2008...[finally] the Year of the Gamecock?

[cockfan720]

Well, with the announcement that the Gamecocks will not appear in a bowl game. I thought it would finally be safe to look towards next season. I believe the core problem in 2007 was the lack of depth. Once we lost Brinkley, Pepper, etc. we never really could overcome it. By the Clemson game, we were starting 9 freshmen and sophmores on defense.

I think that the key to next season is stopping the run. By year four, we've got to learn how to control the line of scrimmage...on both sides of the ball. We don't need to be sitting in game eight (Vandy this year) without a solid O-Line.

We're going to have the skill players back, our lines need to get a lot stronger in the weight room this offseason. With that said, our schedule looks pretty favorable (for an SEC schedule)...

NC State Home Thu., Aug. 28, 2008
Vanderbilt Away Thu., Sept. 4, 2008
Georgia Home Sat., Sept. 13, 2008
Wofford Home Sat., Sept. 20, 2008
UAB Home Sat., Sept. 27, 2008
Ole Miss Away Sat., Oct. 4, 2008
Kentucky Away Sat., Oct. 11, 2008
LSU Home Sat., Oct. 18, 2008
BYE WEEK
Tennessee Home Sat., Nov. 1, 2008
Arkansas Home Sat., Nov. 8, 2008
Florida Away Sat., Nov. 15, 2008
BYE WEEK
Clemson Away Sat., Nov. 29, 2008

Personally, I feel sorry for NC State, our guys (hopefully) will want to get this awful taste out of their mouths and crush the wolfpack. If we can take care of business the first two games and take care of UGA at home (a tall order...but we did it this year on the road), we may start off 7-0...I know everyone is disappointed right now...but I look forward to a great year next year...we're only going to get better...GO COCKS!

[kick_ball]

the more you expect the more you will be dissapointed

[AtlGAMECOCK]

I feel we can do well next year as long as we can actually block and stop the run.I am going to wait till after spring ball to give a prediction on how many we can win.

[TheGuitarCock]

go cock

[big cock fan]

uga, lsu, and uf all have better teams coming back but i will put our coach up against theres anyday. but if you look at the schedule i think if we lost to those three we will end the year at 9-3 and hopefully win a bowl game to get our first 10 win season in a long time. but who knows what will show up with us, we could beat uga, and lsu, but i dont see anyone beating uf. I think they could beat anyone right now.

But its going to be a very exciting year next year and i really hope we can earn some respect this year.

[CoverTwo]

Yeah the Gators are definately the team to beat next year..They will finally have a running back (Emmanuel Moody - transfer from So Cal) to tote the rock 20 times and take pressure off of Tebow..They could be really really scary on offense.

I like the fact that we have 2 bye weeks and 2 Thurs. night games..We should be well rested all season..I think one of our main problems this season is that we played 11 games in a row..I think our defense was in desperate need of a bye week after UNC.

Looking forward to next season but I'll reserve my opinion of the team until after spring practice.

[gamecockfandrew]

The toughest game next year will be Florida IMHO, followed by Clemson/LSU. Teams that will be much different (easier in my opinion) will be Arkansas, Kentucky, and Tennessee.

[TheGuitarCock]

UGA will be a National Championship contender next year. Them and Florida will be the teams to beat. I think we should beat LSU next year. Something just tells me that they won't be as strong. I BELIEVE!

[uscnoklahoma]

8-4 is my early prediction. And depending on coaching changes that could move....either way.

[Ga_Gamecock]

Yeah the Gators are definately the team to beat next year..They will finally have a running back (Emmanuel Moody - transfer from So Cal) to tote the rock 20 times and take pressure off of Tebow..They could be really really scary on offense.


Hes a good one. Im glad Spiller stayed at CU ...he would be another weapon to contend with on a UF already loaded with speed

[Cuck Flemson]

Just released. Hawaii play the dawgs in the sugar bowl

[Scranton Tiger]

Originally Posted by Cockfan720
2008...[finally] the Year of the Gamecock?
Not to get too "twilight zone" here, but I was wondering. I know that by the Chinese calender each year is represented by an animal. The year of the Dragon, the year of the Bear, etc. Does anyone know when is the next Year of the Rooster/Chicken? If it's within the next few years, that could be the season.

