South Carolina Football sucks

[RW13]

Anyone see anything good in our future? Me neither but we're awesome in baseball and good in basketball so maybe that will hold us over for awhile, nah, it won't, nothing compares to football...

[dudeman0501]

Don't worry. People come and go. So when you get the right combo, you'll start winning :)

[tgentry]

hey... SC almost beat Tennessee this past season... they really put up a good fight, I wouldn't be surprised if they do pretty good next year. ;)

[RW13]

I'm not expecting anything good anymore, those two seasons where we won our bowl games gave us hope for the future with coach holtz, but it's just not gonna happen ever for SC. But like I said, we got baseball and basketball to excel at. The football games will just continue to be what they've always been, something to do on a Saturday in South Carolina and another reason to get drunk and eat some good food. Not a problem for me, I'll take beer, good food, and pretty southern girls anyday, it's just a shame we'll never compete for anything

[dudeman0501]

Originally posted by tgentry@Jan 14 2004, 01:00 PM
I wouldn't be surprised if they do pretty good next year.
No offense to anyone, but I would.

[RW13]

see my above post, believe me, no offense taken, I'll shit a brick if we do good next year....

[The Architect]

Hey, look at it this way...You've always got UK on the schedule....that's usually a win for you guys. Even when we're "supposed" to win.

[RW13]

yeah, although UK and Vandy aren't givens this year, both of you guys came back and almost beat us at the end, not counting on those two schools for wins this year...

[Eckwood43]

Hey RW13....this kind of fits right in with your post, ha ha. Holtz spoke to Gamecock Club May 5. Should be interesting to see what happens at QB but I think you'll see two, maybe even three qbs play. They've already tried to change Pinkins' grip and he had a decent spring until the spring game when Newton and his afro blew up and showed some promise. I think with his athleticism, he has to be on the field somewhere, whether back at receiver or utilizing his skills under center and moving out the pocket.

SC fans’ patience wearing thin.......Holtz tells Gamecock Club members he still is right man for the job

Lou Holtz still cracked jokes about his golf game and his Catholic faith. But Holtz’s tone Wednesday at the Lexington County Gamecock Club meeting, his fourth stop on a spring speaking tour, was more serious than past years.

Back-to-back 5-7 seasons and a 46-point loss to Clemson will do that to a person.

“When people need love and understanding and support the most is probably when they deserve it the least,” Holtz told a crowd of about 450. “And the individual standing before you certainly falls in that category.”

Holtz admitted he let down USC fans in 2003, when the Gamecocks dropped their final four games to miss a bowl game for the second consecutive year. Holtz said he spent 10 days after the Clemson loss in prayer and reflection and determined that he was still the “right guy for the job.”

“I looked at it and (asked), ‘Is there anyone more determined to turn this thing around than I am?’• ” he said.

Holtz, who turned 67 this offseason, decided the answer was no.

A sampling of fans at Wednesday’s meeting at Seawell’s agreed that Holtz deserved another year. But it appears the patience of the Gamecocks’ famously loyal fan base is wearing thin.

“The whole country respects us because we stick with our team. But it gets old,” said Joel Moslet, a 1984 graduate of USC. “I think it’s reached a point where this year it’s time. And (Holtz) has to be thinking the same thing.”

Gamecock Club director Jeff Barber said attendance at three of the four club meetings at which Holtz has spoken is down from 2003. The Charleston County club canceled its annual golf tournament last month due to lack of interest. A dinner that same night drew 170 fans, down from an average of 550-600 following USC’s two Outback Bowl seasons.

Larry Simmons, the vice president of the Charleston County Gamecock Club, said he was disappointed Holtz did not hold an autograph-signing session before the meeting this year. Barber said Holtz still signs items that fans bring to meetings, but Holtz preferred not to set aside a block of time to do so.

