Head Ball Coach needs to show patience against Georgia
Steve Spurrier, the Head Ball Coach at South Carolina, said the other day that he was tired of winning low-scoring, close football games. He said he was going to “start coaching my butt off until we can throw the ball around.”
He continued: “We’ve all been coaching but we’re going to put in overtime. We were pretty sad the other night and it’s nobody’s fault but mine.”
He talked about how conservative his game plan was in last Thursday night’s 7-3 win at N.C. State. He ran the ball 42 times, threw it 22. QB Stephen Garcia only attempted three long throws. All three were completed but one was called back due to a penalty.
Spurrier sounds he wants to be less conservative and take some more shots down the field when his Gamecocks come to Athens to play Georgia Saturday night.
HBC, I respect you a lot. You are a Hall of Fame player and not long after you retire you’ll be a Hall of Fame coach.
But I have known Steve Spurrier and watched him coach since he was Red Wilson’s offensive coordinator at Duke in the early 1980s. And coach, trust me when I tell you that pitching it around the ball park a lot is the LAST thing you want to do with this team, this Saturday or any Saturday.
Let’s look at the facts. From watching last Thursday night’s game in Raleigh it was pretty easy to see that Ellis Johnson has another good defense at South Carolina. Russell Wilson, last season’s All-ACC quarterback, could not run away from the speedy Gamecock defenders. Wilson is used to making plays with his feet and his arm. He really could do neither against South Carolina.
Another fact. Garcia, the South Carolina quarterback, is what he is. He has some talent and every now and then he will make a really good throw. He made a couple of them against N.C. State. But the more you have to rely on Garcia’s arm, the more likely some mistakes are going to be made.
If you’re coaching against him, the book on Steve Spurrier is pretty simple. If he has better athletes than you do, which was the case most of the time at Florida, you’re probably not going to beat him. He is as good as I’ve ever seen when it comes creating mismatches, putting his best player against a lesser defender. But if the athletes are about the same, then you have to outwait him and hope that he gets impatient. More than once in the past few years at South Carolina Spurrier would grow weary about not being able to score points quickly. As a result his quarterback would try to make plays instead of being conservative and letting the defense win games.
Six times since he got to South Carolina, one of Spurrier’s teams has scored a touchdown or less. In 15 years as the head coach at Duke (1987-89) and Florida (1990-2001), his teams scored a touchdown or less only six times.
But Spurrier is in a different time and a different place now. No one is going to confuse Stephen Garcia with Danny Wuerffel, Shane Matthews, or Rex Grossman. He’s had two Florida-like big play receivers at South Carolina in Sidney Rice and Kenny McKinley. I’m not sure there is one of those on this team.
Spurrier’s best bet with this team is to let Ellis Johnson’s defense give him field position and then take the shots only when the down and distance is in his favor.
The HBC needs to show a lot of patience with this team and be willing to win every game 7-3, if that’s what it takes. It’s not easy for him. It goes against every fiber in his being. That’s why I’ll be interested to see how patient he is Saturday night against Georgia.
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207 comments Add your comment
SatchelBuzz
September 8th, 2009
7:35 am
Hope he stays patient,…D looks awfully stout.
m
September 8th, 2009
7:47 am
Last Thursday night against NC State, South Carolina looked like the worst team in history that ever won a game…they were truly pathetic.
Of course on Saturday, the ugag hushpuppies got shut down by one of those big 12 teams that play no defense…remember??? How did that inferior big 12 team manhandle a sec powerhouse?!?! LOL
If ugag has trouble with South Carolina, then they are really a pifitul team…because SC sucks.
Thanks to God and Greyhound, chan gomer gailey is gone forever and TECH went from having the worst coach in the nation to having the BEST coach in the nation.
The whipping that TECH is going to put on the dawgs this year is going to be something to behold. You dawgs might as well start (actually keep) crying now.
45-42…glad it still hurts so bad…and it is only the beginning.
Not Disappointed!