[TheGuitarCock]

Not to get too "twilight zone" here, but I was wondering. I know that by the Chinese calender each year is represented by an animal. The year of the Dragon, the year of the Bear, etc. Does anyone know when is the next Year of the Rooster/Chicken? If it's within the next few years, that could be the season.

:-x


Ok . . .so I laughed:rotfl:

[uscnoklahoma]

Not to get too "twilight zone" here, but I was wondering. I know that by the Chinese calender each year is represented by an animal. The year of the Dragon, the year of the Bear, etc. Does anyone know when is the next Year of the Rooster/Chicken? If it's within the next few years, that could be the season.

It was just the other year.....

[WeHailTheeCarolina]

No official prediction from me on our season, I'll make it after the Spring Game, but looking at that schedule I'm thinking 7-5 or 8-4... Which would be good looking at those last 5 games.

[garnet4ever]

I'm not saying anything ... just going to sit back and take one game at a time ... I'm not getting all worked up like this year ... I'll wait until we see who gets the start August 28th and see how we play before I start saying a thing ... but DAMN I hope we crack some heads next year!! GO COCKS!

[nickerous]

I wouldn't say Tennessee is going to be any easier. Don't they have a running QB as second string this year?

[CoverTwo]

Tennessee used a WR to run the read-option a couple times.

Their backup is Jonathon Crompton who is a lot like Erik Ainge I think..Pocket passer.

[CockynTN]

The toughest game next year will be Florida IMHO, followed by Clemson/LSU. Teams that will be much different (easier in my opinion) will be Arkansas, Kentucky, and Tennessee.
Uh, yeah, we have pretty much everybody coming back, minus Ainge and Hefney....our defense is gonna be nasty

[TheGuitarCock]

LSU^

[deenerbug]

Not to get too "twilight zone" here, but I was wondering. I know that by the Chinese calender each year is represented by an animal. The year of the Dragon, the year of the Bear, etc. Does anyone know when is the next Year of the Rooster/Chicken? If it's within the next few years, that could be the season.
I don't want to go with that line of thinking.....as we'll have to wait until 2017 or 18.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rooster_(zodiac) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rooster_%28zodiac%29)


My prediction is better in 2008 and much, much better in 2009. Hey, 9 plus 8 =17. :rotfl:

[uscnoklahoma]

I have tried to tell em that CockynTn...if we were going to move on those boys it was this year. UT was not that good this year(despite the East Championship), we beat UGA, and got killed by UF...all young teams. UGA definitely improved after we played em while we tanked it. UT also improved and losing Ainge might be a blessing.

I have no idea why some think we are in better shape next year. Arky, KY, and Vandy are the only games I see as any easier. UGA, UF, and UT don't sit on a one year hit recruiting class. We think one class propels us...it can but it will be rough. You add LSU to our schedule, along with NC State (don't laugh, the laugh might be on us) and its just nasty. We still haven't learned to schedule cupcakes...Arky did and look where they are, Kansas did and look at them, the Buckeyes did and look at them, the list goes on and on. We ask to be raped year in and year out.

[deenerbug]

I have tried to tell em that CockynTn...if we were going to move on those boys it was this year. UT was not that good this year(despite the East Championship), we beat UGA, and got killed by UF...all young teams. UGA definitely improved after we played em while we tanked it. UT also improved and losing Ainge might be a blessing.

I have no idea why some think we are in better shape next year. Arky, KY, and Vandy are the only games I see as any easier. UGA, UF, and UT don't sit on a one year hit recruiting class. We think one class propels us...it can but it will be rough. You add LSU to our schedule, along with NC State (don't laugh, the laugh might be on us) and its just nasty. We still haven't learned to schedule cupcakes...Arky did and look where they are, Kansas did and look at them, the Buckeyes did and look at them, the list goes on and on. We ask to be raped year in and year out.
Maybe the players we have will get better? There's a thought. Plus, we do have some that are redshirted and some injured players coming back. We don't ask to be raped. How negative. How about a little hope that our coaches and players will rise to the occasion and kick some ass? I haven't lost hope. :wink:

[uscnoklahoma]

