GTmorris1970
04-07-2007, 09:02 AM
Posted on Sat, Apr. 07, 2007
Gamecocks’ offense shows a little spark
Defense wins the day but Spurrier pleased with performance of first-team offense
By SETH EMERSON - semerson@thestate.com
The scoreboard, or whatever served as one on the sidelines, said the defense won Friday’s USC football scrimmage. But with one week to go in spring practice, coach Steve Spurrier now feels a lot better about the offense.
In a matchup of the first-team units, the offense marched downfield on its first two drives, scoring a touchdown and missing a field goal before things reversed themselves during Friday’s 95-play, 90-minute matchup.
“I thought our first defense would play better than they did,” Spurrier said. “Maybe our first offense knows what they’re doing a little bit more. I don’t know exactly what. But I thought the first defense would stop us more. And I believe if you ask (defensive) coach (Tyrone) Nix, he’d tell you the same thing.”
The defense won 53-47 according to the coaches’ scoring method, which rewards points for first downs and defensive stops. But two defensive touchdowns, including a 97-yard interception by Stoney Woodson, accounted for the difference.
Otherwise, Spurrier felt the first-team offense dominated, while the second- and third-string defenses “clobbered” their counterparts.
All three quarterbacks put up good numbers: First-string quarterback Blake Mitchell was 13-for-26 for 135 yards, three touchdowns and an interception while alternating with backups Tommy Beecher (8-for-12, 90 yards, interception) and Chris Smelley (12-for-21, 171 yards).
Spurrier was still critical of the desire of some players.
“We’ve still got a few guys here at the University of South Carolina that don’t really like football, I don’t think,” Spurrier said. “They’re just happy to be on scholarship and happy to be on the team. But it’s our job as coaches to try to identify those guys and let ’em play on the scout team all year. So hopefully we’re trying to figure that out right now.”
Prochak stars again. Nick Prochak was not listed on the five-deep depth chart at tight end entering the spring. That figures to change come this fall.
The redshirt freshman had another impressive performance Friday, catching a game-high five passes for 42 yards. He had another long catch wiped out by a penalty.
“Prochak did some good things out there,” Spurrier said. “He’s still not really sure of what he does every play. But Prochak can catch the ball. And he’s got a chance to be a very good tight end.”
Prochak is listed as a strong safety after switching from quarterback, which he played at Spartanburg High. But with first-string tight end Andy Boyd sitting out spring practice after right shoulder surgery, Prochak has seized the opportunity.
“It’s coming along,” Prochak said of his comfort level at tight end. “I think with time I’ll become more comfortable.”
Sack specialist. Sophomore defensive end Eric Norwood terrorized the backfield, racking up a game-high 3½ sacks. That was half his total from last season, when the Acworth, Ga., native made several postseason all-freshman teams.
“I tried to come off the ball as best as I can,” Norwood said. “And I know as an out-pass rusher what I do best.”
Norwood was a third-down specialist last season and did not start any games. But he is currently listed as a starter opposite senior Jordin Lindsey.
One shoe, 66 yards. Cory Boyd only needed one shoe to produce the offensive play of the day. The tailback went 66 yards on a short pass, going most of the way after losing his footwear on a play that appeared headed for a loss.
“The whole day my shoe was just coming off,” Boyd said, laughing. “I tied it as tight as I could. I wish I could’ve gotten in the end zone but I couldn’t really get my grip on the ground.”
The catch-and-run, on a dump-off from Smelley, set up a 2-yard touchdown pass from Mitchell to Kenny McKinley.
The play helped Boyd finish as the leading receiver with 72 yards, including two other catches. He also ran for 50 yards on eight carries.
Junior Bobby Wallace also had a good day as he competes with Boyd for playing time. Wallace gained a game-high 56 yards on 13 carries, including a 22-yard run.
Two shoes, 97 yards. Woodson had a good day as he competes for playing time at cornerback. The junior stepped in front of a Beecher pass at the 3-yard line and went the distance.
“It was a good play on the ball, that’s all,” Woodson said. “I just saw all the green and ran.”
Woodson started nine games last season, but is listed as a backup to sophomore Captain Munnerlyn and junior Carlos Thomas.
Extra point. Estimated attendance was 2,500. ... Spurrier’s son Scott, a walk-on receiver, caught two passes for 27 yards. ... Freshman defensive end Travian Robertson, who enrolled early, blocked a field goal attempt. ... Clifton Geathers, another defensive end who enrolled this spring, had two sacks. ... Jared Cook had a mixed game. The 6-foot-5 receiver dropped a couple passes, but caught the game’s final touchdown, a 9-yard pass from Mitchell.
