South Carolina Gamecocks Football Countdown: 83 Days

Our countdown to the 2014 college football season continues as just 83 days separate us from kickoff between the South Carolina Gamecocks and Texas A&M Aggies at Williams-Brice Stadium on August 28.

Who Wears #83?

Carlton Heard, a redshirt junior wide receiver, wears number 83. Heard transferred to the Gamecocks from Gardner-Webb, but had to sit out the 2013 season because of NCAA rules. A native of Athens, Heard caught 31 passes for 422 yards and a touchdown in his one season with the Runnin’ Bulldogs. Heard has the reputation of a strong practice performer with a solid work ethic and is eager to get his first action in a Gamecock uniform.

Gamecocks football in 1983

The 1983 season marked the beginning of the Joe Morrison Era in Columbia. Facing one of the most difficult schedules in college football, the Gamecocks endured their third consecutive non-winning season. South Carolina did manage to knock off Southern Cal at home, but the year was largely forgettable. No one could have guessed that one of the greatest seasons in school history would come the following year.

Record: 5-6

Head Coach: Joe Morrison
Big Wins: None

Also in 1983…
The number one song was “Every Breath You Take” by The Police.
Return of the Jedi was the #1 movie.
The final episode of “M*A*S*H” aired, drawing 125 million viewers.