Maybe the players we have will get better? There's a thought. Plus, we do have some that are redshirted and some injured players coming back. We don't ask to be raped. How negative. How about a little hope that our coaches and players will rise to the occasion and kick some ass? I haven't lost hope. :wink:

Well here's a thought for you .... don't you think all of those teams redshirted some of their players as well. Truthfully, it ain't too much the players I am concerned with, well the QB, O Line, and D Line, its the coaching. We have some areas that need upgrading and I don't know if Spurrier has the nads to do it. A 2 man front against UF screams of stupidity...3 man front against Arky..same thing. Not passing against UNC in the 2nd half...stupid, Not having a decent O-Line after 3 years of revolving doors..stupid, etc. Should I keep going? We are Carolina...in other words we need everything to go right for us to win...any coaching mistakes and we are doomed. LSU on the other hand wins despite an idiot coach...we aren't LSU.

[Spurred]

I'm sicking of saying wait until next year.....I really thought we could have a special season this year. I'm not saying anything about next year. Maybe one day we can just get lucky and this bad luck will end after 100 years.

[deenerbug]

A 2 man front against UF screams of stupidity...3 man front against Arky..same thing. Not passing against UNC in the 2nd half...stupid, Not having a decent O-Line after 3 years of revolving doors..stupid, etc. Should I keep going?
only if you want to be stupid........

We are Carolina...in other words we need everything to go right for us to win...any coaching mistakes and we are doomed. LSU on the other hand wins despite an idiot coach...we aren't LSU.
Yes, we aren't LSU. I don't want to be LSU. I am proud to be a University of South Carolina Fighting Gamecock.

You don't think Spurrier has the nads? Give me a break. I think he'll do okay as a football coach, but that's just me.............

He's been here three years and had a mess of crap doodlie to work with at the get go. I have patience and faith in our head coach and any decisions he makes regarding any of our other coaches or our team.

[uscnoklahoma]

I don't think you comprehend what I meant but it's all good.....I don't want to be like LSU either....winners suck.

As for Spurrier's nads...I was referring to making the necessary changes for us to improve in key areas..those key areas that have been a constant problem over the last 3 years. I assume you can recognize those areas? Right? Hint it deals with 3 coaches and their job security.

[mjmiller]

Wow, we are still saying next year. But I do agree, we will have alot of talent on the field next year.

[evilpoptart]

Theres always next year.

[CockynTN]

I will say this...USC was young this year...but so were we, UGA, and Florida...and LSU...food for thought...

[CoverTwo]

Well to a lot of fans on this board, youth doesnt mean a whole lot. Some point to it as a useless excuse.

Never really understood the logic behind that thinking, but I agree that we are a relatively young team that relied on a lot of underclassmen at critical positions.

[USCMusicMan]

I will say this...USC was young this year...but so were we, UGA, and Florida...and LSU...food for thought...

next year is a whole new year. If Spurrier has some playmakers, he'll outperform the other team (nomatter who) on offense. Basically, we have some playmakers, but the question is, who's gonna give them the ball? Chris or Steven? To me, if one of the two comes out on fire, then we'll have a legit shot.

On Defense, we lost our All-American player as well as others. As long as we don't have critical injuries, I see next year to be the best depth we've had for a long time on D. Just little minute things will help our D out alot next year.

Sorry to say this but UT and LSU look a LOT less scary than UGA and UF next year.

[Gamerooster]

I hope we can beat Vandy. If not, we'll be lucky to win six.

[Dr. Cock]

The other young teams have the distinct advantage of solid recruiting year around, and have a solid foundation to build upon year after year. Sure they are young, but UGA, Florida, LSU, ect. all have higher levels of overall talent. The absence of that foundation led to something that was VERY evident at the end of this season... lack of quality depth.

Fortunately, I believe we are closing that gap, and our young talent will be on par with the rest of the SEC in a few years. However, we NEED a solid season in 2008... not neccessarily an SEC Championship, but a good enough season (8-9 wins) to override the negative momentum of our recent downslide.

If we fail to do so, our recruiting will take a blow, and we'll be in a difficult hole to climb out of (like we have been for the past 100 years). And while the offense has struggled at times, I'll still take SOS's offensive wits over any other coach in the country. That is still the one distinct advantage we have over other teams.

