Catch up on the day's buzz about the Gamecocks! In today's edition: men's basketball on the road at St. John's tonight; women's basketball earns overtime victory over Drexel; post-season accolades pouring in for Clowney; equestrian ranked No. 1 at mid-season; Facebook Fan of the Week; golfer NeSmith makes history; vote for Cocky in the Capital One Mascot Challenge; and more! 

GAMECOCKSONLINE.COM NEWS

Men's Basketball. Gamecocks Travel To St. John's For SEC/BIG EAST Challenge

Football. Clowney Named Hendricks Award Finalist

Football. Clowney Named to AFCA All-America Team

Women's Basketball. Gamecocks Battle Back for OT Win Over Drexel

Women's Basketball. Gamecock Spotlight: Tina Roy

Men's Golf. NeSmith Named Rolex Player of the Year

Volleyball. Gamecocks Bring Aboard Three for 2013

Swimming & Diving. Gamecocks Ranked No. 13 In Endless Pools Top 25 

Equestrian. Gamecocks Remain No. 1 in Final Coaches Poll of Fall Semester

VOTE FOR COCKY

Undefeated Cocky is in the playoffs! For the first round he's facing off again with Michigan State's Sparty. Vote for Cocky daily in the Capital One Mascot Challenge! Go to http://www.capitalonebowl.com/vote or use the #CapitalOneCocky hashtag on Twitter to cast your vote.

GAMECOCKS AROUND THE WEB 

Football/Men's Basketball: USC's Ellington returns to basketball (GreenvilleOnline.com)

Football: Clowney, Boyd make AFCA's Coaches All-America team (HeraldOnline.com)

FROM THE OTHER SIDE

Football: Georgia's D' confident heading into Atlanta (ESPN College Football Nation Blog)

GAMECOCKS IN THE PROS

Football: Notebook: Shoulder injury won't force Jasper Brinkley to sit out (1500 ESPN - Twin Cities)                                *Jasper Brinkley

Keep up with updates on Gamecocks in the NFL here.

Catch up on the day's buzz about the Gamecocks! In today's edition: Clowney earns first of likely many post-season honors; women's basketball ranked No. 24 entering tonight's game; volleyball's Thevenin earns SEC honors; Bruce Ellington update from Coach Martin; Facebook Fan of the Week; golfer NeSmith makes history; vote for Cocky in the Capital One Mascot Challenge; and more! 

GAMECOCKSONLINE.COM NEWS

Football. Clowney Named to AFCA All-America Team

Women's Basketball. No. 24 Gamecocks Host Drexel Wednesday Night

Men's Basketball. Gamecocks Travel To St. John's For SEC/BIG EAST Challenge

Men's Golf. NeSmith Named Rolex Player of the Year

Men's Tennis. Goffi Inks Top-Rated Signees for 2013-14

Volleyball. Gamecocks Bring Aboard Three for 2013

Volleyball. Juliette Thevenin Earns Second-Team All-SEC Nod

Volleyball. Paige Wheeler Takes SEC Volleyball Community Service Team Spot

Swimming & Diving. Gamecocks Ranked No. 13 In Endless Pools Top 25 

Equestrian. Gamecocks Remain No. 1 in Final Coaches Poll of Fall Semester

Undefeated Cocky is in the playoffs! For the first round he's facing off again with Michigan State's Sparty. Vote for Cocky daily in the Capital One Mascot Challenge! Go to http://www.capitalonebowl.com/vote or use the #CapitalOneCocky hashtag on Twitter to cast your vote.

GAMECOCKS AROUND THE WEB 

Football: Thompson's run personifies Gamecocks' Golden Age of football (Anderson Independent Mail)

Football: SEC players of the week (ESPN SEC Blog)

Football: Gamecocks Numbers Of The Season (ABCColumbia.com)

Football/Men's Basketball: WR Ellington working out with SC basketball team (MyrtleBeachOnline.com)

FROM THE OTHER SIDE

Women's Basketball: Women's Basketball Heads to South Carolina (DrexelDragons.com)

GAMECOCKS IN THE PROS

Football: Falcons' Robinson plays on the edge (Fox Sports Tennessee)
*Dunta Robinson

Keep up with updates on Gamecocks in the NFL here.

Check out this week's Facebook Fan of the Week winner! Sophia Morago is from Columbia, S.C. and she attended her first Carolina game for her 3rd birthday! The photo below shows her excitement as "Sandstorm" began to play in Williams-Brice. It was amazing for her family to experience the excitement of the game through her eyes!

Sophia's mother, Victoria, who uploaded her photo for Facebook Fan of the Week, is a USC alumna and proud mom to Sophia. Although Sophia has only experienced one game so far, we are sure it will not be her last!

Catch up on the day's buzz about the Gamecocks! In today's edition: football wins 4 in a row over state rival Clemson; Spurrier has most wins in South Carolina history; men's and women's basketball have winning weekend; former Gamecocks making plays in the NFL; volleyball finishes season with a win against Arkansas; updates on the new softball stadium; vote for Cocky in the Capital One Mascot Challenge; and more! 

GAMECOCKSONLINE.COM NEWS

Football. Clowney Honored by SEC

Football. State Champs! Football Earns 27-17 Win Over Clemson

Football. Gamecocks Rise in Polls

Men's Basketball. Gamecocks Claim Hoops For Hope Classic Title With 74-62 Win Over UALR

Women's Basketball. Welch's Double-Double Leads Gamecocks Past FGCU, 65-46

Women's Basketball. Gamecocks Win Reef Division of Paradise Jam

Volleyball. Juliette Thévenin Earns Second-Team All-SEC Nod

Volleyball. Gamecocks Outlast Arkansas in Five Sets to Close 2012

Undefeated Cocky is in the playoffs! For the first round he's facing off again with Michigan State's Sparty. Vote for Cocky daily in the Capital One Mascot Challenge! Go to http://www.capitalonebowl.com/vote or use the #CapitalOneCocky hashtag on Twitter to cast your vote.

GAMECOCKS AROUND THE WEB 

Football: Defense has been key in helping Gamecocks turn tide against Tigers (SCNow.com)

Football: S. Carolina Gamecocks maintain hold on rival Clemson Tiger (The Charlotte Observer)

Football: Steve Spurrier beats Clemson, becomes S. Carolina's winningest coach (ESPN SEC Blog)

Football: Gamecocks set records in win over rival (GreenvilleOnline.com)

Men's Basketball: Martin, Gamecocks looking to improve in Mexico (Anderson Independent Mail)

FROM THE OTHER SIDE

Football: Tigers fail to find traction (The State)

GAMECOCKS IN THE PROS

Football: Defensive playmakers step forward (BuffaloBills.com)
*Stephon Gilmore

Football: A Captain By Name, Panthers' Munnerlyn Wants To Lead By Example (CBS Sports Charlotte)
*Captain Munnerlyn

Keep up with updates on Gamecocks in the NFL here.