September 8th, 2009
7:57 am
It should be an interesting game. The pups have to deal with a better defense, but not so much offense.
Ramblin Wreck.
SimpleDawg
September 8th, 2009
8:01 am
It figures that the first 2 posts on a story about UGA and USC are technonerds.
USC will have to throw the ball to win because they have no running game. Their running backs are worse than ours.
Let’s hope Washaun Ealey gets to play soon….Richard Samuel isn’t the second coming of Herschel as so many declared…not even close.
We need to get the ball to AJ.
Re: Tech/Clemson.....
September 8th, 2009
8:03 am
Clemson has struggled to score in Atlanta, in fact Clemson has not scored a touchdown in Atlanta since 2003 when it won 39-3. And,The last time Clemson won in Atlanta (2003) , the Tigers defeated Middle Tennessee by a 37-14 score the week before. Clemson enters this year’s game in Atlanta coming off a 37-14 win over Middle Tennessee.
#2 BAMA FAN
September 8th, 2009
8:03 am
The first team that scores a touchdown wins saturday night!! It is going to be a ugly game to watch. Hope the dawgs win and Cox has a good game! GO DAWGS!!
greg
September 8th, 2009
8:12 am
How in the world can a coach as great as the HBC is never get a top level quarterback at South Carolina. Can someone please explain this to me?
gatorhead1013
September 8th, 2009
8:19 am
You nailed one of the true flaws of Spurrier as a coach. Impatience. Even at Florida, often when they got behind or he got frustrated, he’d resort to bomb after bomb…
RAMBLE ON!!!
September 8th, 2009
8:19 am
Umm, Mr. College, err Mr. SEC Football. There is a game this Thursday between two higher ranked teams that will impact the ranking more than these 2nd tier wantabees.
Pull your head out of your azz and wake the f up!!!
m
September 8th, 2009
8:19 am
Oh, I forgot
NC State lost to “pathetic” South Carolina..Whoops!
VA Tech whipped Bammer…Whoops!
Maryland crushed Cal… Whoops!
Duke hung 60 on the Richmond Spiders…Whoops!
Virginia destroyed William & Mary (WILLIAM & MARY!!)…Whoops
Thank God & Greyhound GA Tech played JSU without their starting QB! ACC should start scheduling Sun Belt teams.
JB
September 8th, 2009
8:21 am
off subject some, but I want to get this off my chest. I know as far as men go, it’s hard to beat Coach Richt. But, after watching Bama play Saturday after watching us, Saban looked like the coach going into his 8th or 9 th year, and Richt’s team looked like year two trying to turn a program around. For Georgia to play like that, you have to Question the coaching and philosophy in Athens.Shannon at Miami is fighting for his job and brought in new OC and DC this year. Miami looked VERY MUCH improved last night. We’re mopping with a dirty mop. We ought to playing lights out. We look like we’re playing in the dark. Saban is a lot of things, but a pretty good football coach he is. I wonder if Richt is playing for his job ? Shannon at Miami responded. Will Richt ?
leland
September 8th, 2009
8:27 am
Dear Mr. CF–me, I think the team that scores third, either field goal, safety or touchdown (but not extra points) will probably win. But I’m not sure; it might be the fourth score. Your pal, Leland
Leon Forrester
September 8th, 2009
8:28 am
Maybe Richt and Shannon are playing for the same job?
Buck Strickland
September 8th, 2009
8:29 am
Ramble, is William & Mary playing Richmond?
I believe two of Tech’s biggest games are on Thursday nights this year. That’s one way to get folks to watch ACC football. Free hot dog and coke with every police report is another.
Mac
September 8th, 2009
8:30 am
Now that he’s not at Florida, I like Steve Spurrier and would like to see his team win every game but one. But, after this much time, it’s obvious it’s not going to happen. He’s rich, he’s accomplished a lot, if it was me, I’d retire.
DawgMax
September 8th, 2009
8:37 am
USC–good defense, not great, mediocre offense. Ga: mediocre offense, pretty good defense. Playing at home—UGA wins by 10. Garcia throws a couple of INTs, Dawgs break a punt or kickoff for 6.