“The enthusiasm is absolutely gone, which is all the reason Holtz should have been more accessible,” said Simmons, who hopes to schedule a meeting with USC athletics director Mike McGee about Holtz’s appearance in Charleston.

“(Holtz) can do what he wants, obviously, and he does,” Simmons said. “I just don’t know why the university lets him do the things he does.”

Holtz signed several items and agreed to have his picture taken with a handful of fans Wednesday.

He also talked about his decision to shake up his coaching staff. In addition to firing four assistants, Holtz took over the offense from his son Skip.

“I have to be me, not a board of directors, not a grandfather,” he said. “I have to be a hands-on guy or the football team doesn’t have my personality, and I don’t think we had (it).”

Troy McNall, a half-scholarship donor from Chapin, said he hopes the coaching changes bring results.

“Sometimes you have to do those kinds of things,” McNall said. “If players see they’re willing to change up coaches, they can’t just kind of go on. They have to try to step to that next level.”

After his opening remarks, Holtz addressed fans’ written questions, the first of which asked Holtz where he planned to be in 2005

“I’m planning on being here,” Holtz said. “I don’t want to ruin your night.”

The crowd clapped and a few people laughed. But the jokes and laughter were a little scarcer this year.

• Former coach has cancer. Holtz said ex-quarterbacks coach Todd Fitch, one of the assistants let go during the offseason, was diagnosed with testicular cancer this week. Fitch, now the quarterbacks coach at Iowa State, plans to seek treatment at the Mayo Clinic, where Holtz’s wife was treated for cancer six years ago.

Two-quarterback system. Holtz indicated he might play two quarterbacks following a strong showing in the spring game by sophomore Syvelle Newton. Holtz called Newton exciting but is worried about his turnovers.

Quipped Holtz: “When he has the ball our motto and your philosophy should be, ‘Hold on to your hat, brother, one of us is fixing to score.’ ”

More on quarterbacks. Holtz said the “attack” on starting quarterback Dondrial Pinkins is unfair and praised the fifth-year senior for his off-the-field demeanor. ... Holtz said redshirt freshman Blake Mitchell “will be better than Phil Petty in time.”

[RW13]

Yeah, I read that article, I don't think we have a shot in hell, we need a smart QB who can PASS, we don't need a mobile qb b/c we have plenty of running backs. We have two of these type of QB's, Blake Mitchell and Mike Rathe, although they happen to be white so Lou Holtz hates them of course, too bad, we have plenty of talent and could win 6 or 7 games with a good QB, I just hope we get 5 wins this year, or even 4....

[Eckwood43]

Yeah RW, I feel ya.

I love the environment in Columbia and have enjoyed a few games I've been there but they will struggle. In a normal year, things would be set pretty nice for Holtz. He has a very experienced team and Georgia, Tennessee and Arkansas come to Williams-Brice. I hear Mitchell is the real deal but even with a talented running corps from that two-back set, they struggled in the spring and that's going to continue unless they have someone that can stretch the field and be a threat with his arm. Pinkins is 5-9 as a starter and I just don't see him improving.

I'd be a little concerned with the secondary also.....Minter has his hands full after losing Robinson and they just can't replace that guy. I guess soph Fred Bennett and JUCO transfer Jonathan Joseph are penciled in at corners while freshman Ko Simpson will join either Jermaine Harris or Jamacia Jackson at the safety slots.

[RW13]

actually Duntae Robinson might have gone great in the draft but he didn't do shit for us while he was here, same as other NFL gamecocks, he won't be missed, every team had 300 yard plus games against us, including vandy...

[TXGamecock]

Don't be so hard on Robinson, remeber a lot of teams did not throw to his side. I could not be more happy with the addition of Robinson to the Texans. There is one thing I can say is that last year with as weak as the SEC was Carolina sould have picked up wins at Florida, Ole MIss., and Tenn. I was reaaly disappointed the way those games turned out.

[RW13]

yeah, it was a golden opportunity to get some big wins for us...

