USC Football Team Info

[TravellersGhost]

I often find it helpful for fans of other teams to come onto the Gamecock Rivals site to provide some information about their team as a game approaches. As such, I hope the following is of at least some help:

I'll start with the Offense.

QB: Our presumed starter, Mitch, has no playing time whatsoever. He is a RS SO who was a 4 star recruit and is 6-3 211. While the talent is there (second in NC prep history in yards, completions, TDs, etc.), we really have no idea what will happen when the whistle blows. Presumed back-up is a 4 star True Freshman. While he has similar credentials, a slightly stronger arm, and better wheels, we still have no idea what he will do when the whistle blows. The coaches (particularly our QB coach) seem happy with the QBs so far, but he has acknowledged in every interview that we will not know very much until September 3rd.

RB: Starter will be SR Brandon Wilds (6-2, 224, 3 star), but RS SO David Williams (6-1, 215, 4 star) will get some touches. Wilds has multiple 100 yard games and both Wilds and Williams had better yards per carry than our previous starter, Mike Davis. Wilds was also the player who led several touchdown drives against UF and UGA while Davis was injured. In the end, we are pretty comfortable with what we have at RB.

WR: Starters are JR Pharaoh Cooper and RS FR Deebo Samuel. Again, outside of Cooper, we really don't know much. While the roster is littered with 4 star FR and RS FR (Googer, Christian, Neal, etc.), none of them have any college experience. We will need to lean heavily on the RBs and TE. Then, when Cooper is double covered (which should happen on almost every play), we will find out about the young receivers.

TE: SR Jerrell Adams brings a ton of experience (SR), talent (4 star) and size (6-6, 235) to the TE spot. We at least feel good about TE.

OL: RS SR Brandon Shell (6-6, 328, 4 Star) at LT, RS SR, Mike Matulis (6-5, 293, 3 Star) at LG, RS SO Alan Knott (6-4, 280, 3 star) at C, RS SR Will Sport (6-5, 295, 3 Star) at RG, and RS JR Mason Zandi (6-9, 314, 2 star) at RT. The back-ups consist of multiple RS SO and and RS FR with 4 star ratings. The strength of this OL is the left side (as both have numerous years of starting experience). The right side is a bit of a question mark as far as talent goes. While both guys have the size and experience you would hope to see, neither was highly recruited.

If anyone finds this helpful, I will be back to add in some info on the defense (though given that we were 91st in total defense last year, most Gamecock fans are hopeful that this year's defense is almost entirely all new).

 

[TravellersGhost]

Please let me know if it would be helpful to provide the same info for the defense. From there, I would very much appreciate your perspective on the same. As I see it on USC's offensive side, Chizik will do well to put 7 (possibly 8) in the box to stop the run and pressure the QB. If Wilds/Williams are contained, then Spurrier has no choice but to get Adams involved in blocking. From there bring a safety over the top on Cooper and see what happens with man coverage on the other receivers who are unproven. But that's just my two cents from a USC perspective.

 

[TravellersGhost]

Here is our projected starting line-up on defense:

DE: JR MLewis 6’ 3” 264 lbs 4 Stars
DT: RS JR ALamin 6’ 4” 326 lbs 4 Stars
DT: RS SR PDukes 6’ 3” 319 lbs 4 Stars
DE: RS SO DJohnson 6’ 1” 240 lbs 3 Stars

WILL: JR JWalton 6’ 235 lbs 3 Stars
MIKE: JR SMoore 6’ 2” 218 lbs 4 Stars
SAM: JR LBryant 6’ 220 lbs 4 Stars

CB: SO CLammons 5’ 10” 183 lbs 4 Stars
SS: JR JDiggs 6’ 209 lbs 4 Stars
FS: RS SR IJohnson 6’ 1” 206 lbs 3 Stars
CB: RS JR RMcWilliams 5’ 11” 186 lbs 3 Stars

After finishing 91st in total defense last year, we brought in some Junior College players as well as a SR Graduate Transfer to help out. Qua Lewis should provide the pass rush help we needed last year as he was the No. 1 JC SS DE and No. 3 overall. Also, Isaiah Johnson joins us from Kansas after receiving his degree. He was all Big 12 honorable mention and will help add some experience to a young DB group.