The stakes have gotten higher, and the obsessing has started a little earlier, for this year's edition of Carolina vs. Clemson (7:00 p.m. EST, Gamecock IMG Sports Network).  Can you blame anyone?  Never in the 110-game history of the series have the teams met with more combined wins.  Never before could a BCS bowl go to the winner, and a BCS brush-off go to the loser.  The game features one of its sharpest contrasts of styles ever, with Clemson's jaw-dropping offense squaring off against Carolina's jaw-breaking, SEC-tested defense.  Neither team has faced an opponent quite like the other.  And because of that, never has the outcome felt like such a complete, utter mystery.  It makes for one compelling, combustible showdown at Death Valley Saturday night.

More notes as we dive into our prep for Clemson:

Run Kenny Run:  Kenny Miles plays each game with one number in mind. 

"I always say to myself, 'You only have 50 [yards],'" Miles told me. 

He explained the psychology behind it.  "If you keep telling yourself you're having a good game, then you'll lose focus.  But if you keep telling yourself you only have 50, you'll keep playing hard.  You've got to keep finishing your runs.  You'll keep grinding for those yards, and you'll wind up having a pretty good game," he said.

Miles has had a few of those against his in-state rival.  As a freshman, Miles rampaged for 114 yards against Clemson, a career high that stood until last week.  Last year, he posted a season-high 71 rushing yards.  With Connor Shaw nursing a sore foot, Miles' productivity could be magnified.

Keep Your Powder Dry:  The talk this week has revolved - rightfully so - around Clemson's deadly, dizzying up-tempo offense.  Led by running back Andre Ellington, quicksilver receivers Sammy Watkins and DeAndre Hopkins, and quarterback Tajh Boyd, the Tigers are averaging 536 yards of offense, the sixth-highest total in the country.  The Tigers' tempo (82.1 plays per game, 3rd nation) makes it difficult, if not impossible, for defenses to make substitutions and checks.

The Gamecocks haven't faced a team that plays at such warp speed, but here's a lesser-known fact:  they have faced a team with similar explosiveness.  Clemson averages 6.52 yards per play, the second-highest average among South Carolina's opponents.  The only team that rips off more yards per play?  Georgia (7.00). 

The Gamecocks smothered the Bulldogs in their October 6 meeting, holding them to an average of 3.3 yards per play.  South Carolina set the edges, denied cutback lanes, and affected quarterback Aaron Murray with pressure from their "rabbit"package.  A similar recipe may be required Saturday.

Incidentally, Boyd ranks second in the nation in passing efficiency behind - you guessed it - Aaron Murray.  The Gamecocks forced Murray into career lows in completions and passing yards.   

Poised to Strike?  South Carolina just finished off its first perfect home record since 1987, but on the road, the Gamecocks have been plagued by curiously slow starts.  In four road games, Carolina has been outscored 51-20 in the first half, and its 255.5 yards per game ranks 119th in the nation, placing them in the company of such lightweights as 3-8 Auburn, 2-9 Tulane, 1-9 Hawaii, and 1-10 Idaho.

The perils of a slow start on the road are well-documented.  Perhaps this stat will offer encouragement.  Look at where Clemson ranks in total defense against FBS winning teams, and the company they keep:

ESPN

South Carolina Men's Basketball has announced three signees, Desmond Ringer, Justin McKie and Sindarius Thornwell. Head Coach Frank Martin shared his thoughts on them:

Martin on Desmond Ringer (F/C - 6-9 - 260 - McDonough, Ga. - Eagle's Landing) "Desmond Ringer gives us size, strength, athleticism and skill on the front line.  He comes from a very successful high school program, and we're excited to have him be part of our family.  He is a guy that understands how to play, and he has great size and real good hands.  Desmond is someone that we feel will become a big-time presence on the front line for many years to come."

Martin on Justin McKie (G - 6-4 - 180 - Columbia, S.C. - Irmo) "With his name alone, it should give people an understanding of the kind of bloodlines that he has.  Justin loves to win, and he is coached by Tim Whipple, one of the great coaches in the country, not just in high school basketball or in this state.  In my seven months here, Justin has improved as much as any player that I have watched.  We really like his toughness, his ability to play defense in a system that is similar to ours and his length and size on the perimeter.  He is someone that, as we move forward, we think he is definitely a great part of building a championship program."

Martin on Sindarius Thornwell (G - 6-5 - 180 - Lancaster, S.C. - Oak Hill Academy) "Sindarius Thornwell is an extremely talented guard, and he is a winner.  In today's day and age, you have players that are highly ranked across the country that have a sense of entitlement, and he does not.  He remains very humble and very loyal to his state.  With his choice to play at South Carolina, it shows the kind of love that he, along with the other guys, have for this University.  For he and Justin, representing their state was something very important to them.  Sindarius has a chance to be a special player in our program.  He is another big guard, who can play the point guard position, as well as the two and three.  He is the consummate winner; he defends, he rebounds and he is a great decision maker with the basketball." 

Full release on the entire signing class will be coming soon on GamecocksOnline.com!

Catch up on the day's buzz about the Gamecocks! In today's edition: Clowney named finalist for Bednarik Award; men's basketball defeats Rider; Michael Flach and Juliette Thevenin earn honors; women's basketball Tiffany Mitchell earns SEC honor; soccer teams honored for academics; check out the home events for Thanksgiving/Clemson week; vote for Cocky in the Capital One Mascot Challenge; and more! 

GAMECOCKSONLINE.COM NEWS

Football. Steve Spurrier Tuesday Press Conference Quotes

Football. Clowney Named Finalist for 2012 Bednarik Award

Football. Gamecocks Slip In Polls Despite Win

Swimming & Diving/Volleyball. Michael Flach, Juliette Thevenin Named Co-AgSouth Athletes of the Week

Men's Basketball. Gamecocks Get Past Rider 88-76

Women's Basketball. Tiffany Mitchell Named SEC Freshman of the Week

We're Cocky for a reason! He's 11-0 after defeating Nevada's Wolfie Jr. This is the final week of the 'regular season' and he's facing off with Michigan State's Sparty. Vote for Cocky daily in the Capital One Mascot Challenge! Go to http://www.capitalonebowl.com/vote or use the #CapitalOneCocky hashtag on Twitter to cast your vote.

