Plenty to Be Proud of for 2012 Gamecocks

Two-time Champs loses College World Series to Arizona

Meat Loaf said it best, “Two out of three ain’t bad.”  For the South Carolina Gamecocks baseball team, that’s exactly how this incredible run should be remembered.

After stunning runs to back-to-back National Championships in 2010 and 2011, the 2012 version of the Gamecocks lost in the championship series of the College World Series to the Arizona Wildcats Monday night in Omaha.

For a team that lost most of its key players from the championship runs, Jackie Bradley Jr., Scott Wingo, Adrian Morales, and Brady Thomas, and relying so heavily on true freshmen, there is nothing disappointing about this year’s team.

The team started out strong in February, but after the first two SEC series, was merely 1-5 in conference play.  It was a clear sign that the run of championships might indeed end in 2012.

But the team rebounded, led by established stars Michael Roth, Matt Price, and Christian Walker, freshmen like Jordan Montgomery, Tanner English, Grayson Greiner, and Joey Pankake, and junior college transfers L.B. Dantzler and Chase Vergason, to make a return trip to Omaha.  For a team that routinely started five players who were not a part of either championship team.

Making it back to the College World Series with this team was stunning enough.  An opportunity to win a third consecutive championship through such adversity, is amazing.

In traditional South Carolina baseball fashion, they made things interesting all year, and it was the same thing in 2012.  This year, it was #FearTheFish.  The mantra came from Dantzler’s pet beta fish, named Reptar.  It all started because no one could take care of the fish while the team was on the road, and it became a rallying cry on the field, and on Twitter.

It continued all the way to the championship series, a spectacular run, that ended by a team that out-Gamecocked, the Gamecocks.  Arizona ran the table in Omaha, like the Gamecocks in 2011, to win the 2012 College World Series.  Just like it should be, to be the champs, the Wildcats had to beat the champs.

But there is nothing to look down upon for the Gamecocks and the baseball team’s future.  For freshman to make this sort of run puts a lot of pressure on them in the future.  This was some ‘re-load’ year, as Ray Tanner calls it.

Nevertheless, the little team that had the pressure of the past two seasons, rose up, returning to Omaha, and game a fighter’s chance at a third consecutive championship.  It’s the closest thing to a dynasty there has been in college baseball for a long time.

And the thing to remember, they’re only freshman.  The experience will help in the future.  To finish the same way this column started, Timbuk3 once said, “The future’s so bright, I got to wear shades.”

 

Gamecocks Claim Third Consecutive State Championship

South Carolina takes down Clemson 34-13

The South Carolina Gamecocks (10-2) defeated the Clemson Tigers (9-3) 34-13 Saturday night at Williams-Brice Stadium, giving the Gamecocks the first three game winning streak in the series since the late 1960s.

Connor Shaw rushed for over 100 yards and three for three touchdowns in the rout of the Tigers.

The Gamecocks defense sacked Tigers’ QB Tajh Boyd five times, limiting him to 11-of-29 passing, for 83 yards with a touchdown and an interception.

“We were hoping to play our best game of the year and we probably did,” said Spurrier.  “Defense was sensational all night; great effort.  Offensively we did enough good things here and there to run for over 200 yards and pass for the exact (same) amount.  That’s sort of our formula for winning.”

Clemson Head Coach Dabo Swinney was disappointed by the way his team played Saturday, especially ahead of next week’s ACC Championship Game.

“Everything is coaching.  It is on me, simple as that.  It starts with me,” said Swinney.  “I love my players, they practice hard, prepare hard.  We are not doing a very good job of coaching right now, and that is on me.”

In the first half, both teams played pretty evenly, however Clemson had a hard time containing Shaw.  That changed in the second half.

Another key in this game was the less-than-stellar play from Clemson WR Sammy Watkins.  Watkins finished the game with four receptions for 39 yards.

Gamecocks’ Assistant Head Coach Ellis Johnson said that he did not believe the speedy freshman phenom was healthy.

The Gamecocks were successful on two of the three keys from this afternoon’s show.

The Gamecocks did allow a few big plays on special teams, including a blocked punt and a long return.  Grade:  C-

The Gamecocks did a good job of getting pressure on Boyd, and forcing him to make plays.  Grade:  B

The biggest key was controlling the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.  The Gamecocks were able to get lots of pressure on Boyd, and opened up big holes in the running game for both Kenny Miles and Shaw.  Grade:  A-

The Gamecocks now wait to find out which bowl they might go to (shameless plug:  we’ll post our bowl predictions tomorrow night), but it is looking more like the Cotton Bowl.

