WHY THE GAMECOCKS MUST WIN AT CLEMSON
COLUMBIA, S.C.
Coach Spurrier signed on two years ago soon after the Gamecocks lost to
Clemson which featured an embarrassing brawl. Since then the Ball Coach had
personally experienced what it felt like to lose to the Tigers in a 13-9 lost
last year in Columbia. The Gamecocks were not able to score a touchdown and
could only muster three field goals in the loss. Although Coach Spurrier has
made it clear that a SEC Championship is the primary goal, defeating the
Clemson Tigers is not far behind.
The Gamecocks compete with Georgia,
Tennessee, and Florida in recruiting for some of the best athletes in the
nation. With Clemson landing the nation's #1 running back in their 2006
recruiting class in freshman sensation C J Spiller, USC can include Clemson to
that A list of recruiting competitors. A win over the Tigers is just as
important now as a win over Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida.
Coach Spurrier indicated that the Gamecocks are on the verge of competing for
a SEC Championship. Any trip to Atlanta would be less satisfying if it were
preceded by a loss to the Tigers including any national championship hopes. If
USC will indeed have SEC Championship aspirations in 2007, it would be more
likely if the Gamecocks can finish strong in 2006 which would include a win
over Clemson.
The Tigers have a Bowden factor which has in the past been a rivalry of its
own with Coach Spurrier. Tommy Bowden's dad, Florida State Coach Bobby Bowden,
had on several occasion publicly trading verbal exchanges with then Florida
coach Steve Spurrier following their annual matches.
Many players on both Clemson and South Carolina teams have known each other
since high school and many were teammates. There is no better time to earn
bragging rights than to prove it on the field in this game. Whether either
coach acknowledges the fact or not, the players factor is huge but their
emotions must be kept under control.
The ACC VS SEC factor is not as important this year but will most likely be in
the future. With Clemson moving up the ranks of ACC powers and USC possibly
being a contender next year, this game could have national implications in
2007.
Regardless of which factors come in to play
each year, the bottom line is that this rivalry needs for the Gamecocks to win
this year in Clemson's back yard.
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