A Good Reason For Optimism In 2008
posted by Scott Hood, Sunday, July 27, 2008
Steve Spurrier took a cautiously optimistic approach, saying USC had enough talent to compete in the SEC. It’s the same message he conveyed throughout the spring’s Gamecock Club tour. Over and over, night after night, he said USC had the players to win.
But, after making that claim, he always mentioned this all-important caveat - the Gamecocks must show substantial improvement in the key areas that often separate winners and losers, including effort, enthusiasm, confidence, attitude, discipline and playing your assignment.
He essentially said the same thing on Friday.
If USC is able to get a consistent all-our effort from its players, they’re willing to play disciplined football and the players stick to their assignments to the best of their abilities, I have no doubt the Gamecocks will win at least eight games in 2008.
Based on Spurrier’s mannerisms in Hoover, I would confidently say he feels the same way.
In my opinion, there’s one key reason to believe USC is on the threshold of a potential breakthrough season – the defense.
Spurrier has asserted many times in the past that USC would not start to establish itself as a SEC contender until it started finishing in the top half of the league in total defense.
Well, after three years of finishing in the bottom one-third of the league in total defense, the year USC begins to start stopping people in critical situations may finally be here.
Right now, with middle linebacker Jasper Brinkley returning after missing most of the 2007 season with an injury and 10 of 11 starters back, I predict USC will have one of the top four defenses in the SEC, along with LSU, Georgia and Auburn.
Having a good defense is key to success because the SEC is a league where defense dominates. Simply, the teams with the best defenses win the most games most of the time.
Which conference teams had the top three defenses in 2007? LSU, Auburn and Georgia. All three finished in the Top 15 nationally.
They went a combined 32-8 in 2007, with LSU winning the national championship and Georgia just behind in second in most final polls.
In the SEC, defense matters. Unfortunately, that’s not true for some leagues around the country where defense is just a rumor (I’m talking to you Pac-10).
If you go down the list and examine every team closely, it’s incredible the quality of the athletes on the defensive side of the ball.
In my opinion, you need binoculars to find another league that even comes close to the defensive depth the SEC showcases annually.
After listening to his speeches throughout the spring and now at SEC Media Days, it’s obvious Spurrier is excited about the changes Ellis Johnson will bring to the Gamecock defense.
It’s didn’t take Johnson long in the spring to figure out USC had to play a lot tougher, smarter and, oh yes, with a heavy dose of attitude.
Of course, he didn’t get to see Brinkley (the best defensive player), Captain Munnerlyn (USC’s best defensive back) or Nathan Pepper (the best defensive lineman from a fundamental standpoint) in action.
Still, the message was sent – shape up or you’ll find yourself on the sidelines watching. One thing I like about Johnson is he won’t be afraid to bench starters if they fail to perform.
In my opinion, Tyrone Nix was a good defensive coordinator, but he was reluctant to play some of the younger guys when it was apparent some of the older guys weren’t getting the job done. I know it frustrated Spurrier.
If Spurrier believes in anything, it’s the principle that you give the next guy a chance when the player in front of him isn’t performing up to standards.
Even without Kenrick Ellis, I think the defensive line will be fine, especially if Jarriel King is able to participate in fall camp.
The return of Jordin Lindsey and the shift of Cliff Matthews from outside linebacker will certainly strengthen the defensive end spot.
And, will there be a bigger pair of linebackers anywhere in the SEC than Brinkley and Eric Norwood? Both are in the neighborhood of 270 pounds. Some of the writers covering other teams were absolutely amazed at how huge USC’s linebacker corps will be.
The secondary should be excellent with Munnerlyn, Emanuel Cook and Darian Stewart set to return as starters. The battle for the cornerback spot opposite Munnerlyn will one of the most intriguing stories of fall camp.
The depth in the defensive backfield is promising with budding stars like Akeem Auguste, Chris Culliver, Mark Barnes and Jamire Williams.
If Johnson succeeds in getting the USC defense to play up its potential, watch out.
I agree with Gainesville Sun columnist Pat Dooley, who I spoke with for several minutes in Hoover. He’s covered Spurrier for a long time and knows how to read between the lines whenever the HBC speaks.
Dooley has picked USC as his choice for the SEC’s “sleeper” team in 2008.
Well, put on your pajamas and grab a pillow.
Sweet dreams are made of this.
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After spending three lovely days in Hoover, Ala. with other esteemed journalists and listening to all 12 SEC coaches talk the talk but not yet walk the walk, I’m prepared to predict South Carolina will enjoy a solid 2008 season, one that will make most of its fans happy.
