Three Games In

Now that we have a 3 game sample size I'll attempt to provide a sort of review for USC's start, not predictions or how I think they'll finish, but rather a snapshot of the team after 3 weeks. First, South Carolina's offense is no longing inanimate and after a paltry 7 points in the opener against NCST they've put up 75 points in the last two games. A large share of praise goes to Garcia who seems to finally be maturing after the first two years of his tumultuous relationship with the University of South Carolina. Now I don't want drink the coolaid (yet) and say that he's one of the best quarterbacks USC has had in a long time (however, when that list includes the likes of Tannyhill I'm willing to be convinced) but I do think that he's had the potential and is now progressing towards being the guy Spurrier expected he would be when he signed him, Next you can't avoid looking at the rushing game where USC has been making great strides (no pun intended). While Maddox doesn't have any real big play potential, he has become a solid, reliable back and his powerful is well complimented by Giles speed and agility. While the offense isn't there yet, it's hard to say that they aren't moving in the right direction.

The defense has been a little harder to evaluate and I'm admittedly having trouble harmonizing their first three performances. First I'm going to talk about what I know. Eric Norwood is a monster and has been a constant highlight reel since his coming out party against UK a few years ago; however, he doesn't make just the big plays this guy makes EVERY play. Also, losing Ajiaboye, Gathers and Peppers seriously hurts our depth and run stopping ability and our youth in the secondary can be exposed. Now let's venture bravely into the unknown as I explain the unexplainable, how the same defense could play the NCST and the UGA game and just how good are they? First they clamped down on NCST allowing 3 (a team who has averaged 55 points in their other games) and were widely praised, from Spurrier and ESPN to everyone who watched the game. Then, for an encore they give up 41 points to a Georgia team that scored 10 against a Big 12 defense (I'm ignoring the FAU game because it doesn't really show anything). I guess the first question to be addressed is just how good UGA's offense is and I'd argue they're really good. While they only scored 10 against OKST it was on the road, the first game of the year, and they were playing with a new QB and RB, also the put up 52 against the Hogs this weekend. So I think their game against USC was more of a "perfect storm" than an anomaly. They were fired up and playing to save their season and USC made mistakes, a lot of them (in both the kick coverage and too often going for the big hit instead of simply rapping up). So where does that leave us? USC is a talented (but young) defense this year, and losing guys like Muyderlan, Cook and Brinkley hurt but they have tremendous potential. I think we'll catch glimpses of both the youth and the potential this year. Look for a bit of a drop-off from last year's 13 ranked squad but a unit that will give the offense a chance to win every game and bail them out in a few.

Another think that has impressed me about this team is their youth at all the offensive skill positions. Garcia is a sophomore, the three leading receivers from last week are Gurley (rs F) Barnes (SO) and Jeffery (t F), the two leading rushers from last week, Giles and Miles are both true freshmen. Coupled with rising defensive stars like Gilmore and Taylor, and you're looking a strong nucleus to build around.

Finally to everyone who has called for Spurrier's head (or visor) over the past for seasons should calm down and shut up. They need to take a break from criticizing and look back over USC's history to put their expectations in prospective. How many winning seasons has USC had total? How many under Spurrier? Take a look at our coaches winning percentages and compare them with Spurrier's run here. I think we (myself included) got spoiled by Holtz temporary turnaround, (0-11 to 9-4) the greatest in college football history. It takes time to build something and I think that patience will pay some fat dividends over then next few years. Also in football, as in any sport, you have to ask who better can you get before you move someone. The answer for that question concerning Spurrier is no one (I think the same goes for Jake Delhome). 

So whats next for this team? An upset of the #4 team in the nation on thursday night!