DECEMBER 2018 • VOLUME 40 • ISSUE 12
FIGHTING GAMECOCK Resilient Jake Bentley rallies offense for record-breaking season BELK BOWL PREVIEW
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December 2018
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Publishing Schedule
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purs & Feathers is the official publication of the University of South Carolina Gamecock Club. It is published monthly, 12 times per year and is available to Gamecock Club members as well as additional subscribers. To opt in or subscribe, email subscribe@spursandfeathers.com or call 803-7650707 x. 141. The Gamecock Club and Spurs & Feathers
Contents
11 One More Score
26 Taking Charge
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.
gamecock club
Got a Gamecock Club event you’d like us to list? Email jowens@spursandfeathers.com
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Overtime: SC expands fundraising campaign
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Legendary Fan: Glenn Sanders has lifetime of memories
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GAMECOCK CLUB • TABLE OF CONTENTS
BASKETBALL 26
Ty Harris makes ‘smooth,’ transition to team leader
30
Sky’s the limit for Gamecock freshman
Deebo joins elite company with banner season
12
Zack Bailey loves being a Gamecock
14
Belk Bowl Preview
16
Florida Recap: Bitten in The Swamp
VOLLEYBALL 32
EQUESTRIAN 37
34
Columns 38
Gunter: Let’s paint Charlotte garnet and black
39
Girardeau: Hope springs eternal
Watch Party: Celebrating return to postseason
On the cover QB Jake Bentley Photo by Allen Sharpe Design by Lisa Heinz
Growing pains: Future bright despite NCAA loss
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Staff
Jumping back into national rankings
SOCCER
Chattanooga Recap: Taking care of business
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Heather Stone leads runners to NCAAs
Gamecock Football photos
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SPURS & FEATHERS, 1534 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Akron Recap: Youth movement begins
Jake Bentley: A tale of two seasons
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Postal Information: SPURS & FEATHERS (USPS 12779) (ISSN7454368X) is published 12 times a year, monthly January-December. The annual subscription price is $50 for non Gamecock Club Members. Members of the Gamecock Club receive a discounted subscription as a member benefit. Spurs & Feathers is published by Evening Post Industries., 1534 Main Street, Columbia, SC, 29201. Periodicals postage paid at Columbia, SC
Clemson Recap: Closing the gap
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Cross Country
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32 Hey, Look At Us
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December 2018
‘4th Quarter’ fundraising drive goes to ‘Overtime’ to help enhance Williams-Brice From staff reports
A
Photo by Jenny Dilworth
successes of the fall were naming gifts for Rice Football Campus and the Robert and Janice McNair Football Practice Complex. Named after a generous gift from the family of Joe and Lisa Rice, the Rice Football Campus contains all the facilities dedicated to Game-
cock football, including the Long Center, Spurrier Indoor Facility and the aforementioned McNair Practice Complex, named by a substantial gift from Bob and Janice McNair. “The support we have received from our donors for the Long
Center project has been amazing,” Athletics Director Ray Tanner said. “This campaign has been the most successful effort in our department’s fundraising history. It only makes sense that we utilize this wave of momentum to get started with the work that needs to be done to Williams-Brice.” The “Overtime” push will bolster not only the recruiting experience at Williams-Brice Stadium for the football program, it also will be an investment that impacts Gamecock fans. “The Long Center has already had a tangible impact on our recruiting efforts,” head coach Will Muschamp said. “The facility is exactly what our program needs. With the transition of many of the football functions going to the Long Center, we want to create spaces in Williams-Brice Stadium that will maximize gamedays for recruiting as well as benefit the experience for our fans.”
FT2-1750384-1
s a result of fundraising success and interest in future investments at WilliamsBrice Stadium, Gamecock Athletics announced it is extending its “4th Quarter Drive,” a campaign to raise $30 million for the new Long Family Football Operations Center, by an additional $10 million. Having already raised more than $28 million, the new goal of $40 million will provide the funding necessary to enhance gameday recruiting efforts as well as the gameday experience for fans. The “Overtime” fundraising push will provide financing for almost half of the $21 million stadium renovation project announced earlier this fall, while also raising money to support student-athlete well-being, investing in training, nutrition and mental health needs, as well as professional development for all of South Carolina’s more than 450 student-athletes. Highlighting the fundraising
December 2018
FUNDRAISING • GAMECOCK CLUB
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Gamecocks created many memories, opportunies for Legendary Fan By Brian Hand/Contributing writer • Photo by Allen Sharpe
G
lenn Sanders knows that being a Gamecock fan has afforded him opportunities that he might not have had otherwise. “There are just so many good memories of the Gamecocks,� Sanders relayed to Spurs & Feathers. “By following the Gamecocks, I’ve seen and been to places that I probably would have never been. I think I counted up the other day that by following the Gamecocks that I have been to 19 states.� A member of the Gamecock Club for 47 years, Sanders was honored as the Legendary Fan of the Game before South Carolina’s 49-9 win over Chattanooga on Nov. 17. “It was a real honor for me,� Sanders said. “The jacket that they provided, that was a really nice jacket. The plaque was also really nice. They really respect the Legendary Fan of the Game and I was honored to have the opportunity.� Sanders also had the unique opportunity to meet Gamecock baseball legend and 2018 World Series hero Jackie Bradley, Jr. along with Bradley’s former coach and current South Carolina Athletics Director Ray Tanner. The chance to meet the two Gamecock legends ranks right up there with some of his other favorite South Carolina memories, like “The Hit�
by Jadeveon Clowney in the 2013 Outback Bowl. Sanders says that Steve Taneyhill is his favorite Gamecock of all-time, with Taneyhill’s homerun swing after big plays in South Carolina’s thrilling 24-13 win at Clemson in 1992 one of his favorite memories. He considers Taneyhill as the one who helped bring new life to the football program in the early 1990s. Currently in the midst of a streak of 408
consecutive Gamecock football games, Sanders first attended a South Carolina game on Oct. 13, 1962. The 27-6 win over Wake Forest at Carolina Stadium that day led to Sanders becoming a Gamecock and attending the University of South Carolina. Despite his dedication to the Gamecocks, the Legendary Fan of the Game honor is something he really did not expect. In fact, when Gamecock Club Executive Director Patrick McFarland called him he was caught completely off guard. “I definitely was not expecting it,� Sanders said. “I was definitely surprised when I got the call. I think I was so stunned at the time that I did not even answer Patrick. He asked me, ‘Glenn, are you still there?’ I said, ‘I’m here. I just can’t believe this.’ I was just so excited and thrilled with the honor.� Sanders will always be committed to the Gamecocks. That’s why he is a member of the Gamecock Club and is so thankful to be honored. “This is a reward not because I gave millions of dollars to the university, but because I was a loyal fan,� Sanders said. “It’s an honor that I am so happy about.�
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FOOTBALL
Comeback Kid
Resilient Jake Bentley rallies to produce record-setting season By Jeff Owens/Executive Editor Photos by Photos by Allen Sharpe, Jenny Dilworth & SC Athletics
J
ake Bentley admits his confidence was a bit shaken. He had endured one of the worst games of his career in Week 4, passing for just 148 yards and throwing three interceptions in a 24-10 loss at Kentucky. To make matters worse, he injured his knee in the fourth quarter and was replaced by backup quarterback Michael Scarnecchia as the Gamecocks fell to a disappointing 2-2. The following week, still hobbled by a knee sprain, Bentley stood on the sidelines and watched as Scarnecchia, a rarely used fifth-year
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FOOTBALL • JAKE BENTLEY
senior, led the Gamecocks to a thrilling 37-35, come-from-behind win in a driving rain against Missouri. While supporting his best friend and teammate, Bentley could hear the boisterous crowd rallying behind his sidekick. After the game, Carolina fans were vocal in their support for Scarnecchia, calling for the careerlong backup to suddenly replace the three-year starter. When Bentley resumed his starting role against Texas A&M the following week, many didn’t hesitate to voice their displeasure.
When he struggled in the first half against the Aggies, passing for just 46 yards and throwing a costly interception in the end zone, the boos rained down on him. After the game, Bentley admitted the reaction rattled him. “It’s disappointing to hear that from the fans,” he said. With his team trailing 13-0 at the half and fans calling for Scarnecchia, Bentley had had enough. He was tired of struggling, tired of watching his highly regarded receivers drop passes and frustrated by the offense stumbling possession after possession. Down 16-0 in the third
quarter, Bentley rallied his team and began fighting back. He led the Gamecocks on an 82-yard drive that culminated in a 22-yard TD pass to Shi Smith. When he hit Bryan Edwards for a 2-point conversion, Carolina was on the board and rolling. After jogging off the field, Bentley erupted on the sideline. Fired up and ticked off, he slammed his helmet into a chair and barked at his teammates, urging them to rally behind him and battle back. “I was just trying to get everyone fired up. It’s something that, looking December 2018
back on it, I kinda wish I didn’t do because motivation is temporary,” he said. “We’ve got to have the mindset to be fired up and be ready to go each and every play … but obviously it got them fired up.” On their next possession, Bentley led the Gamecocks on another 80yard drive, capping it with a 33-yard touchdown pass to Chavis Dawkins. When he found Edwards again for a 2-point conversion, the Gamecocks had tied the game. Though the Aggies scored 10 fourth-quarter points to regain the lead and win the game, Bentley keeping fighting, throwing a third touchdown pass to Deebo Samuel with 48 seconds remaining to cut the final margin to 26-23. Suddenly Bentley was back and those three weeks of struggles, including the sometimes harsh criticism, served as the turning point. The experience strengthened his resolve, and if there is anything we have learned about Jake Bentley over the past three years, it’s that he’s resilient. “That boy don’t give up,” offensive lineman Sadarius Hutcherson said. “The guy is a competitive son of a gun,” head coach Will Muschamp added. “He competes his butt off and that’s why he’s got the respect of his team and this staff.” Over the next six weeks, Bentley would lead the Gamecocks to a 4-2 record and its third straight bowl game. In the process, he orchestrated an assault on the school record book, leading the Carolina offense to consecutive 600-yard games and producing one of the best quarterback performances in Carolina history. After rallying the Gamecocks to a 27-24 win over Tennessee, Bentley threw for 363 yards and two touchdowns in a wild 48-44 road win over Ole Miss. He played well again in a 35-31 loss at Florida and then put up more big numbers at home against Chattanooga, throwing for 339 yards and four touchdowns in just three quarters in a 49-9 win. The following week, he had the greatest performance in school history, throwing for a record 510 yards and five touchdowns against rival Clemson and the No. 2 defense in the country. He closed the regular season with three more TD passes against Akron, giving him 27 on the season, two shy of the school record with a bowl game remaining. “I think guys were tired of not executing the way we knew we could,” Bentley said after the Clemson game. “I think everyone just came together and realized what we needed to do and it’s paid off for us.” December 2018
After a rough start to the season, Bentley emerged as not only one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC but in South Carolina history. After passing for 1,303 yards with 11 touchdowns and eight interceptions in the first six games, he erupted for 1,650 yards with 16 touchdowns against just four interceptions over the next five games, while completing nearly 70 percent of his passes. He finished fifth in the SEC in passing yards with 2,953, the sixth-most in school history, and surpassed 7,000 career yards. With Bentley and his receivers suddenly clicking, the South Carolina offense finally emerged as the explosive unit many expected entering the season. The Gamecocks finished the regular season averaging 33 points and 440 yards per game — a 10-point, 100-yard improvement over last season. “We know we are one of the best offenses in the nation,” Scarnecchia said. “When we don’t hurt ourselves, no one can stop us.” The biggest reason for that is the maturation of Bentley and his refusal to back down or give in. “He took a lot of criticism the first half of the season, but he just never gets down. He just keeps going,” Hutcherson said. “That’s why I love blocking for him.”