GAMECOCKS AROUND THE WEB 

Football: Hobbled USC could lean on Miles (GreenvilleOnline.com)

Football: SEC power rankings (Dallas Morning News Blog)

Football: Clemson-Carolina game to be 'green-powered' (TheTandD.com)

FROM THE OTHER SIDE

Football: Clemson University roasts rooster, lays him to rest 

Football: Clemson offense looks to flaunt improvement in rivalry game (GreenvilleOnline.com)

GAMECOCKS IN THE PROS

Football: Bears WR Alshon Jeffery says his knee is fine (Chicago Sun-Times)                                                      *Alshon Jeffery      

Football: 34th Chargers Blood Drive (San Diego 6)        *Melvin Ingram                                                             

Keep up with updates on Gamecocks in the NFL here.

Catch up on the day's buzz about the Gamecocks! In today's edition: football undefeated at home after win over Wofford; men's basketball takes on Rider tonight; swimming and diving finished second at Virginia Tech; women's basketball claims in-state rivalry win over Clemson; seniors honored before football game; former Gamecocks making key plays in NFL; vote for Cocky in the Capital One Mascot Challenge; and more! 

GAMECOCKSONLINE.COM NEWS

Football. Gamecocks Slip In Polls Despite Win

Football. Clowney Named Finalist for 2012 Rotary Lombardi Award

Women's Basketball. Tiffany Mitchell Named SEC Freshman of the Week

Women's Basketball. Gamecocks Shoot Past Lady Tigers

Equestrian. Gamecocks Rally Late but Drop Saturday's Meet at No. 8 Baylor, 9-8

Equestrian. Top-Ranked Equestrian Edged by No. 10 SMU, 5-4, on Sunday

Men's Basketball. South Carolina Gets 87-71 Win Over Morgan State

Men's Basketball. Gamecocks Host Rider On Monday In Hoops For Hope Classic Contest

Swimming & Diving. Gamecocks Close Out Strong Week At Virginia Tech Invitational

Volleyball. Gamecocks Fall in Three at No. 16 Florida 

Academics. Gamecock Soccer Teams Among Nation's Brightest

We're Cocky for a reason! He's 11-0 after defeating Nevada's Wolfie Jr. This is the final week of the 'regular season' and he's facing off with Michigan State's Sparty. Vote for Cocky daily in the Capital One Mascot Challenge! Go to http://www.capitalonebowl.com/vote or use the #CapitalOneCocky hashtag on Twitter to cast your vote.

GAMECOCKS AROUND THE WEB 

Football: Gamecocks pull away in fourth quarter (ESPN SEC Blog)

Football: USC looks to get healthy before game vs. Clemson (GoUpstate.com)

Football: Health of Shaw, Clowney a concern for Gamecocks (GreenvilleOnline.com)

Football: Five key plays (The Times and Democrat)

Football: USC's Shaw battles same foot injury (Anderson Independent Mail)

FROM THE OTHER SIDE

Swimming & Diving: H2Okies close out the H2Okie Fall Invitational in first place (HokieSports.com)

GAMECOCKS IN THE PROS

Football: Gilmore brings stability to Bills' secondary (The Buffalo News)
*Stephon Gilmore

Keep up with updates on Gamecocks in the NFL here.

Check out this week's Facebook Fan of the Week winner! Grace Turner from Winston-Salem, NC is the biggest 1.5 year old Gamecock fan there is! Since the day she was born she has been a Gamecock fan; especially since her grandparents and Uncle Jordan are USC alumni!

Grace pushes her stuffed Cocky mascot around in her stroller instead of baby dolls, what other little girl does that? Unfortunately Grace broke her little arm and was in a cast for a few weeks. Instead of being sad, she was glad to be able to wear her Gamecock dress and cheer on the team in spite of her injury!

Catch up on the day's buzz about the Gamecocks! In today's edition: Carolina football continues prep for final home game against Wofford; lots of new Gamecocks to welcome to the family after signing day; men's basketball host home game against Morgan State tonight; No. 1 equestrian team heads west; New Farmers Market gets recognition; vote for Cocky in the Capital One Mascot Challenge; and more!

GAMECOCKSONLINE.COM NEWS

Football: Football Hosts Wofford on Saturday Afternoon

Football. Carolina Practices Thursday Afternoon

Equestrian. Top-Ranked Gamecocks Head West for Texas Road Trip

Men's Basketball. Men's Hoops Set To Host Morgan State Friday

Men's Golf. Gamecock Men's Golf Signs Dietrich, Fowler

Swimming & Diving. Flach Leads Gamecocks In Day One Prelims at Virginia Tech Invite

Swimming & Diving. Gamecocks Swim Fast On Day One At Virginia Tech Invite

Women's Basketball. Alaina Coates Signs with Gamecocks

Women's Basketball. South Carolina defeats Savannah State 78-47

Women's Tennis. Epley Signs Dailey, Folland to National Letters of Intent

General News. Athletics Department Recognized for Farmers Market Site Renovation

Cocky is still on top! He's 10-0 after defeating Maryland's Testudo. This week he is taking on Wolfie Jr. from Nevada. Vote for Cocky daily in the Capital One Mascot Challenge! Go to http://www.capitalonebowl.com/vote or use the #CapitalOneCocky hashtag on Twitter to cast your vote.

GAMECOCKS AROUND THE WEB 

Football: South Carolina Gamecocks Can Use This Weekend To Give Backups Crucial Minutes (Sports Illustrated)

Football: Darius Rucker Goes Back To College, Shows He's One Game Gamecock (Rolling Stone)

Football: Ranking the SEC's quarterbacks (ESPN SEC Blog)

Football: Making history is fun for Steve Spurrier (Anderson Independent Mail)

FROM THE OTHER SIDE

Football: Wofford assistant coach Brown III faces alma mater (GoUpstate.com)

GAMECOCKS IN THE PROS

Keep up with updates on Gamecocks in the NFL here.

*Times approximate

"Devin has had a really good career for us," said defensive line coach Brad Lawing.  He is a real intelligent person, understands the game, and makes very few mistakes - kind of how he leads - by example." 
     Lawing noted that Taylor consistently works with younger players on the team to help them improve.  Always there with an ear to listen, or a few words to say, he is an example of one of many student-athletes that has grown into being a top-tier SEC player.
     "(Younger players) look up to him because he has played so much football here and had success," added Lawing. 
     Devin Taylor has helped contribute to many firsts and in South Carolina football history.
     The redshirt senior from Beaufort made an impact right away in his first game in Raleigh, N.C. Coach Lawing remembers the 2009 victory at N.C. State and how Taylor's consistent surges from defensive end caused havoc on the Wolfpack offense and starting quarterback Russell Wilson, who currently now is in the NFL with the Seattle Seahawks.
     "He started the game and caused a fumble on his very first play," noted Lawing.  "We recovered that fumble and scored on that series and won 7-3."

We also look back on November 17, 2001, and the Gamecocks' 20-15 victory over Clemson for the "On This Date" feature written by Assistant Media Relations Director Andrew Kitick.


