[chatam]

IMO, The young talent at UT, FU, and LSU is among some pretty good upperclassmen with leadership. These teams that have been competive year in and year out are different from a team that is just now strating to build some young competive talent (us). This is not taking anything away from those upperclass we have that have proven they compete and play with heart. It is tha fact that I believe we are bring in more than just a few young men who will show that they are competators.

I think most of us would agree that the freshmen (true/redshirts) and Soph. we saw play this year were able to do more than any other freshmen we have seen in the past. The differance with these other programs is that they have reloading years. It seems that in the past we have simply ran out of bullets.

HBC is stocking up on ammo and I think that in the next three years you will see us shoot down some big ugly foes. My prediction is that we will play in Hotlanta for the SEC within the next three years. My dad and I go to the SEC Champship game every year and have been since it has been in Atl., it is a great trip, and it will be special when the Gamecocks are there.

I'm sure many of you disagree and I understand, however, if you aim at nothing you will hit your target everytime.

By the way I helped TN sing rocky top sat night with a few new words,

"I wish I could piss on rocky top and maybe take a crap too..." haha just some fun, a few of the vols. did not take it too well; they also told LSU that they gave them the game and I reminded them of the gift we gave to them back in Oct. nothing else was said.

[mjmiller]

I will say this...USC was young this year...but so were we, UGA, and Florida...and LSU...food for thought...


Did you say LSU has a young team? I agree with UGA and UF, but LSU is loses alot of starters on both sides of the ball.

[ewjake]

I made this for all of us

http://www.customink.com/temp/saveproofs/st324%40bellsouth.net/new08front.jpg (http://customink.com/designs/new08/6951356-1396336?cm_ven=hotlink&cm_cat=2&cm_pla=Body_img&cm_ite=designfront) http://www.customink.com/temp/saveproofs/st324%40bellsouth.net/new08back.jpg (http://customink.com/designs/new08/6951356-1396336?cm_ven=hotlink&cm_cat=2&cm_pla=Bottom_img&cm_ite=designback)

[CockynTN]

next year is a whole new year. If Spurrier has some playmakers, he'll outperform the other team (nomatter who) on offense. Basically, we have some playmakers, but the question is, who's gonna give them the ball? Chris or Steven? To me, if one of the two comes out on fire, then we'll have a legit shot.

On Defense, we lost our All-American player as well as others. As long as we don't have critical injuries, I see next year to be the best depth we've had for a long time on D. Just little minute things will help our D out alot next year.

Sorry to say this but UT and LSU look a LOT less scary than UGA and UF next year.
Considering we have slaughtered Georgia the last two years and we are only gonna be better next year, I don't see how you can say that. We raped them in their house last year, raped them in our house this year, and while I don't think we will flat-out dominate them next year like we have, I expect to beat them. And Florida is damn-sure not gonna walk all over us like they did this year, I can promise you that. They may escape Knoxville alive, but they will do it within an inch of their lives because I can promise you, they are going to have to fight tooth and nail for every yard they get against us next year. I don't want to sound arrogant, but we only lose 4 guys off of our defense, really just 3 because losing Hefney is a GOOD thing and our offense loses 5 guys who are going to be easily replaced. We have a badass tight end coming in from Maryville High School who will replace Chris Brown, perhaps as a freshman and we have all of these freshman wide-outs who saw playing time this year, not to mention the various young linemen who have seen time this year. Also, the majority of both sides of the ball for us, minue those 9 seniors, were very young and we have more great talent coming in this year. We are going to be just fine.

Did you say LSU has a young team? I agree with UGA and UF, but LSU is losing alot of starters on both sides of the ball.
Yep, thats what I said. Brandon Lafell is a sophomore, Demetrius Byrd is a junior, Jai Euguene is a freshman, Keiland Williams is a sophomore, Trindon Holliday is a sophomore, Ryan Perriloux is a sophomore, just to name a few. They do lose Highsmith, Flynn, Steltz, Dorsey, and Hester, like you mentioned. I should have said, they will be young NEXT year, because thats what I meant. My point is, they are continuing to reel in great talent, so if you want to beat them, next year is the time to do it.

