2009 South Carolina Gamecocks Football Preview
2009 South Carolina Gamecocks season preview from Maddux Sports. Below you can find our official South Carolina Gamecocks football preview as well as the 2009 South Carolina Gamecocks Football Schedule. We also offer a free odds comparison service of lines and totals on the NCAA football odds page.
Coach: Steve Spurrier (5th year at South Carolina)
Team Name: Gamecocks
2008 Overall Record: 7-6
Returning Starters: 11
The South Carolina Gamecocks (7- 6 overall, 4- 4 SEC) have had their ups and downs over the past five seasons. Three of those years they went to a bowl game, two of those seasons they won just six games and the Gamecocks lost two of three of those three bowl games. Last year, after ending the season tied for third in the SEC East, they lost to Iowa 10- 31 in the Outback Bowl. Four years ago, Steve Spurrier took over South Carolina with the promise of taking the SEC East. The clock is clicking on Spurrier’s promise.
Last season, South Carolina posted a mere 20.8 PPG (96th nationally). The O-line, which was a problem last season, has a much-needed new coach—Eric Wolford. Wolford is charged with ensuring that the line does a much better job of protecting quarterback Stephen Garcia (122 ATT, 65 COMP, 832 YDs, 8 INTs, 6 TDs). Additionally, Garcia, a sophomore, must make better decisions while directing the troops. Junior back Brian Maddox (32 ATT, 121 YDS, 1 TD) is a power runner who can rip up the open field, while freshman TB Jarvis Giles utilizes various gears and quick moves to keep defenses off balance. It is hoped that sophomore WR Jason Barnes (27 REC, 346 YDs, 2 TDs) can have a breakout season.
Last season, the Gamecocks led the SEC and were second nationally in pass defense. In the secondary, junior free safety Chris Culliver (60 TKLs, 1 SK, 3.5 TFL, 3 INTs) will anchor a unit composed of sophomores and freshmen. The secondary lacks depth and that’s a big concern. Two-time All-SEC linebacker Eric Norwood (75 TKLs, 9 SKs, 5.5 TFL) decided not to enter the NFL Draft and that’s certainly good news for S.C. The frontline includes junior Cliff Matthews (32 TKLs, 3 SKs, 2.5 TFL) and senior Nathan Pepper (23 TKLs, 1 SK, 4 TFL). They’ll be the foundation of what should be an effective squad.
On special teams, the graduation of placekicker Ryan Sucoop has opened the field up to either Spencer Lanning or walk-on Adam Yates. Lanning (48 Punts, 2,019 YDs, 42.1 AVG, 13 In20) has been a superb punter. Chris Culliver (34 RET, 821 YDs, 24.1 YPR) is back to return kicks. The punt return spot is wide open.
In a quartet of seasons with Steve Spurrier (28- 22 in four years with South Carolina) at the helm, the team has shown some progress. But have they shown enough? Last season, they beat Ole Miss 31- 24 and Tennessee 27- 6. But they could not make a dent against such quality clubs as LSU, Georgia, Florida or Clemson. This season on September 3, they open at home versus NC State. That should be a win. Their next contest, away against Georgia on September 12, will be an early test, indicating if they are indeed ready for primetime. A win versus the Bulldogs will go far in validating this team. South Carolina will end the season in either third or fourth place and earn an invite to a middle tier bowl.
South Carolina Gamecocks Football Schedule
| Date | Team | Opponent | Site | Line | Total | Points | Opp Points |
| 9/3/2009 | South Carolina | N.C. State | away | ||||
| 9/12/2009 | South Carolina | Georgia | away | ||||
| 9/19/2009 | South Carolina | Florida Atlantic | home | ||||
| 9/24/2009 | South Carolina | Mississippi | home | ||||
| 10/3/2009 | South Carolina | S. Carolina St. | home | ||||
| 10/10/2009 | South Carolina | Kentucky | home | ||||
| 10/17/2009 | South Carolina | Alabama | away | ||||
| 10/24/2009 | South Carolina | Vanderbilt | home | ||||
| 10/31/2009 | South Carolina | Tennessee | away | ||||
| 11/7/2009 | South Carolina | Arkansas | away | ||||
| 11/14/2009 | South Carolina | Florida | home | ||||
| 11/28/2009 | South Carolina | Clemson | home |
For more info on the 2009 South Carolina Gamecocks football program, view the Gamecocks official website or scroll down below to read up on the rest of the SEC competition.