To help out the additional talent, we have brought in a new DC by the name of Jon Hoke. Hoke has spent the last 15 years in the NFL with the last few spent as the Bears DB Coach. While Hoke is not married to any system, he has decided to change ours from the previous 4-2-5 to a true 4-3. However, for spread teams, such as UNC, we will find ourselves in a Nickel Package more often than not. Last year our defensive players were asked to read the play as it unfolds and then react. This year they are being taught their pre-snap reads and then asked to to get after it based upon their assignments. We will see if the new DC makes any difference.

One other thing that gives Gamecock fans a glimmer of hope that we will at least be able to break into the top 50 of defenses is that we should see a significant increase in age, experience and talent over last year:

2015 (9 Upperclassmen, 20 Varsity Letters, 42 Stars) - ?????
2014 (5 Upperclassmen, 16 Varsity Letters, 34 Stars) – 91st in Nation in Total Defense
2013 (8 Upperclassmen, 18 Varsity Letters, 39 Stars) – 21st in Nation in Total Defense
2012 (7 Upperclassmen, 24 Varsity Letters, 38 Stars) – 13th in Nation in Total Defense
2011 (10 Upperclassmen, 24 Varsity Letters, 40 Stars) – 2nd in Nation in Total Defense

 

[Tom79]

UNC's offense will be good. Our problem will be defense. I hope what staff has done in the off season and in camp to get our defense up to snuff will be enough. If not, here's hoping we outscore y'all!
I noticed Gamecocks are young at QB.

 

[cocks4EVA_]

UNC's offense will be good. Our problem will be defense. I hope what staff has done in the off season and in camp to get our defense up to snuff will be enough. If not, here's hoping we outscore y'all!
I noticed Gamecocks are young at QB.

Gamecocks are young at qb... Thanks for the obvious post. If you're going to gargle up crap, please, please, please, leave...

 

[TravellersGhost]

I noticed Gamecocks are young at QB.

Thanks, Tom. Yes, we are young at QB. With Shaw and then Thompson, we had two players who were not necessarily the most talented when they stepped on campus, but they put in the time and effort that allowed them to lock up the starting spot for the last 4 years. In doing so, it left little room for other QBs. So we had several QB recruits transfer, including one who broke a lot of Pennsylvania high school records.

We are hoping that what our QBs lack in experience they can compensate for in raw talent. Don't get me wrong. Mitch has now had two years to learn the playbook. But it takes more than talent to succeed as a QB in Spurrier's system.

We do take some solace in the fact that Nunez is equally talented. So if Mitch cannot handle it, we have another QB to turn to.

 

[bobby121567]

Even though are DL has got bigger from last year. But not a lot of PT. if I was y'all's coaches. I would just pound us with the run. Even though we are hearing good things from the coaching staff. And the huge upgrade in our coaching staff on the defensive side of the ball. But still no games have been played to really know if they are better or not. Just can't wait until Sept 3rd to see what type of team we will have this year. And y'all are pretty good measuring stick.

 

[cocks4EVA_]

Even though are DL has got bigger from last year. But not a lot of PT. if I was y'all's coaches. I would just pound us with the run. Even though we are hearing good things from the coaching staff. And the huge upgrade in our coaching staff on the defensive side of the ball. But still no games have been played to really know if they are better or not. Just can't wait until Sept 3rd to see what type of team we will have this year. And y'all are pretty good measuring stick.

We are the best measuring stick. Wait until November when we will the sec and in the playoffs. You are lucky to suit up against the greats like us. Good day sir.

 

[Tarheel8592]

UNC will win this game as long as they stop the run...just enough. Spurrier's visor will be on the ground while Fedora's remains on his head.

 

[bobby121567]

UNC will win this game as long as they stop the run...just enough. Spurrier's visor will be on the ground while Fedora's remains on his head.

its not an easy game to predict. Both teams have question marks. Both teams can be really good this year if their young talent grow up and play well early. On offense. We should be really good. With 10 of the 11 coming back from last year. But you can't try to out score teams or especially good D1 schools every week and win.

 

[swatterac]

Please disregard cocks4eva as he is a Clemson poster trolling. We would not allow that trash on our site.

 

[WSPCock11]

Could "cocks4eva" be any more obvious? First, he tells somebody on their own board to leave. Then, he makes the idiotic statement of the century saying USC will win the sec and get to the playoffs. Yo loser, quit being a troll/moron/pretending little bitch and stfu.