Be sure to pick up the program on Saturday at the game vs. Wofford presented by Kangaroo Express and Safe Federal Credit Union. 

Thank you to the Media Relations staff for their hard work on the program and their help with this post!

Catch up on the day's buzz about the Gamecocks! In today's edition: Carolina football continues prep for final home game; divers honored; updates from hoops; equestrian ranked No. 1; more info on our military honorees this Saturday; vote for Cocky in the Capital One Mascot Challenge; and more!

GAMECOCKSONLINE.COM NEWS

Football. Carolina Prepares for Wofford

Football. Steve Spurrier Tuesday Press Conference Quotes & Videos

Women's Basketball. Gamecocks Host Savannah State Thursday Night

Men's Basketball. Frank Martin Wednesday Press Conference Quotes

Gamecock Club. Gamecock Club Staff Additions and Changes Announced

Equestrian. Gamecock Equestrian Ranked No. 1 in Latest Coaches Poll

Swimming & Diving. Gamecocks Set To Conclude Fall Season at Virginia Tech Invite

Swimming & Diving. Kranz, Miller Named SEC Divers Of The Week

Cocky is still on top! He's 10-0 after defeating Maryland's Testudo. This week he is taking on Wolfie Jr. from Nevada. Vote for Cocky daily in the Capital One Mascot Challenge! Go to http://www.capitalonebowl.com/vote or use the #CapitalOneCocky hashtag on Twitter to cast your vote.

GAMECOCKS AROUND THE WEB 

FROM THE OTHER SIDE

Football: Hogs Fall, Texas A&M Earns Upset of the Year (UATrav.com)

GAMECOCKS IN THE PROS

Keep up with updates on Gamecocks in the NFL here.

COCK-A-DOODLE TWEET

Cornerback Akeem Auguste admits, with unbridled enthusiasm, to a love of the TV show "Law & Order."

Exactly what kind of "senior" does that make him, anyway?

Auguste, along with a host of others, will celebrate their Senior Day Saturday as South Carolina faces Wofford at Williams-Brice Stadium.  The Gamecocks and Terriers (8-2, 6-2 SoCon) will meet for the first time since September 20, 2008, when Auguste - then a callow freshman - recorded one solo tackle in a 23-13 win. 

All the patience and discipline that Auguste has developed over the last five years will come in handy against a Wofford team that rarely beats itself.  At his Tuesday press conference, Steve Spurrier called the Terriers "the most fundamentally sound team we've played all year."  Talent alone won't overwhelm Wofford.  Executing and playing assignment football will.  Spurrier hopes his seasoned, savvy veterans will pave the way. 

Other notes as we dive into our chart prep for the Terriers (1:00 p.m. EST, Gamecock IMG Sports Network):

"Breit" Spot:  In an age where spread offenses and finesse passing games have overtaken college football, Wofford offers a lethal, low-fi alternative. 

The Terriers rank 2nd in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) in rushing, using a wingbone attack to average 357 rushing yards per game.  Unlike the triple-option that the Gamecocks saw from Navy or The Citadel, Wofford's offense utilizes more shotgun formations, with the main plays being a fullback dive; a quarterback keeper; an option pitch; or a play-action pass.

Wofford fullback Eric Breitenstein (left) has rushed for more than 5,000 yards in his career.

The centerpiece of Wofford's ground game is 5'11," 225-pound senior fullback Eric Breitenstein (152.8 ypg, 3rd FCS).  Breitenstein grew up in Valle Crucis, N.C., a tiny town tucked in the western North Carolina mountains, and his running style is, predictably, downhill.  He rushed for a SoCon-record 321 rushing yards against Elon in October, and last week he broke Wofford's career rushing record with 5,223. 

After looking through the charts, I also found one of the more impressive numbers from a Gamecock opponent this season.  Of Breitenstein's 216 carries, only 5 have gone for negative yards.

Eric Breitenstein - 2012

Rushing Attempts                  216                         Rushing Yards                       1535

Negative Rushes                   5                              Loss Yards                              7

Like Marcus Lattimore, Breitenstein's running game is a pastiche of power, balance, quick feet, and rarely going down on first contact.  He'll be an intriguing matchup for a Gamecock defense that ranks 15th in the nation in tackles for loss (74.0).  Can the Gamecocks' duo of Byron Jerideau and Kelcy Quarles push back on Breitenstein's bruising style? 

And Another Thing:  Wofford averages 6.4 yards per carry.  South Carolina ranks 7th in the nation in rush defense at home, allowing a penurious 2.6 yards per carry.

Wofford Offense vs. South Carolina Defense

Wofford Yds./Carry                                                                             6.4                         

South Carolina Yds./Carry Defense   (Home Games)               2.6  (#7 NCAA)

"De-Shaw Vu":  Wofford has some experience facing a Shaw at quarterback.  In 2010 and 2011, Wofford went 1-2 against a Georgia Southern team quarterbacked by Jaybo Shaw, the older brother of Gamecock junior Connor Shaw. 

The elder Shaw played at Georgia Tech for two seasons before following assistant Jeff Monken to GSU, where he had taken over as head coach.  Running a triple-option offense for the Eagles, Shaw only completed 42% of his passes against the Terriers (16 of 38), but rushed for four touchdowns. 

"Third"-Stringer:  Wofford starting quarterback Brian Kass is a third-generation college signal-caller.  His grandfather played quarterback for Hofstra, and his Dad played at Wake Forest before transferring to New Hampshire.  Kass' brother, Rob, played four seasons at East Carolina, finishing his career in 2009.  A hip pointer has limited Kass the last two games, which could cause former Pickens HS standout James Lawson to see extended reps.  Redshirt freshman Michael Reimer, a 6'5" graduate of Chapin HS, could also factor into the rotation.

Join us Friday for our final "Pre-Snap Reads" before the Gamecocks and Terriers get together.   -AD--

Catch up on the day's buzz about the Gamecocks! In today's edition: quotes and videos from the weekly football press conference; women's basketball defeats LA Tech; new closed caption ribbon board installed in Williams-Brice; check out this week's home events; vote for Cocky in the Capital One Mascot Challenge; and more!

GAMECOCKSONLINE.COM NEWS

Football. Steve Spurrier Tuesday Press Conference Quotes & Videos

Football. Carolina - Clemson to Kick at 7 p.m.

Football. Gamecocks Ninth in BCS Standings

Women's Basketball. Gamecocks Pound Past LA Tech

Men's Basketball. Michael Carrera Named SEC Freshman Of The Week

Cross Country. Lampe Garners USTFCCCA All-Region Honors

Cocky is still on top! He's 10-0 after defeating Maryland's Testudo. This week he is taking on Wolfie Jr. from Nevada. Vote for Cocky daily in the Capital One Mascot Challenge! Go to http://www.capitalonebowl.com/vote or use the #CapitalOneCocky hashtag on Twitter to cast your vote.