JB
September 8th, 2009
8:37 am
a few things we know after week one. Tech nerds are right, gonna be a long year in Athens. Also, me thinks Tech loses to VT, Miami and FSU…..all pretty good teams. They are fast and TACKLE very well.
That hurts Tech.
Saint Simons
September 8th, 2009
8:39 am
((((( 24 10 ))))) hahahahahahahaha
JWalker
September 8th, 2009
8:45 am
As a Tide fan, I can’t stand Spurrier. However…I think South Carolina wins 17-13 on Saturday.
Babba Nole
September 8th, 2009
8:50 am
Tony, I’d like for you to write about the marriage between ESPN/ABC and the SEC. I just don’t think it’s a healthy thing for College Football for the sports biggest broadcaster to be in bed with one particular conference. Doesn’t ESPN/ABC now have a financial stake in the success of the SEC over other leagues? Won’t comments by ESPN/ABC commentators critical of non-SEC teams now have to be judged in context with that financial marriage? I just don’t think it’s a good thing.
god and greyhound
September 8th, 2009
8:53 am
Yeah, I think Spurrier can do without your expertise. All this from a guy who picked uog over okst, and who suggested Richard Samuel was on the brink of stardom because he was good at breaking tackles.
He is what he is, huh? What isn’t what it is?
Pat
September 8th, 2009
8:55 am
The dogs play with no spirit – no sacks – no turnovers – no deep passes. Our team does act like the Coach – too low key no passion. I heard Bowden say one time he asked Richts wife how their first date went. She said she had to slap him. Bowden asked “did he get fresh?” She said “no, I wanted to see if he was alive.” We have to play with our hair on fire – I don’t see it.
Death to the Directional Kickoff
September 8th, 2009
8:56 am
Please NO MORE DIRECTIONAL KICKOFFS… it simply DOESN’T WORK
and for once please RUSH THE FRIGGIN’ PUNTER like you might actually want to block a punt occaisonally.
The special teams are pathetic and show no sign of improvement.
optionoffense
September 8th, 2009
8:59 am
UGA is pathetic. The quarterback is a career backup. The RB can’t help but trip over the 20 yard line. I don’t think this will be a very pretty game. Oh how the mighty have fallen.
Georgia Tech will expose the Clemson defense. Expect 250 on the ground and 150 in the air. 400+ yards total offense will equal about a 28-17 victory and then it’s on to put Miami in thier place.
Andy in Blairsville
September 8th, 2009
8:59 am
Having watched the OK ST game Spurrier has a really good if not fantastic chance of winning in Athens this weekend.
SimpleDawg
September 8th, 2009
9:00 am
All of these little yeller fellers are like the Clempson and South Carolina fans over here in SC….they would rather see their rival lose than see their team win.
The loss by the Dawgs on Saturday is no reason to jump off of the nearest bridge. After watching the replay of the game, I still can’t believe we lost…a play here or there and we win the game….except for the TURNOVERS and PENALTIES. Same $#!+, different year.
Dawggies still beat the Warrior Chickens. Clempson beats the Yeller Jerkits.
dandydawg
September 8th, 2009
9:00 am
We are horrible. We won’t beat South Carolina. We won’t beat Tennessee. We won’t beat Arkansas. We won’t beat LSU. We won’t beat Florida. We won’t beat GaTech.
Mark Richt….please go back to FSU and help Bobby.
dandydawg
September 8th, 2009
9:02 am
SimpleDawg
You’re a moron.
DawginLex
September 8th, 2009
9:02 am
don’t know what happened to my comments.