 

[franklin street]

do you guys think the kid from raleigh will be your starting qb?
hated to see him slip away.

 

[TravellersGhost]

do you guys think the kid from raleigh will be your starting qb?

I do. I think he knows the plays as well or better than any of the other QBs and I think he has the talent. I questioned his commitment early on based mostly on rumors that he was not putting in the time that Shaw and Thompson put it. However, you can't blame the kid. He knew he was behind both of them. Once it was clear it was his chance to grab the starting spot, I'm told his attitude and work ethic took off. While he is not quite at the level of commitment of his predecessors (few are), he is on his way.

Having said all of that, I have not seen this much "talk" around a True Freshman QB at USC in a while. Lorenzo Nunez has a chance to be special in this offense. Spurrier has modified his Fun n Gun to build in a zone read running game. Mitch is not as athletic as Shaw was or Nunez is. That athleticism will get Nunez on the field. How much depends on whether or not Mitch can sell the QB run on the zone read and take some pressure off of our RBs and receivers.

 

[TravellersGhost]

UNC will win this game as long as they stop the run...just enough. Spurrier's visor will be on the ground while Fedora's remains on his head.

I don't disagree, but I would clarify the term "run". If UNC stops both the RBs and the QB in the zone read, then UNC should win this game. However, we have moved our RS SR RT (who has started for multiple years) to LT and our RS SR LT (who was injured last year after numerous years of starts) to LG. While this appears to be a move to help in the passing game, I believe the difference will be shown in the running game. We primarily run the zone read, and when we have effective blocking up front for Brandon Wilds (see video) and our QB gets the defense respecting the QB keeper, then this is the result:

 

[TravellersGhost]

if I was y'all's coaches. I would just pound us with the run. Even though we are hearing good things from the coaching staff. And the huge upgrade in our coaching staff on the defensive side of the ball. But still no games have been played to really know if they are better or not. Just can't wait until Sept 3rd to see what type of team we will have this year. And y'all are pretty good measuring stick.

Unfortunately, we don't really line up and "pound the run":



There were days in the past with fullbacks like Dimarco that allowed us to try to wear down the defense. I don't know if we have that this year.

But I look at UNC in exactly the same way. This game will tell me what kind of football team we have . . . much more than playing Wofford or someone similar.

 

[TravellersGhost]

Side Note: Thank you to whoever locked the other thread. I know its hard to discern which new posters are here to discuss football and which are here to spew garbage. Sometimes it is just easier to let people act how they will act and then either lock a thread or ban a poster based on their actions (rather than laying down a laundry list of rules).

Much like my alma mater W&L (went to USC for law school): each [poster] should conduct himself as a gentleman. I wish more would take that approach to their posting on message boards (if not in much of life).

 

[Raising Heel]

^^^^^ Exactly. If you want to run your mouth, go to the Main Board. It's full of cretins. When you're visiting another school's site, you're a guest there and should conduct yourself accordingly*. Nobody thinks you're clever when you go trolling like that cock4eva clown.

*I do make an exception for board invasions and other hijinks, assuming it's good-natured and not malicious.

 

[Archer2]

I don't possess the football knowledge to write up a UNC synopsis the way Ghost did but I'm hoping RH or one of our other more knowledgeable fans will do so. Great job Ghost!!

I really appreciate the SC fans who are here to discuss the game in particular, and football in general. With one glaring exception, they have been very respectable. And I believe they're right when they say EVA_ is probably a Clensum fan.

Can't emphasize how much I'm looking forward to this game and the ensuing season.

 

[Raising Heel]

I don't possess the football knowledge to write up a UNC synopsis the way Ghost did but I'm hoping RH or one of our other more knowledgeable fans will do so.

Maybe if I get some time I'll do a write up. In the meantime, I'll slap some statistical comparisons in this thread.

These numbers are all based on the 2014 season. Click on the graphics to enlarge them.

 

[Raising Heel]

 

[Raising Heel]

 

[TravellersGhost]

These are great Raising Heel. It will take me a while to digest.

 

[Archer2]

Thanks RH, great job.

 

[gteeitup]

These are great Raising Heel. It will take me a while to digest.

oh, he's got quite the reputation for stuff like this.

by the way, spurrier believes any or all qb's will play...i don't believe the zone read is quite the threat with mitch as it has been...that might be a very telling sign.

