Q&A: Jared Cook, TE, South Carolina

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You really wowed everybody with your performance in Indianapolis and outshined every other tight end there. What’s the fastest you ever ran the forty-yard dash? Was that your best time in Indy, or could you do better?

Cook: I had, in my sophomore year, a 4.37. I weighed about 12 pounds less.

Speaking of your college career, you played kind of both tight end and receiver early on before settling in at tight end. How much influence did you have in the decision to have you play tight end, and are you in the right spot?

Cook: Coach Spurrier came to me and asked me if I wanted to move to tight end and I told him, “Anything to help the team” and we were good to go. We went ahead and made the transition. I feel comfortable there and happy that I went there because I just love the position.

You mentioned putting on weight and being heavier than a couple of years ago. Could you drop weight and play wide out again if that was something that a team wanted you to do?

Cook: If a team wanted me to, I wouldn’t have a problem doing it. That wouldn’t be a problem at all. Something like that ain’t that hard.

Has anyone brought that up at all, or are all the teams looking at you strictly as a tight end?

Cook: It's been mostly tight end. There hasn’t really been any talk about me playing receiver.

During your last year at South Carolina, give us a rough estimate of how many times you lined up in a three-point stance and how often you lined up outside?

Cook: I lined up quite a bit attached to the line of scrimmage. Coach Spurrier actually liked me blocking out of a two point so I just kind of put my hand down and got down in the two-point squat and stance. We were more of a spread offense so I lined up in the slot also. I lined up outside in the slot more than often than I was attached to the line.

That seems to be the theme in college football right now. Teams are going to that spread offense and that’s something not only you, but almost all the tight ends in the class are being asked about, their blocking skills. Do you think those questions are legitimate?

Cook: I was down in Florida working out with the o-line coach on my blocking. Coming out of my stance in the three point, working on staying low and coming out aggressive because you know in our offense, I wasn't asked to do a lot of that. So just being able to work on that, I’ve gotten a lot better.

Alright now, talk about your decision to leave South Carolina early. At what point did you start thinking you might make that move to declare for the NFL Draft in 2009?

Cook: It was after the bowl game. I sat down with my family and just prayed about it and thought it was just the best decision to come out now.

What were some of the reasons for going?

Cook: Some of the top reasons...Me and my family just prayed about it and just sat down and weighed our options. We just really just decided that it was the best time and I love South Carolina and I think I’ll always have a home there. I just felt in my heart, it was the best time to go.

What do you think you're going to miss most...is there anything you're starting to miss already?

Cook: Just being part of the atmosphere there. The fans, all your teammates and just the camaraderie at South Carolina.

What are you hearing from people in terms of how your life is going to be different once you join the NFL, now that you’re a professional and not a college player? Have you spoken with any former South Carolina players or anybody that’s in the NFL?

Cook: A lot of people are giving me advice and tell me to invest my money wisely and be smart...to go out and perform, do the best I can, and have fun.

Invest your money wisely is advice we could all take nowadays right?

Cook: Yeah.

Before we leave South Carolina, what was it like playing for Coach Steve Spurrier, one of the big names in the game?

Cook: It was a very fun and exciting process in my fours years and I really enjoyed it. Coach Spurrier is a good guy and he really taught me what I needed to know and taught me things that I will use, really for the rest of my life. I love Coach Spurrier, he’s a great man.

Okay, can you give us any insight that the public doesn’t know about him, or something they would be surprised to hear about him?

Cook: He just a cool and funny guy. He likes to joke and likes to have fun. He’s just a great man.

One of the things he’s most known for in public is grabbing that visor and throwing it around. Did you ever cause him to throw that visor?

Cook: Yeah, I’ve caused him to throw that visor a few times. Those are just mistakes that come from the game and you live and learn by it. He’s good about getting you right and getting you ready for games.

Give us a sneak peek as to what we should expect from Wesley Saunders who was your back up last year and will be the started next year for the Gamecocks.

Cook: Wesley is a great player. He’s got size, he can run...he’s going to be good as long as he puts it in his mind to be the best. Wes is going to be good.

Give us another analysis of another player and let’s get even closer than your football family. Your brother Jason Cook is a fullback for Ole Miss who looks to be joining you in the NFL this September.

Cook: I’m going to make it simple for you—my brother is pretty much a monster. Jason is pretty much solid muscle. He runs well, he’s a great blocker. He taught me a lot about how to block.

You kind of help him with the pass catching and he helps you with the blocking?

Cook: I think he has the pass catching thing down and he also throws passes in games.

So does he throw any passes to you?

Cook: No (laughs). At Ole Miss he threw passes in the game.

How about you guys, do you work out together? He could warm you up, right?

Cook: Nah. He’s finishing up school and he’s at school and I’m up here in South Carolina.

Did you guys talk a lot during your college careers?

Cook: Oh yeah, before every game. He's my best friend, man.

I hear that, I would say the same thing about my brother. Now last year you guys won, 31-24 at Ole Miss. You had three catches for 88 yards. What was that like, did you talk that week?

Cook: Oh yeah. We were looking forward to that game for the past four years. It was really lights out for all our family and friends to just come and watch us.

Was there a lot of trash talking going on before and after?

Cook: Oh yeah. You don’t even want to know. Obviously we got the upper hand on him so he can’t say too much.

Who’s the better trash talker?

Cook: Ahh, I think it would have to be me. 'Cause I back mine up a little bit more.

(laughs) So at the end of the day, it comes down to what you do on the field?

Cook: Yeah, exactly.

You talk about family and friends. Was it tough for the family, was there anyone torn? Who do you think got the most support?

Cook: We are a close-knit family so we got even support all around the table. We had over 30 family members there so it was just good. It was like a family reunion.

That’s pretty cool. Is that the first time you guys ever played against each other?

Cook: Yeah.

Well we will have to see about the NFL. You guys might be meeting again or who knows, you may be reunited and be on the same team. How cool would that be?

Cook: That would be awesome.

Talk a little bit more about playing in the SEC. Who’s the best cover guy you faced during your time in the SEC?

Cook: The best cover guy I probably played against was Asher Allen, DB from Georgia.

The cornerback from Georgia. How about the toughest guy to block?

Cook: Probably the D-end from LSU. Because they just rotate so many. Tyson Jackson is a very good player.

We had Tyson on and he’s a good guy as well. Talk to us a little about the teams showing interest in you. I believe Miami, St. Louis, New Orleans, Jacksonville, Buffalo and Cleveland. Am I missing anybody?

Cook: I’m going out to Oakland and Baltimore.

Is this the toughest part of the process? Flying around all over the place visiting different teams and talking with different teams and having teams come work you out?

Cook: No, that’s the fun part. The hard part is was the Combine.