[CaptainCrunch]

Well, with the announcement that the Gamecocks will not appear in a bowl game. I thought it would finally be safe to look towards next season. I believe the core problem in 2007 was the lack of depth. Once we lost Brinkley, Pepper, etc. we never really could overcome it. By the Clemson game, we were starting 9 freshmen and sophmores on defense.

I think that the key to next season is stopping the run. By year four, we've got to learn how to control the line of scrimmage...on both sides of the ball. We don't need to be sitting in game eight (Vandy this year) without a solid O-Line.

We're going to have the skill players back, our lines need to get a lot stronger in the weight room this offseason. With that said, our schedule looks pretty favorable (for an SEC schedule)...

NC State Home Thu., Aug. 28, 2008
Vanderbilt Away Thu., Sept. 4, 2008
Georgia Home Sat., Sept. 13, 2008
Wofford Home Sat., Sept. 20, 2008
UAB Home Sat., Sept. 27, 2008
Ole Miss Away Sat., Oct. 4, 2008
Kentucky Away Sat., Oct. 11, 2008
LSU Home Sat., Oct. 18, 2008
BYE WEEK
Tennessee Home Sat., Nov. 1, 2008
Arkansas Home Sat., Nov. 8, 2008
Florida Away Sat., Nov. 15, 2008
BYE WEEK
Clemson Away Sat., Nov. 29, 2008

Personally, I feel sorry for NC State, our guys (hopefully) will want to get this awful taste out of their mouths and crush the wolfpack. If we can take care of business the first two games and take care of UGA at home (a tall order...but we did it this year on the road), we may start off 7-0...I know everyone is disappointed right now...but I look forward to a great year next year...we're only going to get better...GO COCKS!

next year we actually have a bye week during the heart of the schedule in between the LSU and tennessee game. hopefully we can just forget about this season and do our thing next year.

[CaptainCrunch]

I made this for all of us

http://www.customink.com/temp/saveproofs/st324%40bellsouth.net/new08front.jpg (http://customink.com/designs/new08/6951356-1396336?cm_ven=hotlink&cm_cat=2&cm_pla=Body_img&cm_ite=designfront) http://www.customink.com/temp/saveproofs/st324%40bellsouth.net/new08back.jpg (http://customink.com/designs/new08/6951356-1396336?cm_ven=hotlink&cm_cat=2&cm_pla=Bottom_img&cm_ite=designback)

haha awesome shirt man

[BuCockyfan]

Considering we have slaughtered Georgia the last two years and we are only gonna be better next year, I don't see how you can say that. We raped them in their house last year, raped them in our house this year, and while I don't think we will flat-out dominate them next year like we have, I expect to beat them. And Florida is damn-sure not gonna walk all over us like they did this year, I can promise you that. They may escape Knoxville alive, but they will do it within an inch of their lives because I can promise you, they are going to have to fight tooth and nail for every yard they get against us next year. I don't want to sound arrogant, but we only lose 4 guys off of our defense, really just 3 because losing Hefney is a GOOD thing and our offense loses 5 guys who are going to be easily replaced. We have a badass tight end coming in from Maryville High School who will replace Chris Brown, perhaps as a freshman and we have all of these freshman wide-outs who saw playing time this year, not to mention the various young linemen who have seen time this year. Also, the majority of both sides of the ball for us, minue those 9 seniors, were very young and we have more great talent coming in this year. We are going to be just fine.


Yep, thats what I said. Brandon Lafell is a sophomore, Demetrius Byrd is a junior, Jai Euguene is a freshman, Keiland Williams is a sophomore, Trindon Holliday is a sophomore, Ryan Perriloux is a sophomore, just to name a few. They do lose Highsmith, Flynn, Steltz, Dorsey, and Hester, like you mentioned. I should have said, they will be young NEXT year, because thats what I meant. My point is, they are continuing to reel in great talent, so if you want to beat them, next year is the time to do it.

UF straight up beat your ass, and completely embarrased you this year. They lose nobody on offense or defense, and you lose Ainge, the main stabilizer you had all year. They beat you the past 3 years.

To be honest, I think UF will go undefeated next year, or 1 loss if they have a bad game.