GAMECOCKS AROUND THE WEB 

Football: Wofford will get full attention of Spurrier, Carolina (TheTandD.com)

Football: Week 12 in the SEC (ESPN SEC Blog)

Football: Lattimore to fans: 'I appreciate all of your support' (FOX Carolina 21)

Football: College Football Power Rankings - Week 11 (ESPN - College Football)

Men's Basketball: Something learned from game one: USC hoops won't be boring (Anderson Independent Mail)

FROM THE OTHER SIDE

Football: Ayers worried as Wofford awaits FCS playoff pairings (Spartanburg Herald Journal)

Women's Basketball: Gamecocks rule paint to beat Lady Techsters (Monroe News Star)

GAMECOCKS IN THE PROS

Football: Atlanta Falcons: 'Not worried' about issues after first loss (Atlanta Journal Constitution Blog)
*Dunta Robinson quoted

Football: Titans Report Card: A's all around after top effort of the season (CBSSport.com Blog)                                                                                                  *Jared Cook                                                                                                         

Keep up with updates on Gamecocks in the NFL here.

COCK-A-DOODLE TWEET

In last night's Monday Night Football game, former Gamecock and Chiefs' kicker Ryan Succop hit a 46-yard field goal during the final play of regulation to tie the Steelers and head to overtime. The play caused lots excitement amongst Gamecocks fans, especially on Twitter!

Catch up on the day's buzz about the Gamecocks! In today's edition: Gamecocks defeat Arkansas in final SEC match-up; Swearinger earns several player of the week honors; Men's basketball wins season opener; swimming and diving sweeps dual meet; Q&A with Kenny Miles; volleyball guaranteed at least a .500 season; vote for Cocky in the Capital One Mascot Challenge; and more!

GAMECOCKSONLINE.COM NEWS

Football. Carolina - Clemson to Kick at 7 p.m.

Football. Swearinger Named SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Week

Football. Gamecocks Roll Past Arkansas, 38-20

Football. Gamecocks Ninth in BCS Standings

Men's Basketball. Michael Carrera Named SEC Freshman Of The Week

Men's Basketball. Gamecocks Claim 82-75 Overtime Win Over Milwaukee In Season Opener

Women's Basketball. South Carolina defeats Elon 77-44

Women's Basketball. Women's Basketball Hits the Road for LA Tech
*Follow the women's basketball team on twitter @GamecockWBB

Swimming & Diving. Gamecock Swimming & Diving Sweeps College of Charleston

Track & Field. 2002 Women's Track and Field NCAA Champions Reunite

Volleyball. Gamecocks Drop Contest to Tennessee in Three Sets

Volleyball. Gamecocks Sweep Mississippi State to Guarantee .500 Season

Cocky is still on top! He's 10-0 after defeating Maryland's Testudo. This week he is taking on Wolfie Jr. from Nevada. Vote for Cocky daily in the Capital One Mascot Challenge! Go to http://www.capitalonebowl.com/vote or use the #CapitalOneCocky hashtag on Twitter to cast your vote.

GAMECOCKS AROUND THE WEB 

Football: South Carolina's Clowney keeps disrupting offenses (Associated Press)

Football: USC on verge of historic accomplishments (GreenvilleOnline.com)

Football: South Carolina wins first game without Lattimore (Yahoo! Sports)

Football: SEC helmet stickers: Week 11 (ESPN SEC Blog)

Men's Basketball: South Carolina rallies in overtime to begin the Frank Martin era (Anderson Independent Mail)

FROM THE OTHER SIDE

Football: Razorbacks fall to Gamecocks in Columbia (KATV.com)

GAMECOCKS IN THE PROS

Football: Seahawks put hammer down (Winnipeg Free Press)
*Sidney Rice

Keep up with updates on Gamecocks in the NFL here.

FAN PHOTO OF THE DAY

Check out this week's Facebook Fan of the Week winner! From Darlington, South Carolina, Teniele Blackwell says there is nothing more perfect than a Gamecock football day at The Blackwells!

"There is nothing more perfect than a Gamecock football day at The Blackwells! It's priceless to hear Shelly (4 years old) screaming, "Move the chain!!"....she is definitely her daddy's girl! She cheers by day and MUST sleep at night in her #21 jersey. Laney (15mo) loves to dance around the den with all the Gamecock craziness around her. Reed and I are expecting our third baby girl in February and although we may not have a future Carolina football player, we very well may have a few cheerleaders headed to Columbia!!"

Want to be the next Facebook Fan of the Week? Sign up on the Fan of the Week tab on our Facebook page, upload your photo and story, then share and get your friends to vote! Winners are selected each Friday and featured here on our Spurs Up Blog!

The monkey - or more specifically, the Hog - is off the Gamecocks' back.

After three straight exasperating losses to Arkansas, South Carolina (8-2, 6-2 SEC) snapped its losing streak to the Razorbacks with a crisp, turnabout-is-fair-play, 38-20 win at Williams-Brice Stadium.  The win also assured South Carolina its second straight 6-win SEC season.

The Gamecocks bookended their bye week with identical 38-point showings.  Unlike the Tennessee game, this finish had far less drama.  And given the misery the Razorbacks had inflicted on the Gamecocks, it had far more satisfaction, too. 

 "Notes, Quotes, and Anecdotes" on a happy Homecoming at Williams-Brice:

Inside The Interception:  D.J. Swearinger thrives off emotion.  His teammates feed off it.  It's an inextricable part of his football DNA, and a big reason why he has become of the most tenacious hitters in the SEC. 

Yet after incurring a personal foul penalty for a hit above the shoulders on wide receiver Javontee Herndon in the third quarter, the senior didn't let his temper spill out. 

"When they threw the flag, I didn't even think about it at all.  I got ready for the next play.  I didn't get mad at all," Swearinger told me afterwards.  It was a more muted reaction, he admitted, than the one he had after his personal foul against UAB, which landed him a one-game suspension.

The cooler head prevailed one play later.  With Arkansas facing a 1st-and-10 from the Gamecock 36 yard-line, Swearinger picked up a Tyler Wilson pass and romped 69 yards for a touchdown, extending South Carolina's lead to 30-10.  Amazingly, the Gamecocks have scored a defensive touchdown in three straight games against Wilson, a likely first-round NFL draft pick next April.

I asked Swearinger how he sniffed out the interception.  He said he picked up a pattern as the Razorbacks broke their huddle.

