South Carolina Gamecocks Football Countdown: 71 Days

Our countdown to the 2014 college football season continues as just 71 days separate us from kickoff between the South Carolina Gamecocks and Texas A&M Aggies at Williams-Brice Stadium on August 28.

Who wears #71?
Brandon Shell, a redshirt junior and standing at 6’6″ and 334 pounds. In the 2012 season, Shell played one game at left offensive tackle before being switched to the right side. Shell, who should see a good amount of playing time this season as the right tackle starter after starting every game at the position last year, is the great-nephew of former All-Pro Tackle Art Shell.

Gamecocks football in 1971
Record: 6-5
Conference: Last year in the ACC before becoming independent
Coach: Paul Dietzel in his 6th season
Biggest win: Wake Forest

In the 1971 season, Carolina saw wins aganst Georgia Tech, North Carolina State, Memphis, Virginia, Maryland, and Wake Forest. In the regular season finale against Clemson, they lost 17-7.

Also in 1971:
The first Starbucks opened in Seattle, Washington.
Charles Manson and 3 of his followers were convicted of killing actress Sharon Tate and six others.
Three Dog Night had the #1 song with “Joy To The World”
The top movie of the year was Love Story.