Well friends, we've reached the end of our third season of "Inside The Chart," our weekly broadcast blog on Gamecocks Online.  Preparation is at the heart of what we do, and whether a game turns into a blowout or an instant classic, we want to make every broadcast informative, entertaining, and memorable.

That often leads me on some strange twists and turns through the Internet wormhole.  Or, when I'm looking at stats, I'll discover a "fish," some hidden number that offers a clue to the game.  Our access to the players and coaches also gives us a cache of memorable quotes.

With another season behind us, it's time to look back at the best of the best, the strangest of the strange, and the most random of the random.  Enjoy our first annual "Year In Charts" from "Inside The Chart":

The Frank Martin Section

After a year of working with him on "Carolina Calls" and post-game radio interviews, one thing became clear:  Frank Martin has led one heck of a life.  Some of those stories you can find with a quick Google search.  Others we discovered for the first time.  Some of the more memorable stories from a truly captivating coach:

*      Martin had an uncredited role in the football movie "Any Given Sunday" starring Al Pacino and Jamie Foxx.   Martin played the Miami Sharks' offensive line coach during football scenes filmed in Homestead, Fla.    

*      Martin said he and his friends used to sneak in to the Orange Bowl every New Year's Day.  Martin said they used the same time-honored tactic:  find the most elderly ticket taker, wait until the line got crowded, and hurdle the turnstile unnoticed.  Unfortunately, one of the Orange Bowls Martin attended was Clemson's national championship-clinching victory over Nebraska in 1982.

*      When they were assistant coaches at Miami Senior High School in Miami, Fla., Martin and Alabama head coach Anthony Grant attended a taping of "Sabado Gigante," the popular variety show on Spanish-language television station Univision.  Grant was chosen from the studio audience, and, to Martin's astonishment, won a car.  When the emcee, Don Francisco, began peppering him with questions on stage, Grant - whose knowledge of the Spanish language was minimal - could only utter the phrase "Que fantastico!"  The story had been kept a secret until Martin spilled the beans on "Carolina Calls." 

When asked about it by my colleague, "Voice of the Crimson Tide" Chris Stewart, Grant rolled his head to the sky, laughed, and said, "Who told you?"

*      Like Martin, Ole Miss assistant coach Sergio Rouco is a Miami native.  Their connection, though, goes well beyond a shared hometown:  Rouco coached Martin as a 12 year-old in the San Juan Bosco church league in Little Havana.  Martin's first coaching gig was as a volunteer JV assistant at Miami Senior, when Rouco was the head coach.  Rouco also led the Marinos de Anzoategui to a Venezuelan league title in 2010, where his assistant coach was Luis Carrera, the father of freshman Michael Carrera.

*      Martin has kept the same in-season haircut superstition for the past 20 years.  He says he gets a trim after his team finishes semester exams, and again after the last regular-season game. 

*      For the last several years, Texas A&M's "Reed Rowdies" have waved a giant, oversized head of Martin to distract shooters.  After Kansas State's last game there in 2012, several A&M students autographed the head and presented it to Martin.  He still has it in his son's room.  The Reed Rowdies came prepared with a new edition this year.

Picture taken before South Carolina's game at Texas A&M.  The Aggies' student section, the "Reed Rowdies," rekindled their tradition of waving an oversized head of Frank Martin during free throws.

The "Told You So" Section

We have a rampant curiosity - okay, obsession - for numbers and patterns.  Our proudest moments of tea leaf-reading this year:

*      Entering the final weekend of the regular season, Georgia's Aaron Murray and Clemson's Tajh Boyd ranked #1 and #2 in the nation in quarterback efficiency.  Their combined numbers against Carolina:  40% completion percentage, 1 touchdown, and 3 interceptions.

Clemson quarterback Tajh Boyd getting pulled down by defensive end Aldrick Fordham.

Marcus Lattimore doing good in the NFL Combine that's good to hear. #GamecocksNation!