"'11' [Cobi Hamilton] being in there in the slot, the coaches helped us - and I watched it on film - that he's only going to run two routes, an out route or a curl route.  He ran the out route.  I was just sitting in the zone, and I read the quarterback's eyes and broke on the ball," Swearinger said. 

The interception - which accompanied a career-high 13 tackles for Swearinger - deflated Arkansas' hopes for good.

Dog-Eat-Dog World:  Bruce Ellington sported an ice wrap on his left hand after the game, a precautionary measure for an old dog-chasing injury.

You read that right.

During his senior year of high school in Moncks Corner, S.C., Ellington, his friend, and his cousin were hanging around outside one night when a dog - a pit bull, he believes - began chasing them.

"I was running, and I jumped over a porch.  It was dark, so I couldn't see.  I just heard him coming toward us," Ellington said, his breakaway speed apparently not limited to opposing cornerbacks.

Ellington escaped the predatory pit bull, but he popped a tendon in his pinky finger on the jump.  The injury eventually required surgery.  Ellington said he landed on the hand after a catch, giving him some lingering, non-serious soreness.

It wouldn't surprise anyone if Ellington needed the ice to cool off his hot hands.  With 5 catches for 104 yards, the sophomore broke his career high of 101 receiving yards set in the last game against Tennessee.

Quote of the Night:  "I appreciate him for that."

- Swearinger on Gamecocks kicker Adam Yates.  After Swearinger's unsportsmanlike conduct penalty backed the Gamecocks to the 20-yard line on the ensuing kickoff, Yates drilled his kick to the Arkansas 1.

Running For Miles:  In his first game subbing for an injured Marcus Lattimore, Kenny Miles rushed for 37 yards and added another 44 yards receiving.  But according to quarterback Connor Shaw, the senior's best move came on Shaw's 10-yard touchdown dash late in the second quarter. 

On film, the Gamecocks noticed that Arkansas blitzed heavily from the wide (field) side.  Under ordinary circumstances, the Gamecocks would call a running play away from the blitz.  On this occasion, though, Arkansas steamed from the short (boundary) side, where the Gamecocks' keeper was designed.

Kenny Miles rushed for 37 yards, but his key block led to a Connor Shaw touchdown in the 2nd quarter.

"Kenny had the 'first come,'" Shaw told me.  "Kenny picked up the first [blitzer, linebacker A.J. Turner].  There was another guy free, and I just had to make him miss.  It was a great block," he told me.

Lattimore has long been praised for his blocking ability.  Miles paid him proper homage, helping Carolina stretch its lead to 21-10 before halftime.

In Fairness:  On Friday's "Inside The Chart," we lauded Tyler Wilson's ability to stand firm, and deliver throws while taking a hit.  His touchdown strike to Keon Hatcher as Jadeveon Clowney leveled him was as impressive a throw by any opposing quarterback this season.

First Things First:  In its last four games, Arkansas outscored opponents 55-0 in the first quarter.  Freshman Jerell Adams snapped that streak with his 29-yard touchdown grab.

And Finally...  With 38 more points Saturday, the Gamecocks continue to test the limits of the BeastBoard's circuitry.  Carolina now needs 32 points to break the 1995 school record for points scored at home in a season.  That '95 team - helped generously by a 77-14 thrashing of Kent State - scored 271 points.  The Gamecocks enter their home finale against Wofford with 239 points.  

Most Points at Home  - School History

1.        1995  (271 points)

2.        2012  (239 points)

On that note, join us next week as we begin our chart prep for the Terriers.  Thanks for diving "Inside The Chart" with us.  -AD--

Kenny Miles was described by his teammate DeVonte Holloman as "just a good dude" and "the ultimate team player" by head coach Steve Spurrier during this week's football press conference. Many have made note of his decision to stay at Carolina for his final year of eligibility this season despite already graduating and perhaps having been able to transfer elsewhere and see more playing time. This week the fifth year player will see much of the carries after Marcus Lattimore suffered a season-ending knee injury two weeks ago. Let's get to know Kenny Miles a little more, shall we?

Q. You went to Brookwood High School in Georgia - did you grow up in Georgia? 

A. No, I was born in Augusta and then I moved up to Philadelphia for a little bit. Then I lived in Maryland for a little bit. I lived in Delaware for a little bit and then I moved back down to Georgia...Most of my Dad's family is up north so that's why we moved up there. And then my mom moved back to Georgia while my dad and I stayed up there and then eventually my dad and I came back down. 

Which do you like better? Living up north or living in the South?

I like the South, but up North has better food. [pan to Brittany's dubious expression]. It does, it does! In general here is a lot of franchise stuff, up there it's more like Ma n' Pa type places like Cambriati's. And the snacks are better up North - we got Hirsch potato chips, we got Tastykakes, we got Hershey's ice cream.

Tell me about Tastykakes, people keep telling me about these but I'm a Little Debbie fan myself.

You've never had Tastykakes before? They are fresher than Little Debbie, number one. The Chocolate Junior is my favorite. I don't eat those during the season because I do not have any self-control with those.  But, it's a cake with chocolate icing in the middle and then it's another little cake and then there's chocolate on top of that. It sounds like a lot of chocolate but, ah man, it's so good!

What were some of your favorite things to do when you were a little kid?

Play football. Of course play football. When I was little, me and one of my best friends would get the toy cars and we would play football with the cars. We would line them up like an actual football game and act like we were coaches. That was kind of fun because my dad and his dad were coaches.

When did you first start playing football?

I was six and I played linebacker and running back and it was fun.  That's when my pants didn't fit, when your knee pads are all the way down at your shins. It was cool.  My dad came home and was like, "Hey man, you wanna play football?" And I was like, "Yeah!" And he said, "Okay, good because I signed up you already." So it was fun, I had a really good time. My first year, I think I scored one touchdown and then I kind of got a grasp for the game. And then my next year I scored like 18 and won a championship that year so it was cool.

What are some of your favorite things to do off the field or with your friends?

I love to go bowling. We got a lot of good bowlers. Marcus [Lattimore] and Dylan Thompson are good bowlers. Matt O'Brien, he was a walk on, he's a good bowler.  I love bowling; it's competitive, but it's not a grind like football is, it's kind of just hanging out. I also love going to the movies! I'm a big movie buff. I watch Netflix all the time!

What's the best movie you've seen lately?

I was watching this one movie last night, Almost Famous, but I ended up falling asleep cause it was late. I really like to relax.

Favorite movie of all time?

Remember the Titans, definitely.

You're a senior, so what is your favorite memory from your time at South Carolina, either on the field or off?

Probably the Ole Miss game my sophomore year. That was probably the loudest, at that time, I had ever heard the stadium and it was really cool. At the time Ole Miss had a bunch of hype; they were number four. I think that was probably one of my first best memories but I got a ton of them. Beating Clemson, that's always a great memory to have.