[RW13]

the more time goes on the more nothing changes, nothing but excuses and losses.... even 5 months later.....

[Demandbetter]

No offense to anyone, but I would.


My prediction for SC next season (2005) is 6-5, or 7-4 at best. I'm trying to be realistic and I think there's enough talent on hand to win at least 6. The past does not equal the future.

[cocky4ever]

Yeah, I read that article, I don't think we have a shot in hell, we need a smart QB who can PASS, we don't need a mobile qb b/c we have plenty of running backs. We have two of these type of QB's, Blake Mitchell and Mike Rathe, although they happen to be white so Lou Holtz hates them of course, too bad, we have plenty of talent and could win 6 or 7 games with a good QB, I just hope we get 5 wins this year, or even 4....
No offense, but are you really a gamecock fan? What kind of dumbass post is that? I hated Holtz conservative play calling too but he put the players in the positions who would best run his offense. Thats why Newton was the qb because he was a better fit for that particular offense. Also you mentioned that Vandy almost came back and beat us this year. What game were you watching? Obviously not the one that I saw. You sure dont seem to support your team very much and I wouldnt be surprised if you weren't even a gamecock fan given your posts and lack of knowledge about the games that were played.

[Neo]

No offense, but are you really a gamecock fan? What kind of dumbass post is that? I hated Holtz conservative play calling too but he put the players in the positions who would best run his offense. Thats why Newton was the qb because he was a better fit for that particular offense. Also you mentioned that Vandy almost came back and beat us this year. What game were you watching? Obviously not the one that I saw. You sure dont seem to support your team very much and I wouldnt be surprised if you weren't even a gamecock fan given your posts and lack of knowledge about the games that were played.

I can assure you Cocky, RW is a friend. He's a die-hard USC fan that speaks his mind. I have known him for a long time now and we both tend to speak our minds regardless what others think. He's just frustrated with the results the last few years and frankly so was I. Mr. Holtz's playcalling was rather sad. Anyone that says otherwise needs a mental enema. Personally, I wouldn't have put Mitchell in, but I would have given Rathe a closer look if Pinkins and Newton weren't cutting the mustard.

As for the Vanderbilt game, notice the date of the post. He wasn't talking about the 31-6 thrashing we gave them in 04. He's talking about 2003.

[RW13]

exactly, this thread was created last spring, after a embarassing 63-17 loss to our Archrival, and having Vandy & UK almost come back and beat us, so please, stop posting on this board if you are going to continue to offer nothing intellectually, you don't even bother to check the dates, you just come on join the board which I've been a member for over a year now and mouth off to me? "No offense but are you really a gamecock fan?" I ask that to you because I was a fan before Steve Spurrier was our coach, you are new on here and for all I know you just decided to become a fan. Don't talk trash when you don't know the facts, you sound like delusional clemson fan when you do....

[dudeman0501]

My prediction for SC next season (2005) is 6-5, or 7-4 at best. I'm trying to be realistic and I think there's enough talent on hand to win at least 6. The past does not equal the future.

Whoa, there. I posted that almost a year ago. I think SC will have a average season next year.

[Neo]

Whoa, there. I posted that almost a year ago. I think SC will have a average season next year.

I think Spurrier is good for at least....1-2 more wins a year depending on the schedule.

[cocky4ever]

exactly, this thread was created last spring, after a embarassing 63-17 loss to our Archrival, and having Vandy & UK almost come back and beat us, so please, stop posting on this board if you are going to continue to offer nothing intellectually, you don't even bother to check the dates, you just come on join the board which I've been a member for over a year now and mouth off to me? "No offense but are you really a gamecock fan?" I ask that to you because I was a fan before Steve Spurrier was our coach, you are new on here and for all I know you just decided to become a fan. Don't talk trash when you don't know the facts, you sound like delusional clemson fan when you do....
Sorry about not checking the dates of the post. And yes, I've been a gamecock fan for a long time and sat puuled for the team through many a bad year, including every game in the 0-11 season. Given the timing your post makes a lot more sense to me because I myself was ready to burn down Williams Brice after that loss to chumpson. I disagree about how well we will do next year but at least we can both look forward to the future of USC football.