-- Ferris Bueller (@cunnka92) February 27, 2013

all I know is, wherever @jungleboi_swagg goes in the nfl, I want his jersey.

-- Kimberlyn Roosa (@kimmy_roo93) February 27, 2013

Watching the combine on NFL Network. South Carolina ace sanders is tough

-- Ethan Coman (@EComan20) February 24, 2013

Watching this NFL combine, Justice Cunningham is a beast

-- Sam Lourie (@samlourie5) February 23, 2013

Gruden's QB Camp series presented by Corona Extra is back for a fourth year this spring, beginning Thursday, April 4 at 8:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2) and continuing throughout the month with segments on SportsCenter and NFL studio shows across multiple ESPN networks.

Monday Night Football analyst Jon Gruden with former Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck during Gruden's QB Camp in 2012. (Tim Casey/ESPN Images)

The SportsCenter specials will offer a first-hand look at some of this year's top prospects leading up to the 2013 NFL Draft, which ESPN will again televise April 25-27.

Nine of the top quarterbacks in the draft are scheduled to participate in Gruden's QB Camp:

• Matt Barkley (USC)
• Tyler Bray (Tennessee)
• Zac Dysert (Miami, OH)
• Mike Glennon (N.C. State)
• Landry Jones (Oklahoma)
• EJ Manuel (Florida State)
• Ryan Nassib (Syracuse)
• Geno Smith (West Virginia)
• Tyler Wilson (Arkansas)

The series will also include a trio of non-quarterbacks:

• Luke Joeckel (Texas A&M), the 2012 Outland Trophy winner and top-five prospect at offensive tackle.
• Marcus Lattimore (South Carolina), the heralded Gamecocks running back who suffered a severe knee injury in October but hopes to play in the NFL in 2013.
• Manti Te'o (Notre Dame), the highly-touted linebacker and Heisman Trophy runner-up who led the Fighting Irish to the BCS Championship game.

Each prospect will visit Gruden's office in Tampa, Fla. -- affectionately dubbed the Fired Football Coaches Association (FFCA) -- for a film session. Most of the players will also participate in an on-field workout.

Answers to the 10 most commonly asked questions about Gamecock IMG Sports Network radio broadcasts.  Thanks for listening! 

-Andy Demetra, "Voice of the Gamecocks"/Director of Broadcasting, Gamecock IMG Sports Network

1.)    Where can I listen to the game in [my town here]?

        We keep our affiliate list for all sports here.

2.)   What if I live in an area that doesn't carry Gamecock baseball?  Can I listen to games on my computer?

Yes!  By subscribing to Gamecock All-Access.  A subscription to Gamecock All-Access lets you watch all South Carolina home baseball games that aren't televised, with the Gamecock IMG Sports Network radio call underneath.  It also lets you listen to the live radio broadcasts of all Gamecock road games.   

3.)  Can I listen on my local station's online stream?  What if I have a TuneIn, IHeartRadio, or other radio listening app?

No.  Our affiliates only own the terrestrial radio rights.  IMG College owns the streaming radio rights.  As part of their contract, all affiliates must disable their live streaming devices during South Carolina football, basketball, and baseball broadcasts.  That includes any TuneIn, IHeartRadio, or other apps.

4.)    Can I listen to games on my tablet or mobile phone?

Yes!  Gamecocks Online has an official app in the iTunes store and Android Marketplace which allows you to stream broadcasts over your phone or tablet.  The app itself is free to download, but the live content requires a premium subscription ($4.95/month, $19.99/year for iPhone, e.g.). 

Search "South Carolina Gamecocks" in the iPhone or iPad Apps category of the iTunes store.

While it costs less than a Gamecock All-Access subscription, please note:  a subscription for your phone/tablet does not give you video.  Also, depending on your cell phone's bandwidth, your audio stream may be more sensitive to buffering.  A subscription to the Gamecocks Online app is separate from a subscription to Gamecock All-Access. 

