Aside from Clemson?

Talking with a fellow fan here in the Lowcountry (they're hard to find in the midwest infested Hilton Head area) we've concluded it's Virginia. Kinda ironic our two biggest games could be against ACC foes.

But I really think Virginia could make us or break us. It could be the difference between a 6 or 7 win season.......and a 3 or 4 win season. Win that one, and our young players gain some confidence going into Athens. Even if we lose in Athens, if we go in 2-0, and play a respectable game (i.e......don't get blown out), you'd still have to feel pretty good about our chances of picking up four more wins somewhere along the way.

But man.....that SEC slate is tough. 'Course, if we're waiting on the schedule to get easier, it ain't happenin'. Next year AUBURN replaces LSU.......then in two years, Alabama returns to the schedule along with Auburn. I guarantee you, as is par for the course with us, by that time 'Bama will be back on track and rolling. Ouch.

I still can't believe you called that disaster last year. You clearly knew we were ALL in trouble. I agree, but I think the Georgia game is more critical - especially since they had such a great year.



<!--EDIT|raptorcox|Apr 28 2003, 10:58 AM-->

I think anyone who attended last year's NMSU game (as I did) KNEW we were in trouble. I don't think I made any great prediction in picking us to lose to UVA last season. I think most people felt we could lose that one.......they just didn't want to say it. People were still wishin' and hopin'..........in my experience when USC fans start wishin' and hopin' I know we're probably in a world of hurt.

I've never, ever, left Williams-Brice after a WIN feeling like I did last year after NMSU. I swear it felt like a loss to me........My hopes were just crushed, because it was readily apparent we were not ready to play.........what was REALLY discouraging was that the coaches on the sidelines looked as lost as the players.. ......THAT was the real tip off that something was amiss. Playcalling was horrendous and remained horrendous throughout the season......

Gal, I agree totally with your "wishin & hopin' comment, & I felt the same way leaving Charlottesville last year as you did leaving the NMSU game. The players weren't ready to play, & the coaches looked clueless. I told 1st & Goal in the U-Hall parking lot after the game how I felt the rest of the season would go, & that I didn't have much hope for '03.

As for your question. At this point I agree with you. It's UVA. They'll be a preseason top 20 team coming in with a lot of confidence. An upset over them would be huge, & could set the stage for a decent season irregardless of how we do vs UGA.

Yep. Don't get me wrong........I'm guilty of wishin' and hopin' myself. That's how it is when you're a Gamecock. But I just had this nagging feeling in my gut that was not good.

Honestly, the game against Louisiana-Lafayette will tell us something. If we come out struggle to a 3, 7 or 10 point win, we could be in for another long year.

I guess it's really going to depend on our quarterback situation.

I think the Louisiana-Lafayette game will be the determining factor for our season. They really aren't that bad of a team and could be a slap in the face if Lou and Crew take them lightly. Just my view on things.

On the SEC slate, I see two critical games for the Gamecocks:
1. Tennessee- important to beat for recruiting reasons.
2. Kentucky- Winner of this matchup gets at least a fourth place finish in the East.

U-LaLa is a game to determine the bark, but what kind of bite we have against UVa might determine our season. Last year some analysts thought UVa would be a top 15 team in 2003. However, the single thing about them was how they beat a decent WVU team in a bowl game.

We will need to manhandle U-LaLa in the first half, score 35+ pts and allow no more than 10 on defense(in the fourth qtr). If we do these things then we have a pretty good on the 1st half of the season.

DawgNBama Wrote:2. Kentucky- Winner of this matchup gets at least a fourth place finish in the East.

Disagree with Kentucky being a critical game - we have had our problems with them (still beat them though in Commonwealth last year) - New Coach, Pinner in the NFL - (along with UK's running game) and Kentucky is no longer a threat - I look for them to have a lackluster season (again) this year.

Va and UGA. Va is loaded and even though UGA lost a lot of players, they are always tough. If USC can win those two games, they will win a lot more than anybody is looking for them to win.

65tiger Wrote:Va and UGA. Va is loaded and even though UGA lost a lot of players, they are always tough. If USC can win those two games, they will win a lot more than anybody is looking for them to win.

Good luck vs. UVA and UGA. You will indeed need it.

I will be rooting USC on vs. the Mutts -- but I'll be with the Hoos on the UVA matchup. They're a program on the rise, and it's going to take some more ACC teams dishing out OOC arse whoopings before we get respect.

Virginia is the litmus test. They are a coming program. But if we can't beat them at home, then forget about beating either Tennessee or Georgia on the road. Then, you're talking at least three losses in September, and that would be a disaster.

