Preview 2012 - SEC Predicted Finishes

[uscgmck]

Preview 2012 SEC East Conference Picks

1. South Carolina

http://cfn.scout.com/2/1195455.html

[BeatBamaTwice]

9-3? That's insane!

What are these folks smoking? On offense, does anyone see T.J., A.J., D.L., Marcus, Connor, Ace, Mike, Bruce, Justice, Buster, Damiere and two Brandons letting anyone outscore us? What defense in the nation can stack up to Shaq, Damario, Kelcy, Byron, DeVonte, Victor, Brison, D.J., Jared, Jadevon and Devon?

We Are Carolina!

(And if Dabo thinks Carolina is up north it's simply more loser talk)

[bigdawg77]

If you finish 9-3 you won't win the East, that goes for either of our teams.

[garnet_black215]

Originally Posted by bigdawg77

If you finish 9-3 you won't win the East, that goes for either of our teams.

Could be possible if we beat you guys, then lose to LSU, Arkansas, and Clemson (please keep in mind that last one is COMPLETELY hypothetical), and you lose to us and another SEC game.

[bigdawg77]

Originally Posted by garnet_black215

Could be possible if we beat you guys, then lose to LSU, Arkansas, and Clemson (please keep in mind that last one is COMPLETELY hypothetical), and you lose to us and another SEC game.

If you're 9-3 you are 5-3 in conference you're not losing to Clemson

[Gamecock Rob]

Originally Posted by bigdawg77

If you're 9-3 you are 5-3 in conference you're not losing to Clemson

This guy!

[Cocknfire55]

Originally Posted by bigdawg77

If you're 9-3 you are 5-3 in conference you're not losing to Clemson

Haha I love the way you think. I think you're right, it will take at least 10-2 to win the east if not 11-1

[garnet_black215]

Originally Posted by bigdawg77

If you're 9-3 you are 5-3 in conference you're not losing to Clemson

Point, counterpoint.

Great post.

[Eutaw Kid]

Originally Posted by bigdawg77

If you finish 9-3 you won't win the East, that goes for either of our teams.

If Georgia loses three I'll eat my hat, the schedule is way too easy! Their only competion in regular season is the Cocks! GO COCKS!!!

[CoverTwo]

9-3 sounds about right. October is just too rough.

[BeatBamaTwice]

Originally Posted by CoverTwo

9-3 sounds about right. October is just too rough.

Oh ye of little faith!

[gotrice?]

Originally Posted by CoverTwo

9-3 sounds about right. October is just too rough.

Can't disagree. This is going to be a year where we probably are going to need 1 or 2 lucky breaks in October to win the East and have a shot at another 10 win regular season.

[BeatBamaTwice]

I don't know. In my mind it's hard to find any position where we shouldn't be as good or better with the exception of Alshon and Melvin. The opening game with Vandy will tell us much. If our start is as strong as our last three wins there's absolutely nothing stopping this team from running the table.

My only hope is that our 11-2 season has brought CockTalk and Gamecock Nation far enough to dream with the team, instead of trying to convince them that they're going to lose some of their games. After 11 and 2, why go there?

I know that predicting defeat is a means of insulating and protecting your expectations and emotions. But be brave!! Yes, it will hurt more should we lose. But at least your expectations will be down on the field with them, fighting to the death in true Gamecock fashion.

14-0

Yes We Can!

[henmania]

Originally Posted by CoverTwo

9-3 sounds about right. October is just too rough.

I'm hoping for 10-2 but 9-3 sounds right with this schedule. October schedule is unreal and I hate that our open date is so late. I honestly believe that might be thing that hurts us the most.

[garnet_black215]

9-3 or 10-2 sounds good to me, plus a bowl win.

Consider the schedule.

[CoverTwo]

I believe this team has potential to do better but for teams to have special seasons such as the one they had last year, USC has to have a lot of things fall into place. As with all teams the injury bug has to stay away and they have to catch some breaks. Aside from those two common scenarios, USC needs a few receivers to step up, the secondary has to be solidified, offensive line has to stabilize the LT and RG spots and build a little more depth across the board, the QB needs to stay on the field and take his game up a notch, and the kicking spots need to perform well.

