Bradley’s Buzz: Someone else likes South Carolina in 2010
"Don't despair, Steverino! I like your chances next time." (AJC photo by Brant Sanderlin)
It’s not yet Valentine’s Day, so this is subject to change, but the leader in the clubhouse for post that has peeved the most folks in 2010 is the one where I dared to suggest South Carolina might be poised for a better football season than the Georgia-based SEC representative.
I got the usual dismissive response — “Bradley, you’re just trolling for a reaction” — but I really wasn’t. I actually believe South Carolina is poised for a better season. And now, from Bruce Feldman of ESPN.com’s Insiders, comes something in the way of corroborating testimony. Feldman lists South Carolina as the No. 1 team being overlooked for 2010. (Link requires registration.) His rationale:
“If the Gamecocks don’t come up with that clunker in the bowl game, I suspect they’re preseason top 20, but let’s not overreact too much to that game. QB Stephen Garcia did make some nice strides in 2009, and Carolina does return 19 of 22 starters. Better still, it just landed a potential impact freshman in RB Marcus Lattimore, who could — and should — do wonders for the SEC’s worst rushing game. Those reasons have me thinking this should be Steve Spurrier’s best Carolina team yet, although that’s probably not saying all that much. New O-line coach Shawn Elliott needs to bolster the group up front (they did surrender 36 sacks last season). The schedule also breaks fairly well with Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee and Arkansas all having to visit Columbia this year. The two toughest SEC road games: at Florida and at Auburn.”
Understand: I’m a Gamecock skeptic of long standing. I got much grief from the Palmetto State when, back in 2007, I agreed with Lee Corso that Spurrier would never win the SEC while working in Columbia. (And then, as is invariably the case with me, Spurrier and Carolina beat Georgia in Athens.) But I do think there’s a stability with the other USC that isn’t present anywhere else in the SEC East save Vanderbilt. And I think that stability will count for something this fall.
Would I pick Carolina to win the East? Nope. Even with the players and coaches Florida has lost, I’d take the Gators. And I think Georgia could have a nice rebound year and maybe even go 9-3. But I think the Gamecocks could likewise go 9-3 and beat the Bulldogs at Williams-Brice on Sept. 11. (That will be the first road start for whoever is Georgia’s quarterback.)
I know, I know. South Carolina always promises much and delivers much less. I’m fully aware of the Chicken Curse. But this one time, I could see the Gamecocks finishing (slightly) ahead of Georgia. This one time.
Then again, I liked the Colts over the Saints. And Texas over Alabama. And Tech over Georgia in basketball. And Tech over Georgia in football. And …
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164 comments Add your comment
sky high
February 10th, 2010
2:15 pm
If Florida couldn’t win in 2009 with 22 starters returning, Charlie Strong & Tebow, they have no chance n 2010.
The Florida fans chant the same old garbage–”we’ll get em’ next year”
Not this time.
annoying FL fan
February 10th, 2010
2:15 pm
Brewdawg = another pathetic UGA fan who thinks EVERY blog ever is a UGA blog, even if it’s a Mark Bradley blog following a post about South Carolina. You’re the one who needs to get a freaking life man. Jeeez!!
annoying FL fan
February 10th, 2010
2:16 pm
Oh, and
GO GATORS!
Heavy Dawg
February 10th, 2010
2:17 pm
So you are saying that Saban thinks that Grantham is a better defensive mind than him and that he is better than Smart? And that Saban doubled Smart’s salary so that he could keep a lesser coach around?
Sorry bud, I think you are reaching for the stars on that one.
jw
February 10th, 2010
2:19 pm
Spurrier brought in a good class of course lets not look too closely at who he took. Hampton was arrested 2 days after signing for drinking at school. The ole ball coach as YET to comment on his prized 4 star recruit who has already been at 4 high schools and now appears headed to a 5th, the alternative high school! Of course, he does not currently have the test scores to get into college but somehow has the grades??? hmmmm….
jw
February 10th, 2010
2:20 pm
Oh yes, and Marcus Lattimore said Spurrier did the Cha Cha Cha with his mama, that was one of the reasons he chose South Carolina. I guess CMR needs to take some dance classes!
dawgfan
February 10th, 2010
2:20 pm
I don’t see UCONN on the schedule. They should be fine.