So at least here you get to show off your football skills. What was the most difficult part of the Combine?

Cook: I had 19 interviews in one night. It was pretty tough.

Wow, 19 interviews in one night? How many bottles of water did you go though to keep your mouth from getting dry?

Cook: There was quite a bit of water going around.

How long did that take? Seems like that would take all night long.

Cook: Started about 6:30 and ended, I believe, around 11 or 11:30.

You must of slept real good that night. So doing interviews like this must be a piece of cake rather than going through all that?

Cook: That’s right.

How about your Pro Day? I believe you worked out with three tight end coaches from Philly, Pittsburgh, and Cincinnati and broke down some film with them. What was that like?

Cook: It was just an evaluation process and stuff. They wanted to see the way I played and what kind of person I was and what kind of character I had. Breaking down film, they wanted to know about my blocking skills. So for the most part they just wanted to see if I could block.

Time for three-and-out. First down...if you had the first pick in the NFL Draft, who would you pick?

Cook: If I had the first pick in the NFL Draft who would I pick? Jamon Meredith from South Carolina, offensive lineman.

(laughs) I like that. I had guys say themselves but never a teammate. I like that. Second down...is there a tight end whose game you'd like to emulate?

Cook: I like Jason Witten. He’s an all-around tight end.

Alright. Another SEC guy from Tennessee, one who plays for the Dallas Cowboys. Okay, we will go with this question, third down: You were a hoops star in high school so tell me, who is your all-time favorite basketball player?

Cook: Who else, Michael Jordan.

Hands down?

Cook: Hands down.

No love for the young guys, Lebron (James) or Kobe (Bryant)? They have a ways to go, huh?

Cook: Kobe is almost there. Kobe is a great player. LeBron is past Jordan’s level at this spot now. I love watching those guys.

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media

Player Profile: Emanuel Cook South Carolina S

Pros: Cook is a strong open-field tackler that loves to light up ball carriers. He shows good leverage and lateral quickness. Cook reads the play quickly and reacts to run-pass almost immediately. He has a knack for forcing fumbles. While playing the run is his forte, Cook does possess solid ball skills. At South Carolina, he was very productive—a regular in the starting lineup since his freshman campaign.

Cons: He lacks the size most teams look for in a strong safety. He does not excel in coverage and also lacks ideal speed. Many question his ability to cover ground as the last line of defense. Cook had some off-the-field issues at South Carolina and was suspended for the final game of the season. He was arrested on a weapons charge (dropped) and had academic issues.

Scouts Take: Cook played in a different scheme at South Carolina, one where he did not have to cover receivers very much and could focus primarily on run support on first and second downs, which is where he flourished. He was a three-year starter before leaving early for the Draft. He is small for the strong safety position and lacks the quickness to play free. He will need to become more mature on and off the field but definitely has the potential to be a solid NFL player due to his great tackling ability. He could be a special teams standout and work his way into the starting lineup next year. He has third- or fourth-round potential.

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media

All Access: Jamon Meredith Pro Day Results

New England Patriots offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia was on hand at South Carolina’s March 25 pro day to personally work out tackle Jamon Meredith, who was among 18 players to workout indoors on FieldTurf in front of representatives from 25 NFL teams. Meredith measured in at 6-foot-5, 304 pounds, with 34 3/4-inch arms. He kept all of his numbers from the combine, but looked very good in position drills.

Mancini's Take: It's good to see Dante Scarnecchia still at it after all these years. The jack of all trades has served New England in just about every capacity from water boy to parking attendant to special teams coach, and now being the man in charge of the offensive line. As far as Meredith is concerned, is see him as a developmental player with tremendous length and quick feet. His technique needs to improve, however. As a pro, he would need to work on his tendency to drop back too far and playing too tall. Does this guy sound like a poor man's Michael Oher to you, Rosstradamus?

Mandel's Take: Meredith is a bit lighter, but yeah. He needs to put on some weight to avoid being pushed around at the next level, but I love this guy's athleticism and the fact that he has logged a lot of game time. He's also a very intelligent player, both on the field and off it. He reads plays extremely well and his smarts will give him the ability to quickly pick up the system of whichever team drafts him. His tendency to play too high in his stance can be fixed. A Day One pick and yes, a poor man's Oher. If he bulks up, he could be more.

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media

All Access: South Carolina Pro Day

LB Jasper Brinkley (6-1 5/8, 249) looked very quick and fluid in all positional drills. Brinkley ran a 4.39 short shuttle, a 6.92 three-cone drill and stood on the rest of his numbers from the Combine. TE Jared Cook (6-4 5/8, 249) ran a 4.56 short shuttle and a 7.25 three-cone drill. Cook has drawn a lot of interest and has a pair of upcoming workouts scheduled. CB Captain Munnerlyn (5-8 5/8, 186) posted a 4.44 and 4.41 in the 40-yard dash, a 4.04 in the short shuttle and a 7.05 in the three-cone drill as well as a 36.5-inch vertical jump. S Emanuel Cook (5-9 3/4, 201) ran a 4.57 and 4.59 in the 40-yard dash, a 4.42 short shuttle, 7.11 three-cone drill and posted a 32-inch vertical jump.

Mancini's Take: You have to love the size on Brinkley, who's actually dropped a few pounds. He's an inside thumper in the mold of Levon Kirkland. I think everybody knows about Cook by now. The kid is an ultra-athletic playmaker at tight end, and Munnerlyn is an NFL corner. He has the loose hips to stay with receivers and is quick at getting in and out of his cuts. He also has some good mitts and can return kicks. What's the skinny on E. Cook, Ross? Do you think his physical play will be enough to overcome his lack of size. He's listed at 5'10", but is probably a inch or so shorter than that.

Mandel's Take: I am more worried about Cook's mental makeup than his size. His hard-hitting ability and all aound physical style of play is all fine and well, but I'd be worried that Cook flamed out academically and ended his season ineligible. It's not that I need him to be an "A" student, it's that he knew what he needed to do in the classroom and failed to do it. He proved to be irresponsible and unwilling to sacrifice for the team. Not good. Brinkley's size is definitely impressive and he has some speed to go along with it. If he can stay healthy--and it's a big "if"--he is going to have an impact at the next level. Munnerlyn, to me, needs to prove he is big enough to play corner at the next level. At 5' 9", he doesn't lay the smackdown like the similarly sized E. Cook and might be pushed around a bit in the League. He will, however, be able to use his quickness to contribute as a return man if nothing else.

Player Profile: South Carolina OT Jamon Meredith

Pros: Meredith is a very versatile player. At 6’5, 295 ponds, he ran an impressive 5.04 at the Combine. The former Gamecock shows promise from either the right or left tackle spots and is viewed as a potential guard by some. He is very experienced and showed himself as a team player when he was asked to switch to guard his final year. Meredith’s great play at the Senior Bowl proved he is worthy of a first day pick as he impressed most of the scouts on hand. With his versatility and athletic ability, the South Carolina product should not struggle to get on the field at the next level.

