South Carolina Football: 11 Biggest Villains in Gamecock History
By Jacob Elsey
THE TRIPLE OPTION
The triple option as we know it was created in the late 1960s in Texas. Coach Emory Bellard was a coordinator at the University of Texas when he installed the new-look wishbone offense, leading the Longhorns to a 30-game winning streak and two national titles.
The option has been a blessing over the years to many programs, but for the Gamecocks, it’s been a nightmare.
It’s reared its ugly head decade after decade, starting with the Gamecocks’ 1984 Black Magic season. South Carolina was undefeated, ranked No. 2 in the polls, when the Naval Academy came to Columbia. The Gamecocks were coming off a huge win over Florida State the week prior, and may have been looking ahead to a season-ending matchup with Clemson.
Navy’s triple option offense would put up 38 points on the Gamecock defense, leading to the first and only loss of the regular season. Rather than playing for an opportunity at a national title, the Gamecocks would lose 21-14 in the Gator Bowl to Oklahoma State.
A few years later, the Gamecocks would lose to The Citadel, who also put up 38 points against South Carolina’s defense in the ’90 season. Not to be outdone, 25 years later, Carolina would lose again to the Bulldogs in Steve Spurrier’s final season, 23-22.
Even in wins with some of its best teams of the 21st century, South Carolina has struggled with teams like Wofford and Navy. Speaking of Wofford, the Gamecocks will take on the Terriers in the ’20 season. Let’s hope that history doesn’t repeat itself.