No. 19 | South Carolina

By Kevin Ledford | 08.30.2010

Head Coach    2009 Record    Returning Starters

Steve Spurrier       7-6 (3-5)       9 Offense, 7 Defense

Offensive Overview
The Gamecocks return virtually their entire offense from a year ago. Junior QB Stephen Garcia is another year older and seems to be coming into his own. He’s got a plethora of talented receivers to throw to headlined by super soph Alshon Jeffery. Junior Jason Barnes and sophomores Tori Gurley and D.L. Moore have shown signs of becoming playmakers as well. Keep an eye on true freshman Ace Sanders who is already drawing comparisons to former Gamecock great Kenny McKinley. Tight end Weslye Saunders, if cleared, is a threat as well. The backfield is also in good shape with incoming All-Everything Marcus Lattimore to go along with last year’s leading rusher Kenny Miles, senior Brian Maddox, sophomore Jarvis Giles, and the under-appreciated but ever reliable Patrick DiMarco at fullback. If the offensive line can create some running lanes, this could be one of the most potent offenses in the SEC.

Defensive Overview

Aggressive defenses have become a staple at South Carolina and this year’s version should be no different. Gone is all-time sack leader Eric Norwood, but now it’s Cliff Matthews’ time to shine. Expect the senior defensive end to be a menace to opposing offenses this year and contend for All-SEC honors. Junior linebacker Shaq Wilson is poised to have a breakout season. The instinctive Wilson is a tackling machine and always seems to be around the ball. But the defense’s strength may be the secondary led by senior cornerback Chris Culliver and sophomores Stephon Gilmore and DeVonte Holloman. The defensive backfield is stocked with fast, hard-hitting ball hawks and should make aerial yardage difficult to come by.

Team Superlatives
Most Likely to be a leader on offense: FB/TE Patrick DiMarco
Most Likely to be a leader on defense: DE Cliff Matthews
Most Likely to be a household name by December: LB Shaq Wilson
Most Likely to make an instant impact: RB Marcus Lattimore
Most Likely to lead the team in tackles: LB Shaq Wilson
Most Likely to lead the team in sacks: Matthews
Most Likely to lead the team in receiving yards: WR Alshon Jeffery
Most Likely to lead the team in rushing yards: Lattimore
Most Likely to win a national award: Matthews

Prediction

2010 Prediction: 9-3 (5-3)

This could finally be the year the Gamecocks challenge for the SEC East title. They have a good blend of youth and experience and the schedule sets up nicely for them. The toughest games appear to be Georgia and Alabama at home and Florida at The Swamp. They get the Bulldogs early in the season and they’ll be playing a redshirt freshman QB in Aaron Murray and transitioning to a new 3-4 defense. The Gamecocks have a bye week prior to their showdown with Alabama, while the Tide will be coming off what should be a very intense and physical game against Florida. Playing the Gators on the road is never an easy task, and they close on the road against arch-rival Clemson. Spurrier believes this to be his deepest and best team since arriving in Columbia, and if the ball bounces their way, this has the potential to be a special season for the Gamecocks.