Cons: Meredith lacks the toughness and the physical mindset NFL scouts want to see from offensive line prospects. He does his job but doesn’t go out of his way to punish opposing players with big hits or pancakes. The SEC product is athletic but looks very slow at times and doesn’t show a great burst off the line, so he may not play as fast as his test times. He relies too much on natural ability and will struggle at the NFL level if he doesn’t become more physical. Meredith also needs to improve his leverage and movement when trying to block defenders in space.

Scouts Take: Playing in the SEC, Meredith has the experience against upper echelon talent and the physical ability NFL teams look for when evaluating players. He had a good college career at South Carolina and followed it up with a strong week at the Senior Bowl. He has improved his stock throughout the post-season. With good size, great ability, and the versatility to play pretty much any position on the offensive line, Meredith should land somewhere on day one, likely in the second round. He does have flaws in his game but luckily for him and the team that drafts him, most can be fixed and taught with good coaching. He needs to learn that relying on natural ability will not work at the next level. It’s up to Meredith if he wants to be a star. He should excel in a zone-blocking scheme, which plays to his strengths and covers up some of his weaker skills.

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media

Outback Bowl: Iowa vs. South Carolina

By J.J. PESAVENTO

JANUARY 1, 2009 * 11:00 A.M. * ESPN

Iowa and South Carolina took different paths to the Outback Bowl after missing the post-season a year ago. South Carolina was an impressive 7-3 before they dropped their final two games while Iowa was a mediocre 3-3 before winning five of their last six games.

When the Hawkeyes have the ball

Don't expect anything flashy from the Iowa offense, just a heavy dose of the running game. Running back Shonn Greene took home several honors, including the Doak Walker Award, after rushing for over 100 yards in all 12 games this season. Greene is a physical runner with deceptive speed and the Gamecocks will undoubtedly key on him by loading up in the box. However, they will be without leading tackler safety Emmanuel Cook, who has been declared academically ineligible for the game. That will put added pressure on spur-backer Darian Stewart, who will move into the strong safety position, as well as Dion LeCom, who will take over for Stewart at Spur. When Iowa does pass, Ricky Stanzi will target wide receivers Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, Andy Brodell or tight end Brandon Myers. Iowa will roll Stanzi out a lot since he is more comfortable on the move. Considering South Carolina ranks third in the nation vs. the pass, that may be the best way to protect him from linebacker Eric Norwood, who tied for the SEC lead in sacks this season with nine.

When the Gamecocks have the Ball

The Gamecocks are the exact opposite of the Hawkeyes as their offense relies heavily on the passing attack. Stephen Garcia will get the start over Chris Smelley at quarterback. Garica has seen action in seven games, throwing for 753 yards with six touchdowns and five picks. He's also contributed on the ground with two rushing touchdowns. His primary targets will be Ken McKinley and Jared Cook. Cook is a tight end with wide receiver talent who will be a challenge for the Iowa defense in coverage. South Carolina will have to stop an Iowa defense led by All-American tackle Mitch King. Garcia will have to beware of linebacker Pat Angerer and defensive back Amari Spievey, both of whom were among the conference leaders in picks. When they do run, Mike Davis will get the call but he will be running up against a defense that ranks 10th in the nation against the run. Led by King, the front seven--including Matt Kroul, Adrian Clayborn and Angerer--are almost impossible to run on.

Analysis

Iowa lives and dies by the running game and with Emmanuel Cook out for the Gamecocks, the Hawkeyes may have even more success than originally expected. Look for them to pound the ball with Greene and be fairly conservative in the passing game. The games they lost during the regular season were due mainly to costly turnovers by Stanzi. South Carolina will have no success running the ball and they give up an alarming amount of sacks. They also had 33 giveaways in 2008, worst in the SEC. Against an aggressive Iowa front; they will have to find a way to protect Garcia and the ball if they plan on winning. Iowa has the edge on offense and the Gamecocks do not have the firepower to dent the Iowa defense. Iowa comes in the hotter team and gets the win.

Prediction: Iowa 27, South Carolina 17

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

Iowa Hawkeyes
Pass--Ricky Stanzi (1,809 yards, 13 TDs)
Run--Shonn Greene (1,729 yards, 17 TDs)
Catch--Derrell Johnson-Koulianos (43-621 yards, 3 TDs)

South Carolina Gamecocks
Pass--Chris Smelley (1,743 yards, 13 TDs)
Run--Mike Davis (571 yards, 3 TDs)
Catch--Kenny McKinley (48-556 yards, 4 TDs)

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media, College Press Box (Iowa University)

This Date in College Football History

Dec. 28, 1984: No. 9 Oklahoma State upsets No. 7 South Carolina 21-14 at the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville. Trailing 14-13 with less then two minutes in the game, Oklahoma State quarterback Rusty Hilger's leads the Cowboys 88-yards cumulating with a 25-yard touchdown pass to tight end Barry Hanna. 2008 College Football Hall of Fame inductee Thurman Thomas rushed for 155 yards and was named MVP.

Credit: The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame

Game of the Week: #20 South Carolina @ #5 Florida

By RALPH MANCINI - CFI SENIOR WRITER

The Steve Spurrier-led Gamecocks head into Gainesville this week with upset on their minds. South Carolina is one of the hottest teams around coming off four victories in their last five SEC games. This will be a huge test for the Gators, who have national-title aspirations. Staving off their bowl-hungry rival will be no small feat despite the fact that the Gamecocks haven’t won in the Swamp in their previous 11 tries.

When the ‘Cocks Have the Ball

STEVE SPURRIER IS four years into his tenure at USC but has yet to build that powerhouse offense everyone expected from him. In fact, after ranking 20th overall in 2006, this unit has been going backwards, ranking 77th last season and 86th this year. One of the primary reasons for this is the lack of an established field general – the two-headed monster of Chris Smelley and Stephen Garcia has failed to add any consistency to South Carolina’s passing attack. The former is an error-prone game manager who can put some mustard behind some of his throws while Garcia, the more talented and athletic of the two, struggles with reading defenses. The two quarterbacks are both guilty of staring down their receiving targets at times. Those targets are often 6’0” senior Kenny McKinley and standout tight end Jared Cook. McKinley has been hindered by a hamstring injury that cost him three games this year, but when healthy, he is an outstanding route-runner who fluidly comes in and out of his cuts with excellent burst. The 6’ 5”, 240-pound Cook, on the other hand, is a converted wide out with 4.5 speed and amazing leaping ability. This former basketball player is a match-up nightmare and leads his team with 33 receptions for 542 yards. Running back Mike Davis’ 3.5 yards-per-carry have been a major disappointment. He’s been sluggish this year and has failed to top 100 yards since this first week of the season, although much of that can be attributed to a deficiency of large bodies along the interior of the offensive line. Injuries have also played a role with left guard Lemuel Jeanpierre, knocked out for the season with a knee injury suffered during the Tennessee game. The Gamecocks other starting guard, Heath Batchelor, was suspended indefinitely after three games. Current guards, Hutch Eckerson and Terrence Campbell, are both under 300 pounds.