Clemson plays in the ACC Championship Game next week against Virginia Tech for a chance to go to the Orange Bowl.

Rapid Fire Picks for October 29th

There was an issue with the site that these are normally posted on, so they will be here today.

NFL:

Last Week: 7-6
Overall: 69-33

Titans over Colts
Saints over Rams
Dolphins over Giants
Panthers over Vikings
Ravens over Cardinals
Texans over Jaguars
Bills over Redskins
Lions over Broncos
Patriots over Steelers
49ers over Browns
Seahawks over Bengals
Cowboys over Eagles
Chiefs over Chargers

College Football (Rankings based on BCS Standings):

Last Week: 18-7
Overall: 164-43

#3 Oklahoma State over Baylor
#5 Clemson over Georgia Tech
#6 Stanford over USC
#7 Oregon over Washington State
#9 Oklahoma over #8 Kansas State
#10 Arkansas over Vanderbilt
#14 Nebraska over #11 Michigan State
#12 Virginia Tech over Duke
#13 South Carolina over Tennessee…SC 23-16
#15 Wisconsin over Ohio State
#16 Texas A&M over Missouri
#18 Michigan over Purdue
#19 Penn State over Illinois
#20 Texas Tech over Iowa State
#21 Arizona State over Colorado
Florida over #22 Georgia
#23 Auburn over Ole Miss
#24 Texas over Kansas
#25 West Virginia over Rutgers

ACC:

Florida State over North Carolina State
Maryland over Boston College
Wake Forest over North Carolina

SEC:

Kentucky over Mississippi State

Other Games:

Notre Dame over Navy

Fundraiser:
Remember that WUSC’s fall fundraiser runs through November 3rd. To donate, click on “Support” at the top of the page or call the station at (803) 576-WUSC or online at wusc.sc.edu

Show Correction:
During the show, I kept saying that Texas hasn’t lost back-to-back games since August. That was the Texas Rangers, not the Texas Longhorns football team.

Have a Happy Halloween!!

Gamecocks’ RB Lattimore Out for Season

SC’s star player tears ligaments in left knee in win over Mississippi State

South Carolina Head Coach Steve Spurrier announced in his teleconference on Sunday that sophomore RB Marcus Lattimore is out for the remainder of the season after tearing ligaments and damaging cartilage in his left knee in Saturday’s 14-12 win over Mississippi State.

Lattimore suffered the injury during the fourth quarter drive to win the game.

This is a big loss for the Gamecocks, especially when the offense is in a transitional period as Connor Shaw takes over the reins as starting quarterback.

Brandon Wilds has shown potential as a true freshman in the playing time he has received so far.  He shows the capabilities of being a bruising running back at times.

The wild card will be senior Kenny Miles.  He has played very little this season as he continues to recover from a wrist injury.  He did not travel with the team to Starkville, Mississippi.

Don’t rule out WR Bruce Ellington and Shaw to also figure into the running game for South Carolina.

A position that was thought to be very deep, has suddenly become thin with the injury to Lattimore.  This Gamecocks team is now one that must replace the centerpiece of its offense, as they attempt to defend the SEC Eastern Division title.

It is a perfect time for an off week, to formulate a game plan for the remainder of the season, before traveling to Knoxville to take on the University of Tennessee Volunteers next week.

2011 South Carolina Gamecocks’ Football Predictions

UPDATE (10/24):  Game scores or time/television included

With one week to go before the Gamecocks open their 2011 season in Charlotte against the East Carolina Pirates, it is time for my yearly predictions for every game this season.

The Gamecocks return a veteran team, as well as a team that has the experience of playing in the SEC Championship game against Auburn last season.  It is a team that has spent the offseason dealing once again with the off-the-field problems of QB Stephen Garcia.

However, Steve Spurrier hopes to ride on the shoulders of Heisman Award candidate RB Marcus Lattimore and potential first-overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft WR Alshon Jeffery.

Here is the 2011 South Carolina season in “preview:”

September 3rd, East Carolina Pirates vs. South Carolina Gamecocks (Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C.; SC 56, ECU 37)

The Gamecocks open the season with a neural site game against the East Carolina Pirates.  In the past, the Pirates have been a team that is able to play great games against top-ranked opponents.

