South Carolina Gamecocks

Gamecock30

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Hey everyone and thanks for having a Gamecock here on your forum!

I follow South Carolina very closely. If you guys have any questions about the team, strengths, weaknesses, injuries, opt-outs, scheme, etc. just fire away!

Here’s hoping for a great, injury free game down in Jax!
 

CanadalovesND

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Are you confident in your defense without Cam Smith & Zaach Pickens both opting out?

I don’t know much about South Carolina. I believe you have a five-star on the edge that has just started to play up to his ranking. Burch?

And offensively, do you believe Rattler can maintain his raise in play to end the season? From a few highlights I watched throughout the season, he seemed to play pretty average, and then the Tennessee & Clemson games happened.

Us ND fans have no idea what to expect offensively in this game. We are heavy run team, and will probably stick with what we do best, but our initial starter is back - a player who ND nation seems to be split on. We implement a lot of 21 personnel but without Mayer, we have two healthy Tight Ends to use in the game.
 

Cackalacky2.0

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Hey everyone and thanks for having a Gamecock here on your forum!

I follow South Carolina very closely. If you guys have any questions about the team, strengths, weaknesses, injuries, opt-outs, scheme, etc. just fire away!

Here’s hoping for a great, injury free game down in Jax!
Welcome. I’m in CHS and my sister graduated from USC. I always root for them outside of ND. Is Jaheim Bell playing or did he transfer out? That dude is a problem lol.
 

BeauBenken

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Welcome! We love having opposing fans/viewpoints on our board so long as they aren't trolls. Don't be surprised if you still get quite the razzing from some posters though.

  1. How big of a loss are Bell and Stogner to your passing attack?
  2. Do you think your O-line and defense have made genuine improvements towards the end of the season or do you think they have just played against teams that had some weaknesses that made them look better?
  3. Is it crazy to think that we may be witnessing one of the best special teams games of the season in the Gator Bowl?
  4. And how do you feel about Shane Beamer? He seems to be doing a terrific job getting you guys back to a competitive level. Congrats on beating the Tigers.

Go Irish!
 

Gamecock30

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Are you confident in your defense without Cam Smith & Zaach Pickens both opting out?

I don’t know much about South Carolina. I believe you have a five-star on the edge that has just started to play up to his ranking. Burch?

And offensively, do you believe Rattler can maintain his raise in play to end the season? From a few highlights I watched throughout the season, he seemed to play pretty average, and then the Tennessee & Clemson games happened.

Us ND fans have no idea what to expect offensively in this game. We are heavy run team, and will probably stick with what we do best, but our initial starter is back - a player who ND nation seems to be split on. We implement a lot of 21 personnel but without Mayer, we have two healthy Tight Ends to use in the game.
I wouldn’t say confident by any means. We’ve lost a lot of pieces on the defense. Not only did we lose Pickens on the d-line, but we lost our starting DE(Gilber Edmond) to the transfer portal. Also in the secondary, we lost our 2 starting corners(Cam Smith and Darius Rush) and our starting Safety(Devonni Reed) to the NFL draft.

Burch has finally come on and has been playing lights out lately. Makes me wonder with Pickens and Edmond gone, if Burch will get double teamed most of the game. Our other starting DE for this game, Bryan Thomas Jr, has not done much this year at all.

I do believe Rattler will have a decent game. I was able to attend a team practice a few days ago and he was slinging it at all over the field. 2 of our starting receivers could potentially be out though, Josh Vann and Jalen Brooks. That’s something to keep an eye on. The team simplified the gameplan offensively the last 2 games of the season, and it allowed the players to play more freely, and the o-line did much better blocking for Rattler up front.

We too are short on TEs. We lost 2 to the transfer portal and 1 decided to hang up his cleats. We have 1 scholarship TE on the tram right now
 

Gamecock30

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Welcome. I’m in CHS and my sister graduated from USC. I always root for them outside of ND. Is Jaheim Bell playing or did he transfer out? That dude is a problem lol.
Thanks! I’m up in Myrtle but have a lot of friends in CHS. We go down 4 or 5 times a year.

Bell transferred to Florida St so he’s not currently with the team. He was a great player for us and will be missed. He started the last 4 games of the season at RB for us when our starting RB went down. So we’ll miss him not only as a TE, but in the backfield as well.
 

Gamecock30

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Welcome! We love having opposing fans/viewpoints on our board so long as they aren't trolls. Don't be surprised if you still get quite the razzing from some posters though.

  1. How big of a loss are Bell and Stogner to your passing attack?
  2. Do you think your O-line and defense have made genuine improvements towards the end of the season or do you think they have just played against teams that had some weaknesses that made them look better?
  3. Is it crazy to think that we may be witnessing one of the best special teams games of the season in the Gator Bowl?
  4. And how do you feel about Shane Beamer? He seems to be doing a terrific job getting you guys back to a competitive level. Congrats on beating the Tigers.