LED BY THEIR imposing middle linebacker, Brandon Spikes, Florida boasts a much-improved defense with a revamped secondary and interior defensive line. But it all starts with Spikes. Whether he’s crushing ball carriers behind the line of scrimmage or making plays in pass coverage, the 6’3’, 245-pound ring leader always seems to be in the right position to make a play. The Gators will look to stay aggressive by dialing up a variety of blitzes. Outside linebacker A.J. Jones will be one of those who’ll be featured in blitz packages thanks to his good feet and ability to elude blockers. Defensive end Carlos Dunlap is another player South Carolina’s quarterbacks need to look out for. With five sacks under his belt, the freakish 6’ 7”, 290-pound lineman is blessed with extraordinary closing speed off the edge and a pair of long arms that give him the upper hand when disengaging from blockers. Fellow end, Jermaine Cunningham, is Dunlap’s partner in crime when it comes to wreaking havoc in the offensive backfield. Cunnigham’s lethal first step often makes him too hot to handle for opposing offensive lines. Strong safety Ahmad Black is masterful at reading quarterbacks and has five interceptions so far, while free safety Major Wright is hard-hitting and tenacious. Freshman Janoris Jenkins has tremendous anticipatory skills and plays with a confidence that borders on cockiness. The first-year defensive back has made an immediate impact by playing a big role in Florida’s win over Tennessee and recorded his first sack versus LSU.

When the Gators Have the Ball

THE VARIETY OF looks Florida’s offense can throw at you on a weekly basis is quite daunting. Quarterback Tim Tebow is the engine of Urban Meyer’s offense with the many ways he can penetrate a defense. The Heisman Trophy winner can frustrate the opposition by running through or around defenders, as well as by unleashing his powerful arm on downfield throws — he’s nearly unstoppable when he’s on his game. Meyer will also throw a change-up every now and then by lining Tebow up at wide receiver and letting jack-of-all-trades wide out Percy Harvin take a few snaps to keep opponents off balance. Harvin has the speed and elusiveness to make defenders miss from a number of different positions. Tag-team partner Louis Murphy is bigger than his 5’ 11” counterpart and nearly matches his speed on both downfield plays and shorter gadget routes. Red-shirt freshman Deonte Thompson has also shown signs of becoming a premier playmaker this season. His acceleration and overall competitiveness compensate for his occasional drops. How Gator receivers match up with South Carolina’s fourth-ranked pass defense should be fun to watch. Florida’s hodgepodge of weapons at running back is also quite impressive with Emmanuel Moody, Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps all averaging over six yards per tote. Rainey is a shifty back who baffles would-be tacklers with his ability to start and stop on a dime. He’ll often use his balance to break free on long runs. Demps is a pure speed merchant that defenses always have to account for. Bristol, Connecticut native Aaron Hernandez offers enough size to outmuscle linebackers at tight end with the quickness and agility to give most safeties a hard time. Phil Trautwein is a resident Jersey boy who’s been known to make several pancake blocks in the running game.

SOUTH CAROLINA’S BIGGEST strength lies in its shutdown defense. In addition, to the Gamecocks leading the SEC in total defense, this ultra-fast and hard-hitting unit has yet to allow any of their opponents to score more than 24 points. Teams usually don’t run the ball against this defense either as Spurrier’s bunch has prevented all backs from averaging four yards per carry. SC’s linebackers play an integral role in that regard. Junior Eric Norwood, in particular, is a ferocious pass rusher who can line up at both inside and outside linebacker. Last year’s All-SEC pick has been unstoppable at times this year, displaying uncommon athleticism for a man who tips the scales at 253 pounds. Norwood has five sacks in his last two games. Jasper Brinkley is a 269-pound roadblock at middle linebacker, who often prevents blockers from gaining any ground for their running backs. While the king-sized run stuffer delivers some devastating blows to ball carriers, his lack of sideline-to-sideline range may be a problem in pursuing Tebow and company. Strong safety Emanuel Cook is also a force against the run. He not only leads the team in tackles, but truly has a nose for the football and frequently scoops up fumbles as a result. This playmaking junior is also good at putting the clamps on opposing tight ends in coverage. Ladi Ajiboye is the Gamecocks’ best lineman with his quick first step and his ability to knife through offensive lines and harass quarterbacks. Cornerback Captain Munnerlyn was a preseason first-team All- SEC pick, who makes his presence felt with his aggressive and physical style of play.

Final Analysis

WHILE SOUTH CAROLINA may somewhat contain the Gators’ high-octane arsenal, quarterback Tim Tebow will find ways to get the ball into the hands of his playmakers, who can outrun just about any defense. The fact that the Gamecocks are a turnover-prone squad also works against them versus a gifted front seven that will capitalize on their mistakes. SC’s quarterbacks lead the conference in interceptions with 17.

Prediction: Florida 31, South Carolina 19

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media

This Date in College Football History

October 2, 1993: Undefeated Alabama defeats South Carolina 17-6 in Columbia, matching its own school and SEC records for consecutive wins (28). The fete ties the mark previously set by legendary Tide coach Paul "Bear" Bryant from 1978-80.

Credit: The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame

This Date in College Football History

Sept. 27, 1958: Football was revolutionized in West Point, N.Y., as Army Coach Earl "Red" Blaik unveiled the "Lonely End" offense against South Carolina. Future College Football Hall of Famer Bill Carpenter stands 18-25 yards away receiving visual signals from the huddle, while halfback Pete Dawkins (another future College Football Hall of Famer) rushes nine times for 113 yards and four touchdowns. The new offense amassed 529 yards in a 45-8 victory.