Gamecock All-Access and the Gamecocks Online app are managed by CBS Interactive, Inc.,  The Gamecock IMG Sports Network does not have control over the availability, reliability, or sound quality of these streams.  Some things we can control from the booth; unfortunately, this isn't one of them!

5.)    How can I sync up the radio with the TV?

      Because of differences in satellite transmission times, as well as our own FCC-required 7-second delay, our radio call will not always match up to the TV feed.  There are devices you can buy, such as SportSync, that will even out the delay.  Other than that, your best bet to fix it is trial-and-error.   

6.)   Why do certain stations carry all Gamecock baseball games, while some only carry SEC and post-season games?

Some stations don't have the ability to run a full, 56-game broadcast schedule.  This could be due to scheduling conflicts, staffing concerns, or local programming restrictions.  To still maintain a Gamecock presence in their market, a station may elect to carry only SEC and post-season series.     

Beginning in 2012, the Gamecock IMG Sports Network has made all of our baseball broadcasts available "network-wide" when they don't conflict with basketball.  Essentially, our stations have a greater opportunity than ever before to pick and choose their schedules.  As always, it's best to contact your local station to find out whether a particular game will air.

If you live in an area that doesn't carry Gamecock football, basketball, or baseball broadcasts - or if your local station doesn't carry a full schedule - you can always approach them.  Community groundswell tends to make things happen, especially if there are local businesses that may be interested in sponsoring the extra coverage.

7.)     Why don't you have a station in my hometown?

Let's say you live in Raleigh, North Carolina.  Why doesn't a station there carry Gamecock football?  Simply put, there aren't enough Gamecock fans in Raleigh - and enough advertisers who want to target them -- to justify a station carrying the games. 

Each year, our IMG College Affiliate Relations team travels to every market in South Carolina, trying to line up new affiliates and renew our existing ones.  We always strive for 100% coverage.  However, for the same reasons listed above - scheduling conflicts, staffing concerns, or other programming obligations - in certain markets, no station may be willing to invest in becoming a Gamecock Radio Network affiliate. 

8.)   But I live in an area that has an affiliate station listed.  Why can't I hear the game?

You may have an affiliate station that's designated for your market, but its signal doesn't reach your home.  A station's signal is sometimes stronger in one direction than another. 

Also, AM radio stations have different signal strengths in the daytime and nighttime.  By law, they have to "power down" their signal at night.  Thus, you may be able to hear Gamecock baseball broadcasts during the day, but can't pick it up once the sun sets. 

9.)   If a Gamecock basketball game or coaches' show airs at the same time as a Gamecock baseball game, why do stations  have to carry the basketball game/coaches' show?

Inevitably, conflicts arise during the fall (when football and basketball overlap) and early Spring (when basketball and baseball overlap). 

As part of our radio agreement, the sport with more affiliates statewide always takes priority.  Currently, we have more basketball affiliates (21) than baseball affiliates (13).  In fairness to our affiliates -- and the sponsors who count on them -- we have to offer on our satellite channel the sport that's carried by more of our stations.  It's a common industry protocol, and from an ethical and business standpoint, it's the right thing to do. 

We also defer to the "ongoing" sport.  A late-season conference game should, and will, take precedence over an early-season non-conference game.  Wins and losses do not factor into this decision.  It's about staying consistent with our affiliates and our sponsors' expectations.

Please note:  this does not shut you out of listening to your desired game!  You can still subscribe to Gamecock All-Access or buy the Gamecocks Online iTunes or Android listening app.

10.)   Can I listen to the baseball game on XM?

       For selected conference games only.  XM has three dedicated SEC channels (199-201), which makes carrying every South Carolina game impossible.  After all, we have to share those channels with 13 other SEC schools.  Each week, XM selects the games that it carries.  We will notify you when they decide to pick up a South Carolina broadcast (they usually make the decision early in the week).  You can also check their programming schedule on siriusxm.com.