USC is playing a much harder schedule than last year and teams like Vanderbilt, Tennessee, Missouri, and possibly Clemson are all going to be better. We will have to see how things unfold but I think a safe prediction is 9-3. Anything less than that would be a disappointment.

I'll conclude repeating something I posted in another thread, it may be cliche but this could be a team that ends up being better than their record indicates. I also believe that this season is a springboard season to a monster 2013-2014 campaign. That is the year I expect USC to compete for a national championship for the 1st time ever.

[garnet_black215]

Originally Posted by CoverTwo

I believe this team has potential to do better but for teams to have special seasons such as the one they had last year, USC has to have a lot of things fall into place. As with all teams the injury bug has to stay away and they have to catch some breaks. Aside from those two common scenarios, USC needs a few receivers to step up, the secondary has to be solidified, offensive line has to stabilize the LT and RG spots and build a little more depth across the board, the QB needs to stay on the field and take his game up a notch, and the kicking spots need to perform well.

USC is playing a much harder schedule than last year and teams like Vanderbilt, Tennessee, Missouri, and possibly Clemson are all going to be better. We will have to see how things unfold but I think a safe prediction is 9-3. Anything less than that would be a disappointment.

I'll conclude repeating something I posted in another thread, it may be cliche but this could be a team that ends up being better than their record indicates. I also believe that this season is a springboard season to a monster 2013-2014 campaign. That is the year I expect USC to compete for a national championship for the 1st time ever.

Completely agree with everything. I think this team is talented enough and has the players to go 10-2 and be in or around the top 10 all year, but it's going to be TOUGH. If everything can fall into place and work in our favor, I wouldn't be surprised to see us back in Atlanta.

[Ballpoint Man]

Originally Posted by CoverTwo

I'll conclude repeating something I posted in another thread, it may be cliche but this could be a team that ends up being better than their record indicates. I also believe that this season is a springboard season to a monster 2013-2014 campaign. That is the year I expect USC to compete for a national championship for the 1st time ever.

I agree that October is going to be a rough month. That said, I'm not sure 13/14 is going to be a step up. Losing a lot of longtime starters. We've got some solid depth building, but because of how young our starters have been lately... they're players we havent seen a whole lot.

[garnet_black215]

Originally Posted by Ballpoint Man

I agree that October is going to be a rough month. That said, I'm not sure 13/14 is going to be a step up. Losing a lot of longtime starters. We've got some solid depth building, but because of how young our starters have been lately... they're players we havent seen a whole lot.

2013 should be a year where we see this team competing for a national/conference championship. If the majority of this season has an OL of Shell, Cann, Johnson, Patrick,and Matulis, 4 of 5 OL starters will be back for 2013. Shaw will be back, so will at least Carson, Wilds, Davis, and Salley. WR's coming back should be Ace, Bruce, Damiere, Brent, Jeffery, Roland, etc., along with Anderson, Owens, and Adams at TE. The defense will lose Taylor, Swearinger, Bowens, and D. Jeffery, which are all good players, but there is enough depth to replace everyone at those positions. Clowney will be back, and I think Quarles will be as well, and there are plenty of options at DT to line up next to Quarles.

[Ballpoint Man]

Originally Posted by garnet_black215

2013 should be a year where we see this team competing for a national/conference championship. If the majority of this season has an OL of Shell, Cann, Johnson, Patrick,and Matulis, 4 of 5 OL starters will be back for 2013. Shaw will be back, so will at least Carson, Wilds, Davis, and Salley. WR's coming back should be Ace, Bruce, Damiere, Brent, Jeffery, Roland, etc., along with Anderson, Owens, and Adams at TE. The defense will lose Taylor, Swearinger, Bowens, and D. Jeffery, which are all good players, but there is enough depth to replace everyone at those positions. Clowney will be back, and I think Quarles will be as well, and there are plenty of options at DT to line up next to Quarles.

Again. I see why both you are C2 are projecting us up there... we've got a lot of depth and talent that'll be emerging. That said, it's never easy to lose so many players that were key to your team. We've still got to see Davis/Roland in action. We have potential in the WR rotation, but the only proven talent is Ace.

I agree the Oline should step forward, Shaw too. Quarles + Clowney will be disgusting (although, no better or worse than this year's rotation with Taylor in the mix). Hopefully Brison and Hampton will anchor an elite secondary, but we're a ways away.