However, the Gamecocks open the season wanting to prove they are the 12th ranked team in college football, and a big win against the Pirates would go a long way in proving that the Gamecocks are ready to shine.

East Carolina might show early that they can hang with the Gamecocks, but the running attack led by Lattimore will be too much.

Gamecocks 42, Pirates 14

September 10th – South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Georgia Bulldogs (SC 45, UGA 42)

This game will be an early test again, but more to see if the Gamecocks are legitimate within the SEC.

Georgia returns star QB Aaron Murray, but the Bulldogs lost his biggest target, WR A.J. Green to the NFL.

This is a make or break season for Mark Richt, whose teams have struggles the last few seasons in the SEC, especially the Matthew Stafford days.

This will be a close game, but the Gamecocks are just a little too much for the Bulldogs.  Don’t be surprised if this game is won on special teams.

Gamecocks 27, Bulldogs 24

September 17th – Navy Midshipmen vs. South Carolina Gamecocks (SC 24, Navy 21)

The Gamecocks have struggled in past years defending the option, and the biggest test will be the Midshipmen.

Gamecock fans will remember the down-to-the-wire struggles against the Wofford Terriers (a FCS school), a team that runs the offense.

The best way for the Gamecocks to win wil be to give Navy a taste of its own medicine, and counter with Lattimore, trying to control the clock to limit Navy’s opportunities on offense.

This will be a trap game for the Gamecocks, but they should earn the victory in the first home game of the season.

Gamecocks 21, Midshipmen 17

September 24th – Vanderbilt Commodores vs. South Carolina Gamecocks (SC 21, VANDY 3)

For a team (Vanderbilt) that struggles to win one game each season, it is amazing how much the Gamecocks struggle against the Commodores.

However, this is the type of game that the Gamecocks need to win in blowout fashion, to get back-up QB Connor Shaw some much needed experience.

South Carolina will be the better team in this game, but the Gamecocks’ issue of playing down to some opponents will rear its ugly head once again.

Gamecocks 17, Commodores 10

October 1st – Auburn Tigers vs. South Carolina Gamecocks (Auburn 16, SC 13)

For some reason, Gamecock fans hold a grudge against the Tigers, but the Tigers were the better team last season.

Fans also believe that Auburn is going to be a terrible team, one year after their amazing national championship run.

Make no question about it, however, Auburn is not the same team they were one season ago, but they are not terrible.

They do return RB Michael Dyer, who will be the focal point of the offense.

The home-field advantage will be the difference in this game, but it will be a hard-nosed matchup between the two teams who battled for the SEC Championship.

Gamecocks 31, Tigers 27

October 8th – Kentucky Wildcats vs. South Carolina Gamecocks (SC 54, UK 3)

Much like Vanderbilt, South Carolina has a hard time finding a way to defeat Kentucky.

This was not more evident when last year, an injury to Lattimore stalled the Gamecocks’ offense while Randall Cobb led the Wildcats on a comeback win.

This season, the battle between these two teams will not change, even though South Carolina is the significantly better team.

The difference will be a healthy Lattimore, who will help to put the game away in the fourth quarter.

Gamecocks 28, Wildcats 14

October 15th – South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs (SC 14, MSST 12)

This easily could be the game of the season in the SEC.  Both of these teams are equal.

Each team has is up-and-coming, with a sometimes inconsistent quarterback.  For the Gamecocks, Garcia, and for the Bulldogs, Chris Relf.

Bulldogs’ head coach Dan Mullen made this team competitve last season, and could make a run like Auburn did last season.

The difference in this game will be that it is played in Starkville, Mississippi.  This will be the game that ends the Gamecocks’ bid at an undefeated season.

Bulldogs 28, Gamecocks 24

October 29th – South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Tennessee Volunteers (7:15 p.m., ESPN2)

The second half of last year’s game between these two teams helped the Vols find its quarterback in Tyler Bray, replacing Matt Simms.

Bray helped to lead Tennessee to a bowl game in head coach Derek Dooley’s first season in Knoxville.

The Gamecocks will also try to get back to its winning ways, after losing its first (and likely only) game in 2011.

Tennessee will be more competitive in this year’s battle, and this has the potential to be a trap game for the Gamecocks, if the team begins to look ahead to Arkansas and Florida.

However, the Gamecocks will try to avenge the fumbling problems of the game two years ago in Knoxville.  The defense will make the difference for South Carolina.