It looks like the media is honing in on their darkhorse darling for 2010. Thank God its not us.
SSIgator
February 10th, 2010
2:21 pm
SOS – “What is the highest number of points UGA has ever given up at hom?” UF Asst. Coach – “Never more than fifty.” SOS – “Well, I guess we will have to hang at least 50 on them.” A painful day for UGA in Athens 1996.
sky high
February 10th, 2010
2:22 pm
You have to get 210 yards a game rushing to win the SEC.
South Carolina got 113 a game in 2009 (ranked #99 in NCAA).
They pikced up a great RB, but they have the same O-Line. With the coaching upgrade, they’ll probably improve to about 150 yards a game, not good enough to win the SEC East.
Georgia will average 220 a game rushing , like we have for the last 5 games.
sky high
February 10th, 2010
2:24 pm
UGA has averaged 247 yards a game rushing in the last 3 game sof the year, includes the Bowl game.
South Carolina–113 a game.
W0W!
sky high
February 10th, 2010
2:26 pm
247 yards a game rushing in last 3 games for UGA.
227 yards per game rushing for Ga Tech, a team that runs the ball 84% of plays.
UGA is ranked #5 in rushing in the NCAA over last 3 games.
SSIgator
February 10th, 2010
2:27 pm
Auburn, GA Tech and Texas A&M. WOW!
WonderDawg
February 10th, 2010
2:28 pm
come on, sky high, it took Saban til year 2 at Bama before his defense started working. No way our guys learn a new system in one spring and one fall practice. Look for general improvement but also look for guys looking lost sometimes too.
The offense is where we will have trouble again. As in the past couple of seasons, good, SEC DCs will shut our predictable offense down for stretches in games, especially with a brand new QB running it. Remember what happened against Bama and UF in ‘08, and OSU, LSU, UT, and UF in ‘09. What will change?
It will take Richt going back to the NFL for a OC for the Dawgs to seriously challange for the SEC again. Just a realistic outlook …
"Off theMark" Bradley
February 10th, 2010
2:34 pm
Do I need to say any more? The last paragraph sums it up.
sky high
February 10th, 2010
2:34 pm
Grantham is known as a 1 year turnaround guy. Colts from 3-13 to 13-3 in 1 year, Browns 4-12, to 10-6.
Richt also turnsarounds quickly after poor seasons, in both 2002 & 2007, coming off a bad season, turnaround years, UGA finished #2 in the final polls.
Richt has a lot of resolve that really shines under adversity.
Robert Nephew
February 10th, 2010
2:36 pm
You are overlooking the Vols. We will be much better than people suspect this fall. I think 8-4 or 9-3 is very realistic and I think we handle the Gamecocks in Columbia.
WonderDawg
February 10th, 2010
2:39 pm
Also, what’s it gonna take for some fellow UGA fans to give some respect to Urban Myer? Guys, he loses a coordinator every year and it never matters. He could take the defense over himself, like he did the special teams a couple of years ago, and UF would still win 11 or 12 games. He’s every bit as good as Saban, and they are head and shoulders above everyone else in the SEC.
On a related note, Bill Bellichick visits the same 2 colleges every off-season to “see what new schemes the 2 coaches have created. Myers and Saban. Needless to say, he doesn’t visit Coaches Richt and Bobo …
Heavy Dawg
February 10th, 2010
2:41 pm
No sky high, you said that Saban thinks that Grantham is a better defensive than himself. I think you made that up out of thin air. Don’t give me his teams resumes.
I don’t think Smart would have been the best hire, I don’t know but Grantham may be better than Smart. But to say that Grantham is better than Saban & Saban has said this, is bull. Do you have a link?
SSIgator
February 10th, 2010
2:44 pm
WonderDawg -
Now, now. Bill Bellichick would visit UGA if he was in the market for a bulldog – for his kids.
Heavy Dawg
February 10th, 2010
2:44 pm
No wonder dawg, Grantham is a better defensive coach than Saban. Saban said so himself.
Santa Clause
February 10th, 2010
2:48 pm
I am with you on this one Mark!
Mark Bradley
February 10th, 2010
2:48 pm
I like Todd Grantham. I think he’ll do a nice job. But if he’s a better defensive coach than Saban, isn’t it a bit strange that only one team made him a coordinator before Georgia came calling?
