Offense
Can Stephen Garcia finally put his immature troubles behind him and lead the Gamecocks to a great season in 2010? Steve Spurrier is hoping that his sharp criticism of Garcia will finally motivate the Gamecock QB to focus and lead South Carolina out of mediocrity. Surprisingly though, Garcia has actually improved every season since he’s been the starting QB and last season completed over 55% of his passes with a 17/10 TD to Int ratio. Not bad for someone who is much maligned. Don’t be surprised if Spurrier’s public chastising is the catalyst for a career season by the South Carolina QB.
Despite the criticism around Garcia, there is a lot of talent on the Carolina offense. The Gamecocks return RBs Kenny Miles and Jarvis Giles who have enjoyed great starts to their careers. However, I believe the star of 2010 will be true freshman RB Marcus Lattimore who was rated as the nation’s #1 RB coming out of HS.
The Gamecocks are also loaded at receiver when Alshon Jeffrey gained 763 yards through the air in only his first season. TE Wesley Saunders is ranked very high on NFL draft boards, however the key for him will be to avoid missed playing time due to the recent NFL agent’s scandal.
Defense
The best decision Spurrier’s made at South Carolina was convincing DC Ellis Johnson to leave Starkville and join the “ole ball coach” at South Carolina. While Johnson does lose All-SEC and leading tackler from 2009 Eric Norwood, he received an early New Year’s present when DE Cliff Matthews decided to return for his senior season. Matthews had 7 tackles last season as he received 2nd team All SEC honors. The secondary is also loaded as the Gamecocks return freshman All-American Stephon Gillmore as well as SR Chris Culliver, JR Akeen Auguste, as well as SO DeVonte Holloman.
Overall
Another season and another year where its expected South Carolina will finally break through. However, in 2010 they really might have a shot. There is major talent at every position on offense and defense, and their 16 returning starters is the 2nd most in the SEC. Also, you would think Spurrier is just too good of a coach to not give the Gamecocks at least one special season before he hangs it up.
Nevertheless, the schedule will be brutal as the Gamecocks get Auburn and Alabama from the West and must travel to Florida and Clemson late in the season. The key for Carolina is getting no worse than a split in the Georgia and Auburn games in the early part of the schedule. I see them losing to Georgia but beating Auburn at Jordan Hare. However, a loss in both and the Gamecocks will be faced with yet another underachieving campaign.
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