[RW13]

The future of our football team looks very very good now, I truly believe we can win some SEC titles now, and if we are competing for SEC titles then we will also be competiting for National titles, exciting time to be a fan, first Holtz and now Spurrier, unbelievable....

[Neo]

The future of our football team looks very very good now, I truly believe we can win some SEC titles now, and if we are competing for SEC titles then we will also be competiting for National titles, exciting time to be a fan, first Holtz and now Spurrier, unbelievable....


Can't really go wrong with that combo!

[CockyTatGuy]

Just looking through the forum and wanted to reply to this one, I promise I won't go dragging up old threads for people to have to sift through again. But like Del said I too have sat through every game (at least since Petty and Brewwwwwwwwer were our heroes of the year) and have felt the dissapointment. I remember walking down the steps of seeing the players going into the locker room after the Ole Miss game this year and seeing a stretcher on the back of one of the golf carts. I was so down about the game I was told my uncle "look, they brought out a stretcher for our dreams of a BCS game this year." Anywho I was pissed about the game for about 20 minutes, then by the time we got to the end of Bluff Rd. I was thinking about how I couldn't wait for the next game and how we were going to show em who was boss. I think that is what makes it so great being a Gamecock fan though, once we have those good seasons like the 2 Outback bowl victories it makes us feel like we are the greatest team in the nation (speaking of which I am going to use the Clemson vs Duke vs USC argument that the taters are using this year and say that since we beat OSU twice and OSU won the NC we were NCs by relation.)

[Payindews]

The best way to be a SC football fan is not to expect anything other than a good time at the games. We do have some great tail gate parties, some great memories there throughout the years. I don't expect us to win much, but win we do it makes it all that much sweeter.

[allaboutavol]

You know what, its gonna happen for the gamecocks. All poooo aside, I am a VOL fan through and through, but I am a realist. It may not happen in 05, but lets be real, it WILL happen. Holtz to Spurrier...Geeeez, How blessed can one program be! I think that its awesome for y'all, I think it would be awesome for any program. I want to give all the USC fans that I have come into contact with over the past season, props because your devotion and support is incredible. That kind of support is what makes teams excell, it gives the players that much more motivation. I have said it before and I will say it again, I was born a VOL fan and thats how I will go. You will have to convince me that the sun doesn't rise and set in Neyland Stadium, but I call things like I see them, it won't be too terribly long before USC has their season.

[Payindews]

That would be great for all of us fans that sit in Williams-Brice on Saturdays no matter what the outcome. The thirty something generation is still holding on to the Joe Morrison era..or atleast that's what I remember as the good years. Those were the years that branded me a Gamecock for life.

[GRASSHOPPER]

You know what, its gonna happen for the gamecocks. All poooo aside, I am a VOL fan through and through, but I am a realist. It may not happen in 05, but lets be real, it WILL happen. Holtz to Spurrier...Geeeez, How blessed can one program be! I think that its awesome for y'all, I think it would be awesome for any program. I want to give all the USC fans that I have come into contact with over the past season, props because your devotion and support is incredible. That kind of support is what makes teams excell, it gives the players that much more motivation. I have said it before and I will say it again, I was born a VOL fan and thats how I will go. You will have to convince me that the sun doesn't rise and set in Neyland Stadium, but I call things like I see them, it won't be too terribly long before USC has their season.YOU ARE MAKING ME FEEL ALL WARM AND FUZZY INSIDE. THAKS FOR THE KIND WORDS AND IF ITS AOF ANY SUPPORT I PICK TENNESSEE TO WIN THE SEC NEXT YEAR!