Easter Bunny
February 10th, 2010
2:49 pm
Good pick Mark, I am with you on this one!
Tooth Fairy
February 10th, 2010
2:50 pm
Mark, excellent choice. I am flying to Vegas to thrown down on the Gamecocks. Thanks for the pick!
Tooth Fairy
February 10th, 2010
2:52 pm
Mark, flying back to Vegas I forgot to place my bet on the Gamecocks.
Thanks.
Mark Bradley
February 10th, 2010
2:52 pm
Good idea. Put me down for $10-spot on the Colts over the Saints.
Heavy Dawg
February 10th, 2010
2:53 pm
Well Mark, sky high told me that Saban says that Grantham could run his defense better than himself. I’m still waiting for the link myself. Otherwise, sky high is, like I said earlier, high. Or just delusional maybe, we’ll see.
Obama's Birth Certificate
February 10th, 2010
2:53 pm
Mark, I think I will be looking for a change in the SEC standings next year thanks to you!
Pot O' Gold at the End of the Rainbow
February 10th, 2010
2:56 pm
I called my bookie and I am putting all my gold down on the Gamecocks!
I hope you are right this time.
UA Alum92
February 10th, 2010
2:56 pm
Heavy Dawg, as to the debate about the better coach, I’m betting on the guy with the crystal football and the new statue.
sky high
February 10th, 2010
2:58 pm
HeavyDawg, 2:41
Where did I say Nick Saban “said” Grantham was a better defensive coach than him? Which post–be specific with the time?
Nick Saban thinks Grantham is better qualified to run his defense than himself. This is pretty obvious for 2 reasons:
1) Saban brings Grantham in to train Bama each year
2) Saban chose Grantham instead of Saban to run the defense at Miami
Nick Saban is thought to be the BEST DEFENSIVE MIND IN FOOTBALL. In 2009, he was the best in college. And he gets Grantham to teach his team how to play defense each year. AND Saban tried to hire Grantham to run his defense. Get it?
UA Alum92
February 10th, 2010
3:01 pm
If, again IF, SC beats UGA in Columbia then loses to Mallett’s Hogs the next week in Athens, how loud do you think the drumbeat for “Fire Mark Richt” will be coming out of the AJC? Mark, I’m pretty sure you and Jeff would be licking your chops!
JabboRockefeller
February 10th, 2010
3:02 pm
Y’all read the piece where Vick describes his lack of effort with the Falcons? I wouldn’t mention it if it didn’t piss me off to the extreme. It’s amazing they had to pay the louse all that bonus money…
He’ll NEVER redeem himself in my eyes, no matter what he does. He’s a sadist, sociopath, and psychopath, who didn’t spend LONG ENOUGH in a cage, where he belongs.
SimpleDawg
February 10th, 2010
3:05 pm
Gamecocks will be improved in 2010. They have a wealth of good young skill players. USC’s weak links are in the offensive and defensive lines. Garcia is a good QB, but not a great QB.
I still don’t think Marcus Lattimore will be the star that most recruiting gurus predict. He played on a team that had 4-5 players sign D-1 scholarships, and another 3-4 sign with smaller schools, in a state where having 1 player on your team sign D-1 is a big thing. Having seen Byrnes ( Lattimore’s high school ) over the past several years, very few of their D-1 players have had any impact at the collegiate level. Although Byrnes played in the toughest region of all classifications in SC, their main strength is their system and the feeder system that has players playing in the system for years before they ever get to high school. They do have some really good players, but the sum of the parts is better than the individual pieces.
The 2 Byrnes players with the best chance for impact in college are the 2 defensive ends, Miller and Willis, at Tennysee and UNC.
The Dawgs can very easily lose in Columbia in 2010. Georgia always gets USC’s best efforts, and playing them early in the season benefits USC more than UGA….and that may be an indictment of our preparation.
I still believe the Dawgs will give the Gators a run for their money in 2010…..but believing it doesn’t make it happen.