Emotional Rescue When he was the target of criticism during his first-half struggles, Bentley did his best to block it out, saying, “I don’t want to hear it or even want to hear about it.” But he learned a valuable lesson during the Texas A&M game, especially after his emotional outburst in the third quarter. Bentley is an emotional player, often thrilling fans with his fist-pumps and celebrations after a touchdown or big victory. But he realized that at times he must control those emotions to be an effective leader, especially when the team is struggling. “I’m an emotional guy, but I have to be able to control that,” he said. “I have to be that even-keel guy that no matter if it’s going good or going bad, I have to be that guy that is consistent the whole game.” Bentley, the son of running backs coach Bobby Bentley, credits three people with helping him learn to control his emotions and mature as a player. Aside from his father, he says strength and conditioning coach Jeff
Dillman, quarterbacks coach Dan Werner and Scarnecchia have had the biggest influence on him this season. Dillman, one of the inspirational leaders on the Gamecock coaching staff, has coached at Alabama, Florida, LSU and Appalachian State. He constantly reiterated to Bentley the importance of a quarterback staying calm and even-keel throughout each game and used Super Bowlwinning quarterback Tom Brady as an example. “He never changes his mindset,” Bentley said of Brady. “No matter what the score is or what the situation is, he stays the same and I think that has definitely helped me, just trying to channel all those emotions and make sure that I’m just locked in and not too high or too low throughout the game.” Scarnecchia demonstrated that kind of fortitude during his only career start against Missouri, leading the Gamecocks to victory under adverse conditions and despite his relative lack of playing experience. One of the smartest players on the team, he has helped Bentley develop the same type of mental toughness. His advice to Bentley during those tough times? “Just don’t let anything outside of what we have on the football team affect him. Don’t think about the fans, don’t think about the other team, don’t think about Twitter or social media or anything. What you need to focus on is the team we are
defenses in the country. “That was definitely one of his best performances,” he said. “The difference was just really being calm and understanding and trusting in the schemes we have been taught and going out there and executing and getting the ball out. He’s not getting flustered and he’s not letting the pressure get to him and he’s not making bad reads. It’s obviously working.” Muschamp has been careful not to harness Bentley’s fire and intensity. “You don’t want to take away anybody’s personality as a player,” he says. But he acknowledges that his veteran QB did a good job playing under control in the second half of the season. “He’s an emotional guy, that’s why he’s got the respect of his teammates,” he said. “His emotions make him who he is and I think he’s played really good football. He was pretty emotional [at Clemson] and he played well. His emotions are fine with me.” Hutcherson has watched firsthand as Bentley has developed a more calm demeanor on the field. “The thing about Jake, he never changes,” he said. “He’s just that guy who, no matter what is going on, he just never changes his attitude or any-
about to play and how to get your mind right for what you are about to do,” he said. Scarnecchia, who graduated in May with a degree in finance and plans to attend law school, says Bentley’s progress was on full display in the hostile environment at Memorial Stadium, where Bentley shocked Clemson fans with his ability to produce big play after big play and shred one of the best JAKE BENTLEY • FOOTBALL
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PASSING THE BEST How Jake Bentley stacks up against Carolina’s greatest quarterbacks Career Passing Yards 1. Todd Ellis (’86-’89) 2. Steve Taneyhill (’92-’95) 3. Stephen Garcia (’08-’11) 4. Jake Bentley (’16-’18)
9,953 8,782 7,597 7,167
Career Completion Percentage 1. Connor Shaw (2010-130) 65.5 2. Jake Bentley 63.9 3. Blake Mitchell (2004-07) 60.7 4. Steve Taneyhill 60.5
thing. When stuff goes good, he just keeps going. When stuff goes bad, he just keeps going. That boy just keeps going hard.” Bentley also credits much of his development to Werner, who has coached some of the best quarterbacks and offenses in the country and was an offensive analyst for Nick Saban and Alabama last year. Bentley calls him “the biggest blessing that I have had since I have been in college.” “Just his overall knowledge of the game and how he approaches it and what he has brought to our offense has been great for us,” he said. “Through the ups and downs this year, he’s stayed consistent and never wavered in how he coaches and how he approaches each game. He’s really been great for me and taught me a lot this year.” Bentley has also benefited from offensive coordinator Bryan McClendon’s more aggressive style. Former OC Kurt Roper was much more conservative, emphasizing ball security over taking chances. McClendon’s up-tempo approach has allowed Bentley to take more chances down the field. In the final six games of the season, he had nine completions of 50 yards or more, including career-long receptions to Bryan Edwards (75 yards) and Deebo Samuel (89 yards). He had just two completions of 50 yards or more in the first six games of the season.
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FOOTBALL • JAKE BENTLEY
“Coach Roper definitely wanted to take care of us and make sure we didn’t put the ball in harms way, and that’s an awesome game plan,” Bentley said. “But B-Mac is more aggressive and takes more shots. I think that’s the biggest difference.”
A Matter of Trust Along with being more calm and productive, Bentley has had a flare for the dramatic, rallying his team time after time when it fell behind due to a struggling defense. The Gamecocks trailed Tennessee 21-9 before rallying for a 27-24 win. They swapped the lead with Ole Miss four times in the second half and trailed 44-34 in the fourth quarter before rallying for a 48-44 win. They trailed Clemson 21-7 before cutting the deficit to 28-21 at the half and were down 49-21 before scoring twice more in the fourth quarter and producing the most points (35) the No. 2 Tigers gave up all regular season. “I think it’s just a resiliency that we have as a team,” Bentley said. “I think we really lean on each other when times get tough. It’s good for us to be in those situations and know we are going to stick together and just come out swinging and doing whatever it takes to win.” Part of the resiliency comes from Bentley’s ability to produce under pressure. He’s delivered numerous times in big games — in-
cluding the 23-point rally against Michigan in last year’s Outback Bowl, where he was named MVP — and has the confidence and trust of his teammates. “We have 100 percent confidence in Jake,” offensive lineman Zack Bailey said. That means the world to Bentley. That’s why he’s been able to block out the criticism and produce in pressure situations. “I don’t mean this disrespectfully, but I don’t really care,” he said of the criticism after his record-setting performance against Clemson. “People can say what they want, but what we have in the locker room is all we need. I know my teammates believe in me, just like I believe in them, and that’s all we need.” Bentley has no bigger fan than Muschamp, who named him his starting quarterback in the seventh game of his freshman season and has never wavered in his support. “I think Jake has played really good football here at South Carolina,” he said. “I think he is playing at a high level and we have to continue to play well around him. I’m glad he’s our quarterback.”
Career Passing Touchdowns 1. Steve Taneyhill 2. Connor Shaw 3. Jake Bentley 4. Todd Ellis
62 56 54 49
Passing Yards (Season) 1. Dylan Thompson (2014) 2. Todd Ellis (1987) 3. Steve Taneyhill (1995) 4. Stephen Garcia (2010) 5. Todd Ellis (1986) 6. Jake Bentley (2018)
3,564 3,206 3,094 3,059 3,020 2,953
Passing Touchdowns (Season) 1. Steve Taneyhill (1995) 29 2. Jake Bentley (2018) 27 3. Dylan Thompson (2014) 26 4. Connor Shaw (2013) 24
December 2018
CHASING DEEBO
How Deebo Samuel stacks up against other great Gamecock receivers:
Receiving Touchdowns (Season) 1. Sidney Rice (2005) 2. Deebo Samuel (2018)
Total Touchdowns (Season) 1. Marcus Lattimore (2010) 2. Harold Green (1987) 3. George Rogers (1980) 4. Deebo Samuel (2018) 5. Sidney Rice (2005)
Career Receptions
1. Kenny McKinley (2005-08) 2. Alshon Jeffery (2009-11) 3. Sterling Sharpe (1983-87) 4. Zola Davis (1995-98) 5. Robert Brooks (1988-91) 6. Bryan Edwards (2016-18) 7. Jermale Kelly (1997-00) 8. Deebo Samuel (2015-18)
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19 16 14 13 13
207 183 169 164 156 155 153 148
1. Alshon Jeffery 3,042 2. Kenny McKinley 2,781 3. Sterling Sharpe 2,497 4. Zola Davis 2,354 5. Sidney Rice (2005-06) 2,233 6. Robert Brooks 2,211 7. Jermale Kelly 2,191 8. Pharoh Cooper (2013-15) 2,163 9. Bryan Edwards 2,083 10. Deebo Samuel 2,076
1. 3. 6. 7. 9.
Sidney Rice Alshon Jeffery Robert Brooks Jermale Kelly Kenny McKinley Pharoh Cooper Sterling Sharpe Zola Davis Bruce Ellington Deebo Samuel Bryan Edwards
Total Career Touchdowns
1. 2. 4.