Credit: The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame

Sputtering in South Carolina

By ARTHUR DICESARE - SEC INSIDER

Maybe it’s me but I recall a time when Steve Spurrier’s teams put the fear of god into opposing defensive coordinators. These days, Spurrier’s teams are reduced to embarrassing loses like the one they had to Vanderbilt last Thursday, 24-17. The Spurrier South Carolina experience has been a disappointment to say the least. Now in his fourth year with the Gamecocks, Spurrier has finished 2nd once in the SEC East and his teams have not had that offensive swagger we were used to seeing from a team coached by the “Old ball coach”. While at Florida, Spurrier’s teams would come out throwing from the shotgun right off the bus. They were always loaded with talented wideouts and quarterbacks that fit the Spurrier pass-heavy mold. This system yielded three quarterbacks finishing in the top five of the Heisman voting, with Danny Wuerffel winning it all in 1996. Not to mention the fact that his teams were always in the national championship picture, taking home the prize in 1996. I find it hard to believe that a top high school quarterback would not want to play for Spurrier and his pass-heavy system. Maybe Spurrier has lost his touch in the recruiting game. Maybe his offense is behind the times, with everyone moving towards the spread. Maybe the SEC is just better than it was when he ruled it in the mid-90s. One thing is for sure: Spurrier and his teams were good for college football, they brought big plays and huge scoring to the SEC. I hope that he can recapture what he once had with the Gators. If not, we might see a great coach—one who once dominated the SEC with a .818 winning percentage and six SEC titles—fade quietly into obscurity.

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media

South Carolina Names Smelley As Starter

All Access Football has learned that Chris Smelley will start at quarterback for South Carolina against Vanderbilt on Thursday night.

Gamecocks coach Steve Spurrier said he made the decision after starter Tommy Beecher couldn't practice Monday because he couldn't lift his non-throwing shoulder. He said Smelley probably deserves to start even if Beecher was not injured.

Beecher threw four interceptions in his first career start last week against North Carolina State. The junior came out before the fourth quarter because he was hurt.
Smelley then completed all five of his passes and led the Gamecocks on three scoring drives. Stephen Garcia will probably be Smelley's backup unless Beecher's shoulder improves.

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media

SOUTH CAROLINA'S GARCIA INJURES ANKLE

The Associated Press is reporting that redshirt freshman signal caller Stephen Garcia will miss a week of practice with a sprained ankle, including tomorrow night’s scheduled scrimmage. Garcia suffered the injury in Saturday night’s scrimmage. He practiced on Sunday, albeit on a limited basis.

He completed six-of-eight passes for 67 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

Garcia only recently joined the team (August 1), following a school-imposed suspension for underage drinking. He was originally scheduled to return on August 15, but hit the practice field sooner because of good behavior.

He also missed spring practice and his most recent run-in with the law was not his first. Garcia had two prior incidents, one of which was also alcohol related.

The Gamecocks, who finished 6-6 last season and failed to make a bowl, return a stellar defense. However, they have serious questions at the quarterback position and while Garcia is officially the No.3 quarterback on the depth chart, he is widely considered their most talented signal caller.

Chris Smelley, one of the two quarterbacks ahead of Garcia on the depth chart, was also nicked up on Saturday, spraining his thumb on his throwing hand. Smelley did not practice on Sunday, but did return on Monday.

Smelley, a sophomore, was 9-of-18 for 114 yards and two touchdowns in Saturday’s scrimmage. Junior Tommy Beecher also threw for two scores, completing 9-of-13 passes for a team-high 123 yards. Neither QB threw an interception.

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media

South Carolina coach Stever Spurrier hopes for crisp offense, defense

By PETE IACOBELLI
AP Sports Writer
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- South Carolina's defense held Vanderbilt scoreless for three quarters, yet the Gamecocks lost 17-6. Two weeks later, Steve Spurrier's "Cock-n-Fire" attack put up 36 points on Arkansas yet fell again, this time when the Razorbacks plowed through Gamecock defenders.

It's enough to make an ol' ball coach throw his notes to the ground a few dozen times. Still, Spurrier has put aside his team's three-game slide, its lost chance at a Southeastern Conference title and the team's inconsistency to think about what's ahead for the Gamecocks.

"Somebody asked me the other day 'Are you discouraged?' I said, 'No, I'm not discouraged,'" Spurrier says. This, however, can't be what's Spurrier's used to.
The Gamecocks (6-4, 3-4) were 6-1 and sixth in the country a month ago, and talk swirled about the crafty coach sneaking back into the national championship picture.

Then came an offensive clunker against Vanderbilt (the Gamecocks managed only two field goals) and the defensive disaster at Arkansas (Darren McFadden tied an SEC mark with 321 yards of Arkansas' 541-yard rushing total). In between was a 27-24 overtime loss at Tennessee, which showcased the Gamecocks' up-and-down play.

South Carolina fell behind 21-0, its offense ineffective and defense shoddy. Then the Gamecocks found their stride after the break, taking a 24-21 lead before the Vols tied it up at the end of regulation and won with a field goal in OT.

Prospects for pulling out of the slump are dicey: The Gamecocks take on defending national champion No. 17 Florida on Saturday before closing the season against 20th-ranked Clemson.

"We don't want to get in self-destruct mode," linebacker Cody Wells said. "We're still waiting for a game where our offense is great, our defense is great and we can put together a full game. We haven't done that this season yet."

A loss to the Gators would give Spurrier his fourth-straight defeat for just the second time in his college coaching career (the other came during his debut season at Duke 20 years ago). It would also leave Spurrier with a sub-.500 mark in his beloved SEC for the second consecutive season.

"Maybe our team's not quite as strong as we hoped right now," Spurrier said. Spurrier came to the campus in the fall of 2004, hopeful of turning the Gamecocks into champions. After losing to Tennessee, Arkansas and Florida to end last year's SEC schedule, Spurrier upped the team goals to include a run at the title.

For half the season, Spurrier looked like he'd make good on that promise. The Gamecocks won a Thursday night showdown with then-undefeated Kentucky last month and eventually rose to sixth in the BCS standings. The wins figured to continue Oct. 20 against Vanderbilt, a team Spurrier had never lost to as a coach.

But the Commodores went in front 17-0 after 15 minutes, and little has been the same for South Carolina since. Gamecocks center William Brown says the frustration has grown the past few weeks with the team's inconsistent play. "I don't know why we get into holes," Brown said. "Missed assignments here and there and we don't get the job done."

What's given him pride, though, is how South Carolina has recovered the past two weeks. Besides the comeback at Tennessee, the Gamecocks cut an 18-point lead to 42-36 in the fourth quarter before falling 48-36.

"There's some fight still left in us," Brown said.

Spurrier's done about everything he can to jolt the Gamecocks. He pulled back his scheme at times to emphasize defense and ball control. He's changed quarterbacks twice this season, shifting from senior Blake Mitchell to freshman Chris Smelley and back to Mitchell for the stretch run.

Now, Spurrier's reminding fans how young his Gamecocks are and how much better they'll be in the future. "Our big recruiting class was last year. It wasn't three years ago," he said. "We've got a lot of players here we believe are going to be
outstanding players."

Source: A.P. Wire; Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media

Vols outlast No. 15 Gamecocks in OT, 27-24

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- All those complaining about Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer will have to quiet down for a while. The Volunteers are in position to play for a conference title again.