 

[uncboy10]

Need the offense to start out strong so we aren't trying to play catch up. That will be a huge factor.

As bad as the defense was last year they managed to force a decent amount of turnovers. If we can't stop the run game we'll need a few

 

[TravellersGhost]

What strikes me is how similar our teams were last year on offense--statistically speaking. Given that you return your entire offense (except TE, I believe) and we have to replace a number of the pieces on our offense, I just don't see how Spurrier does anything but run the football . . . which will include inside screens. Of course, Spurrier is always good for a long bomb on the first series, but otherwise I expect him to turn to our running game to control the clock, limit the turnovers, etc. Often last season, Spurrier would get upset at the defense and go straight to the air to try to move the ball. I don't know how he can afford to do that this season, particularly in the first game with an unproven QB.

As for defense, the only way we can give ourselves a chance to win is with sacks and interceptions. We were very, very poor at both last year. Since we do not have the proven skill players to put up big numbers, I would think we need to hope for at least 3 sacks and 2 TOs. If we are able to pull that off and are not completely stopped at the line, I think we have a good chance to win.

Of course, I think all of the foregoing could be said about your team as well, except that you have the added advantage of experience in your passing game.

 

[TravellersGhost]

I was looking at Chizik's background the other day, and I have to say he is a bit of an enigma. National Championship co-DC with Texas (on a one year stint) and then National Championship HC at Auburn. Crappy two years at Iowa State as HC and then several great and several poor years at Auburn. There is no question that he knows his Defense (and I read he learned much of it from Lovie Smith, who was the HC at Chicago when our new Co-DC coached DBs). But his results were all over the board.

After spending some time away from the game, I can see him being rejuvenated a bit and with a chip on his shoulder given how things went down at Auburn. I can also see that Spurrier has the utmost respect for Chizik. You can tell just by comparing his reaction (including facial expressions) to questions about Chizik vs reactions about Dabo Swinney (or, as he as affectionately known by USC fans and John Oliver, Soybean Wind).

 

[gteeitup]

chizik's defense is such an easy scheme to relay to kids...it's really just about pressuring from ends, having a lb that can cover down the seam, and a physical secondary...if the kids buy in and are in the right place, they'll succeed if they want to.

if connor shaw was still at scarolina, i'd be really concerned about this defense vs scarolina...he was such a great player for that system.

 

[Raising Heel]

...several great and several poor years at Auburn.

He didn't have poor years at Auburn, at least not as a DC:

2002 - #26 total defense, #13 scoring defense
2003 - #6 total defense, #9 scoring defense
2004 - #5 total defense, #1 scoring defense

His poor performances have come as a head coach, which is probably what you meant. But history shows when he's able to focus on just coaching the defense, he is an A-list performer. Naturally we're hoping that holds to form while he's at UNC.

 

[WoadBlue]

He didn't have poor years at Auburn, at least not as a DC:

2002 - #26 total defense, #13 scoring defense
2003 - #6 total defense, #9 scoring defense
2004 - #5 total defense, #1 scoring defense

His poor performances have come as a head coach, which is probably what you meant. But history shows when he's able to focus on just coaching the defense, he is an A-list performer. Naturally we're hoping that holds to form while he's at UNC.

Correct. Chizik has always been a 1st rate DC. Whether he will be a 1st rate HC next time remains to be seen. The key is that he requires a 1st rate OC.

 

[Anna Mule]

Gamecocks are young at qb... Thanks for the obvious post. If you're going to gargle up crap, please, please, please, leave...

"...please, please, please, leave..."????

You do know you're on UNC's message board, you classless ass-clown??

 

[TravellersGhost]

He didn't have poor years at Auburn, at least not as a DC:

2002 - #26 total defense, #13 scoring defense
2003 - #6 total defense, #9 scoring defense
2004 - #5 total defense, #1 scoring defense

His poor performances have come as a head coach, which is probably what you meant. But history shows when he's able to focus on just coaching the defense, he is an A-list performer. Naturally we're hoping that holds to form while he's at UNC.

Yes, I was referring to his results as a head coach, which are not as pertinent to his DC efforts as are his DC stints.

I think it is worth considering that at the time Auburn and Texas were coming off of a few banner years of top recruiting (including Texas at #1 and Auburn at #6 in 2002). Also, here is an interesting analysis:

http://thepowerrank.com/2012/02/18/...-look-at-his-defensive-coordinator-positions/

Of course, with Jon Hoke as our DC, we have nothing to go off of for the last 15 years. He spent that entire time in the NFL, so we don't know whether or not he can convert his experience into college football success.