23 23 19 19 19 18 17 17 16 16 16
Marcus Lattimore (2010-12) 41 George Rogers (1977-80) 33 Harold Green (1986-89) 33 Brandon Bennett (1991-94) 28 Cory Boyd (2003-07) 28 Deebo Samuel 28
December 2018
Deebo Samuel rewrites record book with special senior season By Josh Hyber/Staff writer • Photo by SC Athletics
Career Receiving Yards
Career Receiving Touchdowns
Elite Company W
hen Deebo Samuel scored three touchdowns to lead South Carolina over Akron in the final game of the regular season, it was the last time one of the most dynamic players in Carolina football history took the field for the Gamecocks. The 6-0, 210-pound receiver made his mark in garnet and black not only catching the ball, but running it, on special teams and even throwing it. There were many standout performances: • He tied the school record for receptions with 14 for 190 yards against South Florida in the 2016 Birmingham Bowl. • He opened the 2017 season with a kickoff return for a touchdown and three scores against NC State in Charlotte. • He had 10 catches for 210 yards and three touchdowns at Clemson this season. • He had two touchdown receptions and a fumble recovery for a touchdown in his final home game vs. Akron. “Any time you get a guy who can score from any part of the field, that helps you,” South Carolina Offensive Coordinator Bryan Mc-
Clendon said before the season. “Obviously, he’s one of those guys who can do that.” His performance against Clemson tied Troy Williamson for the second-most receiving yards in a game by a Gamecock. “Every time we get the ball, we try to get it in the box,” Samuel said after the game. He also hauled in a career-best 89-yard reception against Florida, the seventh-longest play in South Carolina history, and sparked the victory over Ole Miss with an electrifying 90-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. It was the fourth of his college career, which tied an SEC record. Samuel, who will skip the Belk Bowl to prepare for the NFL Draft, began his freshman year in 2015 with a 10-yard catch against Kentucky and ended it, after sitting out seven games with a hamstring injury, with five receptions for 104 yards and his first-career touchdown against Clemson. As a sophomore he shared the Steve Wadiak MVP Award with Jake Bentley and was the Steve Spurrier Award winner as the team’s offensive MVP. He also returned a kickoff for a touchdown
(against Western Carolina), had a rushing touchdown against Missouri and two rushing touchdowns against Western Carolina. He also threw a 33-yard touchdown pass against Clemson. He played in just three games as a junior because of a broken leg but still tied for the team lead with six touchdowns (three receiving, two kickoff returns and one rushing). He was averaging 158 yards of total offense per game before the injury and some projected him as an early Heisman Trophy candidate. “For 11 quarters last year Deebo was probably the most explosive player in college football,” Gamecock head coach Will Muschamp said before this season. “He was electric.” He followed it up with another fantastic season as a senior with 62 receptions for 882 yards and 11 touchdowns, the second-most receiving TDs in a season in school history. His 13 total touchdowns were the fourth-most in school history. Follow spursandfeathers.com for NFL Draft coverage on Samuel, offensive lineman Zack Bailey and other Gamecocks. DEEBO SAMUEL • FOOTBALL
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A LASTING Legacy Gamecocks will miss Zack Bailey’s toughness, leadership on offensive line By Jeff Owens/Executive Editor • Photos by Jenny Dilworth & SC Athletics
I
t’s Senior Day at Williams-Brice Stadium and it’s an emotional time for the 20 seniors who are honored before the Nov. 17 game against Chattanooga. One of the biggest ovations is for one of South Carolina’s biggest players — 6-6, 315-pound offensive lineman Zack Bailey. And no one appreciates the moment more than the four-year starter from Summerville, S.C. “It’s awesome. I love it. I love our fans,” Bailey said. “Being able to see them and see all the smiles on their faces and the young kids’ faces, I love it.” He would get to experience that feeling again two weeks later, when the Gamecocks played their final home against Akron. No current player has spent more time on the Williams-Brice Stadium field the last four years than Bailey, who has played in 46 games with 38 starts. His Gamecock career began in 2015, when he played in all 12 games as a freshman and made five starts — three at center and two at left guard. He was named to the SEC All-Freshman team, jumpstarting a career that should lead him to the NFL next season. Bailey was Carolina’s best offensive lineman
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FOOTBALL • ZACK BAILEY
as a sophomore and won the team’s Tenacity Award. He moved to right tackle last year and battled through an injury-riddled season that saw him miss four games. He returned to his more natural position at left guard this season and has anchored one of the best offensive lines South Carolina has had in recent years. As the Gamecocks prepared for their final regular-season game, Bailey reflected on his career. Though the team enjoyed its most success during last year’s 9-4 campaign, Bailey believes this has been his best season personally. “This has been one of my better years, finally getting back to a position I love and really focusing and understanding technique and understanding how to play the game better at that one position,” he said. “Being bounced around, you are learning a lot but being able to hone in on that one position and work on technique and work on things you need to do has been great.” Bailey, who was named to the All-SEC second team, led an O-Line that helped Carolina develop into an explosive offensive team that averaged nearly 450 yards and 33
points per game. Head coach Will Muschamp said Bailey’s work ethic and consistency set the tone for a group that returned three starters from last season. “He’s a guy that just comes to work every day with his lunch pail and goes to work,” he said. “Just a steady performer. You know what you’re going to get every day on the practice field. Tough, hard-nosed, physical. He’s been a really good football player for us here at South Carolina.” “He’s one of the more physical
guys on the team and you see it each and every day,” said quarterback Jake Bentley, who had a recordsetting season playing behind Bailey. “He’s a leader on the offensive line and a leader for our offense.” Bailey’s leadership has been huge for players like Blake Camper, a fifthyear senior who developed into a starter after filling in for the injured Bailey at right tackle last year. And for sophomore guard Sadarius Hutcherson, who has become a rising star under Bailey’s tutelage. “Zack is a great player. He’s very December 2018
athletic, he’s strong,” Hutcherson said. “I learned from him [about] taking my time and calming down. I learned to strain my body more, because Zack is a very hard worker. He’s leads me every day. If I get something wrong, he tells me how to do it.” That kind of leadership has made an impact on Bailey’s teammates. “Zack is an awesome friend, number one, a great teammate and just a really good guy to be around off the field,” said Bentley, who has started 31 games the past three years. “He’s a guy who is down to earth and he’s not worried about what is coming next. It’s truly about focusing on what he has to do here.” Bailey considered entering the NFL Draft after last season, but decided to return to school and earn his degree in criminal justice. He will be the first person is in family to graduate college when he walks across the stage in December. “That means a lot to me,” he said. His return also paid off on the field as Bailey led a much-improved offensive line that helped lead South Carolina to a bowl game for the third straight year. He also refined his craft, becoming a better blocker and raising his draft stock. Bailey has played every position on the offensive line during his four-year career. As a center, he learned early on how to read defenses and understand the roles of each lineman. When he moved to tackle last season, he improved his footwork and learned how to set an edge and play on an island against elite pass rushers. When he moved back inside this season, he helped develop good chemistry with one of the closest units on the team. He credits offensive line coach Eric Wolford, a former NFL coach, with helping him improve his technique, footwork, hand placement and things like reading defenses and picking up blitzes. “His whole philosophy … and really just understanding the playbook, he helps us so much,” he said. Bailey teamed with Hutcherson and center Donell Stanley to form a strong interior line, one that helped the Gamecocks improve its rushing attack despite injuries to all four running backs. The offensive line gave up only 18 sacks — down from 29 last year — and Muschamp says four or five of them weren’t the fault of the line. “We have got a lot of confidence in those guys. They have played December 2018
extremely well,” Muschamp said. “I think Eric does a really good job of preparing his guys week in and week out and we have some guys who have logged some snaps. We felt like that would be a good strong unit for us going into the year and it has certainly panned out that way.” The group improved throughout the season and had its finest game against rival Clemson, which sported the No. 2 defense in the nation. Behind Bailey and his troops, the Gamecocks scored 35 points and rolled up a series-record 600 yards of total offense as Bentley threw for a school record 510 yards and five touchdowns. And they did it against what is generally regarded as the best defensive line in college football. “That’s a really good front,” Muschamp said. “Those guys are all really good players and I thought we gave Jake time, I thought Jake had a really good pocket presence and I thought we blocked some things well in the run game. We were able to neutralize their front, and that was huge.” “I felt like the whole year we have been a pretty solid unit,” Bailey said. “Every opponent we have played has had good players on defense, so they are no different. But having the amount of talent they have on defense and us handling them like we did is awesome on our part.” Bailey marvels at the progress the program has made during his career, going from 3-9 his freshman year to winning nine games last year and earning three straight bowl bids under Muschamp. “Looking back, it’s kind of amazing that we are here right now,” he said. “I love the close-knit group that we have and just how we have made this team progress over the years.” He plans to spend the offseason recovering from a late leg injury and preparing for the NFL Draft. In the meantime, he will ponder his legacy at South Carolina. “I hope to leave a legacy for the young guys for them to build off of what I have done and hopefully help them progress so when I am done here they can step into that next role and be better,” he said. No matter how far he goes, he will never forget playing at Williams-Brice Stadium on Saturdays in the fall. “It means everything to me,” he said. “I wouldn’t change anything I have ever done here. I love this place, I love the environment, I love our fans. This place is home.”
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ZACK BAILEY • FOOTBALL
13
Gamecocks playing in familiar territory against familiar opponent By Jeff Owens/Executive Editor • Photos by Allen Sharpe
S
outh Carolina will be in familiar territory when it takes the field against Virginia in the Belk Bowl on Dec. 29. The Gamecocks are 3-0 at Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium, the home of the NFL’s Carolina Panthers. South Carolina opened the 2011, 2015 and 2017 seasons there, beating East Carolina, 56-27, North Carolina, 17-13, and NC State, 35-28. They will return again in 2019, opening the season against North Carolina again. “We’re really excited about going to the Belk Bowl,” head coach Will Mushcamp said. “One of our best alumni bases is in Charlotte and we do a lot of recruiting in that area and the state of North Carolina and have been able to attract some really good football players here.” The Gamecocks have a lot to play for coming off a 7-5 regular season. They can
finish the season with eight wins for only the 15th time in school history and produce backto-back seasons with eight or nine wins for only the seventh time. The Gamecocks have won five of their last six bowl appearances, with Muschamp going 1-1. They lost a thrilling overtime game to South Florida in the 2016 Birmingham Bowl and then rallied from a 16-point deficit to beat Michigan, last year in the Outback Bowl. “When you win the bowl game, it just makes everybody feel better about what is going on and where the program is heading,” Muschamp said. “You get a bunch of bowl gear and if you lose the game you damn sure don’t want to wear any of it. I have never put anything on from the Birmingham Bowl, I can tell you that. I helps your wardrobe a little bit when you win.”