Make no mistake, we must beat Virginia in Columbia.

That accomplished, we must beat Clemson this year in Columbia. If they beat us again this year, at home, and considering the fact that their program seems to be floundering a little, that means Lou is 1-4 against Tommy. That would completely undermine the credibility of the program.

So, to have a chance at an outstanding season, we must beat Virginia. To keep from absolutely wrecking the season and destroying the Holtz regime, we must beat Clemson.

King, it wouldn't be a total wreck if both teams were unbeaten going into that last game, would it?
I know that's not likely, but it's something I wish for every year.
Of course, I wish to win the lottery, too.



<!--EDIT|65tiger|Apr 28 2003, 11:02 PM-->

Excellent post Kang... I totally agree...

King Ward Wrote:Virginia is the litmus test. &nbsp;They are a coming program. &nbsp;But if we can't beat them at home, then forget about beating either Tennessee or Georgia on the road. &nbsp;Then, you're talking at least three losses in September, and that would be a disaster. &nbsp;

Make no mistake, we must beat Virginia in Columbia. &nbsp;

That accomplished, we must beat Clemson this year in Columbia. &nbsp;If they beat us again this year, at home, and considering the fact that their program seems to be floundering a little, that means Lou is 1-4 against Tommy. &nbsp;That would completely undermine the credibility of the program.

So, to have a chance at an outstanding season, we must beat Virginia. &nbsp;To keep from absolutely wrecking the season and destroying the Holtz regime, we must beat Clemson.

You are right on the money King. USC has to beat CU at home this year. Like you said, it's bad enough Lou is 1-3 vs. Tommy and the tiggers. If he goes to 1-4 against CU, it will be a huge setback for USC for years to come.

the most critical game for both USC and Clemson is the first game and then after that it will be the next game and the next.

We could lose to UVA, & still have a 6-6 season if one of those wins is Clemson at home. That was pretty much the same case in '02 as well.

With the other 2 OOC games and Vandy/UK I think that's 4 we can feel good about. I think we can muster up 1 more conf win, but it'll be tough as we replace a weak MSU at home with a tougher opponent in Ole Miss on the road.

A win vs UVA would be huge. A loss would make things very difficult.

KW hit the nail on the head as usual.

I still for the life of me don't understand why we scheduled Virginia. It's a lose-lose proposition with them because, while I totally agree that they are talented and tough, you still lose a lot of respect when you drop a game to an ACC club like the Cavs. And when you win, it's only what you were EXPECTED to do.

Still believe we'd've been better off scheduling a mid-tier team one from of the other major conferences.........California or Arizona from the Pac 10..........Minnesota or Indiana from the Big 10.........Kansas or Missouri or Oklahoma State from the Big 12.



<!--EDIT|Galactus|Apr 29 2003, 10:21 AM-->

OregonGamecock Wrote:I think the Louisiana-Lafayette game will be the determining factor for our season. They really aren't that bad of a team and could be a slap in the face if Lou and Crew take them lightly. Just my view on things.

I agree with Gal about the NMSU game last year...I posted almost exactly the same thoughts after the game last year...it really felt like we lost that game...

I believe that, like 2000 and 2001, we really need to take care of business the first game of the season by halftime. The game needs to be out of reach for LALA by then, or I see a repeat of :bang: last year...

IF we do this, then DEFINITELY we must beat UVA...there will be plenty of motivation for our guys, as much as just about any other game, so, if we lose this one...even a close one...it could put us in a tailspin.

Hopefully these boys have developed some character after last season, and Lou will be able to keep them focused on each game as it comes...And we'll get the taste of winning in our bloodstream again!!


:biggun: TOGGERS

Galactus Wrote:I still for the life of me don't understand why we scheduled Virginia. It's a lose-lose proposition with them because, while I totally agree that they are talented and tough, you still lose a lot of respect when you drop a game to an ACC club like the Cavs. And when you win, it's only what you were EXPECTED to do.

12 months ago I could see your point, but not now. I no longer consider it a lose-lose situation (never did anyway). Groh has UVA on an upswing, & we're no longer "expected" to beat them. IMO we'll be a firm underdog in this game, & winning will be an upset that would put a positive light on our team. Not merely something that we're expected to do. On the flip side, losing to them wouldn't be the embarrassment that you make it out to be.

Don't short sell the Cavs, or the ACC. Beating an "ACC club like the Cavs" will be a big boost for us as I'd have to say their program's ahead of ours.