Daniel Lincoln kicked a game-tying 48-yard field goal with 5 second left, then provided the only points in overtime, and Tennessee recovered after blowing a big lead to beat No. 15 South Carolina 27-24 Saturday night.

The victory, coupled with No. 20 Georgia's victory over ninth-ranked Florida earlier Saturday, puts the Volunteers (5-3, 3-2) atop the Southeastern Conference's Eastern Division. The Vols are tied with Georgia but hold the head-to-head tiebreaker after beating the Bulldogs earlier this month.

Lincoln got two chances to force overtime. He hooked a 43-yarder wide left, but a false start penalty on the Vols gave him another chance. This time, Lincoln sent the 48-yarder through to tie the game at 24.

Then he won it with his 27-yarder in overtime.

Steve Spurrier came in with his Gamecocks (6-3, 3-3) in charge of the East and needing to win out for South Carolina to become the first SEC team other than Tennessee, Florida or Georgia to win the division title.

But Ryan Succop, who gave South Carolina its only lead of the game at 24-21 with 1:24 left with his own 49-yard field goal, was wide right on a 40-yarder on fourth-and-8.

Fans filled talk radio shows calling for Fulmer's firing after the Vols were embarrassed in a 41-17 loss to Alabama last week. Fulmer's in his 16th season at Tennessee, but his last SEC title was in 1998, when the Vols also won the national championship. Their last SEC East title was 2004.

The Vols have been good, but that's not good enough for many in Knoxville.

Georgia gave the Volunteers a fresh opportunity in the SEC East before they took the field Saturday night and Fulmer's guys came through - barely.

South Carolina came in looking for its best start since 2001. But two of its four turnovers came in the final 6:52 of regulation. Spurrier threw his headset to the turf in disgust after Blake Mitchell, who came off the bench in relief of Chris Smelley, overthrew Kenny McKinley on third down.

That forced the Gamcocks to settle for Succop's field goal.

Tennessee had gained only 70 yards in the second half, but got a huge lift from LaMarcus Coker on special teams after South Carolina took the lead. He took the kickoff up the right sideline to the 31, stopped and went back across the field to the left to set up a struggling Erik Ainge at the 47.

It didn't help.

Three plays later, Caspser Brinkley sacked Ainge after the Vols used their last timeout. Ainge spiked the ball to stop the clock with 9 seconds left.

Lincoln came in and made the longest kick of his career when it counted most.

South Carolina chose to start on defense in overtime, and the Gamecocks held Tennessee to Lincoln's field goal.

But Mitchell bobbled the snap on the Gamecocks' first play, and his pass to Cory Boyd resulted in a 5-yard loss. He found Freddie Brown for a short pass, then Mitchell overthrew McKinley in the left corner of the end zone.

South Carolina outgained Tennessee 501-317 and held the ball for more than 36 minutes. Boyd finished with 20 carries for 160 yards and a 29-yard touchdown run.

Mitchell was 31-of-45 for 288 yards, and he ran for a TD and threw for another, an 8-yarder to McKinley that tied it at 21 in the fourth quarter.

Arian Foster and Montario Hardesty each ran for touchdowns, and Ainge threw for a TD and 216 yards on a night where he bounced a handful of passes and overthrew others.

The Vols improved to 6-1 in overtime. This was South Carolina's second overtime game and first since Sept. 27, 2003. Both were in Knoxville, and the Gamecocks now have lost both.

SOURCE: NCAAFOOTBALL; PHOTO CREDIT: SEC SPORTS

No. 15 Gamecocks, Vols playing for pride, SEC East prominence

By BETH RUCKER
Associated Press Writer

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Both South Carolina and Tennessee have something to prove.

The No. 15 Gamecocks were booed on their home field last weekend in a 17-6 loss to Vanderbilt while the Volunteers fell apart on the road in a 41-17 loss to bitter rival Alabama.

A win Saturday night in Knoxville would help either team prove those losses were flukes.

``We have to get that out of our system,'' South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier said. ``It's history. It was a lousy offensive game. We have to get our confidence back and get ready to play Tennessee.''

A win still means more than just pride.

Both teams are in the middle of a free-for-all in the Southeastern Conference's Eastern Division and can't afford another loss. The Gamecocks (6-2, 3-2) and Volunteers (4-3, 2-2) are among five teams with two SEC losses.

Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer compares the SEC race to the playoffs fans have long wanted.

``The highs are high, and the lows are low. It's important to put each one of those behind you as fast as you can,'' he said. ``You can look at this like a single-elimination tournament. I told the guys on Sunday, it's like the NFL trying to get in the playoffs. It's one and done.''

Spurrier and Fulmer haven't had time for the trash-talking they enjoyed when Spurrier coached the Florida Gators. They've had too much to worry about trying to salvage this season.

The Gamecocks haven't scored a touchdown in six quarters, and Spurrier isn't sure who will be his quarterback on Saturday.

Freshman Chris Smelley has started the last four games. But after throwing two interceptions against Vanderbilt, Smelley may be sharing time Saturday with fifth-year senior and former starter Blake Mitchell and third-stringer Tommy Beecher.

Regardless of who is throwing the passes, Kenny McKinley will be at the other end to catch. The junior is averaging 65.6 yards receiving a game.

Tennessee's defense has struggled all year against the pass, ranking 11th in the SEC with an average 249 yards passing allowed. The Vols' young secondary gave up 363 yards through the air to Alabama.

``We've got a lot of things to correct, and certainly that's one of them,'' Tennessee defensive coordinator John Chavis said.

Some sacks might help the Vols slow Spurrier's ``Cock-n-Fire'' offense. Tennessee has only gotten to the opposing quarterback nine times this season, an SEC worst, but South Carolina has allowed the most sacks in the conference at 26.

Tennessee has been able to protect its passer, Erik Ainge. The Vols have allowed only two sacks all season.

But Ainge's top target, receiver Lucas Taylor, injured a toe at Mississippi State two weeks ago and was ineffective at Alabama. Josh Briscoe suffered a concussion in a catch at Alabama, leaving starter Austin Rogers and freshmen Gerald Jones and Denarius Moore to carry the load.

Taylor and Briscoe are expected to play Saturday. Whether they'll be in top form is another concern. Neither practiced much this week.

South Carolina ranks first in the Football Bowl Subdivision in pass defense, but has struggled against the run. Arian Foster, Montario Hardesty and LaMarcus Coker are itching to carry the ball after the Vols ran only 19 times for 103 yards at Alabama.

``When we were winning, we could run the football and use a lot more clock,'' Tennessee tight end Chris Brown said. ``Things go a lot better when you're running the football well.''

The winner won't face an easy road to the SEC championship game. Tennessee still must play Arkansas, Vanderbilt and Kentucky while needing at least a Florida loss to play for the title.