NUMBERS THAT MATTER Scouting Virginia
3
Will Muschamp is the first coach to lead South Carolina to bowl games in each of his first three seasons. Steve Spurrier’s first three teams were bowl eligible but the 2007 team did not receive a bid following its 6-6 season.
10
The Gamecocks are 10-6 in their last 16 games vs. ACC schools since 2009. They are 5-5 vs. Clemson, 2-0 vs. North Carolina, 2-0 vs. NC State, 1-0 vs. Miami and 0-1 vs. Florida State. South Carolina was a member of the ACC from 1953-1970.
14
The Gamecocks are bowl eligible for the 14th time in the last 15 years. They elected not to participate in a bowl game in after a 6-5 season in 2004 and did not receive a bowl bid following the 6-6 campaign in 2007. They were not eligible after the 3-9 season in 2015. Carolina is 21-12-1 against Virginia, including a 2-0 mark at neutral sites. The Gamecocks won the last game between the two schools, 31-7, in Columbia in 2003.
23 14
21
This will be South Carolina’s 23rd bowl appearance. The Gamecocks are 9-13 in bowl games. They lost their first eight, but have won five of their last six.
FOOTBALL • BELK BOWL PREVIEW
Head coach: Bronco Mendenhall Career record: 114-65 Record at Va.: 15-22 2018 record: 7-5 (4-4 in ACC) Offense: 28.5 ppg; 382.5 ypg Defense: 21.7 ppg; 337 ypg
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING: “I don’t think it could be a better match-up. I don’t think it could be a better game. We’re playing an SEC opponent, which is a great way for us to finish the season and measure our program.” — Virginia head coach Bronco Mendenhall
2018 Schedule/Results Richmond W 42-13 at Indiana L 16-20 Ohio W 45-31 Louisville W 27-3 at NC State L 21-35 Miami W 16-13 at Duke W 28-14 North Carolina W 31-21 Pitt L 13-23 Liberty W 45-24 at Georgia Tech L 27-30 at Virginia Tech L 31-34
bowl history DATE Jan. 1, 1946 Dec. 30, 1969 Dec. 20, 1975 Dec. 28, 1979 Dec. 29, 1980 Dec. 28, 1984 Dec. 31, 1987 Dec. 28, 1988 Jan. 2, 1995 Jan. 1, 2001 Jan. 1, 2002 Dec. 30, 2005 Dec. 29, 2006 Jan. 1, 2009 Jan. 2, 2010 Dec. 31, 2010 Jan. 2, 2012 Jan. 1, 2013 Jan. 1, 2014 Dec. 27, 2014 Dec. 29, 2016 Jan. 1, 2018
BOWL Gator Peach Tangerine Hall of Fame Gator Gator Gator Liberty Carquest Outback Outback Independence Liberty Outback Papa John’s Chick-fil-A Capital One Outback Capital One Independence Birmingham Outback
SITE Jacksonville Atlanta Orlando Birmingham Jacksonville Jacksonville Jacksonville Memphis Miami Tampa Tampa Shreveport Memphis Tampa Birmingham Atlanta Orlando Tampa Orlando Shreveport Birmingham Tampa
OPP Wake Forest West Virginia Miami (Ohio) Missouri Pittsburgh Oklahoma St. LSU Indiana West Virginia Ohio State Ohio State Missouri Houston Iowa UConn Florida St. Nebraska Michigan Wisconsin Miami South Florida Michigan
SCORE L 14-26 L 3-14 L 7-20 L 14-24 L 9-37 L 14-21 L 13-30 L10-34 W 24-21 W 24-7 W 31-28 L 31-38 W 44-36 L 10-31 L 7-20 L 17-26 W 30-13 W 33-28 W 34-24 W 24-21 L 39-46 OT W 26-19
HEAD COACH Johnnie McMillan Paul Dietzel Jim Carlen Jim Carlen Jim Carlen Joe Morrison Joe Morrison Joe Morrison Brad Scott Lou Holtz Lou Holtz Steve Spurrier Steve Spurrier Steve Spurrier Steve Spurrier Steve Spurrier Steve Spurrier Steve Spurrier Steve Spurrier Steve Spurrier Will Muschamp Will Muschamp
December 2018
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15
Florida 35, South Carolina 31
Bitter pill Gamecocks blow big lead, suffer devastating defeat in The Swamp By Jeff Owens/Executive Editor • Photos by Travis Bell/Sideline Carolina
G
AINESVILLE, Fla. — On South Carolina’s first possession of the game, Jacob August hauled in a 2-yard touchdown pass to give the Gamecocks an early 7-0 lead against Florida in The Swamp. It was the first touchdown of the season for the senior tight end and his first since the 2015 season. Three hours later, it didn’t matter at all to August. “I would rather not score all season and win the game than score in a game that we lose. It just sucks,” August said. “I can’t really describe it. I don’t want to talk about it, honestly.” Like his teammates, August was reeling from South Carolina’s most heartbreaking loss of the season. The Gamecocks led Florida 31-14 with 4:41 remaining in the third quarter but lost 35-31 when the Gators rallied for three touchdowns in the final 16 minutes. The loss dropped South Caro-
16
FOOTBALL • FLORIDA RECAP
lina to 5-4 on the season and left them 4-4 in the SEC a year after finishing second in the SEC East. It was a bitter defeat, one that stuck with the Gamecocks for several days. “It’s tough when you go on the road in our league and have the opportunities we had in front of us. To lose the game, it’s gut-wrenching,” head coach Will Muschamp said. “It’s one we’ll carry with us for a while.” While the South Carolina offense played well most of the day, jumping out to a 14-0 lead, the defense’s inability to stop Florida’s running game doomed the Gamecocks. The Gators rolled up 528 yards of total offense, including 367 on the ground. Two Florida running backs rushed for more than 100 yards, with Jordan Scarlett running for a career-high 159. South Carolina’s biggest problem was stopping the run. The Gamecocks gave up 21 points
in the last quarter and a half and allowed more than 500 yards for the second week in a row. The Gamecocks played without starting defensive ends Bryson AllenWilliams and Aaron Sterling and four defensive backs who were also injured — a problem that plagued the Gamecocks in their final four games. “We got whipped up front. Call it like it is,” Muschamp said. “Missed tackles were the biggest issue. … You have to tackle and get guys on the ground.” After frustrating early-season losses to Georgia and Kentucky, Carolina had one of the best teams in the SEC on the ropes. Florida looked to be headed for its third straight loss when the Gators began to run over South Carolina’s depleted defense. “They had lost two in a row and they were getting ready to go off the cliff, and then momentum changed and that gave them the mindset
that they were still in it,” said T.J. Brunson, who led the Gamecocks with a game-high 16 tackles. “Those guys picked it up and started playing harder the rest of the game and we didn’t stop them enough.” It marked the second time in three weeks that the Gamecocks let an SEC game get away in the fourth quarter. They rallied to tie Texas A&M at home Oct. 13 but gave up two fourth-quarter touchdowns in a 26-23 loss. “We had our opportunities, we just need to go finish plays. It’s frustrating,” Muschamp said. “This is not the first time we have kinda had the game won and let it go. It’s never a good feeling,” running back A.J. Turner said. For August and others, it didn’t matter how it happened. A loss is a loss. “I don’t care if we lost 3-2, we lost,” quarterback Jake Bentley said. “No matter what, it’s going to hurt just as bad.” December 2018
NUMBERS THAT MATTER
1 PLAYER OF THE GAME
TE Kyle Markway scored his first career touchdown on a 19-yard pass from Jake Bentley. RB Mon Denson and S R.J. Roderick made their first career starts against Florida. TE Jacob August also caught a touchdown pass, his first since 2015. It marked the first time that Carolina tight ends caught two TD passes since Weslye Saunders had a pair against Clemson in 2009.
6
T.J. Brunson LB T.J. Brunson matched his careerhigh with 16 tackles, including eight solo stops. Brunson also had two sacks, three tackles for loss and forced a fumble.
2
WR Deebo Samuel had four catches for a season-high 120 yards. It was his sixth 100-yard receiving day. Samuel also had 78 return yards and recovered a fumble on special teams.
93
Bentley’s 89-yard completion to Samuel was the seventh-longest pass completion in school history and the longest without scoring a touchdown.
89
The 93-yard scoring drive capped by Rico Dowdle’s 4-yard touchdown run was the longest drive of the season and fifth-longest under Will Muschamp.
Jake Bentley had 239 yards passing, becoming the sixth quarterback in school history to eclipse 6,000 passing yards.