[Payindews]

Here is something I wrote that describes my relationship with the Gamecocks.

What does “How Bout Them Cocks” really mean?


It was nice to see such a great morning. You know one of those days when you first get up and you have tons of energy. This was not a work day with a wonderful nights sleep, and a “to do list” that included get ice, sodas, beer, for an evening tail gate party with your best friends and family. A day that will end with tired kids, full bellies, and hopefully the thrill of victory to carry us on to sleep. It’s time like these that remind us of some great child time memories, of course that is if you grew up at my house. College Football not only gave us the gladiator aspect of entertainment but it also gave us those precious memories together with our families. The times when sibling rivalries were deeper than the jerseys we wore. We would bring out our fists over a penalty call. Later we would find an open field and throw the old pigskin around for hours with our imagination telling us that any minute someone is going to walk by and notice you as the next big star. We would journey through the crowds in the hopes of showing everyone from school we were there too. The food, well lets’ just says that the food is much better for an adult at a tail gate party. Instead of hotdogs or burgers, now we were enjoying a three quarter inch steak with piles of onions and mushrooms. No more store brand sodas for me, I have discovered beer. I have no idea I how I survived without a cold one, or did I? Oh yes, those were the days. Now I am 33 and long gone is the imagination that once saw a Joe Namath in himself. Standing proudly as ever you will find a man about principle, tradition, and family. The words “How bout them cocks” was truly more than how are the Gamecocks doing. Those four words were showing affection for the comradely we had with one another I look forward to those fall Saturdays once again, now with my own family. One of the things that I hope will bring my children great memories for years to come. I am starting early with teaching them why they should be a Gamecock. Do you know how hard it is to tell a 6 year old girl why the Gamecocks are better than the Bulldogs? I think she has been talking to Uncle Al (you know the one they adore) up in Atlanta. Do you get the point? The media will always tell you about the great fan base for the University, now you know why. College Football may mean lots of many things to lots of different people. However to me, College Football will always give me a smile every time I think about it. So the next time you say “How Bout Them Cocks” think about what we are truly saying.

[allaboutavol]

YOU ARE MAKING ME FEEL ALL WARM AND FUZZY INSIDE. THAKS FOR THE KIND WORDS AND IF ITS AOF ANY SUPPORT I PICK TENNESSEE TO WIN THE SEC NEXT YEAR!

YEA! Glad I could give some warm fuzzies! Hey I vacation in Charelston every summer! If I didn't love it here so much. I would live there!

[GRASSHOPPER]

Yea Its A Pretty Cool Place --- Where Do You Go? Stay At The Beach Or Something?

[allaboutavol]

We get a house every year either on Folley, or I o P. I think I am doing Folley this year, hoping for 2 weeks instead of 1!

[GRASSHOPPER]

I Live About 3 Miles From Folly-- Grew Up There As A Kid. My Gp's Owned A House There. Let Me Know We Will Meet For A Beer. Maybe Take Ya To A Carolina Game!

[allaboutavol]

I Live About 3 Miles From Folly-- Grew Up There As A Kid. My Gp's Owned A House There. Let Me Know We Will Meet For A Beer. Maybe Take Ya To A Carolina Game!

Going the end of July, so I wll let you know, we stayed Folly last year and had a blast, Ashley Street I think. Poor house, it was so old, I loved it, it moved when the wind would blow. Hugo, I guess did a number on it.

[GRASSHOPPER]

My Aunt And Uncle Own A Rest. Out There Called The Folly Hideaway. Its Down On The Palmetto Park End. If You Like Seafood ---- Its The Bomb-- A Little Early For Football But We Can Get That Beer

[allaboutavol]

Beer is good. East Tennessee is not a seafood place, so I don't eat it, but I will give it a try!

[GRASSHOPPER]

You Can't Stay At The Beach And Not Eat Seafood.thats Like Walking Thru The Mall And Not Buyin Nutin!