The school doing the most with the least has been South Carolina. The Gamecocks have signed 13 ESPN 150 prospects since 2009, which is seventh in the league. But the Gamecocks have the third-best record over the last four years (38-15) behind only Alabama and LSU. They're also one of two teams in the league (along with Alabama) to have won 11 or more games each of the last two seasons.

As the Head Ball Coach himself would say, somebody's coaching 'em up in Columbia.

• South Carolina football posted its highest ever GPA in Spring 2012, breaking the previous semester's record, and has had a team GPA of 2.7 or higher for the last four semesters.
• The football team's APR (Academic Progress Rate), which is more of a real-time indicator than GSR, has been trending upward such that the program has a four-year average of 966 and a single-year high of 993 in 2010-11 - both numbers are the highest in program history.
• On the 2012 team, there are 10 student-athletes who have already earned their degrees.
• In the last two academic years (2009-10 and 2010-11), 50 football student-athletes have graduated - including two current NFL players who came back to finish what they started in the classroom.

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

*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!

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--

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.

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--

"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?

Other notes as we dive into our chart prep against Arkansas (with some studying done in the voting lines Tuesday):

Generally Speaking:  Knowing his opportunities for carries would be diminished behind Marcus Lattimore, Miles considered transferring for his final season.  He instead came back to Carolina, telling me "I feel like you should always finish what you start.  I came down here and I made a commitment to play for the program and graduate, and do the best I could do."

Such dedication befits a player whose parents both served in the military (his Dad had a tour in Operation Desert Storm).  The extra season in Columbia gave Miles another opportunity, too:  he interned in the office of South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson this summer.

Running back Kenny Miles.

Rip and Strip:  Senior spur Devonte Holloman made no secret of his defense's ambitions. 

"We've set a bunch of goals for us defensively.  One of those things was a high turnover number.  We haven't been getting many turnovers.  That's going to be a big focus this week especially," Holloman said.

Arkansas may give them a golden opportunity:  the Razorbacks rank 116th in the nation in turnover margin (-11).  Against an explosive Arkansas offense - few SEC offenses seem more frightening when they get rolling - a turnover or two could be critical.

Pleading The Third:  If they can't stamp out drives with turnovers, the Gamecocks need to find ways to stall them.  In the Gamecocks' three-game losing streak to the Razorbacks, Arkansas' quarterbacks - like Bray, pro-style pocket passers in Ryan Mallett and Tyler Wilson -- have gone a combined 17-for-22 (77.3%) on third downs.

Arkansas QB's vs. Carolina - 3^rd down, last 3 games

10 for 12 (77.3%)

Carolina had difficulty suppressing Tennessee on third downs - Vols quarterback Tyler Bray went 4-for-5 on third downs of 7+ yards to go.  Each completion went for a first down.  The Gamecocks could face a similar challenge against another Tyler-led offense Saturday.

And Finally...  Outside the Gamecocks' press conference auditorium, Justice Cunningham smacked his lips and lamented his lack of a touchdown this season.  The senior tight end from Pageland, S.C., would certainly be deserving of one - his 18 receptions rank fourth on the team. 

Want a drive deep inside opponents' territory?  A completion to Justice Cunningham is a good start. 

But have you noticed how often Cunningham's catches figure into scoring drives?  Of his 18 receptions this year, 15 have occurred on drives that ended in a red-zone trip or a touchdown.  Cunningham may not have a score of his own, but he has nonetheless been a magnet for scoring drives.

Join us Friday for our final "Pre-Snap Reads" as the Gamecocks get ready for their Homecoming with the Hogs.  -AD--

CBS

*Written by student assistant Kim Barrett

After practice Tuesday Coach Ward, Coach Lawing and D.J. Swearinger talked to the media about their victory over a tough Tennessee offense and the upcoming bye weekend.