6,000
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FLORIDA RECAP • FOOTBALL
17
South Carolina 49, Chattanooga 9
Gamecocks become bowl eligible, showcase young players in bounce-back win
Taking care of business
By Jeff Owens/Executive Editor • Photos by Allen Sharpe
S
outh Carolina’s late-season, non-conference game against Chattanooga wasn’t supposed to mean much. It was supposed to be an easy home game to pad the Gamecocks’ record and offer a welcome reprieve from eight straight SEC games. But it wound up meaning much more than that. Coming off a devastating 35-31 loss at Florida, the Gamecocks had a lot to play for. They needed to get back on track after falling to 5-4. A win over the Southern Conference foe would make South Carolina bowl eligible for the third straight year. It was also Senior Day and Military Appreciation Day, so there were plenty of on-field celebrations and pageantry. But their were two important themes entering the 10th game of the season. The Gamecocks desperately needed an impressive performance and convincing victory after blowing a late 21-point lead to Florida. And hopefully they would play well enough to empty the bench late in the game and play some freshmen and backups who
18
rarely play. They were able to accomplish both objectives. Thanks to a near-flawless performance from quarterback Jake Bentley, the Gamecocks rolled over Chattanooga, piling up 602 yards of total offense in the 49-9 win. Bentley, who had been hot in the previous two games, was superb, completing 25 of 29 passes for 339 yards and four touchdowns in just over three quarters. Overall, it was the offense’s best performance of the season, balancing the running game (238 yards rushing) with the passing game (364) for South Carolina’s biggest offensive output of the season. Then it was time to empty the bench. After Bentley hit Deebo Samuel for a 61-yard touchdown pass on the first play of the fourth quarter, head coach Will Muschamp went to the bench, playing several freshmen and backups on offense and defense. A total of 18 freshmen and redshirt freshmen got into the game, as well as several upperclassmen that got their first opportunity of the season to play. “It was good to play a bunch
FOOTBALL • CHATTANOOGA RECAP
of guys in the game,” Muschamp said. “With eight straight conference games, it’s always hard sometimes to get guys some work. It’s great to get some guys out there on game day.” While the Gamecocks had played several freshmen on defense, several young players saw their first action on offense. The biggest star was freshman running back Deshaun Fenwick, who rushed for 112 yards and a touchdown in the fourth quarter. “I thought Deshaun ran hard for his first opportunity getting in a game,” Muschamp said. “I thought he ran through contact and did some nice things.” After Bentley left the game, senior backup Michael Scarnecchia played the next series, completing 2 of 4 passes and leading the Gamecocks to their final touchdown. Freshman Dakareon Joyner played the next two series, with redshirt freshman Jay Urich finishing the game. Both were solid in their limited time, with Joyner completing 1 of 2 passes and rushing for 24 yards on three carries. Urich completed his only pass and
rushed for 14 yards on his only carry. “It was awesome to see them get in there and their hard work paying off and getting to experience what it is like to be on the field,” Bentley said. “That is one thing I told them, cherish the moment. You only get one time to get out there for the first time, and I thought they did some good things.” Freshman offensive linemen Hank Manos, Eric Douglas and Jordan Rhodes also got into the game, while 10 different freshmen played on defense, including Clemson transfer Josh Belk. Freshman linebacker Ernest Jones and safety R.J. Roderick led the team in tackles, while J.J. Enagbare had two tackles, two pass breakups and blocked a kick. More importantly, the Gamecocks got back on track after the disappointing loss at Florida. The result was South Carolina qualifying for a bowl game for the third straight year under Muschamp. “It’s an expectation here. That’s something I expect every year,” he said. December 2018
NUMBERS THAT MATTER
1
RB Deshaun Fenwick had the first carry of his career and scored his first career touchdown. DB Israel Mukuamu had his first career interception while LB Ernest Jones forced his first fumble and led the team in tackles for the first time. DE Shameik Blackshear had his first career sack.
A.J. Turner became the first player this season to score three touchdowns in a game and the first since Deebo Samuel scored three against NC State in the season opener in 2017. Senior DB Jason Senn recorded the first three tackles of his career.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
6
A.J. Turner A.J. Turner had his best game of the season — all in the first half. Turner scored three first-half touchdowns — two TD receptions and an 11-yard TD run — and had 65 yards rushing and 34 yards receiving.
3
Deebo Samuel scored his sixth touchdown of the season on a 61-yard reception. He also reached 100 receiving yards for the seventh time in his career.
19
Bryan Edwards had four catches for 69 yards, becoming the 10th player in school history with 2,000 receiving yards.
Jake Bentley threw four touchdown passes, giving him 19 on the season, the seventh-most for a single season in program history.
Javon Kinlaw blocked a 43-yard field-goal attempt in the first quarter, the first blocked kick by the Gamecocks since Kinlaw blocked a field-gal attempt against Missouri on Sept. 9, 2017.
602
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10
43
The Gamecocks compiled 602 yards of total offense, the most in a single game under Muschamp.
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CHATTANOOGA RECAP • FOOTBALL
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19
Clemson 56, South Carolina 35
Gaining ground Record-setting performance vs. Clemson shows progress under Muschamp By Jeff Owens/Executive Editor • Photos by Allen Sharpe & Jenny Dilworth
C
LEMSON — After two straight blowout losses to Clemson, South Carolina was determined to make a statement against the No. 2 team in the country. It wasted no time proving how much progress it has made this season against its bitter rival. On the opening drive of the game, the Gamecocks marched 75 yards and took a 7-0 lead on a 9-yard touchdown pass from Jake Bentley to Deebo Samuel. After Clemson scored three straight touchdowns against South Carolina’s injury-riddled defense, the Gamecocks struck again with Bentley finding tight end Kiel Pollard for a 67-yard touchdown pass. When Clemson answered to go up 28-14, Bentley came right back again, connecting with Samuel on a 75-yard score. Even when Clemson scored three more touchdowns in the third quarter to build a 49-21 lead, the Gamecocks refused to give up.
20
FOOTBALL • CLEMSON RECAP
Bentley hit Samuel again for a 32yard touchdown, and then tossed a 20-yarder to Shi Smith to pull within two scores. In the end, Clemson held on for a 56-35 win at Memorial Stadium, but South Carolina proved its point, showing that it has closed the gap between it and one of the top teams in the country. “Look at the scoreboard. The scoreboard shows the progress,” senior offensive lineman Zack Bailey said. “Two years ago, we got our ass beat. This year we had a fighting chance.” Though Carolina’s depleted defense could not stop Clemson’s dominant offense, the Gamecocks proved lethal as well. They rolled up 600 yards of total offense, the most points and yards allowed by Clemson all season. Bentley had a record-setting day, passing for a school-record 510 yards and five touchdowns, the second-most passing yards ever allowed by Clemson.
Samuel also had a career day in his final game against Clemson, catching 10 passes for a careerhigh 210 yards and three touchdowns. Smith added nine catches for 109 yards and a touchdown. Bentley didn’t care about the historic day. “I think there is a lot of good things offensively that we did,” he said. “But at the end of the day, we didn’t win. I hate to keep coming back to that and being negative, but that’s what we wanted and we didn’t get it done.” That, perhaps more than anything, illustrates how far South Carolina has come in head coach Will Muschamp’s third season. Two years ago, the Gamecocks were humiliated in a 56-7 loss at Clemson. Muschamp criticized his team because it “didn’t compete” and vowed it wouldn’t happen again. The fact that South Carolina challenged Clemson offensively and refused to back down fulfilled his vision.
“Our guys went out there and battled to the final whistle, and that’s what our program is about,” Bentley said. “We are about battling and doing whatever we can to win a game and a lot of guys showed a lot of toughness.” Even the defense, which played six freshmen most of the game, never gave up despite allowing a series-record 744 yards against Clemson. “Guys didn’t lay down and quit,” linebacker T.J. Brunson said. “We know where our heads are and our hearts are. We will fight regardless of the situation.” Despite his third straight loss to South Carolina’s archival, Muschamp was proud of his team’s effort. It showed his program has made “huge progress” in the past three years, he said. “We are in a much better situation. It’s not even comparable,” he said. “It’s definitely on the rise,” Bentley said. December 2018
NUMBERS THAT MATTER
1
WR Deebo Samuel had a career-best three receiving touchdowns, giving him nine on the season and 14 in his career.
DE Brad Johnson made his first career start against Clemson.
5
QB Jake Bentley’s five touchdown passes were a career-high, surpassing his four against Coastal Carolina and Chattanooga this year.
9
WR Shi Smith’s nine receptions were a careerbest. His 109 yards were 10 off his career-high.
S Steven Montac had 10 tackles, his third double-digit tackle performance of the season. S R.J. Roderick also had 10 tackles, his second career double-digit tackle game.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Jake Bentley Jake Bentley set a school record with 510 yards passing and five touchdowns against Clemson. It was the most passing yards by a South Carolina quarterback against Clemson and the secondmost ever against the Tigers.
35
The 35 points were the most allowed by Clemson all season.
210
Samuel’s 210 yards receiving was a career-high and tied for second in school history, matching Troy Williamson’s total against South Florida in 2004. It was his third straight 100-yard receiving game.
+50
3
10
TE Kiel Pollard’s 67-yard touchdown and Samuel’s 75-yard score marked the fifth straight game and seventh overall in which the Gamecocks have had a completion of 50 yards or more.
510
Bentley’s 510 yards passing was the most in a single game in Carolina history, surpassing Steve Taneyhill’s 473 yards vs. Mississippi State in 1995.
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CLEMSON RECAP • FOOTBALL
21
South Carolina 28, Akron 3
Youth Movement Freshmen lead strong defensive performance in season finale
By Jeff Owens/Executive Editor • Photos by Allen Sharpe & Jenny Dilworth
T
he South Carolina defense was much maligned throughout the 2018 season, struggling due to inexperience, a lack of depth and an extraordinary number of injuries. But in the final game of the season, the Gamecocks defense stepped up and produced its best performance of the year, shutting out Akron in the second half and allowing the fewest points ever in the Will Muschamp era in a 28-3 win. The Carolina defense entered the game allowing an average of 29 points and 440 yards per game, including 744 a week earlier against No. 2 Clemson. But it held Akron to just three points in the first half, helping stake the Gamecocks to a 28-3 lead in a steady rain. With the offense stumbling due to the wet conditions, they held Akron to just 102 yards in the second half and only 260 for the game — the lowest total of the season. The defense had a season-high five sacks, 11 tackles for loss and forced three fumbles
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FOOTBALL • AKRON RECAP
and four total turnovers. “Our defense bailed us out time and time again,” quarterback Jake Bentley said. “I’m proud of them for the way they played.” “We played the way we should today,” Muschamp said. Due to a rash of injuries that decimated the defense, the Gamecocks played seven true freshmen on that side of the ball and they all made an impact. Defensive lineman J.J. Enagbare had a team-high six tackles, a sack, two tackles for loss and three quarterback hurries. Defensive back Israel Mukuamu played both safety and corner and had five tackles, forced a fumble and had a pass breakup. Safety R.J. Roderick had four tackles and forced a fumble while linebacker Ernest Jones had three stops and a fumble recovery. Defensive linemen Rick Sandidge and Josh Belk also played on the defensive line, while linebacker Rosendo Louis also contributed.
Muschamp was particularly impressed with Enagbare, who moved from inside to defensive end due to injuries to starters D.J. Wonnum and Aaron Sterling. “J.J. is very active,” Muschamp said. “He’s really active on blocks, creates a lot of issues for you. He’s got good length, he’s got good athleticism, change of direction. He’s going to be a really good football player.” Muschamp was pleased with the way his freshmen developed and filled key roles in the second half of the season. “They have played a lot of football for us,” Muschamp said. “There have been some growing pains, but we will benefit from it.” “They were really confident in what they had to do,” defensive captain T.J. Brunson said. “There were still little blips here and there that we have to clean up … [but] those quality reps and that experience will bring them a lot further along.”