Go Irish!
Thanks! It’s to be expected everywhere haha. Our fans do the same thing on our boards, so I’m expecting a little razzing here and there haha.

1. Bell and Stogner are huge losses, but not so much from a passing attack perspective as from a blocking and depth perspective. I think both of those guys will be the first ones to tell they didn’t have the offensive production they hoped for this year. Stog is a great blocker, but is slow as molasses and wasn’t a factor in the passing attack this year. Bell on the other hand is a pass catching TE, who didn’t get on the field because he doesn’t like to block. Bell made more of an impact as a RB this season than as a TE. From a depth standpoint, we’ll really miss them as we’re down to one scholarship TE

2. I do think our o-line improved in the passing game. The last 2 games of the season(Tennessee and Clemson), Rattler had all day to throw, which is one of the reasons I believe he played so well. Our run blocking has definitely been a weakness though. Our run defense is also the weakness on that side of the ball. The last 2 games we stacked the box to stop the run and let our corners play on an island. It worked out very well for us. HOWEVER…our 2 starting corners have opted out for the draft so I’m not sure what defense will show up to be honest. Y’all will definitely get your share of rushing yards. I’d be the farm on it

3. Yeah it’s crazy! I’m very excited for this matchup! ND is an iconic program and there’s a lot of buzz around both programs now. I’d love for us to play each other before the opt-outs and transfers, but that’s just the nature of college football now. Still, super exciting

4. I can’t say enough good things about Shane. He’s changed the culture from a “me first” mentality, to a “team first, family” mentality. He’s definitely the right guy for the job. He’s had some tough on the job training his first couple of years, but South Carolina definitely got the right guy. He just gets it.
 

Gamecock30

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Welcome! We love having opposing fans/viewpoints on our board so long as they aren't trolls. Don't be surprised if you still get quite the razzing from some posters though.

  1. How big of a loss are Bell and Stogner to your passing attack?
  2. Do you think your O-line and defense have made genuine improvements towards the end of the season or do you think they have just played against teams that had some weaknesses that made them look better?
  3. Is it crazy to think that we may be witnessing one of the best special teams games of the season in the Gator Bowl?
  4. And how do you feel about Shane Beamer? He seems to be doing a terrific job getting you guys back to a competitive level. Congrats on beating the Tigers.

Go Irish!
I just noticed your 3rd question was about special teams. I read it too quickly. That’s going to be a showdown for sure. Our special teams coordinator Pete Lembo said in his presser “Notre Dame has blocked more punts than Jerry Seinfeld had girlfriends”😆😂

It will be a matchup to keep an eye on. Our kicker has been perfect on field goals and XPs all season. Our punter has multiple kicks downed inside the 5 every game, and is also 7/7 passing in his career on fake punts. Our kick return unit is great. Our starting Punt Returner, Josh Vann is doubtful, look for speedster Ahmareon Brown to return punts. We’ve had our fair share of blocked punts and fgs this season.

It will be a showdown on special trams. We’ve got a ton of respect for what y’all do there. The 2 best special teams units in CFB.
 

IRISHDODGER

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With all the opt outs, this should be more of something between the Spring Game & a regular season game. Fans are still fans & I want ND to win but most of all I want to see what the young guys can do & obviously if our QB can show any signs of life.

When ND faced Okie St last year, the Cowboys QB was known to throw a lot of picks (similar to Rattler pre-UT game). In the bowl, the Okie St QB played the game of his life & led them to a come from behind win. I suspect Rattler will play out of his mind b/c, say what you want; he’s playing a name brand blue blood so it’s not just another SEC East game.
 

Old Man Mike

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I suppose that everyone knows this, but there was a major ND ---> South Carolina historical football connection, when Lou Holtz went there to coach. He inherited what might legitimately be called the worst program in the country at the time, and suffered through an initial 0-11 season as he tried to clean house and right the ship. He did right it; won some SEC games; went to bowl games and won a couple. Some South Carolina football people believe their Holtz era to be THE most significant in program history as it made it relevant again and set the stage for Steve Spurrier to lift it to new heights.

... having said all that, I still hope we win.
 

Gamecock30

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With all the opt outs, this should be more of something between the Spring Game & a regular season game. Fans are still fans & I want ND to win but most of all I want to see what the young guys can do & obviously if our QB can show any signs of life.

When ND faced Okie St last year, the Cowboys QB was known to throw a lot of picks (similar to Rattler pre-UT game). In the bowl, the Okie St QB played the game of his life & led them to a come from behind win. I suspect Rattler will play out of his mind b/c, say what you want; he’s playing a name brand blue blood so it’s not just another SEC East game.
To add to your last statement, if Rattler plays lights out, he’s most likely going pro. If he has an average game, he’ll come back next year. He’s treating this game as an NFL tryout instead of another college football game for whatever that’s worth
 

Gamecock30

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I suppose that everyone knows this, but there was a major ND ---> South Carolina historical football connection, when Lou Holtz went there to coach. He inherited what might legitimately be called the worst program in the country at the time, and suffered through an initial 0-11 season as he tried to clean house and right the ship. He did right it; won some SEC games; went to bowl games and won a couple. Some South Carolina football people believe their Holtz era to be THE most significant in program history as it made it relevant again and set the stage for Steve Spurrier to lift it to new heights.

