South Carolina vs. Georgia: Steve Spurrier Talks Bulldogs
By Sydney Hunte
Based on his comments at his weekly press conference, South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Steve Spurrier probably feels the same way about Georgia Bulldogs running back Todd Gurley that a lot of others do.
Spurrier believes Todd Gurley to be "the leading Heisman candidate right now."
— Jay Philips (@JayPhilips1075) September 9, 2014
It would be hard to disagree with him. Gurley went off for 15 carries and 198 yards in the season opener against Clemson. Not some podunk school from FCS. Against Clemson, who’s projected to be a pretty good team this year.
What will Gurley do against the Gamecocks defense? Will Carolina be able to pin him down or let him go off like he did against the Tigers? Time will tell.
–Spurrier expressed concern about letting opposing offenses stay on the field.
Spurrier said biggest concern is third down defense. Gamecocks are giving up 62.1 percent, last in SEC. Arkansas is 13th in league w/ 38.7.
— Michael Haney (@MHaneyMusic) September 9, 2014
That has been a struggle. We saw it a lot against Texas A&M (12 for 17), and we saw it early on against ECU. The Gamecocks simply have to find a way to end drives quickly and get the defense off the field.
–There’s no doubt in Spurrier’s mind about the magnitude of this contest.
Is UGA a must-win game? Spurrier: "It's pretty much a must for the division."
— Michael Haney (@MHaneyMusic) September 9, 2014
I checked back to see the SEC East champions over the past few years, and from 2011-2013, no team with more than one loss won the division. The last team to do it with more than one loss: these Gamecocks in 2010 (5-3). I doubt 5-3 will be good enough to win it this year.
–Other bits and pieces from the presser:
A big vote of confidence for Alan Knott.
Spurrier compliments Alan Knott on his snaps: "They were all right there. First time in a long time...he's our center right now" #Gamecocks
— Spurs & Feathers (@SpursFeathers) September 9, 2014
As far as current Gamecocks being injured:
Spurrier said Shaq Roland did not practice Monday due to a slight ankle sprain.
— Teddy Heffner (@Teddy_Heffner) September 9, 2014
Spurrier said Gerald Dixon "44" missed practice with a cleat mark #Gamecocks
— Spurs & Feathers (@SpursFeathers) September 9, 2014
From the sounds of it, they both should be OK to go on Saturday without any major setbacks.
We also got HBC’s thoughts on the Ray Rice situation.
Steve Spurrier on domestic violence: "It’s amazing that America has sort of put up with it or compromised."
— Josh Kendall (@JoshTheAthletic) September 9, 2014
Spurrier says he dimissed 2 guys due to domestic violence. Says every team and corporation should have that rule. #Gamecocks
— Willie Smith (@willie_t_smith) September 9, 2014