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Deebo Samuel
Samuel made his final home game at Williams-Brice a special one, scoring three first-half touchdowns. Samuel scored on a 15-yard reception and a 5-yard reception and also pounced on an Akron fumble in the end zone for another score. December 2018
NUMBERS THAT MATTER
5
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WR Bryan Edwards had five receptions for 109 yards, moving into fifth in career receptions with 160.
DTs J.J. Enagbare and Kobe Smith each had their first career sack while LBs Sherrod Greene and Ernest Jones had their first career fumble recovery.
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WR Deebo Samuel scored his 10th and 11th receiving touchdowns on the season, second only to Sidney Rice’s 13 TD catches in 2005.
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Edwards and Samuel both scored their 16th career receiving touchdowns, tying them with Bruce Ellington for ninth on the all-time list.
QB Jake Bentley threw three touchdown passes, giving him 27 on the season, second only to Steve Taneyhill’s 29 in 1995.
Bentley’s 70-yard touchdown pass to Edwards was a record fifth completion this season of 70 yards or more. The play was the 11th of 50 yards or more.
Samuel’s three touchdowns gave him 28 for his career, tying him for fourth with Brandon Bennett and Cory Boyd. He also became the first player in school history to score a touchdown receiving, rushing, passing and via kickoff return and fumble recovery.
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RB Mon Denson rushed for a career-high 110 yards, his second career 100-yard game.
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AKRON RECAP • FOOTBALL
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Carolina Gamecocks 2018 Photos by Allen Sharpe & Jenny Dilworth
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December 2018
Carolina Gamecocks 2018 Photos by Allen Sharpe, Jenny Dilworth & Travis Bell
December 2018
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Ty Harris takes over as Carolina’s natural-born leader By Josh Hyber/Staff writer Photos by Allen Sharpe, Jenny Dilworth & SC Athletics
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‘Smooth’ Transition 26
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL • TY HARRIS
very February, as predictable as a central Indiana snowstorm — no matter what she does to prevent it — Ty Harris gets sick. Every winter, like clockwork, Harris gets her common cold for a few days and it moves on. But when Harris’s Heritage Christian (Ind.) basketball team advanced in the state playoffs her senior year of high school and her February sickness came, it didn’t leave. Not only that, it got worse and worse and became the flu. The week of the state semifinals, Harris couldn’t practice. “I think I had a sinus infection and the flu,” she said. “It was really bad.” Her status for the game, though, was never in doubt. She dragged herself to school and, on what little food she ate that week, led her team to a victory over rival South Bend Saint Joseph. “Ty being Ty, she’s not going to miss a game,” says her dad, Bruce Harris. “I can see her run into a wall and she’s not going to tell you she’s hurt. You have to protect Ty from herself.” “I call it my Jordan Flu Game,” Harris said smiling, referring to Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals when a dehydrated and exhausted Michael Jordan willed himself to 38 points against the Jazz. “I was drinking a lot of Gatorade. I tried to act like him.” The story comes up often when talking with Harris and those closest to her. They use it to explain not only the player she is, but the person. They use it to show how Harris, now the starting point guard at South Carolina, lets her play do the talking. They use it to describe her as a leader. The 20-year-old junior shies away from attention. She prefers to let her play do her talking, something that speaks volumes considering she steered the ship as a freshman on the Gamecocks’ 2017 national championship team and December 2018
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BASKETBALL led Heritage Christian (Ind.) to three state titles in her final three years of high school. She was a 2017-18 AllSEC second-teamer and before this season was named to the watch lists for the Nancy Lieberman Award, given to the nation’s best point guard, and the Naismith Trophy, given to the nation’s best player. “Being a leader is not easy at all,” Harris says on a late November day in the lobby of the Carolina Coliseum. “Some days you’re going to struggle, and you need your teammates to pick you up. But you have to be the person who’s always doing the right things at the right time. “People look up to you, so you can’t have a bad day. And if you do have a bad day you’ve got to have a poker face, because your teammates are watching you and how you react. “Being a leader isn’t easy, but it’s fun.” About 24 hours later those teammates looked to her more than they had all season. With the program on the verge of losing three games in a row for the first time since November 2010, she delivered, scoring doubledigit points in the third quarter as SC held on and beat Dayton 65-55. “Ty has been leading since her freshman year,” South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley said at SEC Media Day in October. “And sometimes her leadership goes under the radar because of who we had on those first two teams [she was on here]. “This year it’s wide open for her to step in and utilize some of her leadership skills.”
The Birth of 52 Tyasha Pearl-Desiree Harris was born into a basketball family in East Lansing, Mich. but grew up in Noblesville, Ind. One cousin, Shay Murphy, played professionally, while another, LaSonya Collins, played at Michigan State. Rumor also has it that one of Harris’s grandmothers played one summer in a Gus Macker 3-on-3 tournament. “My grandma used to say that I would always watch my dad play on the blacktops outside,” Harris said. “That I used to sit in the stroller and watch him go back and forth.” But the local YMCA didn’t have a girls’ league, so Harris played from the time she was 3 years old with boys. “I had a 6, 7, 8-year-old daughter out there dominating boys,” Bruce Harris said. “Ty being Ty, she was December 2018
Photo Courtesy of Jenna Bishop
always bossy, running point guard, telling everyone what to do.” One day, though, Ty stopped scoring. Little did the Harris’s know the league had a rule preventing players from scoring more than 18 points in a game. “That’s when the commissioner of the league told us she was really good and should play travel ball,” Shannon Greer Harris, Ty’s mom, remembered. It was also around then that Harris decided on something that would define her uniqueness as her career went on. “We had to go to this facility to pick out our numbers, and I was waiting in line for like five hours,” Harris said, only a slight hint of sarcasm in her voice. “I was ready to go, and by the time I got up there and they asked me what number I wanted. I was like, ‘No, I’m ready to go.’ They were like, ‘Just pick a number.’ “So the first number that popped in my head was 52. I don’t know where it came from or how it came about. It stuck from the fourth grade until now.”
The Making of ‘Smooth’ It took about an hour for Stephanie Roach to determine she needed Ty Harris. The only star player on
her school team, Harris scored or assisted on every basket and led her team to victory over Roach’s travel team, one that featured several future Division-I prospects. “Ty was the only kid that gave us problems,” Roach said. “I knew then that she was something special.’” “She just destroyed us,” said Katlyn Gilbert, who now plays for Notre Dame. That summer, Harris played for a team out of Best Choice Fieldhouse in Fishers, Ind. at an AAU tournament at Disney’s Wide World of Sports in Orlando. Though she was in the fourth grade, Harris played on a team with fifth- and sixth-graders. “Ty was Ty. She went out there and did what she needed to do,” Roach said. “She was not one to outshow anybody or outplay anybody. That’s just how she is.” They named her “Smooth.” “There was no holding back,” Roach said. “She took off at that point.” Even with a roster loaded with talent, Roach put the ball in Harris’s hands. “It was her basketball IQ,” the coach said. “It was her basketball IQ, and then she has a way with other players of directing them. She was our coach on the court. Even at that young age, she was always directing.” “You could always tell she had
something different about her,” Gilbert said. “I always knew she would be big and do big things. … She was always head and shoulders above everybody else.” Along the way, Harris naturally became the team’s leader. “Most kids at her position are very … they’re very barky. ‘Do it this way,’” Roach said. “But Ty relates to everybody on the team. If you got in the game, Ty was going to make sure you got a shot. Ty, she led. She speaks to every single player on her team.” Added the coach, “She’s the one, if you take a bad shot or you piss your coach off, and the coach hollers at you, Ty’s coming up right behind you like, ‘Hey, if you feel like that’s the right shot, take it again.’ Or, ‘That’s OK, we’ll get it next time.’” “She was a natural-born leader,” Gilbert said. “She wasn’t a leader that always told you negative things. She would go around and tell you positive things and give you highfives. You may have a disagreement on the court, but off the court she was one of your best friends. She has everyone’s best interests on her mind.” During the summer before her eighth-grade year, Harris got her first college offer, from the University of Evansville (Ind.). There were many memorable
TY HARRIS • WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
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tournaments along the way, like one in Michigan her team won — large crystal trophy and all — after finishing second several years in a row. Or one during the team’s later years in Tennessee that Ty was, in Bruce Harris’s words, on a “totally different level, couldn’t be guarded and couldn’t miss.” Above all, there was the Deep South Classic in Raleigh, N.C. when Harris was a freshman in high school and played against some of the country’s top upperclassmen. Seventy-five to 100 college coaches watched every game, despite BCU being the only unaffiliated team in the tournament. “But everyone was coming to our games,” Roach said. “And they were coming to watch Smooth.”
The IT Factor Rick Risinger, who has led Heritage Christian to six state titles in the past 10 years, said it was an easy decision to name Harris a starter as a freshman. “She had a lot of the same traits that you see right now,” the coach said. “I mean, there’s a certain level of confidence, a certain level of competitiveness and obviously a skill set that was really nice. Some players are good players. Some players have the It factor. “She had the It factor.” As a freshman, Harris led her team to a state semifinal appearance, but they lost by seven. The game — which Harris mentions first when asked about her most memorable high school games — made her realize that there are times when players who have the It factor have to take over and win games. “She was always confident in her ability to play and her skill level,” Risinger said. “She was kind of a quiet leader. She was not a rah-rah, let’s get it done type of leader. The leadership came more from stepping up and doing the things we needed.” When Gilbert came to Heritage, Harris pulled her aside. “Play your game. You’re good enough. You deserve to be here,” she said. “Our team needs you. Play your game and be confident.” According to Risinger, Harris became frustrated in the months leading up to her senior season. The coach didn’t know why, so he spoke with her mom. It turns out Harris was thinking too much about asserting herself and taking control. But she did, leading the Eagles to a 26-4 record, including the infamous Flu Game that was followed by a 51-45 victory in the state title game after the Eagles trailed going into the fourth quarter.
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“I saw that light switch go off in her head and her say to herself, ‘My team needs me,’” Gilbert said. “She just went out and dominated. You could see that the girls on the court couldn’t guard her.” Iowa and Michigan State were in the mix for Harris, who averaged 23.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.5 steals and 3.8 assists as a senior, but something intrigued her about playing for someone who once played her position — Staley.