Gamecocks 23, Volunteers 16

November 5th – South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Arkansas Razorbacks (7:15 p.m., ESPN)

Last season, the Gamecocks were caught looking ahead to a game in Florida to try and win the SEC East.

A mediocre pass defense could not stop QB Ryan Mallett, as the Razorbacks throttled the Gamecocks 41-20.

Mallett does not return for the Razorbacks, and a severe injury to RB Knile Davis will end up making for a long season in Fayetteville.

The Gamecocks will get revenge on the Razorbacks, as Arkansas struggles to find an offensive identity without Davis.

Gamecocks 49, Razorbacks 17

November 12th – Florida Gators vs. South Carolina Gamecocks (12:00 p.m., CBS or 3:30 p.m., CBS or 6:00 p.m., ESPN2 or 7:45 p.m., ESPN)

Unlike last season, this game does not appear to have the postseason implications, a win meant advancing to the SEC Championship Game.

The Gators are in a rebuilding mode, as Will Muschamp takes over following Urban Meyer’s resignation/retirement/sabbatical.

Even though the Gators return key players such as RB/WR Chris Rainey, TE/WR/QB Trey Burton, and QB John Brantley, it will still struggle to adjust.

This might be a little closer than last year’s, but South Carolina is still the better team and should be able to pull away late.

Gamecocks 28, Gators 17

November 19th – The Citadel Bulldogs vs. South Carolina Gamecocks (12:00 p.m., Pay-Per-View)

Much like last year, the ‘orange crush’ schedule is broken up by a lesser opponent.  This year, it is the task of The Citadel to play the role of the Troy Trojans.

This will be an opportunity for Spurrier to test out some plays that might come into play as the Gamecocks look towards the rivalry game against Clemson and the SEC Championship Game.

This should be an easy victory, but Gamecock fans know not to take these games for granted.

Gamecocks 63, Bulldogs 9

November 26th – Clemson Tigers vs. South Carolina Gamecocks (TBA)

For many Gamecock fans, this is the only game that matters on the schedule every single year.

At this point for the Tigers, they will have exceeded expectations, or there could be an interim coach for Dabo Swinney.

However, it is impossible to overlook the running ability of Andre Ellington and an always stout defense.  The development of Tajh Boyd at quarterback will make the difference.

This game always seems to turn on one play.  Once again, that play will go in favor of the Gamecocks.

Gamecocks 34, Tigers 21

There you have it, an 11-1 overall record in 2011, with a 7-1 record in the SEC.

The only hiccup for the Gamecocks will come against Mississippi State, as the Bulldogs have the edge as the game will be played in Starkville.

However, 11-1 will have the Gamecocks in the top 10 in the polls, and positioned back in the SEC Championship game.

It is important to caution that the key to the Gamecocks will be the first three games.  If they overlook the two non-conference games against East Carolina and Navy, the Gamecocks could easily start the season 0-3.

That would leave the Gamecock faithful shaking their heads wondering how and why.

As games are added (i.e. SEC Championship Game and a bowl game), the predictions will follow.

Don’t Let Potential Influence Garcia Decision

As everyone has been able to swallow the news of South Carolina Gamecocks QB Stephen Garcia’s indefinite suspension, the new question is what happens next?

Many Gamecock fans are tired of the fifth-year senior’s actions while others believe he should be given another chance.  Some still refuse to believe that Garcia might have a problem or accept that Garcia never lived up to his potential.

However, some people believe that Garcia should be reinstated in time for the 2011 season, simply because the team won’t be as successful otherwise.

For life-long Gamecock fans, this season potentially could be the program’s best, attempting to defend its SEC East title from a year ago.  Many people believe that no Garcia means no title defense opportunity.

If you reinstate Garcia just to ensure that this football team lives up to its 2011 predictions, it would be time to take a strong look at South Carolina’s priorities.

This would just further a divide that demonstrates that players are put on different levels.  If you are a key contributor, you can get away with things five times.  If you barely are a special teams player, you might get one shot.

Garcia must be treated like he is any other player.  In addition, it is important that Athletics Director Eric Hyman, Head Coach Steve Spurrier, and South Carolina President Harris Pastides work together to create a reinstatement program that gets Garcia the help he needs, while not bringing any shame to South Carolina any more.

