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SEC
Football Predictions2008 South Carolina Gamecocks College Football PredictionsThe Gamecocks missed out on a bowl in
2007 as they were only able to compile a 3-5 SEC record. The
offensive line figures to be one glaring problem, but
perhaps the defensive side of the ball can atone for the
offensive struggles. Find out if
Jimmy Boyd has the Gamecocks bowl bound and where they
fit in the SEC this year in his 2008 South Carolina
Gamecocks predictions and season preview.
Offense Steve Spurrier, one of the better QB coaches
across the country, needs a QB for his system.
Redshirt frosh Stephen Garcia looked to be the
guy, but off-the-field issues will keep him on
the shelf until mid-August. Incoming freshman
Aramis Hillary likely won't master the system in
time. This leaves Chris Smelley and Tommy
Beecher to fight it out for the starting job.
Neither one will be the savior for the Gamecocks
this season, but Smelley does have a 4-2 mark as
a starter. However, Beecher is more nimble and
that could give him the edge because the
offensive line is in sad shape. The offensive
line gave up 31 sacks in 12 games last season.
All but one starter returns, so we should be
able to expect at least a slight improvement
because of the experience gained last year. The
Gamecocks are deep at receiver, but that might
not mean much if the QB's are running for their
lives again this season. Kenny McKinley leads
the way. He caught an SEC-high 77 balls last
season. Replacing Cory Boyd at tailback will be
no easy task. That will likely fall on the
shoulders of Mike Davis who is talented but
unproven. The Gamecocks bring back 10 starters on this
side of the ball and this is where they will
have to win ball games. Cornerback Captain
Munnerlyn, safety Emanuel Cook, and defensive
end Eric Norwood were all three All-SEC
selections as sophomores. Great defensive line
depth will allow the Gamecocks to move Norwood
from end to linebacker. He will still be in the
down position in passing situations, but they
will also be able to utilize him more against
the run. This is the idea of new defensive
coordinator Ellis Johnson. Spurrier got rid of
Tyron Nix after South Carolina lost five in a
row to finish the year and looked atrocious
against Arkansas and Florida. Defensive end
Cliff Matthews should have a big sophomore
season and tackle Ladi Ajiboye should be poised
to bust out also after a three-sack season as a
frosh. I can't believe it's taking a new special
teams coach to finally make this move. It should
have been done a long time ago. The Gamecocks
will finally hand over the punting duties to
someone else so that Ryan Succop doesn't have to
punt, place kick, and kickoff. This should keep
his leg stronger for kicks. Look for the Gamecocks to be the fourth place
team in the SEC East this season. Their defense
will keep them in most games so if they win some
close ones they should be bowling. I like
the Gamecocks against
Kentucky and
Vanderbilt, but they will struggle against
Georgia,
Florida, and
Tennessee. May 30th, 2008
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