My beloved Gamecocks

I find it very amusing that every commentator and sports writer is dogging Spurrier and his chances at South Carolina. Cut him a little slack, he has only been the coach for 4 games! Are they really surprised Spurrier is struggling in his first year as head coach? They shouldn't be for these reasons:

1) The majority of his offensive players were recruited to run Lou's run-style offense. His starting QB this year is a red shirt sophomore who threw more passes in his first 4 college games than he did his entire high school career.

2) The offense is learning a new system, as well as the defense. They can't and won't learn it overnight. It will take time. I predict by the 7th or 8th game the offense will start to get a grasp on Spurriers offense.

3) Spurrier just doesn't have the athletes yet. This will also take time and a couple of recruiting classes. The top high school athletes from all over the country are at least considering South Carolina b/c of Spurrier. Jimmy Clausen, the top rated QB in the country and only a Junior, has narrowed his list to 5 schools. Guess who is on that list? Do you think its b/c of South Carolina's mediocre football history? Spurrier will have to hit the recruiting trail a little harder than he did at Florida but he will get his players to run his offense. Spurrier is a players coach and an offensive mastermind. He has a knack for developing quarterbacks and putting up big numbers for his skilled players (receivers, running backs, and tight ends). This means exposure and a chance to play in the NFL. For this reason alone, high school kids will want to play for him.

4) South Carolina not only plays in toughest football conference in the country but the most punishing division. Florida, UT, and UGA, need I say more. In all of Spurrier's years as head coach at Florida, none of his teams went undefeated in conference play. Even the 1996 national Champions.

All this said, I do believe in Steve Spurrier and his chances to win at South Carolina. Go Cocks!!