... having said all that, I still hope we win.
Absolutely. SC fans have all the respect in the world for Coach Holtz. I had the privilege of meeting him a few times, and have a SC football signed by him although I was young when he was our coach. A guy I work with played for Coach Holtz as a walk-on DB for 3 seasons. He’s got some great stories haha
 

Gamecock30

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Josh Vann was just ruled out.
Yes Vann ruled out. Brooks is in Jacksonville but considered “doubtful” at this point. They are definitely our number 2&3 receivers(Juice Wells is the clear cut number 1.)

With Vann and Brooks out, look for Xavier Legette to play on the outside. Legette has been decent. He’s big and fast, but struggles getting open. 2 of Rattler’s picks this year were in and out of his hands and should’ve been catches. Legette is also our kick returner.

At slot, we’ll rotate between Dakereon Joyner and Ahmareon Brown. Joyner was an excellent qb in high school who has converted to receiver. The transition has been a bit of a struggle, but he’s coming along. Joyner is also our wildcat qb.
Brown is a speedy slot receiver who transferred in from Georgia Tech. Extremely fast, but small at 5’9 165.

Besides them, O’Mega Blake and Landon Samson are 2 guys who could see playing time. Neither one has played an offensive snap all season.

It will be a huge blow if Brooks indeed can’t go
 

INLaw

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Yes Vann ruled out. Brooks is in Jacksonville but considered “doubtful” at this point. They are definitely our number 2&3 receivers(Juice Wells is the clear cut number 1.)

With Vann and Brooks out, look for Xavier Legette to play on the outside. Legette has been decent. He’s big and fast, but struggles getting open. 2 of Rattler’s picks this year were in and out of his hands and should’ve been catches. Legette is also our kick returner.

At slot, we’ll rotate between Dakereon Joyner and Ahmareon Brown. Joyner was an excellent qb in high school who has converted to receiver. The transition has been a bit of a struggle, but he’s coming along. Joyner is also our wildcat qb.
Brown is a speedy slot receiver who transferred in from Georgia Tech. Extremely fast, but small at 5’9 165.

Besides them, O’Mega Blake and Landon Samson are 2 guys who could see playing time. Neither one has played an offensive snap all season.

It will be a huge blow if Brooks indeed can’t go
The first names on this team are impeccable
 

Dizzyphil

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Bro you got any low country boil secrets to share?
1/2 Cup Old Bay, or to taste

2 Bay Leaves

2 tablespoons of minced garlic

2 tablespoons of salt

5 pounds new potatoes - DO NOT Quarter

5-6 white onions quartered

3 (16 ounce) packages cooked kielbasa/Mild/Hot (to taste) sausage and cut into 1 inch chunks (my choice Johnsonville Andouille Smoked Sausage mild)

10-12 ears of corn, halves are the best (can be frozen - just thaw)

5 pounds whole crab and broken into pieces (optional)

4 pounds fresh shrimp, peeled and de-veined (jumbo is the best and you can go to 3 pounds - 4 lbs if medium or small)

Mushrooms, celery and okra by choice of like (Mushroom soak up the seasoning and taste freaking awesome)

2 - lemons or 1 - grapefruit (helps for the shrimp to peel and adds acid to break down everything

Directions

Heat large pot of water over medium-high heat. Add all seasoning and bring to a hard boil.

Put shrimp on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and sprinkle Old Bay on both sides and let sit until ready to add.

Add potatoes, mushrooms, celery, onion, okra and sausage and cook for 10 minutes. Break corn ears in half if you bought whole; add corn and crab and cook for another 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, squeeze acid into boil then chunk in the lemons/grapefruit

Add shrimp last once potatoes are almost fork-tender and everything else is almost done; cook until shrimp are just cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes longer. ( I usually turn off the fire, and when the water quits boiling, add the shrimp and and stir in... they will cook but add 2 minutes while stirring)

Drain out pot and discard the water. Pour the food out onto a picnic table covered with newspaper.

Sprinkle more Old Bay to taste (if your guests can handle it) and serve with cocktail sauce......

ENJOY - never have any left when I do this...
 

FDNYIrish1

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My apologies guys, was only joking about the food thing with our new guest. Back to football!!! ( I got a great recipe though😂
 

Huntr

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Dude - Dad's side is Italian in New Orleans... if it ain't got some heat, it ain't worth making!!!

I only use Zatarain's or Slap Ya Mamma, whether its a crawfish or a low country boil
 
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