A South Carolina win, and the Gamecocks control their own destiny with games against Arkansas and Florida.

And Spurrier is hoping that history is on his side, especially after winning in Knoxville two years ago, 16-15.

``Two years ago we beat these three teams,'' he said. ``We beat Tennessee, Arkansas and Florida somehow. We were underdogs in about every game, so it worked out. We believe we have a chance.

``We have to 'one game at a time' it, get some breaks and not beat ourselves and play with a lot more effort and smarts than we did last week.''

SOURCE: NCAAFOOTBALL.COM; PHOTO CREDIT: SEC SPORTS

South Carolina's ball coach struggling on offense

By PETE IACOBELLI
AP Sports Writer

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - Steve Spurrier has made a career of shredding the best defensive minds by creating mismatches and schemes where his receivers run free for easy touchdowns.

These days, though, Spurrier's more likely to throw down his notes in disgust than draw up a winning play.

The Gamecocks (6-2, 3-2 Southeastern Conference) may be ranked 15th and in the thick of the league title chase, but Spurrier's embarrassed by a more telling number - 93rd out of 119 Football Bowl Subdivision teams in total offense. Their next shot to improve comes Saturday against Tennessee (4-3, 2-2).

For this season at least, South Carolina may have too many problems for even one of the game's offensive masters to fix.

``You can design the plays and if the quarterback doesn't get it off, it doesn't matter'' if a receiver was open or not, Spurrier said.

That's what has happened to the Gamecocks the past two games.

They've been limited to two field goals the past six quarters, and the lowest point may have been last Saturday's 17-6 loss to Vanderbilt, when a season's worth of worries showed up at the same time.

Quarterbacks Chris Smelley and Blake Mitchell combined for three interceptions, the Gamecock offensive line committed five false-start penalties and gave up seven sacks, and South Carolina's young receivers again failed to provide a second option to standout Kenny McKinley.

Spurrier didn't think the pressure of the team's highest ranking in nearly a quarter century - South Carolina stood No. 6 last weekend - had much to with his team's miserable performance.

``I don't ever have any excuses for the way we played,'' he said.

Some might say South Carolina's offense has been a gradual free fall.

The Gamecocks managed on only one touchdown in the season's first signature win, 16-12, at Georgia last month. When South Carolina defeated then-unbeaten Kentucky earlier this month, it took defensive end Eric Norwood to return two fumbles for TDs in the 38-23 victory.

The Gamecocks got off quickly at North Carolina two weeks ago with Smelley's three touchdown passes for a 21-3 lead, but haven't crossed the end zone since.

``After North Carolina, we thought we'd give our offense a chance,'' Spurrier said of opening things up.

Instead, Smelley threw an interception on the Gamecocks' first possession that Vanderbilt turned into a field goal four plays later. Cory Boyd fumbled on the following possession and the Commodores turned the mistake into a touchdown. By the end of the first quarter Vanderbilt led 17-0, more than enough to succeed against South Carolina's stumbling attack.

``What can we say,'' tight end Jared Cook said. ``It is embarrassing. But the only thing we can do now is improve. We've got to get better. We have no choice.''

Spurrier typically has had the answers to such offensive problems. Two years ago, he coaxed a five-game SEC win streak and landmark victories over Tennessee and Florida out of an offense that hovered around the bottom half of the SEC.

This time, Spurrier's tried about every trick he knows.

Shuffling quarterbacks? Done that with Smelley, a redshirt freshman, taking over for Mitchell earlier this year.

Different players? You bet. Six different players have started at the two guard positions this year.

Let young guys play? Been done too. However, only three, Jason Barnes, Mark Barnes (no relation) and Dion Lecorn, have caught passes this season.

If not for South Carolina's defense, it could've been Spurrier's ugliest season. The Gamecocks lead the FBS in pass defense and are second in the SEC with 16.6 points allowed per game.

Spurrier has used three quarterbacks at practice this week, adding sophomore Tommy Beecher to the rotation in preparation for Tennessee.

After practice Thursday, Spurrier said he will likely start Smelley, but said Mitchell and Beecher are ready to play as much as he wants.

``We told Chris, 'Hey, it's your game and if you play pretty well, you can go the distance,''' Spurrier said on his radio show.

Whoever gets the start, it'll come with a game plan Spurrier wishes he didn't have to use.

``I don't know if it takes a new quarterback in there to get them going, or what it's going to take,'' Spurrier said. ``I know we've got to run a lot better, and we've got to give it a chance. And defense has got to continue playing well for us. So, we'll go from there.''

SOURCE: NCAAFOOTBALL; PHOTO CREDIT: COLLEGIATE IMAGES

Vanderbilt's upset not surprising to players, coach

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The euphoria of Saturday's 17-6 victory at South Carolina was still evident Sunday at Vanderbilt.

The previously sixth-ranked Gamecocks were the highest-rated team the Commodores have defeated since upsetting No. 6 LSU 70 years ago.

Saturday's victory had Vanderbilt coaches, players and media-relations personnel scouring the record books in search of historical perspective.

``When I saw 1937, I was like, 'Wow,''' wide receiver George Smith said. ``It's one of those strides you make for the program, and I'm just glad I was able to be part of it.''

Vanderbilt has never defeated a team ranked higher than No. 6, and Saturday's win was its first ever on the road against a top 10 opponent. Prior to Saturday, the Commodores' last win over a top 10 team was over No. 8 Auburn in the 1955 Gator Bowl.

Vanderbilt's last regular season win over a top 10 opponent came against No. 8 Florida in 1974.

``You really don't come across opportunities like that,'' Smith said. ``To beat a highly ranked team, it's definitely enjoyable.''

Saturday's win marked Vanderbilt's fourth on the road in its past 10 Southeastern Conference games, a run unequaled by the Commodores since 1949-51.

``There's definitely a sense of accomplishment, but I don't think anyone is really surprised,'' safety Ryan Hamilton said. ``We all went into the game expecting to win. We know we're good enough to beat anybody we play.''

Vanderbilt's defense, ranked No. 19 nationally this week, limited South Carolina to 280 yards of total offense and held a Southeastern Conference opponent without a touchdown for the first time since 1992.

The Gamecocks converted only one of 12 third-down opportunities, largely due to Vanderbilt's blitzing defense, which tied a single-game school record with seven sacks.

Vanderbilt is currently allowing an average of 310 yards per game, on pace to be the school's lowest mark in 10 years.

Coach Bobby Johnson said their aggressive defense was the difference after the Commodores built an early 17-0 lead.

``It kept South Carolina sort of off balance, and we never let them get into a rhythm,'' he said. ``In the second half, they tried to come back, and I think our guys stepped up and said, 'We're going to have something to say about it.'''