The Gamecocks overcame Tennessee, 38-35, but the players are not shy about recognizing their mistakes. D.J. Swearinger praised Tennessee's quarterback, great receivers, and their ability to find the Gamecocks' holes and weaknesses.

Because of missed assignments during the Tennessee game, the Gamecocks know what they have to work on during the next two weeks. Swearinger stated, "Some plays we folded and didn't get the job done. We got to clean it up so we can get it right."

Coaches and players are taking advantage of the bye week to work on weaknesses that have hindered the team in previous games. When asked what things the team is working on, Coach Ward shared, "We got to do better man coverage, better zone coverage, and do a better job of disguising what we do."

Several key players, including Kelcy Quarles, Akeem Auguste, Byron Jerideau, and Jadeveon Clowney, are not practicing this week because of injuries. Coach Ward said they are expected to return next week as the Gamecocks prepare for Arkansas.

Due to injuries younger players have had to step up and perform like they have been playing college football for years. Coach Lawing praised the younger players and stated that they keep getting better.

Football is unlike any sport in the toll it takes on its players. Coach Lawing shared, "Football is the only sport in the world where the object is to get the man with the ball, not just get the ball. Because of that it's a hard sport and not everyone can play."

After playing nine games, seven of which were SEC opponents, coaches and players agree the team needs a break. When asked how big this bye week is, Swearinger shared, "It's huge. We got to take this week and take advantage of it."

Video of coaches' and players' interviews are available here at GamecocksOnline.com. Check back tonight for interviews following today's practice.

Lorenzo Ward and Jadeveon Clowney crisscrossed each other in the hallway following South Carolina's 38-35 win over Tennessee.  The Gamecock defensive coordinator greeted his sophomore with a smile and a hearty slap across the chest.

Ward leaned in.  "Big-time players make big-time plays in big-time ballgames," he said.

It didn't matter that South Carolina had found little luck against Tennessee quarterback Tyler Bray.  Never mind that UT's offensive line, second in the nation in sacks allowed, had kept Clowney out of the backfield all day.  None of that mattered on a 1st-and-10 from the Gamecock 19 with 1:18 remaining.  When the defense needed a big stop, its all-everything defensive end delivered the most clutch save by a Gamecock this side of Matt Price. 

Clowney's strip-sack of Bray -- and Shaq Wilson's fumble recovery -- helped seal South Carolina's third straight win over the Volunteers.  The day will be remembered more for the play that resulted in Marcus Lattimore's severe leg injury.  But when it came to clinching their ninth straight home win, the Gamecocks showed they still have plenty of big-time players left.

 "Notes, Quotes, and Anecdotes" as South Carolina heads into its bye week:

Not This Time:  Don't discount the clutch fumble recovery by Wilson, either.  Entering the game, South Carolina had the worst fumble recovery percentage in the nation among teams that have forced 10 or more (3 of 14, 21.4%).

Justice For All:  Justice Cunningham walked out of Williams-Brice Stadium with his game ball, his iPad, and his usual stoic face.  Even a career day for the senior tight end (6 catches, 108 yards) couldn't alter his expression.

Actually, Cunningham left a little annoyed.

"I was mad I fell.  I wanted that touchdown," Cunningham said of his 45-yard gallop in the fourth quarter.  Cunningham stumbled out of bounds at the 5 yard-line, moments after delivering a vicious stiffarm to freshman safety LaDarrell McNeil. 

Tight end Justice Cunningham set career highs in receptions (6) and receiving yards (108)

Cunningham said me he was happy to make opportunistic catches against the Tennessee secondary.

"Linebackers and DB's, they're worried about the wide receivers.  They don't think we're really going to catch the ball," he said.

As a result, Cunningham finished with the most receiving yards by a Gamecock tight end in years.

