It's Homecoming as the South Carolina Gamecocks (3-1, 1-1 SEC) host the Mississippi State Bulldogs (3-1, 1-1 SEC) in an SEC match-up on Saturday, Sept. 29. Game time is set for 12:30 p.m. at Williams-Brice Stadium (80,250) in Columbia. The Gamecocks are ranked 16th in the latest Associated Press poll and 21st in this week's USA Today/Coaches' poll.

So Chris Smelley, the 6-foot-2 216-pound Tuscaloosa, Ala., native, has been given the keys to the Univ of South Carolina Offense. Smelley hit 12 of 26 for a career-high 174 yards and one touchdown along with an interception against LSU....which is not bad but not stellar. All Carolina Fans will admit that there is work to be done on the Offense side of the ball. Thank God for the Defense unit because that has kept SC from really being a bottom dweller in the SEC. MSU is 3-1 and should pose a tough test early but by the end of the day the Carolina Defense and a new and I hope improved offense will prevail.

South Carolina has won four straight in the series with Mississippi State to even the all-time set at six wins apiece. The teams have split six games evenly in both Columbia and Starkville.


So what are the keys for a win against MSU to the game?

1. First the passing game has to Shine -- Time to finally do something on offense with the passing game. Play pitch and catch, get the TE's involved so it can open up the run game. Spurrier needs to give Smelley the green light to throw a deep ball more than once..this will keep MSU honest. SC has the speed so let's use it. It is important for Smelley to connect against MSU b/c they will be looking to shut down the run game and force Carolina to beat them in the air.

2. Defense must play "lights out" -- they Carolina D ranks second in the nation in passing yards allowed per game. This after playing two road games against ranked teams: No. 12 Georgia and No. 2 LSU. Opponents have thrown for an average of 103.5 yards per game and have one passing touchdown. The D needs to force a TO and don't give up on 3rd downs. Yes, Pepper and Brinkley are out but I feel the D can still be a force and stop MSU....it has too in order for USC to win.

3. USC rushing game must get big yards ---USC has two rushing plays of more than 20 yards this season and six passing plays of more than 25 yards. Boyd and Davis, it is time to break one for a long TD run. As seen all year our offense depends on the running game is this is a key against MSU who has a good D line.

4. WR Play --- The Carolina WR play is crucial this game from having to catch the ball to blocking so that Spurrier and the team can win. We need some players (anyone) to step up this game.

5. Special Teams and Succop must continue to be stellar --- USC must win the field position battle, make FGs and punt the ball well. Go for a block kick and I am still waiting for USC to run one back on a PR or KR...maybe this game.....we need big plays.

Prediction -- USC 24 MSU 10 no comments

Today in the Greenville News, the Ole Ball Coach was describing how practice this week for the Gamecocks was not good. In talking about the game against MSU he says -

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Here is a new twist to the debate and we would love to hear your thoughts. With the WIS TV response and the USA Today weighing in...boy it is fun.

I think the marketing campaign surrounding the comments Corso made is great and gets the fanbase fired up. Keep in mind that is the point - to create a buzz around the football program and to get people interested (which could lead to booster club donations). If Corso and ESPN get mad or whatever then fine..cry me a river...they give opinions and if we call them out on the Spurrier winning the SEC thing then fine by me....we too are entitled to our opinion.

Here is the latest-

Perspective: WIS Editorial on USC vs. Lee Corso by General Manager
Mel Stebbins

If you went to the Gamecock football team's home opener, you probably saw a video on the scoreboard that took some shots at ESPN football analyst Lee Corso.

In a recent State Newspaper article, columnist Ron Morris says the University of South Carolina's Athletic Department demonstrated no class, and called the scoreboard video "tasteless." That video included the now infamous comment by Corso, "I don't think Spurrier can win the SEC or the national title. I don't care if he coaches here 400 years."

Morris points out that Corso, as a football analyst, gets paid to offer his opinion and yes, he made the remark two years ago. Corso's response? "I can't control what they do or say. I can just give my opinion."

But this wasn't just an opinion, it was a monumental gaff on Corso's part. If the Athletic Department can use that memorable opinion to help inspire donors in the capital fundraising campaign, why not? If Coach Spurrier can use it to rev up fans and players, why not have some fun at Corso's expense?

By the way, in ten years as head football coach of the Indiana Hoosiers, Lee Corso's record was 41 wins, 68 losses, and 2 ties. So much for expert analysis. Let us know what you think and, Mr. Morris, if you would like to respond to this editorial, you're certainly welcome.

(Source: LOHD reader Gray and on the web here.) no comments

The Gamecocks fell in the AP Poll, to No. 16, and fell to No. 21 in the USA TODAY poll.
Also in the first Harris Poll of the season, South Carolina debuts at No. 17.

USC now ranks 104th out of 119 I-A teams nationally in rushing defense, allowing 216.5 yards a game. USC is also 79th in total offense (354 yards a game), including 66th on the ground (143.75) and 71st in passing (210.25). no comments

The LSU vs. USC game that is....the Tigers rushed to a 28-16 victory over 12th-ranked USC behind a ground assault that rolled up 290 yards on a rainy afternoon before the fourth-largest crowd in the history of Tiger Stadium. By comparison, USC (3-1, 1-1 in the Southeastern Conference) had just 17 yards rushing on 27 carries, its worst showing since being held to no net yards in a 33-7 loss to LSU on Oct. 18, 2003.

It was not a pretty game from rain and mud to bad plays and dropped passes. Jasper, Captain and Cook get hurt; not to mention Mitchell gets benched. I agree with Spurrier on this issue...Mitchell just is not producing; seems he is the 'Senior' that does not care and just wants the whole thing to be over. I welcome Smelley and hopes he can get it together b/c our offense looked horrible and MSU is not going to be that easy (they beat Auburn).