Source: ncaafootball.com; Photo Credit: SEC Sports

Spurrier hopes Gamecocks start playing consistent against Vandy

By PETE IACOBELLI
AP Sports Writer

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - The offense has been spotty and the quarterback so inconsistent the twice-benched senior might get another shot Saturday. Most receivers can't get open and, if they do, don't always hold onto the ball.

Steve Spurrier has probably never had a less productive offense that has contended for a Southeastern Conference - and national championship.

``Our expectations are up there a bit,'' Spurrier said. ``We have to play a whole bunch better, coach better, to come close or even have a chance at achieving all of our goals.''

Right now, those benchmarks are still in reach for the sixth-ranked Gamecocks (6-1, 3-1 SEC), who take on Vanderbilt (3-3, 1-3) on Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium.

A win would push Spurrier to 15-0 all-time against the Commodores and equal South Carolina's best mark since 2000. It would also probably get the Gamecocks into the top 5 because of second-ranked South Florida's 30-27 loss to Rutgers on Thursday. It could also stamp the Gamecocks a legitimate contender for the BCS crown.

Spurrier entered the season simply hoping his team played like it belonged in the SEC race. Despite an offense that stands 88th nationally, the Gamecocks look like they're in the running for much more than a conference title.

Everything South Carolina has discussed is ``still out there after seven weeks,'' Spurrier said. ``So we're in position if we can really start playing a whole bunch better.''

Especially on offense, which has got to rankle Spurrier the most.

He made his reputation - along with winning a national championship - with his offensive, ``Fun-n-Gun'' powerhouses for 12 seasons at Florida.

Too often this year, South Carolina's gone with the ``Cock-n-(Mis)Fire.''

Fifth-year senior passer Blake Mitchell was benched three games despite leading the team to a road win at ranked Georgia. Freshman Chris Smelley has looked strong at times (three first-half TD passes as South Carolina led North Carolina 21-3) and clueless at others (he threw for just 39 yards in the second half of the Gamecocks 21-15 win over the Tar Heels.)

``Hopefully, someday, though, we'll have a line that can really block, that we can run and throw and stay on the field and make some yards and not be like 88th in the country in offense,'' a frustrated Spurrier said.

Until then, Spurrier might ride his defense all the way to a championship.

The group is 14th in the country, allowing just 16.6 points a game, and the unit has a knack for big plays at the right time.

Two games ago, defensive end Eric Norwood returned two fumbles for touchdowns in South Carolina's biggest win so far, a 38-23 victory over Kentucky.

Safety Emanuel Cook had a fourth-quarter interception last week to hold off a North Carolina drive during its comeback.

The Gamecocks could have their hands full with Vanderbilt and its top receiver Earl Bennett. The junior had his breakout game at Williams-Brice two years ago with 16 receptions and 204 yards in catches in South Carolina's 35-28 win.

Back then, Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson had NFL passer Jay Culter delivering the ball. ``That's all in the past now,'' Johnson said.

Bennett is three catches away from Craig Yeast's SEC mark of 208.

The Commodores are coming off a disappointing result, falling to Georgia 20-17 on a field goal as time ran out.

``I'm not going to lie. It's pretty tough'' to rebound from a last-second loss like that, Vanderbilt defensive end Curtis Gatewood said. ``But I think the thing that helped us out the most is that the coaches stayed positive.''

Spurrier has been anything but positive about his offense this year. So he said Mitchell will play Saturday, and the head ball coach hopes the time on the bench works as well as it did a year ago when the struggling quarterback sat out several games and returned to play his best football at the end of the season.

After Vanderbilt, comes big tests with Tennessee, Arkansas, Florida and Clemson.

Mitchell owns victories over the Vols, Gators and rival Tigers during his career, something no other quarterback on South Carolina's roster - or few others in Gamecocks' history - can claim.

So far, Spurrier's attack has done just enough to keep winning. The ball coach has his fingers crossed.

``We've maximized our chances and hopefully we continue,'' he said. ``You don't know if we will or not.''

Source: ncaafootball.com; Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media

No. 7 South Carolina downs UNC, 21-15

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) -- Chris Smelley threw a career-high three touchdown passes in the first half and No. 7 South Carolina withstood a late rally to beat North Carolina 21-15 on Saturday.

The redshirt freshman improved to 4-0 as a starter, helping South Carolina (6-1) build a 21-3 lead through three quarters and successfully defend its first top 10 ranking since 2001.

But the Tar Heels (2-5) made things interesting late. T.J. Yates threw an 18-yard touchdown pass to Greg Little on the first play of the fourth quarter, then ran 3 yards for another score to make it a six-point game with 3:03 remaining.

The Gamecocks gave North Carolina one last chance, after Ryan Succop's 48-yard field goal bounced harmlessly off the right upright with 46 seconds left.

Yates threw three quick completions to move the Tar Heels to the South Carolina 31, but misfired on his last two throws toward the end zone, with his final pass deflected away by Kenny McKinley at about the 1.

Yates finished 22-of-42 for 285 yards against the nation's best pass defense, and Hakeem Nicks had eight receptions for 114 yards for the Tar Heels.

North Carolina had 398 total yards to South Carolina's 282, had nearly a 10-minute advantage in time of possession and stopped the Gamecocks on 12 of 13 third-down chances. But the Tar Heels couldn't overcome three interceptions - one thrown on a trick play in the fourth by quarterback-turned-receiver Joe Dailey in the red zone.

Smelley completed 17 of 26 passes for 172 yards with scoring passes to three different receivers, covering 3 yards to Dion Lecorn, 30 yards to McKinley and 12 yards to Jared Cook.

Cory Boyd rushed 20 times for 95 yards for South Carolina, helping Steve Spurrier remain unbeaten in four games against the Tar Heels. His previous three wins came when he was at Duke from 1987-89, and his last - a 41-0 rout - was memorialized with a team photo by the scoreboard, a snapshot that still hangs in his office.

The Gamecocks clicked early in jumping out to a 14-0 first-quarter lead. They scored on two straight possessions, with Smelley's 20-yard pass to Cook setting up his 3-yard strike to Lecorn.

Then, Smelley and Cook hooked up again for 23 yards one play before he found McKinley behind cornerback Jermaine Strong, and the receiver spun toward the right sideline and pulled down his team-leading sixth touchdown of the season.

South Carolina made it 21-3 at halftime when Captain Munnerlyn's 38-yard punt return in the final minutes of the half set up Smelley's scoring pass to Cook with 15 seconds left.

North Carolina's Connor Barth missed a field goal for the first time since 2005 when he pulled a 49-yard attempt wide left in the first quarter, snapping a streak of 19 straight conversions. He made a 45-yarder on his next try early in the second.

Source: ncaafootball.com; Photo Credit: SEC Sports