Flipping The Field:  After forcing a three-and-out with 0:40 remaining, Tennessee still had a chance to string together a game-tying drive.  But with the wind at his back, Tyler Hull wound up and hammered a sailing, 51-yard punt.  By the time returner Cordarrelle Patterson found his bearings, Kenny Miles wrapped him up for an eight-yard loss.  Maligned for its misadventures against Florida, the 59-yard net punt was South Carolina's longest of the season.  It couldn't have come at a more opportune time.

2 Chains:  Connor Shaw and Tyler Bray were especially deadly when faced with long yardage.  On 3rd downs of 7+ yards, the duo combined to go 7-for-9 for 157 yards (22.4 yards/completion). 

3rd and 7+ Yards                Comp./Att.           Yds.       Yds./Completion              First Downs

Tyler Bray                              4-5                         97           24.2                                    4

Connor Shaw                       3-4                         60           20.0                                    2

Shaw finished with a career-high 356 passing yards, shattering his previous best of 311 against Kentucky in 2011.

And Finally... Keep #21 in your thoughts. 

"Inside The Chart" will be gone fishing during the bye week.  We'll start back up a week from Wednesday as we dive into our prep for the final SEC contest against Arkansas.  Thanks for diving "Inside The Chart" with us.  -AD--

Coaches preach it all the time:  "Don't let one loss become two."  Never let a loss, however gut-wrenching, affect your preparation and resolve for the next game.

South Carolina (6-2, 4-2 SEC) will try to heed that wisdom when it returns to Williams-Brice Stadium Saturday to face Tennessee (3-4, 0-4 SEC).  The Gamecocks are looking to shake off a pair of anemic offensive performances against LSU and Florida.  The Vols face an even more arduous task:  shaking off Alabama.

Can Bruce Ellington and the Gamecocks take advantage of an "Alabama hangover"?

For 20 of their 21 years together in the SEC, the South Carolina-Tennessee game has followed UT's "Third Saturday in October" showdown against #1 Alabama.  Even though the Vols gained a season-high 282 yards against the Tide defense, Alabama still cruised to a 44-13 victory.   

It made me wonder how badly Alabama, in its ascent under Nick Saban, gives fellow SEC teams a crimson-colored hangover.  Check out how these SEC teams fared a week after facing the Tide:

Arkansas                               OPEN DATE           

Florida                                    L-LSU

South Carolina                     L-Kentucky

Ole Miss                                L-Arkansas

Tennessee                           L-South Carolina

LSU                                        W-Louisiana-Monroe

Mississippi State                 L-Arkansas

Auburn                                  W-South Carolina (SEC Championship)

Arkansas                               W-Texas A&M*

Florida                                    L-LSU

Vanderbilt                              L-Georgia

Ole Miss                                L-Arkansas

Tennessee                           L-South Carolina

LSU                                        W-Western Kentucky

Mississippi State                 L-Arkansas

Arkansas                               L-Rutgers

Ole Miss                                L-Texas A&M

Missouri                                BYE - vs. Kentucky 10/27

Tennessee                           vs. South Carolina 10/27

Note:  I didn't include Alabama's 2011 game against Auburn, since the Tigers didn't play again until New Year's Eve.

Since 2010, SEC teams that played a conference game the week after facing Alabama have a combined 1-11 record.  The only SEC team to break that stupor?  Eventual BCS national champion Auburn, which rallied past the Tide in the 2010 Iron Bowl, then steamrolled South Carolina in the SEC Championship game.  

The Gamecocks not only represent Tennessee's "Afta-Bama" opponent, but its fourth ranked opponent in as many weeks.  As South Carolina learned in the Swamp, an exhausting schedule tests a player's mental reserves as much as its physical reserves.  Key for the Gamecocks:  take advantage of Alabama's assist, and wear down Tennessee's resilience early.

Other "Pre-Snap Reads" before Carolina and Tennessee meet at high noon (or thereabouts - 12:01 p.m. EST, Gamecock IMG Sports Network).