I ultimately believe Garcia will be reinstated.  However, there must be strict guidelines that include counseling sessions, anger management, and leadership training.  Regardless of whether Garcia has an alcohol problem or not, he needs help.

There also is one final part to this reinstatement plan, if he brings any shame to the University of South Carolina in any way, it brings an immediate dismissal from the football team with no option to return.

The final move that Spurrier must do is name some other quarterback the starter.  Sophomore Connor Shaw would appear to be the likely candidate.  In order to regain his starting job, Garcia must prove like anyone else that he deserves it.  Even then, starting someone else, at the very least in the opener against East Carolina, would be a smart move.

No one wanted to see Garcia end his career at South Carolina the same way he began: suspended.  However, South Carolina has shown everyone that Garcia is not just anybody else, and for some reason deserves five to six chances.  Therefore, why should we expect how they handle him to change.

If South Carolina were to reinstate Garcia, just make sure it is for the right reason, not just because you fear disappointing fans and prognosticators in the fall.

By the way, isn’t this starting to sound a lot like the Weslye Saunders situation from last year?

Pearl Fired By Tennessee; Hamilton SHOULD be Next (UPDATED)

The University of Tennessee’s worst kept secret was revealed Monday afternoon, firing Men’s Basketball coach Bruce Pearl.

Pearl’s dismissal was sealed by the Volunteers’ 75-45 loss to the Michigan Wolverines in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.  This also stems from alleged recruiting violations, which resulted in an 8-game suspension during SEC play for Pearl.

This is just another chapter in the problems at Tennessee since Lane Kiffin was named the program’s football coach two years ago.  Kiffin immediately committed recruiting violations, which got the NCAA looking into the program.

What the NCAA found was a whole can of worms within the Tennessee athletics programs.  The focus was suddenly shifted to the men’s basketball program.

Pearl is very enthusiastic about basketball, his players, and the Tennessee Volunteers.  Name me another coach that would stand in the student section painted up for a women’s basketball game.

Pearl was the best thing to happen to the Tennessee athletics program in years.  If there is anyone that should be fired is Athletics Director Mike Hamilton.

In the last 3 years, one of the proudest athletic’s departments in the country, has quickly become the laughing-stock of the SEC and the country.

Hamilton’s ability as an athletic’s director came under scrutiny, especially sticking behind Kiffin and Pearl, often denying any allegations of wrong-doing of either program.

During that time, the NCAA was investigating the program, Hamilton continued to deny, and stood behind his coaches.

Yes, Pearl lied.  Yes, Pearl had an embarrassing loss in his final game as coach.  Fans in Tennessee still love Pearl, but ultimately, Pearl is not the only one responsible.

Hamilton has let the Tennessee program fall to shambles under his watch.  Pearl knows what he did wrong, and why he is no longer employed.  He will find a job again, but my suggestion for him would be to go under the radar for a year or so (do television).

However, Hamilton should also be fired.  Too much has happened for one to believe that he is capable of continuing to run the University of Tennessee.

UPDATE:  Late Monday evening, following the announcement firing Pearl, Hamilton and school Chancellor Jimmy Cheek announced that there was another potential violation by Pearl and his staff earlier this month.

If this is true, which all reports indicate, the argument for not firing Pearl fall-apart.  However, the argument to fire Hamilton strengthens.  Hamilton continuously fails to keep a close watch to the troubled basketball program.

Gamecocks To Watch in Spring Practice

Just hours away from the opening Spring practice for the South Carolina Gamecocks, it is important to look at five (or so) players that need to impress Head Coach Steve Spurrier, or it might be too late to make an impact.

27-Victor Hampton, RS-FR Cornerback – Hampton was a highly touted defensive back from Darlington entering last season.  He never saw the field in 2010.

Hampton looked very raw during fall practice last year, and despite the stuggles in the secondary, never even got a shot.

If he has committed himself to working hard, a question along with his character when he enrolled at South Carolina, he should see the playing field this season.  However, if he has not developed as expected, playing football in the SEC might not be in Hampton’s future.

UPDATE:  Hampton was suspended for the first day of practice for an academics violation.  He is expected to return for the next practice.  Just another part of Hampton’s long story.

9-Ace Sanders, SO Wide Receiver – You might be wondering why Sanders, who made a large impact as a true freshman, on this list.

In a group of tall wide receivers, Sanders is a lone speed threat enrolled at this point.  Senior WR Jason Barnes, at 6-4, will get the first shot replacing Tori Gurley, but Sanders offers a different option.

