For the Gamecocks, It’s Finally Gameday

I’m sitting in class as I type, and the atmosphere is undeniable. South Carolina Gamecocks football is less than seven hours away from kicking off.

At 7pm we’ll get a first glimpse of Marcus Lattimore breaking tackles, Connor Shaw playing quarterback like no one has since Steve Spurrier came to Columbia, and Jadeveon Clowney shifting all over the field (from end, to tackle to linebacker) and becoming quite acquainted with Jordan Rodgers.

Garnet shirts are more prevalent today than a normal Thursday at USC.

I can hear the faint whispers “10-2” “11-1” “12-0?!” cascading up from the Horseshoe, flooding Green Street and pulling everyone together in the awesomeness that is Carolina’s pristine, clean sheet of a football season that we all hope ends with just one or two flaws.

Different views on tonight’s game become apparent on a walk from Gambrell to The Coliseum; “I’m not worried about this game at all. We’ll wipe the floor with Vandy.” And, “This game has been haunting me all summer. I really think we’re going to have to play our best to win.” Along with everything in between.

And that is what we love about college football. That’s why we’ve been getting the shakes all off season.

Because unlike so many other sports, any team can win on any given day. Vandy can beat Carolina.

Carolina can win a national championship. They’re in the preseason top 10. They’re in the SEC. They have the benefit of the doubt.

When the season kicks off tonight, don’t forget that.

Anything can happen.

And, usually, anything does.