It’s Gameday: South Carolina vs ECU

Apr 14, 2012; Columbia, SC, USA The South Carolina Gamecocks flag is waved after a touchdown during the second quarter of the Garnet and Black spring game at Williams Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-US PRESSWIRE

Connor Shaw is listed as a game-time decision. The Gamecocks are still without two-fifths of their running backs. East Carolina has nothing to lose.

It’s finally game day in Columbia South Carolina.

There’s a new video board. A new tailgate zone. A new group of freshman heading to the student section for the first time ever.

Marcus Lattimore is still here. So are Ace Sanders, Shaq Wilson and D.J. Swearinger.

Most books in Vegas have Carolina as a three touchdown favorite. Obviously the wise guys don’t put much stock into the hysteria surrounding the Cocks after their week one mess at Vandy.

The fact is, Steve Spurrier has built a very, very good SEC program at South Carolina. A team that is expected to beat teams like ECU at home handily. There is a mild level of panic on campus because of that game in Nashville, but after this weekend it should all dissipate. If this game is close, there’s every reason to believe this, like almost every other before it, isn’t SC’s year.

Grills are about to fire up. Bags full of corn will be falling through small holes in wooden boards shortly. After that, 2001 will blare through the loud speakers at Williams-Brice, and the Gamecocks will play their home opener.

It’s finally here. Enjoy it.