YoungDawg
September 8th, 2009
9:03 am
Caleb is back! Now we can rotate 2 backs & focus on the running game then open it up as needed. Also we need to mix in Gray & Braden Smith as we did on the first drive. If Cox shows that Saturday was an aberration due to his illness then he’ll keep the job. However if he doesn’t improve them mixing in Gary in the Grayhound O & ala Shockley will prepare him to take the reigns if needed. The D did its job & should be able to do the same against SC but we MUST hold onto picks because Garcia will give us a couple. CMR need to take over the kickoff unit & let Bogota kick it in the end zone otherwise that’s a wasted scholarship! Fabris is in charge of the DE’s as well if that & kickoffs are a prob again he’ll be a scapegoat that might save Martinez job. I don’t think we’re as bad as we looked against OK State but the schedule doesn’t allow us much time to figure things out so we’ll have to survive the next couple games until we find out identity on O. Remember Florida went through the same thing last year. I say that as a comparison not to say we’ll go on to win it all. Just saying sometimes it takes a few games to find the right formula on offense for that season.
SimpleDawg
September 8th, 2009
9:05 am
I’m a complete goofball jerkoff. Don’t listen to me, I was just joshing around.
JB
September 8th, 2009
9:05 am
Pat, you are so right. I see our coach’s trying to rev us up, but it ain’t working. I’ve been looking for a word to describe the relationship between our team and the coach’s. The word I’ve come up with is ” coddling”. Do any of you think Cox would have finished that game if Spurrier was our coach. Would Cox get another chance under him. Yes. But for God’s sake, let’s try to win the game. Try something. Our D should of disrupted their offense. no, we rush 3, drop 8 , and still give up 2 TD passes.
WE BLITZED TWICE. Their QB must have been pinching himself. I don’t think he got dirty. Yes, I’m pissed. Oh yea, we’ll have the SAME game plan this week. We are 6-4 in our last 10 games by the way.
SimpleDawg
September 8th, 2009
9:06 am
YoungDawg
You’re obviously another flake.
CharlotteGator
September 8th, 2009
9:06 am
Sorry, but I’ve got to go off topic as well.
I was very impressed with both Miami and FSU. Last night’s game served as a slight reminder to the days when this was one of the premier games of the season. Both teams still have some flaws on defense, but the potential on the field was undeniable.
I think Jacory Harris might be my favorite non-Gator in all of college football. I came away very impressed by his talent, toughness, and leadership. He’s a pretty unique player, carries himself well during games, and gave a great interview at the end. Really sharp young man I hope to watch the next couple of years. Shawn Spence on D was a little disappointing. He was a monster last year as a freshman, but didn’t look the same last night. Sophomore jinx perhaps?
For FSU, Ponder played well, their RB showed some flashes, and the D looked lively. Star of the night for me though was Greg Reed (Reid?) from Valdosta. Losing him in recruiting season hurt, but last night showed why. He looked incredible as a freshman. If he keeps it going, he’ll definitely be a difference maker by year end. FSU’s weird speed nickel package also was interesting to watch. Seemed like somewhat of a gimmick at first, but I can definitely see that scheme and all the zone blitzing it allows wreaking havoc in protections and being dangerous as the year goes along. Here’s hoping someone figures out how to neutralize at some point this year so it doesn’t have a huge impact in the UF-FSU game at the end of the year.
Instant Classic1
September 8th, 2009
9:07 am
USC 27
UGA 16
Spurrier could outcoach Richt in his sleep
DawginLex
September 8th, 2009
9:07 am
Ok, now let’s try again.
After a weekend trip away with the family, it was a great weekend despite the loss. I was upset over the play calling more than anything. I am not buying into the “they adjusted” crap as to why we stopped trying to run the ball. After a beautiful 80 yard drive, we threw on 9 of the next 13 plays. That’s play calling, plain and simple.
The defense played well. I only saw a couple of missed tackles. The long pass was upsetting because a play could have been made.
The offesive line obviously took a huge hit but will still be a good line. Thankfully, there is depth.
This game this weekend could be the beginning or the end of Joe Cox’s season as starting QB. If we lose tis game, I could see Richt removing a lot of redshirts and going with youth to gain experience, Murray and Ealey in particular.
To the yellow fuzz idiot:
I have a life other than hanging out on a blog all weekend, especially a holiday weekend. I don’t answer to nerds like you.
reebok
September 8th, 2009
9:10 am
UGA over South Carolina 3-2.