Learning To Lead Harris admires South Carolina legend A’ja Wilson, someone she often referred to during their two years together as her “safe house.” But this season, and from here on out, Harris doesn’t have that safe house. It’s now Ty’s Time. “I try not to think about it being my time or that I have to do all the scoring now,” Harris said. “I think now, not having A’ja, anyone can show up at any time.” As Staley said at SEC Media Day, Harris has a clean slate to be able to lead. “She doesn’t have a choice,” Wilson said before this season. “It’s just one of those things and situations that I was put in when Aleighsa Welch and Tiffany Mitchell left. It’s tough. It is tough at a young age, especially for her to step up in this way, but the clock is ticking and it’s not stopping for no one. “She’s getting there. She’s vocally getting there. But at the same time, vocal leaders aren’t always the best. Some lead by their actions.” Wilson hit the nail on the head. Though Roach, Risinger, Gilbert and even Harris herself agree that
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL • TY HARRIS
she’s not the “rah-rah” type, she leads in her own way. “I don’t like being all in the lights and stuff like that,” Harris said. “I kind of like just to sit back and pick and choose when I want to do something.” It happens “occasionally” that Harris will get in someone’s face or give a passionate speech, but most of her pregame chats with her teammates include only brief scouting reports on the opponent. She tells them to “give all the glory to God and have fun.” Wilson, who won WNBA Rookie of the Year and was named a WNBA All-Star, said Harris has the ability to play in the WNBA because of her IQ. “There’s 144 jobs in our league and it’s up for the taking for anyone,” Wilson said. “People get traded. People get exposed. Just like anything. You just have to believe and want it and go after it, because it doesn’t come easy.”
The Real Ty Harris Legacy “Ty was always very independent, and people were just drawn to her,” Shannon Greer Harris said. “Even at school, teachers would always say, ‘Ty is very quiet at first, but once you get to know her and once she trusts you, then she’s funny and very talkative.” It takes a bit, but once Harris’s wall comes down, she’s sneaky funny. Polite. Insightful. Most importantly, she’s a leader and a role model to her two younger sisters. “She motivates me to be a great dancer,” says 10-year-old Tamara, who enjoys riding in cars with Ty because “she plays music really loud and we sing along. “And she always has me show her my dance moves. Then she tries them herself.” Twelve-year-old Talia wants to be just like her big sister. (“She’s Ty’s
clone. And she may be just as good as Ty, if not better,” Roach said.) Talia, too, enjoys the car rides, as well as when Ty cooks for her and lets her hang out with her friends at restaurants. There’s also a budding rivalry between the two, which came to a head once when the Harris family dropped Ty off in Columbia. “There’s the practice facility,” Bruce Harris told his daughters. “Let’s go. No more excuses.” It was 11 o’clock at night and both were wearing flip flops. “I wasn’t even really going hard and [Talia] was making these lucky shots,” Ty said. “I’m like, ‘What?’ I got a little mad. And then she went behind the back. I reached for it and she crossed me over. The best crossover. And then she laid it up for the win. “She going to hold that over me for the rest of her life.” “She started hooting and hollering,” Bruce said. “That made her world.” “If you ask her right now she’ll tell you she can beat me,” Ty said. Talia agrees, especially because Ty turned down a rematch in December. “She didn’t want to get beat again,” Talia said. “But I still want to play her.”
The Breakfast Club About 40 minutes into Harris’s first workout with trainer Derek Grant at Best Choice Fieldhouse in Indianapolis back in 2014, she left the gym to throw up. “But she came back and finished the last half hour,” Grant said. She also came back for more workouts. Harris knew if she wanted to become a Division-I athlete she needed to be in the best shape of her life. So she put her trust in Grant. “When we first started, the skill was there, you could tell she was an extraordinary player. She had something you can’t teach,” Grant said. “But the motor and the work ethic were just a little behind what her skill was.” Harris, Gilbert, future Virginia star Kyle Guy and a few others dubbed themselves the Workaholics and the Breakfast Club and worked out together every morning. “There were times when she’d work out, throw up and then come back and finish the workout,” Grant said. “That’s how Ty is. Ty is a gogetter. When she starts something, she’s going to finish it.” Before this season, Harris flew to Naples, Fla., where Grant now lives, to go through a week of conditioning. Grant put Harris through sprints, December 2018
shuffles and backpedaling on the beach. On the court, he beat her up in full-court one-on-one situations. They worked on dribbling with both hands and jumping off of either foot, two things Staley told her she needed to work on. “I can say now she’s at that point,” Grant said. “She’s hungry. If I told her to run through a brick wall she’d say, ‘Alright. What time do you want me to be on the other side?’ “If she can learn how to still be that skilled when she’s tired, there’s not a girl in the country who can stay in front of her.” The week’s lessons also centered on leadership, when and what to say in certain situations, mental aspects of the game and how Harris needs to be mentally there 100 percent of the time. “Last year I kind of went through the motions sometimes,” Harris said. “I was there just to be there. That wasn’t good for my team and it wasn’t there for me. I needed to be mentally there and mentally strong and fight through.” She had to make training and practices game-like. “I have a tendency to worry or not think I’m good enough at the moment until I get into the swing of things,” Harris said.
It took her a few days to realize she could compete with the Team USA players she scrimmaged against at a camp this summer. “You’re going to have to be more vocal for the level you want to get to,” Grant told her. “You’re going to have to be the point guard, the general on the floor. You can’t be the quiet one that takes someone to the side. That works sometimes, but for the most part you have to be known as the voice of the team. “You can’t worry about what someone’s going to say or think if you have your heart in the right place. If you’re genuinely trying to help the team, you won’t care what other people think. Because there’s a goal in mind. That’s what true leaders do, they put their own feelings aside if it’s better for the whole team.” Grant also believes Harris is “not even close” to her ceiling. Bruce Harris sees it, too. “You can see her pointing or actually getting on somebody or trying to motivate her teammates or pick them up,” he said. “… You can really tell that they’re starting to follow her lead and believe in her. “And I think she’s starting to believe in herself as a leader, too.”
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Sky’s The Limit Freshman A.J. Lawson a pleasant surprise as Martin’s best all-around player By Jeff Owens/Executive Editor • Photo by Jenny Dilworth
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othing drives Frank Martin crazier than watching young players make mistake after mistake. Asked about starting three freshmen Nov. 30 against Coastal Carolina, Martin immediately joked about losing his hair and going bald. “Freshmen are freshmen, you are going to have those moments,” he said. “Sometimes I want to jump over the scorer’s table.” But ask Martin about the play of freshman guard A.J. Lawson and his eyes light up. “I’m really happy with that kid,” he says. Lawson, a 6-6 guard from Toronto, has been the biggest surprise for the Gamecocks. Through their first seven games, Lawson was leading the team in scoring at 14.9 points per game, while averaging four assists and five rebounds. He was second in steals and minutes played. Lawson wasted no time showing why he skipped his senior year of high school to play for South Carolina. After scoring nine points in the season opener, he had 23 points
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and six assists in the second game against Stony Brook. He followed that up with 18 points and eight assists against Norfolk State, 19 points against George Washington and a season-high 25 versus Coastal. “He’s a great player,” senior guard Hassani Gravett said. “That’s why he was able to reclassify and come up to the collegiate level so quick because he has that kind of talent and ability. He’s definitely a great addition for us.” Lawson is one of three freshmen who played big roles early in the season for Martin. Point guard T.J. Moss has provided depth and scoring off the bench while forward Keyshawn Bryant added an offensive spark and thrilled fans with his high-flying, rim-attacking game. But Lawson’s versatility and all-around game have quickly made him one of Carolina’s best players. He scored in double-figures in six of his first eight games and gives Martin size on the perimeter. After struggling in their first two games, including a home loss to
MEN’S BASKETBALL • A.J. LAWSON
Stony Brook, Martin moved Lawson to the point and the Gamecocks suddenly began playing much better offensively, scoring 80 points or more in four of their next five games. “He’s got a confidence about him,” Martin said. “When he’s on the go, he sees passes because of his size. He’s got imagination as to what is there.” What pleases Martin most is that Lawson, who played over the summer on the U-18 Canadian national team, is extremely coachable. After Lawson struggled with his shot in the first half against Norfolk State, Martin suggested an adjustment to his shooting technique and Lawson responded with 18 points. When the Gamecocks traveled to Uncasville, Conn. for the Hall of Fame Tip-Off, Lawson struggled in the first game, scoring just 10 points on 4-of-12 shooting against Providence. But the next day, he responded with 19 points, nine rebounds and five assists in a 90-55 win over George Washington and was named to the all-tournament team and SEC Freshmen of the Week.