 

[TarHeelNation11]

Need the offense to start out strong so we aren't trying to play catch up. That will be a huge factor.

This is crucial and probably the biggest key to the game, I agree. Our offensive start will determine if we make this a competitive game.

 

[Raising Heel]

I think it is worth considering that at the time Auburn and Texas were coming off of a few banner years of top recruiting (including Texas at #1 and Auburn at #6 in 2002).

Oh, absolutely. That's one of the reasons I'm keeping my expectations in check this season. The defensive cupboard isn't empty at UNC, but there are question marks about talent and/or depth in every position group. Chizik undoubtedly inherited better situations at Texas and Auburn. On the other hand, we're not asking for a top-10 defense. Most UNC fans would be pleased just to crack the top half of FBS instead of scraping rock bottom.

 

[TravellersGhost]

Oh, absolutely. That's one of the reasons I'm keeping my expectations in check this season. The defensive cupboard isn't empty at UNC, but there are question marks about talent and/or depth in every position group. Chizik undoubtedly inherited better situations at Texas and Auburn. On the other hand, we're not asking for a top-10 defense. Most UNC fans would be pleased just to crack the top half of FBS instead of scraping rock bottom.

I'm pretty sure I have read this exact same quote from at least twenty different long time Gamecock fans/posters. We are in the same boat. I don't expect us to be 2nd in total defense as we were a four years ago . . . or even 21st as we were just two years ago. I do, however, want us to be in the top 50. And given the numbers I mentioned above (see copy below), I don't think it is asking too much:

2015 (9 Upperclassmen, 20 Varsity Letters, 42 Stars) - ?????
2014 (5 Upperclassmen, 16 Varsity Letters, 34 Stars) – 91st in Nation in Total Defense
2013 (8 Upperclassmen, 18 Varsity Letters, 39 Stars) – 21st in Nation in Total Defense
2012 (7 Upperclassmen, 24 Varsity Letters, 38 Stars) – 13th in Nation in Total Defense
2011 (10 Upperclassmen, 24 Varsity Letters, 40 Stars) – 2nd in Nation in Total Defense

The question is whether Jon Hoke can get this group to live up to their potential after one spring, one summer and one fall camp.

 

[UNC71-00]

Side Note: Thank you to whoever locked the other thread. I know its hard to discern which new posters are here to discuss football and which are here to spew garbage. Sometimes it is just easier to let people act how they will act and then either lock a thread or ban a poster based on their actions (rather than laying down a laundry list of rules).

Much like my alma mater W&L (went to USC for law school): each [poster] should conduct himself as a gentleman. I wish more would take that approach to their posting on message boards (if not in much of life).

When did you go to W&L?

 

[TravellersGhost]

When did you go to W&L?

Graduated in 1998. It was a great experience, but I missed out on the rush that is big time college athletics. I then arrived at USC for law school just in time to watch us go 0-11 before Holtz turned things around.

 

[UNC71-00]

Graduated in 1998. It was a great experience, but I missed out on the rush that is big time college athletics. I then arrived at USC for law school just in time to watch us go 0-11 before Holtz turned things around.

Cool- you were a little after me (in Lexington), although I went to VMI. I know a bunch of W&L people though- my father in law was the Provost, although that was after you graduated. I also know a bunch of professors. What was your major?

 

[TravellersGhost]

I have only been back once or twice, but there is little in this world that compares to the Shenandoah Valley in the fall. I was a politics major who spent a large portion of my time in the history building. I still keep in touch with a few former professors. My fraternity was recently kicked off campus for a minor violation, so a number of us are struggling with our support for the school right now. But I would say we all have fond memories of our experiences in Lexington and the people there.

Speaking of fraternities, I will say that I had a great pledge trip back in the fall of 1994--we went to UNC, Duke, Wake, Davidson etc. over a weekend. UNC was by far the most hospitable and fun. We walked into the front door of a fraternity and I mentioned a few of my friends from high school. Within minutes, they had reached out to these same friends and we all ended up at a party together and then a late night pizza place. That was my only trip to Chapel Hill. It was the best school we visited out of all the schools on our NC pledge trip.