UA Alum92
February 10th, 2010
3:07 pm
sky high, Saban obviously believes Grantham is qualified to run his defense (key words being “his defense”) but to say more qualified than himself is a bit of a stretch. As HC, he doesn’t have time to manage the full time requirements of the DC. Come on, this is pretty obvious, no?
bruce mac
February 10th, 2010
3:07 pm
SOS, he don’t say that anymore. Now he say, AH OH, here come the Dawgs. You still livin in the 90’s man? I think SC can beat Dawgs but they are going to lose to Bama, Gators and TN and will not be a factor. Gators wil lose to Bama, LSU, and TN. Dawgs win the East with 1 or 2 losses.
Denver Dawg
February 10th, 2010
3:08 pm
hottest UGA game of my life? at USC in 1988…
WonderDawg
February 10th, 2010
3:10 pm
Don’t rub it in, SSlgator. You never know when Urban might quit ………..and not come back!
Herschel Walker could whip your ass right now at 47
February 10th, 2010
3:10 pm
Lamecocks= zzzzzzzz
wake me up when it’s time to fight again.
UA Alum92
February 10th, 2010
3:10 pm
LOL Denver Dawg! Columbia has to be one of the hottest places on the face of the earth! Then again, Tuscaloosa is not that far behind…
Herschel Walker could whip your ass right now at 47
February 10th, 2010
3:11 pm
lame *ocks = zzzzzzzzz
11Dawg
February 10th, 2010
3:11 pm
I’m so tired of people talking about how Carolina always falls apart at the end of the season. Look at their past few schedules! The only good team they ever play in the first half of the season is Georgia.
Mark Bradley
February 10th, 2010
3:11 pm
Word on Twitter is that Urban Meyer is interviewing a defensive coordinator candidate today.
sky high
February 10th, 2010
3:12 pm
Mark-
Why do I think Grantham’s better than Saban?
1. Saban finished #2 in defensive scoring in 2009, #4 in defensive yards–he can coach defense, was in the top 6 in 2008.
2. Saban knows defense.
3. Saban selected & coached Grantham firsthand and observed his understanding of defense.
4. Saban has observed Grantham over the years since he was with Saban from a stat perspective, turnaround perspective, and Pro Bowl perspective, also noticed how teams performed AFTER Grantham left. Before and after.
5. Saban gets Grantham to train his defense in the off-season how to play defense
6. Saban offered Grantham the job as defensive coordinator at Miami, when Saban could have elected to run his own defense. He chose Grantham OVER HIMSELF.
Mike Vick
February 10th, 2010
3:12 pm
So you don’t like me, JabboRockefeller?
Mark Bradley
February 10th, 2010
3:13 pm
Whenever I think it’s hot in Cobb County, I look at the weather map and feel better. Because it’s always five degrees warmer in Columbia.
Tailback U
February 10th, 2010
3:18 pm
You are right Mark as far ast CTG goes and until he does something
noteworthy, he is just an unproven commodity whereas Saban has the
track record. But you amaze me with the this SC thing and as far
as Feldman goes , well lets’ just say I am not a big fan of his work
so his opinions rank pretty low on my scale. I say one more time
to you that the reason your thinking is faulty can be wrapped up in
one name Stephen Garcia. The guy is simply a loser I don’t care
how great the supposed talent . And QB play has never been more
important to success in college football than right now.
That’s why that while have great hopes for Georgia’s saeson I
know that the lack of a proven vet QB will probably cause some
pain in the upcoming season. But that being said I would not trade
our untested guys for a guy I know for sure cannot the job done.
But you insist in the pipe dream , at least you and Feldman can
take turns wiping the egg off each other’s faces next year.
UA Alum92
February 10th, 2010
3:18 pm
MB, that reminds me of a line from King of the Hill when Hank was laughing about his wife Peggy saying, “I remember when she first moved here from Montanta and thought 98 in the shade was hot.”
Dostoyevskiy
February 10th, 2010
3:19 pm
Feldman had 3 ACC teams ranked ahead of UGa (VaTech, Fl. State, UNC). I think the SEC ought to excommunicate that rascal. Blasphemy! Hell, UNC is a basketball school; Fl. State has gone down the tubes since it joined the ACC; Bama ?whooped up? on VaTech last year.
sky high
February 10th, 2010
3:20 pm
I expect Meyer to try and get an ACC guy from either Clemson or North Carolina. With Meyer’s future so uncertain, I don’t see a big name making the leap. Too risky.