Can Spurrier continue to maintain the Gamecock's exquisite record yet another season before realizing he is no better than Lou Holtz? I say...absolutely. Let's check their past few seasons:
1998: Brad Scott takes the Gamecocks to a stellar 1-10 season, showing Ball State just how it's done in their sole victory.
1999: 1988's National Coach of the Year and National Championship coach Lou Holtz takes the reins to bring glory back(?) to Williams-Brice. Gamecocks finish 0-11, but almost had a win against Vanderbilt, losing 10-11.
2000: With one of the biggest turnarounds in college football history, Holtz leads the Cocks to an 8-4 season, defeating now football power Ohio State in the Outback Bowl. Holtz gets SEC coach of the year.
2001: What's this...the Gamecocks are 9-3, and (finally) defeated cross-state superior, Clemson.
2002, 2003: The Glory of 2000-2001 was short lived, for the Gamecocks finished 5-7 in both years. The Gamecocks were also taken to the woodshed in their home match vs. Clemson in 2003, losing 63-17. Holtz said it was the longest day of his life.
2004: 6-5 Lou's last year, leaving the sidelines after a brawl with Clemson, rendering both teams ineligible to play in a bowl game.
2005: Enter Steve Spurrier. Like Holtz, Cocks bring in a former National Championship coach. Gamecocks go 7-5, with notable wins over Tennessee and Florida. Spurrier is named SEC coach of the year (sound familiar? (See year 2000 above))
2006: Gamecocks pull their best record since 2001 (the year after Holtz is named SEC coach of the year). Cocks go 8-5, and defeat Clemson at Death Valley due to coaching errors on behalf of the Tigers. NOTE: This season is very similar to the 2001 season. The Cocks not only had their best season in a few years right after their National Championship coach is listed as SEC Coach of the year in the previous year, but they defeated Clemson as well. And just like the 2001 season, what happens next? (See below)
2007: Cocks hit .500 for the season, finishing 6-6.
Based on college football history (which is more reliable than many think), here is my prediction for South Carolina football in the near future. I won't be so specific as to predicting each game, but let me say this: If you compare the Spurrier era with the Holtz era, some striking similarities arise. They stink....then an excellent old school coach comes in....win's SEC coach of the year....has their best season the next year and also defeats Clemson in that year....then the "magic" begins to fade. In Lou's case...it's 3 years and out after defeating Clemson in his best season (2001). 2008 is Spurrier's year two after his best season, and defeating Clemson in 2006. Sooo....based on history, the Cocks pull a mediocre, losing or 500 season (see 2002-2003), and like 2003 are absolutely plowed by Clemson, thus leading Gamecock nation to turn on Steve as they did Lou. 2009 is Spurrier's last year, before he retires and serves as an analyst for ESPN when he is not cashing in on his free pass to the Augusta Links.
Go Tigers!
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Awfully bold, J.P. We started 5-1, and lost our last 5 in a row, not 6.
Keep in mind that the Gamecocks won two games vs. top 10 opponents last year and Clemson barely could hold on last year vs. USC as we did everything in our power to give away the game. The entire defense returns and the o-line is finally half-decent. I'm not saying we're going undefeated, but don't get too excited over there with your orange & purple glasses.
GO GAMECOCKS! ITS FOOTBALL SEASON!
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