With the Gamecocks Spring game upon us today, I will join THE STATE paper and Garnet & Black and lay down some thoughts concerning this game or what I am looking for today in the team. I too feel it is a important day for the gamecock faithful so we can see how the players are responding to new coaches and some new philosophy. I love what I am hearing with stressing effort and hardwork. I feel, and always have, that USC is lacking the “fire” the last few years. That every time out the gate no matter if it is a game or practice it means time to go to work. Time to man-up and represent all gamecocks and put it on the line. I feel that some on the team don’t understand that so it is good to see the new coaching staff embrace it and work on it. If you are going to put on the garnet & black then pride and effort are demanded!
Anyway, here are some of my pondering thoughts today….
1. Of course all eyes on the USC QB situation…is Garcia ready to be the man? How will he respond today? What impact is G.A. Mangus having? Besides Garcia, who will shine – McCulloum, Hillary or Brindise?
2. I do not want to see INTs or TOs….we had enough of those last year so I want to see ball protection today from the offense.
3. USC Secondary…who will step up? Not just 1st string but who are the back ups? How will Auguste and Addison Williams do at the field corner spot? At boundary corner we get to see Gilmore and his back-up right now is Jay Spearman. Not to mention on well Cedric Sneed does today as he could take over a back up spot if playing well.
In the safety area, we gots A Allen at free safety and Darian Stewart at boundary safety. In the mix past that is DeVonte Holloman, Blaxley, Jarrett Burns, Brandon Davis, and Culliver. CC Whitlock is out. So it will be interesting to see how this group does today under the leadership of Lorenzo Ward. This is the only questionable area for the defense.
4. Who will be the Spur?….is Alonzo Winfield ready to step up? or will Darian Stewart have to move in to the spot and re-schuffle the secondary? Or will Holloman out shine and over take the position from Winfield?
5. The O-line…I don’t think I have to say much here as we know there are question marks here and most fans want to see improvement in this area. I love the attitude of Coach Wolford and his new outlook with the group. I like the no-nonsense belief and the hardwork he demands from the team. The gamecocks gave up 39 sack in 08 so it is time for a new formula. Coach Wolford’s system uses zone blocking and gap blocking and uses wider spilts b/w lineman. So fancy feet is a must…..should be fun to watch today!
6. No loafs….it will be nice to see 110% today.
7. Running game….USC has a stacked back field and it will be interesting to see how each kid does today. Will Maddox repeat his rushing attack? Will the O line create lanes? What will Giles do? I really want to see how coach spurrier handles a new approach to running the ball.
8. Coaching Chemistry….got lots of new faces so it will be interesting to see what plays are called and how each unit manages the game.
9. WR corp….hoping that Moe and Barnes get it done today.
10. No INJ….please no one get hurt today.
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