Reach Emerson at (803) 771-8676.
Gamecocks’ offense shows a little spark
Defense wins the day but Spurrier pleased with performance of first-team offense
By SETH EMERSON - semerson@thestate.com
The scoreboard, or whatever served as one on the sidelines, said the defense won Friday’s USC football scrimmage. But with one week to go in spring practice, coach Steve Spurrier now feels a lot better about the offense.
In a matchup of the first-team units, the offense marched downfield on its first two drives, scoring a touchdown and missing a field goal before things reversed themselves during Friday’s 95-play, 90-minute matchup.
“I thought our first defense would play better than they did,” Spurrier said. “Maybe our first offense knows what they’re doing a little bit more. I don’t know exactly what. But I thought the first defense would stop us more. And I believe if you ask (defensive) coach (Tyrone) Nix, he’d tell you the same thing.”
The defense won 53-47 according to the coaches’ scoring method, which rewards points for first downs and defensive stops. But two defensive touchdowns, including a 97-yard interception by Stoney Woodson, accounted for the difference.
Otherwise, Spurrier felt the first-team offense dominated, while the second- and third-string defenses “clobbered” their counterparts.
All three quarterbacks put up good numbers: First-string quarterback Blake Mitchell was 13-for-26 for 135 yards, three touchdowns and an interception while alternating with backups Tommy Beecher (8-for-12, 90 yards, interception) and Chris Smelley (12-for-21, 171 yards).
Spurrier was still critical of the desire of some players.
“We’ve still got a few guys here at the University of South Carolina that don’t really like football, I don’t think,” Spurrier said. “They’re just happy to be on scholarship and happy to be on the team. But it’s our job as coaches to try to identify those guys and let ’em play on the scout team all year. So hopefully we’re trying to figure that out right now.”
Prochak stars again. Nick Prochak was not listed on the five-deep depth chart at tight end entering the spring. That figures to change come this fall.
The redshirt freshman had another impressive performance Friday, catching a game-high five passes for 42 yards. He had another long catch wiped out by a penalty.
“Prochak did some good things out there,” Spurrier said. “He’s still not really sure of what he does every play. But Prochak can catch the ball. And he’s got a chance to be a very good tight end.”
Prochak is listed as a strong safety after switching from quarterback, which he played at Spartanburg High. But with first-string tight end Andy Boyd sitting out spring practice after right shoulder surgery, Prochak has seized the opportunity.
“It’s coming along,” Prochak said of his comfort level at tight end. “I think with time I’ll become more comfortable.”
Sack specialist. Sophomore defensive end Eric Norwood terrorized the backfield, racking up a game-high 3½ sacks. That was half his total from last season, when the Acworth, Ga., native made several postseason all-freshman teams.
“I tried to come off the ball as best as I can,” Norwood said. “And I know as an out-pass rusher what I do best.”
Norwood was a third-down specialist last season and did not start any games. But he is currently listed as a starter opposite senior Jordin Lindsey.
One shoe, 66 yards. Cory Boyd only needed one shoe to produce the offensive play of the day. The tailback went 66 yards on a short pass, going most of the way after losing his footwear on a play that appeared headed for a loss.
“The whole day my shoe was just coming off,” Boyd said, laughing. “I tied it as tight as I could. I wish I could’ve gotten in the end zone but I couldn’t really get my grip on the ground.”
The catch-and-run, on a dump-off from Smelley, set up a 2-yard touchdown pass from Mitchell to Kenny McKinley.
The play helped Boyd finish as the leading receiver with 72 yards, including two other catches. He also ran for 50 yards on eight carries.
Junior Bobby Wallace also had a good day as he competes with Boyd for playing time. Wallace gained a game-high 56 yards on 13 carries, including a 22-yard run.
Two shoes, 97 yards. Woodson had a good day as he competes for playing time at cornerback. The junior stepped in front of a Beecher pass at the 3-yard line and went the distance.
“It was a good play on the ball, that’s all,” Woodson said. “I just saw all the green and ran.”
Woodson started nine games last season, but is listed as a backup to sophomore Captain Munnerlyn and junior Carlos Thomas.
Extra point. Estimated attendance was 2,500. ... Spurrier’s son Scott, a walk-on receiver, caught two passes for 27 yards. ... Freshman defensive end Travian Robertson, who enrolled early, blocked a field goal attempt. ... Clifton Geathers, another defensive end who enrolled this spring, had two sacks. ... Jared Cook had a mixed game. The 6-foot-5 receiver dropped a couple passes, but caught the game’s final touchdown, a 9-yard pass from Mitchell.
Reach Emerson at (803) 771-8676.