This May Help:  South Carolina has only allowed two touchdowns in its last 12 first quarters at Williams-Brice Stadium.  Oddly, the teams that nicked them were Navy and The Citadel.

Shades of Bray: Tennessee quarterback Tyler Bray hails from Kingsburg, Calif., a town of 11,000 known as "Little Sweden" for its predominantly Swedish roots.  Its water tower is even in the shape of a Swedish coffee pot.

Tennessee quarterback Tyler Bray.

Since becoming UT's starter at halftime of the Carolina game in 2010, Bray has shown a high-velocity, "See you Sunday"-type arm.  His 273 passing yards per game ranks 3rd in the SEC, and his 51 career touchdowns leads all active SEC signal-callers.  He has a pair of rangy targets in Justin Hunter and Cordarrelle Patterson, a running back in Raijon Neal (83.3 rush ypg) who can keep the play-calling balanced, and an offensive line that has only allowed three sacks.  At a water tower-sized 6'6," Bray can also see over Carolina's telescopic arms on the defensive line. 

But with 8 interceptions and a 51% completion percentage in four SEC games, Bray can be his own worst enemy.  Head coach Derek Dooley put some heat on his quarterback this week, telling the media "If he is loose with the ball, he's coming out of the game and we're going to play [backup] Justin Worley."  Can the Gamecocks keep the pressure on Bray, and prevent him from getting his confidence going? 

Better Days Ahead?  The Gamecock offense stumbled against two of the elite defenses in the nation in LSU and Florida.  Could they be due for a change against Tennessee?

Yards Per Play Allowed

3.             LSU                         3.69

4.             Florida                    4.17

98.          Tennessee            6.10

Among Carolina's opponents, only UAB (104th NCAA) has a more gaping yards-per-play average.  Could a more vulnerable defense - and an undefeated record at home - help Connor Shaw return to form?

Nuthin' But A "Glee" Thang:  You may not find many football players who will readily volunteer themselves as fans of the Fox show Glee.  But count Tennessee tight end Mychal Rivera among them, and with good reason - his sister, Naya, plays cheerleader Santana on the show.

Position Change:  In its 14-3 win over the Vols last year, South Carolina won despite a sizable gap in starting field position.

Avg. Starting Field Position -2011                    Tennessee                                         Carolina

                                                                                Own 45                                                Own 27

In addition to improving their own ball security on kickoffs, the Gamecocks need to prevent returner Cordarelle Patterson from opening his stride.  The (Rock Hill) Northwestern HS product ranks 2nd in the nation, averaging 34.5 yards per kick return.

And Finally...  Recruiting is a game of hits and misses - or in Derek Dooley's case, a miss that turns into a hit again.  As head coach of Louisiana Tech, Dooley recruited safety Prentiss Waggner from nearby Clinton, La.  At his in-home visit, Dooley told Waggner he "didn't think he was good enough to go to Tennessee." 

Waggner ignored the advice and signed with the Volunteers.  He'll be making his 33rd consecutive start Saturday.

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 at Williams-Brice.  -AD--

Times approximate

Lattimore ranks fourth highest in yards per game in a career among current NCAA players averaging 93.3 yards per game. While most of his on field success comes from studying the opponent and working hard in the weight room, Lattimore also attributes some of his success to what he has learned from other players he admires. One such player is Frank Gore, the starting running back for the San Francisco 49ers.

"He is not a really fast guy, but he makes up for it with his patience and vision, and his ability to catch the ball."

Lattimore also looks to Gore as an example because he, like Lattimore, underwent ACL surgery and returned. Additionally, Lattimore mentions with a smile that Gore also wears number 21 and he likes that about him, but jersey number aside Gore has a presence on the field that Lattimore admires.

"I definitely try to mimic his patience on the field," Lattimore commented. "He is a great guy to look over, and I try to take some of his moves from his game. I think it helps me out."

ESPN