Being around my teammates and the fans. Now we got the Gamecock Walk and stuff like that. Just the little things - being around my teammates every day and getting police escorts on gameday. Just little stuff like that I think is cool, so that's probably the main thing.

Who would you say you are closest with on the team?

I'm real close with Latt [Marcus Lattimore], I'm real close with Mike [Davis], probably just the running back group in general. I'm real close with all those guys.  I'm close with [Byron] Jerideau and Devin Taylor cause we used to live on the same block.  We all hangout, barbeque, relax, go to the lake.

Are you into fishing, hunting, and mud racing like some of those guys?

I like going fishing; I've never been hunting. The mud racing is Devin and Byron's thing. I let them go do that and I'll chill at home and wait til they get back. Now fishing, I like going fishing - it's fun. I've never been hunting, but I keep telling TJ [Johnson] to take me but he hasn't taken me yet.

Be sure to cheer on Kenny Miles as he takes the field for his final SEC game of his career. South Carolina kicks off vs. Arkansas at noon this Saturday, November 10, on CBS and Gamecock IMG Sports Network radio affiliates.

Catch up on the day's buzz about the Gamecocks! In today's edition: Gamecock football prepares for their last SEC match up of season; Marcus Lattimore injury update; women's basketball kicks of season tonight; baseball to be featured twice on SEC game of the week; softball stadium progress; vote for Cocky in the Capital One Mascot Challenge; and more!

GAMECOCKSONLINE.COM NEWS

Football. Football Hosts Arkansas on Saturday Afternoon

Football. Marcus Lattimore Update

Football. Gamecocks Ready for Arkansas - Post-Practice Comments

Football. Byrd Named to Capital One Academic All-District Team

Baseball. Baseball Holds 2012 Banquet

Men's Soccer. Stam, Troyer Named To Conference USA All-Academic Team

Swimming & Diving. Gamecocks Set For Dual Meet At College of Charleston

Track. Ready. Set. Rewind: Aleen Bailey

Volleyball. Gamecocks Welcome Mississippi State and Tennessee to VCF

Women's Cross Country. Gamecocks Prepared For NCAA Southeast Regional Championships

Women's Basketball. Gamecock Spotlight: Shelbretta Ball

Women's Basketball. Women's Hoops Tips Off Season Friday vs. Elon

Cocky just keeps winning! He's 9-0 after another victory last week over Truman the Tiger from Missouri. This week he is taking on Maryland's Testudo. Vote for Cocky daily in the Capital One Mascot Challenge! Go to http://www.capitalonebowl.com/vote or use the #CapitalOneCocky hashtag on Twitter to cast your vote.

GAMECOCKS AROUND THE WEB 

Football: Arkansas searching for hope against Gamecocks despite tumultuous season (Anderson Independent Mail)

Football: What to watch in the SEC: Week 11 (ESPN SEC Blog)

Baseball: South Carolina Baseball to be Featured Twice on 2013 SEC Game of the Week (The Aiken Leader)

FROM THE OTHER SIDE

Football: Arkansas looks to keep pressure off QB Wilson against determined South Carolina pass rush (The Washington Post)

GAMECOCKS IN THE PROS

Football: All-NFC South midseason team (ESPN NFC South Blog)
*Dunta Robinson

Football: Wharton's recovery continues (Cincinnati.com)
*Travelle Wharton

Keep up with updates on Gamecocks in the NFL here.

Arkansas' dreams of playing for a national title vanished long ago.  So has the consolation of a Top-25 ranking.  At 4-5 overall (2-3 SEC), even a bowl game hangs in the balance.  It's a dramatic fall for a onetime Top-10 team that has since been banished to the BCS wilderness.

But even a season gone awry can't scrub away the stat that scares Gamecocks fans the most:  Arkansas has beaten Carolina soundly in each of the last three seasons.  In each game, the Razorbacks have poured on at least 33 points and averaged 310 passing yards.  Even during a golden age of football at Carolina, Arkansas has remained a stubborn thorn in the Gamecocks' side.  It makes Saturday's showdown at Williams-Brice Stadium (12:00 p.m. EST, Gamecock IMG Sports Network) anything but predictable.

"Pre-snap reads" before the Gamecocks try to deliver a "Hog Reckoning" at Williams-Brice Stadium:

Tyler The Creator:  Arkansas' "Pigs Fly" passing game attracts plenty of attention, and for good reason.  Led by hard-throwing senior Tyler Wilson and the NCAA's fourth-leading receiver, Cobi Hamilton, the Razorbacks' 305.4 passing yards per game rank 22nd in the nation.  Wilson has also shown a knack for the big play, with a nation's-best 8 passes of 50 or more yards. 

Tyler Wilson (left) was Arkansas' first All-SEC quarterback in 2011.

In addition to his throwing chops, the 6'3," 220-pounder has earned praise -- and first-round NFL projections -- for his ability to hang tough in the pocket.  Time and again in a 19-15 win over Tulsa, Wilson took a punishing hit, only to clamber up and keep throwing.  The Gamecocks may have a loaded-gun pass rush, but don't expect Wilson to shy away from it.

Yet peeling back the numbers, Arkansas hasn't shown the same passing prowess in opposing airspace.  In road games, the Razorbacks drop to 99th in the nation in completion percentage (53.5%).  South Carolina's secondary -- which coordinator Lorenzo Ward said could be re-wired because of injuries -- will look for a better showing after Tennessee burned them for 381 passing yards.  Can they take advantage of an Arkansas passing game that's not nearly as efficient away from the Natural State? 

Salutatorian Not So Special:  Arkansas' leading tackler, linebacker Ross Rasner, had six people in his high school graduating class.

Here's the Rundown:  The return to health of tackles Byron Jerideau and Kelcy Quarles comes at a key time for the Gamecock defense.  In addition to Wilson and Hamilton, Arkansas has an underrated running game led by 5'9," 213-pound wrecking ball Dennis Johnson.  With preseason All-SEC running back Knile Davis bothered by injuries, the bulk of Arkansas' carries have fallen to Johnson, whose punishing, "hit-first" style that resembles Florida's Mike Gillislee.  Johnson bulldozed for 109 yards and two touchdowns against Tulsa, and rushed for a career-high 161 yards in the Razorbacks' last SEC game against Ole Miss.  His carries often leave piles of would-be tacklers in his wake. 

