2008 South Carolina Gamecocks Football Preview

2008 South Carolina Gamecocks season preview from Maddux Sports. Below you can find our official South Carolina Gamecocks football preview as well as the 2008 South Carolina Gamecocks Football Schedule. We also offer a free odds comparison service of lines and totals on the NCAA football odds page.

Coach: Steve Spurrier (4th year at South Carolina)
Team Name: Gamecocks
2007 Overall Record: 6-6
Returning Starters: 17

Last season, the South Carolina Gamecocks (6-6 overall, 3-5 SEC) gave head coach Steve Spurrier something he’d never had before—a five-game losing streak. That streak, which happened at the end of the season, tied South Carolina for fourth in the SEC East and cost them a bowl bid. That left a bitter taste in everyone’s mouth since the Gamecocks had started the season 6-1.

Who will be at the QB position come season opener? Chris Smelley, who was 4-2 as a starter last season, has strength issues. Redshirted junior Tommy Beecher shows more moves and better balance than Smelley but doesn’t have much experience. Stephen Garcia, a freshman, was supposed to be contender but has had legal problems. In preseason camp, Beecher looked to have a minimal advantage. Last season, the primary receiver was the talented Kenny McKinely (77 REC, 968 YDS, 9 TDs), whose 77 receptions set a new Gamecocks mark. The receiving squad has been improved with Dion Lecorn, Moe Brown and others looking to contribute more. The front guys allowed too much penetration, giving up 31 sacks in 12 games. The running back position is open with the likely starter being Mike Davis ((114 CAR, 518 YDS, 5 TDs).

Last season, the South Carolina run defense was rated 110th in the nation. Former Mississippi State defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson is charged with improving that ranking and bolstering a fairly solid secondary. Ten of eleven starters return, including OLB and sack leader Eric Norwood (6). Linebacker Jasper Brinkley, who did not play last season, is also back. That should help.

The team travels to face Kentucky on October 11. That game can go either way. They have to beat one of these teams to go 7-5—Georgia, LSU, Tennessee, Florida or Clemson. They have a chance against Tennessee, a team that is often prone to inconsistency.

Spurrier says that this season is a new start for South Carolina. It’s true that the Gamecocks have a new starting quarterback and running back. Plus, Spurrier hired new guys to coordinate the defense and another the special teams. And there’s no denying that there’s certainly fine talent on the team. The defense has four All-SEC players! But can it all come together in Spurrier’s fourth season with South Carolina?

South Carolina Gamecocks Football Schedule

Date	Opponent	Home/Away
Aug 28	NC State	Home
Sep 4	Vanderbilt	Away
Sep 13	Georgia	Home
Sep 20	Wofford	Home
Sep 27	UAB	Home
Oct 4	Mississippi	Away
Oct 11	Kentucky	Away
Oct 18	LSU	Home
Nov 1	Tennessee	Home
Nov 8	Arkansas	Home
Nov 15	Florida	Away
Nov 29	Clemson	Away

 

For more info on the 2008 South Carolina Gamecocks football program, view the Gamecocks official website or scroll down below to read up on the rest of the SEC competition.