Sanders will also need show that his performance as punt returner was a fluke.  Sanders showed flashes of a difference-maker last year, this year he needs to show the consistency of a top-flight wide receiver.

14-Connor Shaw (SO), 11-Seth Strickland (RS-JR), 12-Andrew Clifford (RS-SO), 7-Dylan Thompson (RS-FR) – They are altogether, because they are all not named Stephen Garcia.

Garcia enters the spring as the starter, but Spurrier promised that he will give other quarterbacks a chance in the spring, following Garcia’s performance at the Chick-Fil-A Bowl.

In the Spring this year, Spurrier wants one quarterback to take the control of the job, no matter who it is.  At the end of the Spring, Spurrier wants to know who his quarterback is in the fall, not have a position battle loom over the Summer.

The guy is probably Garcia, but Spurrier will give all the quarterbacks a close look.

UPDATE: Shaw, Strickland, and Thompson now have the chance to take the job laid in front of them, following the news of the suspension of starter Garcia due to a violation of team rules dating back to the Chick-Fil-A Bowl.  Clifford and TE Mike Triglia were also suspended.  All are expected to be reinstated in about a week.

Dalton Wilson, RS-JR, Fullback – Wilson will get the first shot to replace Patrick DiMarco, a player and a position that were underrated on this team.

The team likely will not realize how much DiMarco meant until they get on the field in September.  While it will be hard to replace all of the roles DiMarco filled, Wilson will be an able player.

Wilson is a solid athlete, who might struggle adapting to the speed of the game initially, but can adjust.  Sophomore Matt Coffee will also see some time at the position, especially in short-distance running opportunities.

Marcus Lattimore, SO, Running Back – I had to put an eye-opener on this list, and Lattimore is that guy.

Lattimore had as good of a freshman year as anyone could expect.  He was the Gamecock offense in 2010.

However, now the rest of college football knows who he is, and will be the focus of defensive gameplans for the Gamecocks’ twelve opponents.  This means that more than ever, he will have to show off his immense talent.

On some preseason Heisman Trophy watch lists, Lattimore is capable of winning it, proving he can duplicate the success of his freshman season.  If not, he might join the list of freshman phenoms who could never match the early success.

There are some questions that will get answered when the full recruiting class is at practice in the fall (i.e. Jadeveon Clowney is at practice).  However, making an impression in the Spring, especially with Spurrier, will go a long way towards any playing time in the fall.

Top 10 Sports Moments in South Carolina for 2010

As mentioned on Wednesday, December 29th’s edition of “Section 26 Sports”, here are the Top 10 Moments from sports in South Carolina for 2010.  As with the previous list, these are purely the opinions of the “Section 26 Sports” hosts.  Others might have certain things in different orders, added something, or omitted something.

10.  Denny Hamlin sweeps Mother’s Day Weekend at Darlington.

You knew that Hamlin would be a star when in his first race at Darlington, in a Nationwide Series car, finished in the top-10.  His performances at the track continued when he won the NASCAR Nationwide and Sprint Cup Series races at Darlington on Mother’s Day Weekend.

9.  Kyle Parker gets drafted in MLB, returns to Clemson.

Kyle Parker went to Clemson because they gave him an opportunity to be a two-sport star in baseball and football.  He has succeeded at both.

Parker was drafted in the 2010 MLB Amateur Draft’s first round by the Colorado Rockies.  He wanted to play baseball, but wanted to play football, too.

Down to the last second of negotiations, Parker signed his contract with Colorado, but it allowed him to return to Clemson to play football in 2010.

Looking back on it, might not have been the best decision.

8.  South Carolina upsets #1 Kentucky in basketball.

Less than 36 hours from becoming the number-0ne team in the country, and less than 8 hours from speaking with President Barack Obama, Kentucky was beaten by South Carolina 68-62.

A $25,000 celebration later, and the Gamecocks are all over television, for managing to pull the upset.  Click here for the post following the game.

7.  Oliver Purnell leaves Clemson.

This story somewhat flew under the radar, but was very important nevertheless.

Following the Tigers’ season, Purnell left Clemson for DePaul, a program in the cellar of the Big East Conference.

For Purnell, it is a good move.  If he can turn around DePaul, it will put him in the upper echelon of coaches in college basketball, simply for his ability to take a bad program and make them winners.