Steve Spurrier took a cautiously optimistic approach, saying USC had enough talent to compete in the SEC. It’s the same message he conveyed throughout the spring’s Gamecock Club tour. Over and over, night after night, he said USC had the players to win.
But, after making that claim, he always mentioned this all-important caveat - the Gamecocks must show substantial improvement in the key areas that often separate winners and losers, including effort, enthusiasm, confidence, attitude, discipline and playing your assignment.
He essentially said the same thing on Friday.
If USC is able to get a consistent all-our effort from its players, they’re willing to play disciplined football and the players stick to their assignments to the best of their abilities, I have no doubt the Gamecocks will win at least eight games in 2008.
Based on Spurrier’s mannerisms in Hoover, I would confidently say he feels the same way.
In my opinion, there’s one key reason to believe USC is on the threshold of a potential breakthrough season – the defense.
Spurrier has asserted many times in the past that USC would not start to establish itself as a SEC contender until it started finishing in the top half of the league in total defense.
Well, after three years of finishing in the bottom one-third of the league in total defense, the year USC begins to start stopping people in critical situations may finally be here.
Right now, with middle linebacker Jasper Brinkley returning after missing most of the 2007 season with an injury and 10 of 11 starters back, I predict USC will have one of the top four defenses in the SEC, along with LSU, Georgia and Auburn.
Having a good defense is key to success because the SEC is a league where defense dominates. Simply, the teams with the best defenses win the most games most of the time.
Which conference teams had the top three defenses in 2007? LSU, Auburn and Georgia. All three finished in the Top 15 nationally.
They went a combined 32-8 in 2007, with LSU winning the national championship and Georgia just behind in second in most final polls.
In the SEC, defense matters. Unfortunately, that’s not true for some leagues around the country where defense is just a rumor (I’m talking to you Pac-10).
If you go down the list and examine every team closely, it’s incredible the quality of the athletes on the defensive side of the ball.
In my opinion, you need binoculars to find another league that even comes close to the defensive depth the SEC showcases annually.
After listening to his speeches throughout the spring and now at SEC Media Days, it’s obvious Spurrier is excited about the changes Ellis Johnson will bring to the Gamecock defense.
It’s didn’t take Johnson long in the spring to figure out USC had to play a lot tougher, smarter and, oh yes, with a heavy dose of attitude.
Of course, he didn’t get to see Brinkley (the best defensive player), Captain Munnerlyn (USC’s best defensive back) or Nathan Pepper (the best defensive lineman from a fundamental standpoint) in action.
Still, the message was sent – shape up or you’ll find yourself on the sidelines watching. One thing I like about Johnson is he won’t be afraid to bench starters if they fail to perform.
In my opinion, Tyrone Nix was a good defensive coordinator, but he was reluctant to play some of the younger guys when it was apparent some of the older guys weren’t getting the job done. I know it frustrated Spurrier.
If Spurrier believes in anything, it’s the principle that you give the next guy a chance when the player in front of him isn’t performing up to standards.
Even without Kenrick Ellis, I think the defensive line will be fine, especially if Jarriel King is able to participate in fall camp.
The return of Jordin Lindsey and the shift of Cliff Matthews from outside linebacker will certainly strengthen the defensive end spot.
And, will there be a bigger pair of linebackers anywhere in the SEC than Brinkley and Eric Norwood? Both are in the neighborhood of 270 pounds. Some of the writers covering other teams were absolutely amazed at how huge USC’s linebacker corps will be.
The secondary should be excellent with Munnerlyn, Emanuel Cook and Darian Stewart set to return as starters. The battle for the cornerback spot opposite Munnerlyn will one of the most intriguing stories of fall camp.
The depth in the defensive backfield is promising with budding stars like Akeem Auguste, Chris Culliver, Mark Barnes and Jamire Williams.
If Johnson succeeds in getting the USC defense to play up its potential, watch out.
I agree with Gainesville Sun columnist Pat Dooley, who I spoke with for several minutes in Hoover. He’s covered Spurrier for a long time and knows how to read between the lines whenever the HBC speaks.
Dooley has picked USC as his choice for the SEC’s “sleeper” team in 2008.
Well, put on your pajamas and grab a pillow.
Sweet dreams are made of this.
Link to this entry - Discuss this entry - Return to Blog Home
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Scott Hood. Since February of 2005, Scott has covered the South Carolina football, men's basketball and baseball programs for GamecockCentral. He may be reached by email at scottblog(at)gamecockcentral.com. Replace (at) with @.