.
Posted by Rooster07 on October 6, 2008 at 11:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Saturday's game with UK should more resemble the Carolina-UGA game than what we saw last saturday at Ole Miss. UK's defense is much better than Ole Miss. The good thing is that their offense is worse. I was so happy to see the offense finally being productive (except for running game) and to see Smelley finally take a leadership role. Thats really all that the offense needed was for someone to step up as a leader. As far as being overconfident, I'm not sure how they could be after only 1 conference win. It should give them enough confidence to continue winning though.
Posted by Rooster07 on October 6, 2008 at 11:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Forgot to add....Although it still stings, I feel much better about the Vandy loss now than I did a week ago. They are for real. Can't wait until 10-18 when Vandy goes to UGA. Should be about #8 UGA vs. #11 Vandy....unbelieveable!!
Posted by uscsax on October 6, 2008 at 11:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
RW,
No one on this board should rub anything in anyones face considering the way the seasons gone for most teams rep, Clem, SC, Auburn, what have you. Personally I think you should post, you gave your opinion and stuck by it, nothing wrong with that.
Posted by KidYendor on October 6, 2008 at 12:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Way to go South Carolina Gamecocks. With all the troubles in our state Gamecock victories make for a great diversion for fans like me. You people that are going to Kentucky be sure to bring back a case or two of Kentucky Ale beer. This amber colored beer is terrific and is only available for purchase in Kentucky. Liquor stores carry it. Goooooo Cocks!
Posted by nappyd on October 6, 2008 at 1:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Gamecocks: 137. Kentucky: 3.
After getting beat senseless and left in a state of awe, Kentucky finally kicks a field goal Sunday evening to give themselves 3 points. SEC decides to count it since there are no losers in an SEC game, and the SEC comes out a winner in the self-proclaimed toughest dadgum conference of all time competition.
Posted by sbs920 on October 6, 2008 at 2:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Easy Cock Fans, its just one game against an average Ole Miss team that got lucky in the swamp last week. Smelley had a good day but missed some very easy passes too and is one really slow footed white boy. UK is gonna be tough at Lexington and should have beat Bama last Sat. enough said, USC has its work cut out for 'em...
CU at WF on a Thur nighter. . . oh my. . .
this is a season maker/breaker for the tiggers.
Lose this one and a loss to and/or BC,GT,FSU and the Gamecocks could put the final nails in little tommy's coffin come season's end and a trip to the "Tidy Bowl"
RIP Little Tommy! RIP!
Posted by sbs920 on October 6, 2008 at 2:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
USCSAX! My apologies! All hail USCSAX!
You were RIGHT! I was wrong :(
Your prediction in the USC / Ole Miss was pretty damm close too!
Going to Vegas soon or playing the lottery ? LOL!
Posted by OldSalt on October 6, 2008 at 3:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
We beat Ole Miss, an SEC team on the road; so of course we are gonna win out, beat Alabama in the SEC Championship game for their only loss, and then beat Alabama again in the National Championship game! Has anyone seem my meds? Anyone? I think I'll wash 'em down with some more Kool-Aid.
Posted by uscsax on October 6, 2008 at 4:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
as long as you admit that now sbs...
Posted by TL on October 6, 2008 at 11:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
On the up side, Smelly was more consistent. But Ole Miss lost the game on two critical fumbles, one on the goal line and the other when an inexperienced QB tried to get rid of the ball and fumbled it resulting in a touchdown runback. Enjoy the victory, but don't expect KY to hand over two touchdowns.
I'm glad the behavior on this board was far better than the behavior of the SC fans in Oxford. I doubt those fans could read, so there is no sense in bringing that up on this board.