Here are some links about the game:
Spurrier benches Mitchell
LSU grounds out victory
Quarter-by-quarter
LSU exploits USC’s run defense
LSU trick play looks familiar no comments

USC has won six straight games dating back to last year to match the third-longest winning streak in the 114-year history of the football program (which is above 500 now thanks to SC State). So it is unlikely the Tigers (10 game winning streak) are overlooking the Gamecocks and LSU has outscored their first three opponents 137-7.

Everyone doubts a USC win and everyone talks about LSU speed and defense. Which I agree is amazing and LSU is the number team in the land. Think about this - The last time LSU went through a game without recording a sack was Oct. 29, 2005, 22 games ago. Oh yeah, again they have outscored their opponents 137-7....that means LSU has allowed an average of 2.3 points in three games. One word - Wow.

But I am telling you there is a chance for a Gamecock win. So what does it take to win against LSU?? Here are my keys to victory which must be excuted to perfection to win:

• USC Offense must Step Up -- Carolina must remain perfect in red zone, for all their offensive inconsistency, USC is perfect inside the 20-yard line, going 11 for 11 with eight TDs. That must continue and the passing game must work. For what has been the key of the offense, the run game, to have success the passing game has to play at its' best against LSU. We need WR to block downfield during run plays not to mention the line has to act like men against a big LSU line and create holes for Boyd/Davis to run through. We also need another WR to step up and have a 'stellar' game...McKinnley can not do it all as he will be shadowed the whole game until someone else proves themselves. Blake has to have a career game....period.
• USC Defense must keep LSU's Offense in check -- USC may face multiple QB's scenarios from LSU but USC must stick to the game plan and do what they do best. Our defense must get stops when it counts and don't give up big yards. No giving up and no relaxing on 3rd and 10. Gamecock defense needs to create TO's and knock down passes. Our defense will be tested but let's try to limit LSU to making FGs the whole game. Keep it close and we have a chance. Also it would be wise to win the clock mangament game...another words let's move the ball on offense and get some defensive stops so LSU offense is off the field.
• No Stupid Plays --- No dumb penalites on USC's part (Carlos Thomas are you listening) and USC must play a mistake free game to have a chance. If LSU makes a mistake we must pounce on it and take advantage; but let's not hurt ourselves in this game b/c let's be honest the Gamecocks need all the help they can get.
• Special Teams must shine -- I know that for every game I suggest this as a key but it can be and is. To win this game we need a big play and we need Succop to be perfect in all he does from punts to FGs. Also LSU has speed on their return units that must be contained. Let's translate...USC needs to tackle when kicking and recieving we need to block and run fast. We need to win the field position game.
• Gut check time -- For Carolina...yes if we lose we still have a chance for a SEC crown but that does not mean give up when losing. LSU could jump out to a quick 14-0 lead and USC can not hang their heads low. Now is the time...Carpe Diem...boys. A win here can go a long way and be a big win for the USC program.

What is your prediction? I know USC is a big underdog here but I feel we have a chance especially if we can keep it close. IF we do all the right things and don't hurt ourselves and give up big plays ---we have a chance. The Gamecocks need luck, determination and answered prayers to win. I hope this game is just like UGA - ugly but a nail-biting win...Carolina 24-23.

Let's hope I am right.............

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The 12th-ranked Gamecocks (3-0, 1-0 in the Southeastern Conference) know Saturday game at second-ranked LSU (3-0, 1-0) will be a challenge. LSU’s defense has rung up a long list of impressive numbers through three games.
Consider:

• One -- the number of touchdowns the No. 2-ranked Tigers have surrendered and where they rank nationally in scoring defense, pass efficiency defense and total defense.
• One -- Avg rushing yards per carry by opposing offense's against LSU defense.
• Two -- the number of shutouts in three games.
• Three -- LSU’s rank nationally in rushing defense (30 yards per game).
• Four -- LSU’s rank nationally in sacks (13).
• 161 -- The number of starts LSU’s 11 starters on defense has among them.

LSU has won 15 straight at home, but the Tigers fare better at night in Tiger Stadium. LSU is 203-59-3 at night at home but just 19-22-3 in day games, although the Tigers are 8-2 since 2000. USC is 2-14-1 against LSU, including 1-9 on the road. The lone win in Baton Rouge was an 18-17 victory Oct. 1, 1994.

If the Gamecocks, a 16-point underdog, have any chance of winning, the defense will have to continue its stellar play -- and the offensive line will have to improve mightily.

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Reported in the Greenville News this afternoon....University of South Carolina junior Ryan Succop is one of 41 players named to the watch list for the 2007 Ray Guy Award, which goes to the nation's top college punter.
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University of South Carolina junior defensive lineman Nathan Pepper’s season is done after he tore a ligament in his left knee on a 19-yard interception return for a touchdown in Saturday’s 38-3 victory over S.C. State. The 6-foot-1, 291-pound Pepper underwent an MRI on Monday that revealed the extent of the injury. The question is did the celebrating cause the injury? It was USC’s first defensive touchdown in nearly two years. He may get a redshirt this season and we wish him a speedy recovery. no comments

Although only 73,095 fans showed up at Williams-Brice Stadium Saturday night, they did enough to bother the South Carolina State offense as the Bulldogs were hit with 14 penalties for 98 yards. In the Greenville News Sunday the SC State team pointed to crowd noise as the cause of some mistakes. I say that is great news and yes at time the crowd at Willy B was very loud. Here is how the article read -
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