Ramblin Rick
September 8th, 2009
9:12 am
Expect the ‘c0cks to stick it to the mutts all night
Fleischman in Chattanooga
September 8th, 2009
9:13 am
Joe Cox for Heisman!
Typical uga Fans - pre-OK St. beating
September 8th, 2009
9:15 am
• BobertTheDawg
You heard it here first… (2 votes)
________________________________________
Georgia will have no problem winning in Stillwater. For the 1st half it will be a close, hard fought battle but in the end, the SEC will again show its dominance.
Georgia – 30
Oklahoma Fake – 17
• allhailuga
OSU is in danger of losing big on their home field in front of a national television audience. the reason why you’re trying to puff out you chest is because you realize how unforutnate that you have to face UGA this year as your first game of the season. OSU is absolutely regretting signing that contract with UGA (as is ASU).
your offense is about to get exposed for being an over-hyped big 12 offense which can’t operate against an SEC defense (see Texas Tech vs Ole Miss and Oklahoma vs Florida).
your defense is about to get rubber stamped and confirmed for being just as bad as it was last year (see 96th worst in the nation)
your “new” stadium is about to get exposed for being a few tens of thousands smaller than the SEC stadiums.
your fans are about to be exposed as posers when a good junk of your new stadium is not wearing orange… but rather red and black (UGA fans actually bought a ton of your season tickets to go to the game, plus the fact that yall haven’t even sold the stadium out yet… that’s just pathetic)
HAHAHAHAHA
Change It Up
September 8th, 2009
9:16 am
After this season, Richt needs to hire a PROVEN OC and DC. If not, it’s time to reevaluate Richt as head coach at UGA.
GatorDave
September 8th, 2009
9:17 am
Well I was told I was an idiot last week for saying UGA couldn’t beat OSU and that there were certainly going to be a falloff with the team losing the three offensive players that they did.
Cuz
September 8th, 2009
9:19 am
Do we want a HC to lose his cool on the sidelines every time something goes wrong. Personally, I don’t. That is for the assistant coaches. I want a HC to be that rock that everyone will turn to and cling to when things are not going our way. If he loses his cool, the players will lose theirs and then we have no chance. Yep. Richt is a veritable ice berg on the sidelines. But his pre-game speeches that I have seen on the tube have fire in them. It is maddening for some that he acts like “Joe Cool” on the sidelines. To me, that just means there is an eye in the hurricane. A calm in the storm.
Bring on the Hens. Choke dem Chickens.
Cuz
September 8th, 2009
9:21 am
GatorDave, you were no way as big an idiot as some thought. Well that sounded funny, but I meant it as a compliment.
I think we could have won the game sticking to what worked on the opening drive. We did not and lost to a team that made better adjustments and capitalized on our mistakes as a good team should.
Pago Flyer
September 8th, 2009
9:23 am
The DAWGS don’t want the ‘Canes or ‘Noles!
Gen Neyland
September 8th, 2009
9:23 am
Patience and Spurrier could be labeled as (chose one) (A) Oxymoron…(B) Oil and water…(C) A comedy routine…(D) Quantum leap
Anonymous
September 8th, 2009
9:26 am
hello
murfdawg
September 8th, 2009
9:27 am
reebok,
I hate it when you are right!!!
GatorDave
September 8th, 2009
9:29 am
Cuz-
I do believe you guys should beat South Carolina..although I think it will be ugly…could be one of those 17-13 games. I’d be a little more worried though now with Arkansas and Tennessee. And this past week did nothing but further my belief on the Gators and Georgia Tech both winning easily.
Either way…UGA will be back…but, I’m not thinking much of this year other than about seven wins.
Atlanta Gator
September 8th, 2009
9:31 am
Spurrier must be patient. No game-changing mistakes or turnovers. Let the defense do what it can to make the Dawgs fumble and throw interceptions. If this game becomes an offensive track meet, the Dawgs win.