6.  Marcus Lattimore recruiting-trail.

Where would the Byrnes star running back go was the question much of the first part of the year.  At the end, it came down to Auburn or South Carolina.

In front of his church, in a much lower-scale “The Decision” moment, Lattimore announced that he would attend South Carolina.

I guess you could say the rest is history.

5.  Clemson and South Carolina take the rivalry to Omaha.

In a repeat of an earlier College World Series, the 2010 edition would feature either Clemson or South Carolina in the finale.

South Carolina beat Clemson in back-to-back games to advance to the final, guided by a Michael Roth masterpiece in the first game, where they would eventually be crowned National Champions.

4.  Notable Deaths of South Carolina sport’s leaders.

2010 saw the loss of three noted people in South Carolina sport’s history.  Legendary radio voice of the Gamecocks Bob Fulton, former Gamecocks wide receiver Kenny McKinley, and former Clemson defensive end Gaines Adams all passed away.

McKinley’s and Adams’ death were both very shocking.  Adams, 26, passed away in January due to cardiac arrest.  McKinley, 23, passed away just a few months ago when he committed suicide.

Fulton’s death at age 89 meant the loss of a person whose eyes had seen many Gamecocks feats, and whose voice described the moments that Gamecock fans who could not attend the game, feel like they were in the front row.

3.  South Carolina upsets the #1 Alabama Crimson Tide.

In a year that saw the Gamecocks upset three number-one teams, the upset of Alabama was special.  The game drew ESPN’s College GameDay, a national CBS audience, and a sell-out crowd.

It was a game that proved to the SEC and the country that the Gamecocks would be a force, with their 35-21 victory over Alabama.

2.  South Carolina wins the SEC East.

Although it was very bittersweet, the Gamecocks achieved something it had never done before, making it to the SEC Championship game.  Unfortunately, they had to face an unstoppable Auburn team.

It is easy to go back and forth about how to rank this, considering the Gamecocks were the best in a mediocre division and were not competitive in the game.  Click here for the story on the Gamecocks securing the SEC East title.

1.  South Carolina Gamecocks are National Champions in College Baseball.

In all honesty, this was a no-brainer in determining this list.  The Gamecocks first national championship in a major sport ever, was the team’s back-to-back wins over UCLA in the final College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium.

Click here for the story immediately following the championship, and explaining why the city of Columbia had a right to go crazy over baseball.

There you have, the 10 reasons why 2010 in South Carolina sports will be remembered for a long-time.

Chick-Fil-A Bowl Preview/Pick: South Carolina vs. Florida State

ATLANTA, GA. — Of the 35 different bowl games this year, the Chick-Fil-A Bowl between #19 South Carolina and #23 Florida State is likely the one game that is so evenly matched, that it is near impossible to pick a winner.

Florida State and South Carolina both lost in their respective conference championship games, both have had great games, and both have had disasters.

Florida State Coach Jimbo Fisher is in his first year, replacing the legendary Bobby Bowden, leading the Seminoles to the ACC Conference Championship game, where they lost to Virginia Tech.

South Carolina Coach Steve Spurrier seems to have the Gamecocks’ program on track, getting the team to its first SEC Championship Game, with an embarrassing loss to Auburn.

Looking ahead to this game, Jimbo Fisher said in his press conference on Thursday that senior Quarterback Christian Ponder would be ready to play.  Fisher has not decided whether Ponder or E.J. Manuel would get the start, but that both would play.

The only injury for South Carolina would be OG Garrett Chisolm, who re-aggravated a knee injury earlier in the week.  Terrence Campbell will get the start, but expect to see Jarriel King play as well.

The difference in this game will be the defense.  Will South Carolina finally figure out the defensive secondary that has plagued them the second half of the season?  Will South Carolina be able to establish an offense against a historically tough Florida State defense?

While Spurrier downplays a difference between Ponder and Manuel, there is a small difference.  Manuel has more of an ability to get out of the pocket, while Ponder can beat you with his arm.  According to Spurrier, South Carolina’s coaches say that Ponder and Manuel are more similar rather than different.

On paper, these teams are very similar in offensive and defensive categories.  As previously mentioned, each team has had its highs and its lows, and each made it to their Conference Championship game by being in mediocre divisions.

In the end, SEC prevails.  The speed of the SEC will off-set the balance of the ACC.  However, this game could easily go either way, and expect a back and forth affair.

South Carolina wins the Chick-Fil-A Bowl, 24-23.