Yet look at how Carolina has done against the other top rushers in the SEC: 

SEC Rank                Player (School)                    Season Avg.          Yds. vs. USC

2.                             Todd Gurley (UGA)                 95.2                        39

4.                             Mike Gillislee (UF)                  88.6                        37

5.                             Zac Stacy (VU)                       83.6                        48

11.                           Kendial Lawrence (MU)            74.0                        67

The Gamecocks held those backs to just 56% of their season rushing average.  A passing game is sometimes only as good as its running game.  Predictability hurts even the most prolific passing offenses.  If the Gamecocks can contain Johnson like they've done other SEC running backs, they could hone in better on Arkansas' lethal passing game.  Quarterback Tyler Wilson could be without his second and third-leading pass catchers in Brandon Mitchell (violation team rules) and tight end Chris Gragg (knee).

Arkansas running back Dennis Johnson is coming off a career-high 161 rushing yards in his last SEC game vs. Ole Miss.

A Time To Pounce?  In its last 7 games, Arkansas has been outscored 84-27 in the second quarter.

No Giveaways, Please:  What can't South Carolina do Saturday?  Give Arkansas anything easy.  The Razorback defense, while improving, has an undeniable youthfulness:  two freshmen and a sophomore start in the secondary, and all three of their senior linebackers (Tenarius Wright and Alonzo Highsmith to injury, Terrell Williams to suspension) are out.  Opponents have feasted on them for 292 passing yards per game, the worst average in the SEC behind Tennessee.

That could leave Connor Shaw licking his chops, given the junior's career-high passing game against Tennessee.  But getting reckless could cost the Gamecocks:  Arkansas has only forced 10 turnovers this year, 110th in the nation.   The Razorbacks also have 0 special teams or defensive touchdowns, after accounting for 8 last year.  Few teams are starving for a big non-offensive play more than Arkansas.  To snap its three-game losing streak, Carolina can't offer up the first.

And Finally...  Gamecock linebackers coach Kirk Botkin lettered at Arkansas from 1990-93, becoming the Razorbacks' first-ever All-SEC player as a tight end.  On game days, Botkin paces the sidelines square-jawed and serious.  But as this media guide photo shows, Botkin had some graceful moves back in his playing days:

Back in the day:  Gamecock linebackers coach Kirk Botkin starred at tight end for Arkansas.

Now that we're prepared, we hope you are as well.  Our pre-game coverage begins at 9 a.m. EST on the Gamecock IMG Sports Network.  See you Saturday.  -AD--

Catch up on the day's buzz about the Gamecocks! In today's edition: Coach Martin's game week press conference video and quotes; men's soccer earns three conference honors; football updates from Tuesday's practice; Gamecock Club news; get to know volleyball's Sarah Blomgren; vote for Cocky in the Capital One Mascot Challenge; and more!

GAMECOCKSONLINE.COM NEWS

Men's Basketball. Frank Martin Wednesday Press Conference Quotes & Video

Football. Gamecock Spotlight: Devin Taylor

Football. Steve Spurrier Tuesday Press Conference Quotes & Videos

Football. Gamecocks Practice Tuesday

Men's Soccer. Trio Of Gamecocks Earn All-Conference Honors

Track & Field. Ready. Set. Rewind: Shevon Stoddart

Track & Field. Ready. Set. Rewind: Khalilah Carpenter

Equestrian. Start Time Changed for Texas A&M Meet on Nov. 16

Swimming & Diving. Men's Swimming & Diving Ranked No. 21 In Latest CSCAA Poll

Volleyball. Gamecock Spotlight: Sarah Blomgren

Gamecock Club. Gamecock Club Announced Annual Donation Increase for 2014

Cocky just keeps winning! He's 9-0 after another victory last week over Truman the Tiger from Missouri. This week he is taking on Maryland's Testudo. Vote for Cocky daily in the Capital One Mascot Challenge! Go to http://www.capitalonebowl.com/vote or use the #CapitalOneCocky hashtag on Twitter to cast your vote.

GAMECOCKS AROUND THE WEB 

Football: Miles once again becomes USC's go-to back (GreenvilleOnline.com)

Football: USC's Marcus Lattimore to be honored Saturday (Anderson Independent Mail)

Football: Arkansas Razorbacks at No. 12 South Carolina Gamecocks: Preview, prediction, TV info (CBS Sports)

Football: South Carolina is rested, seeking strong finish (The Augusta Chronicle)

Football: What's left to play for in the SEC (ESPN SEC Blog)

FROM THE OTHER SIDE

GAMECOCKS IN THE PROS

Football: Alshon Jeffery back for 49ers game? (ESPN Chicago)                             

Keep up with updates on Gamecocks in the NFL here.

FAN PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today's fan photo was sent to us by Caitlyn Zimmerman. Caitlyn writes:

"This is Sir Spur (yes, after Sir Big Spur). He's a little Yorkshire terrier who, at the time of the first photo, was only 2 lbs. He's now a whopping 3.4 lbs and still won't fit in any pet jerseys we can find (they're all way too big!). We're still working on teaching him to bark on command when prompted, 'Go Cocks!'"

We think he looks great in his Gamecock collar! Check out more Gamecock Pets in our Facebook album!

"Life after Lattimore" begins in earnest for the Gamecocks Saturday when they close out SEC play against Arkansas (12:00 p.m. EST, Gamecock IMG Sports Network).  Redshirt senior Kenny Miles will occupy Lattimore's spot atop of the depth chart, with freshman Mike Davis moving up to top reserve. 

Yet when it comes to picking up Lattimore's lost yardage, neither may play as important a role as quarterback Connor Shaw. 

Whether bewitching defensive lines with the zone-read option, or making savvy tuck-and-run decisions under pressure, few players use his legs as weapons better than the 6'1," 207-pound junior from Flowery Branch, Georgia.

Just how important is Shaw's running as Carolina enters the final quarter of the regular season? 

Consider this:  Shaw is 14-3 as a starter. 

In those 14 wins, he averages 54.9 rushing yards per game.  

In three losses, he averages 7.0 rushing yards per game. 

Connor Shaw - rushing as starter

Wins (14g):                           54.9 ypg

Losses (3g)                            7.0 ypg

Three of Shaw's four worst rushing games came in losses:  a -2-yard performance against LSU October 10; a -1-yard slow burn against Florida October 17; and a 14-carry, 24-yard effort at Arkansas last year. 

Of course, sacks count against a quarterback's rushing total, which may also explain the divide between wins and losses.  Yet Shaw's running game remains an undeniable barometer of Carolina's success.  A foot sprain has limited him in practice, and head coach Steve Spurrier mentioned that redshirt sophomore Dylan Thompson would be ready to go if needed.  On Saturday, Arkansas' improving defense snuffed out a Tulsa offense that relies heavily on the zone-read option.  The Golden Hurricane ranked 9th in the nation in rushing (248 yards per game) before the Razorbacks throttled them to 106 yards in a 19-15 win.

Connor Shaw's running game has factored heavily into Carolina's wins -- and losses. 

If Shaw is healthy enough to play, how may designed runs will factor into the game plan against Arkansas?