[CockynTN]

UF straight up beat your ass, and completely embarrased you this year. They lose nobody on offense or defense, and you lose Ainge, the main stabilizer you had all year. They beat you the past 3 years.

To be honest, I think UF will go undefeated next year, or 1 loss if they have a bad game.
We sucked at the beginning of the year and like it or not my friend, we got better as the year progressed. I will promise you they will not do us like that in Knoxville. And to say Ainge was our main stabilizer shows how little you know. We didn't really have any particular stabilizer, Ainge least of all considering some of the bad decisions he has made this year. And yes, they have beat us the past 3 years, but 4 out of the last 5 times they have been in Knoxville, they have struggled. And you said they lose nobody??? Now you are just showing that you don't have a clue about what you are talking about...they lose Andre Caldwell, one of their best wide-receivers, Jared Fayson is transferring, another good wide-receiver they have, Tate Casey their tight end is leaving, and two men off their offensive line are gone...defensively, they will be straight, and offensively, they will be fine, I'm sure, but to say they lose nobody shows your ignorance, my ill-informed friend.

[SCGator52]

We sucked at the beginning of the year and like it or not my friend, we got better as the year progressed. I will promise you they will not do us like that in Knoxville. And to say Ainge was our main stabilizer shows how little you know. We didn't really have any particular stabilizer, Ainge least of all considering some of the bad decisions he has made this year. And yes, they have beat us the past 3 years, but 4 out of the last 5 times they have been in Knoxville, they have struggled. And you said they lose nobody??? Now you are just showing that you don't have a clue about what you are talking about...they lose Andre Caldwell, one of their best wide-receivers, Jared Fayson is transferring, another good wide-receiver they have, Tate Casey their tight end is leaving, and two men off their offensive line are gone...defensively, they will be straight, and offensively, they will be fine, I'm sure, but to say they lose nobody shows your ignorance, my ill-informed friend.

I see the Volshiemers is starting again. Of course you get better as the season progresses but that is due to that oh so tough of a schedule down the stretch. And to say that UF has struggled that last few trips to Knoxville is funny. That game is usually a close game and has been for the last 15 years or so unless UF decides to throttle UT. And yes we do lose a few but Bubba Caldwell is the only major loss on offense. We lose a lineman or two but our best lineman who was out this whole year with an injury will be back. The line will be better than it was this year. Fayson isnt a loss by any means. He played very sparingly and there are many more where he came from. Tate Casey has done nothing this year. Ingram was the #1 TE followed by true freshman Hernandez, Casey was the #3 TE. The addition of Moody at RB is going to be huge. That kid is plain sick and you will see that on the third Saturday of September. This offense will be better next year and yes that person can say we lose almost nobody. Caldwell is the only person you listed that is a big loss but with the stable of WR's UF has Im sure they will just fine.

[CockynTN]

I see the Volshiemers is starting again. Of course you get better as the season progresses but that is due to that oh so tough of a schedule down the stretch. And to say that UF has struggled that last few trips to Knoxville is funny. That game is usually a close game and has been for the last 15 years or so unless UF decides to throttle UT. And yes we do lose a few but Bubba Caldwell is the only major loss on offense. We lose a lineman or two but our best lineman who was out this whole year with an injury will be back. The line will be better than it was this year. Fayson isnt a loss by any means. He played very sparingly and there are many more where he came from. Tate Casey has done nothing this year. Ingram was the #1 TE followed by true freshman Hernandez, Casey was the #3 TE. The addition of Moody at RB is going to be huge. That kid is plain sick and you will see that on the third Saturday of September. This offense will be better next year and yes that person can say we lose almost nobody. Caldwell is the only person you listed that is a big loss but with the stable of WR's UF has Im sure they will just fine.
Well, you have struggled in Knoxville. Not to say we always beat you, but we give you hell in Knoxville, usually. My apologies about Trautwein and Casey, I thought Casey was a major player. Seems like I remember Trautwein redshirting as well and also, my apologies about Fayson. You all are going to be really tough next year, but remember, everybody expected LSU to be "sick" as you put it, this year and they were, for the most part, but they still lost two games, albeit it took 6 overtimes. You all will not be invincible. And I can promise you all will not do us like yall did this year...I can guarantee you that will not happen, you Gaytor.