Martin was impressed with Lawson’s ability to bounce back quickly from a bad game. “What I really enjoyed was a young man that literally should be a high school senior right now went out after not playing well, without practicing, and the next day was on go mode and helped give our team a lot of confidence early in the game,” he said. Martin saw his prized recruit do it again the following week. Lawson got in foul trouble against Wofford and was held scoreless in a 20-point loss to the Terriers. Four days later, he pumped in a seasonhigh 25 in 38 minutes against Coastal. “He was passive in practice and I got after him a little bit, and for the last 30 minutes of practice, he was the best player on the court,” Martin said. “And you saw the way he played, how aggressive he was offensively and defensively and how engaged he was. “He responded. I see that and I get excited.” When he signed Lawson, Martin immediately compared him to another highly recruited South Carolina guard — McDonald’s All-American P.J. Dozier, who helped lead the Gamecocks to the 2017 Final Four and is now playing in the NBA for the Boston Celtics. Dozier and Lawson are both big, lanky guards with similar, quiet personalities. While Dozier used his size and athleticism to score over smaller guards, Martin says Lawson is faster and a better defender as a freshman. “P.J. played with feel and size. A.J. is a blur,” Martin said. “A.J., if he gets in the open court, he’s coming downhill with that ball 100 miles per hour and he’s trying to get to the rim.” They also are similar in their desire to improve their game and help their team. “P.J. was a McDonald’s AllAmerican that didn’t fight coaching,” Martin said. “He understood for our team to be good, I need to learn to do this better. He didn’t fight it.” Martin and his players see the same work ethic in Lawson. “He comes to every practice ready to work,” junior forward Maik Kotsar said. “He just gives it his all every day. He has a really bright future ahead of him.” “He’s fun to coach,” Martin said. “He’s got a great, great demeanor and he’s a wonderful young man. The sky’s the limit for him.” December 2018
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VOLLEYBALL
Watch Party Mendoza sets new standard as volleyball returns to NCAA Tournament By Josh Hyber and Brandon Alter • Photo by Allen Sharpe
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ixteen years. That’s how long it had been since South Carolina volleyball played in the NCAA Tournament. But because of a record-setting 2018 season under first-year head coach Tom Mendoza, that number reset to zero this year. “It’s special to have a brandnew coaching staff come in the first year and make the postseason,” South Carolina Athletics Director Ray Tanner said. South Carolina had a false alarm early on during its watch party at Williams-Brice Stadium when the ESPNU selection show announced South Dakota, red logo and all, had made the tournament. Those who were not on the edge of their seats moved to it and those who were already there jumped in the air. But only a few minutes later South Carolina (20-10, 10-8 SEC) saw its name. “It’s always kind of hard to
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imagine yourself somewhere where you’ve never been before,” junior Mikayla Shields said moments after the selection. “And this year we wrote history. You know, we always have goals. Before we knew it we reached a goal we maybe had not seen before.” “It feels amazing,” sophomore Mikayla Robinson said. “I was so shocked when we got [in].” South Carolina won its opening-round game against Colorado before falling to Minnesota in the second round. The Gamecocks won its most games since 2008 and
VOLLEYBALL • NCAA TOURNAMENT
December 2018
Mikayla Shields
jumped from 12th in the SEC last season to fifth this year. Shields and Robinson were also named to the all-conference team. It was the first time in 16 years that the Gamecocks had multiple players on the all-conference team, which was chosen by the league’s 13 coaches. Despite the outcome, it was a historic season for the Gamecocks with Mendoza at the helm. In his first season, Mendoza and the Gamecocks doubled the team’s SEC win total, giving it a
winning conference record for the first time in a decade. He also led the team to 20 wins for the first time in 10 years, despite three games being canceled due to Hurricane Florence. “We wanted to show that South Carolina volleyball can be successful on a national stage,” Mendoza said. Aubrey Ezell and Courtney Furlong highlighted a senior class whose legacy will be sticking with the team and leading it to the new standard.
“You always try to leave a place in a better state than when you got there,” Mendoza said of the senior class. “I think they can certainly feel like they have done that.” With a majority of the roster returning next season, Mendoza believes expectations may be higher going forward. “I think that’s a great problem to have,” he said. “The alternative is failure and low expectations. … Success means people expect more of you, and as competitors, that’s what we want.” It was a year that culminated in St. Paul, Minn., where the Gamecocks fell to the No. 2 seed Golden Gophers, but it was also a year that was celebrated at the watch party at the Champions Club at Williams-Brice Stadium. The team sat on lounge chairs and on the floor in front of a large television and eagerly awaited as the final minutes of an ESPNU broadcast of a Memphis-College of Charleston men’s basketball game ticked off the clock. There was a roar of approval when a final 3-point attempt missed and the game ended. Junior Courtney Koehler, who has sat through selection shows before — her sister played
at College of Charleston — said the team “got a little stressed out” when it saw South Dakota announced. But she was also confident her team’s fortunes would sway in the right direction. As the familiar Gamecock logo appeared, chants of “USC! USC!” pierced the air. Shields said to redshirt-junior Emma Lock, “Let’s go play Colorado right now.” But first Mendoza had some obligations to fill. Before he was able to say one word to local reporters, there were chants of “Tom! Tom! Tom!” and a yell of “We love you, Tom!” “It’s an exciting moment. We’re really proud and excited and happy for our student-athletes,” the coach said through the cheers. Many of the players were at a loss of words when asked how it felt to see their team finally show up on screen. “This is crazy,” Ezell said. “We weren’t perfect, but we were good a lot,” sophomore Jess Vastine said. “We were good enough. This team is really deserving of [being in the tournament]. You’re measured on a lot of different things, this is certainly the biggest one of them.”
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SOCCER
Striving for Excellence Disappointment over postseason loss shows commitment of Gamecock soccer By Josh Hyber/Staff writer • Photo by Allen Sharpe
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t was supposed to be a rebuilding season for South Carolina women’s soccer, with a roster that lost a program legend and featured almost as many underclassmen (26) as the entire roster had players on it (29) last season. The Gamecocks were supposed to come out of the gate slowly, with several players either injured or serving national team responsibilities. So much for that. South Carolina won 11 of its first 13 games in 2018 and allowed just four goals during the stretch. Lauren Chang, Selma Sol Magnusdottir and Jylissa Harris proved viable goal scorers while goalkeeper Mikayla Krzeczowski and defender Grace Fisk — a United Soccer Coaches AllAmerican — proved they are among the nation’s best at their positions. But the Gamecocks (14-6-1) had an up-and-down season and finished No. 17 in the final United Soccer Coaches Poll. They lost three of their final four regular-season matches, fell in an SEC Tournament
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semifinal and ended their season with a 1-0 loss to No. 14 Penn State in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. “The fact that we got to the second round of the NCAAs, were still in the top 25 and our team feels a disappointment, I think that’s where they’re at,” Gamecock head coach Shelley Smith told Spurs & Feathers. “It says a lot about where our goals are, where our team has put itself on the map, where we have a great year and still want to do better. The team has a commitment and a fire to get back to work.” There were many highlights along the way, including a 1-0 victory over Clemson on Aug. 23 in front of a Stone Stadium women’s soccer record 6,354 fans. There was the 2-0 victory over No. 11 Tennessee in Knoxville on Sept. 16 when the Gamecocks were unranked. There was the 3-0 win over No. 23 Auburn on Sept. 28, the largest win over a ranked opponent in program history. The 1-0 victory
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over archrival Florida on Oct. 8 was made sweeter because Krzeczowski set the school’s shutout record in it. Ten days later came another shutout, against Missouri, giving Krzeczowski the all-time SEC record. There was also the 2-1 SEC Tournament win over No. 13 Texas A&M after losing to the Aggies just five days before. Chang, an SEC and United Soccer Coaches All-Region secondteamer, led the club with 18 points (with eight goals, including three game-winners), while Sol Magnusdottir and Harris, both freshmen, had 15 (four goals, seven assists) and 11 (four goals, three assists), respectively. Sol Magnusdottir and Harris grabbed spots on the SEC AllFreshman team as well. Fisk, who was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year for the second straight season, helped lead a South Carolina defense that posted the fourth-best goals against average in program history (0.56). She
also scored the game-winning goal against Kentucky. Krzeczowski, an SEC firstteamer and a United Soccer Coaches All-Region second-teamer, picked up nine shutouts, helping her eclipse both the South Carolina and SEC records for career shutouts at 34. She will enter her senior season with the best career goals against average in program history (0.50) and ranks fourth in career saves (165). Defender Tatumn Milazzo was named a United Soccer Coaches AllRegion third-teamer for the second straight season. She scored two goals and played a significant amount of time of the non-conference season at center back while Fisk played with England’s U20 National Team. But the injury bug bit the Gamecocks. Krzeczowski played most of the season with a nagging right shoulder injury. Defender Jackie Schaefer suffered a head injury that forced her to miss the final weeks of the season. Defender Tatumn Milazzo had to sit out practices with a back injury to be able to play. Smith said Harris was “very limited” because of an injury. Defender Paige Mikula, who would have played extended minutes with Schaefer and Milazzo out, had an ACL injury. Elexa Bahr injured a quad. Ryan Gareis was never 100 percent with an injured leg. Luciana Zullo had a knee injury. “They handled that all pretty well and put together a very strong season,” Smith said. “I think the disappointing piece for the team was probably knowing they could have put themselves in a position to win an SEC championship again, and they didn’t, and they were that close.” Added Smith, “There were a lot of things that just happen in soccer. But they showed a lot of heart. They were a determined group and they want to be better come next year.” Entering the last two seasons, Smith has talked about how young her team is. But because the team will lose just one senior, next fall she will have an opportunity to talk about a talented veteran group. “We’re a young group and this will be something to learn from and build on,” Smith said after the season-ending loss. “I told the team we have a bright future.” December 2018
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CROSS COUNTRY
H
eather Stone didn’t always love running. The sophomore cross country runner excelled in other sports growing up, but her unlocked potential was seen by South Carolina Assistant Coach for Distances Andrew Allden and Stone developed into a big contributor for the Gamecocks. “In high school, a couple of my friends were running cross country and they told me I should do it to stay in shape for soccer,” Stone said. “I didn’t really like it at first. I did pretty well in my freshman year of high school, so I thought I should stay with it. It started to become fun for me. I liked going on runs.” A competitive swimmer growing up, Stone later focused on soccer and began running cross country as a high school freshman to stay fit. As time passed, running became a passion.
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Heather Stone craves running, leads Gamecock cross country to NCAA Regional By Brad Muller/SC Athletics
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“I would crave to go run,” she said. “I definitely didn’t think I had a future in running.” But fate would intervene. Stone was interested in South Carolina and reached out to Allden. Late in her senior season of high school, Stone was competing at the Nike Regionals in North Carolina, where Allden had already planned to attend. “It was kind of a fortuitous accident. Right place, right time,” Allden said. “I ended up setting a [personal record] in that last race of my senior year in high school,” Stone said. “I was in the open race, which isn’t as competitive, but I won the race. It was the race of a lifetime. … It was crazy how it all happened. I think it was a God-thing; like it was meant to be.” Stone hasn’t disappointed since donning the Garnet and Black. She was South Carolina’s top freshman finisher in each of her last five races in 2017. She
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started her sophomore year by finishing third overall in the Carolina Challenge, earning SEC Runner of the Week, the first SEC honor for South Carolina since 2013. Stone was the top finisher for South Carolina four times this season, including finishing 40th out of 132 runners in the SEC Championships. She helped lead the Gamecocks to the NCAA Southeast Regional, where they finished 17th out of 33 teams, the team’s best finish since 2013. Stone finished 52nd out of 245 runners while Anna Kathryn Stoddard paced the Gamecocks with a 46th-place finish. Stone’s success has validated her decision to stick with running. “Coming in, I was very nervous that I wouldn’t fit in running-wise,” she said. “Being able to score for the team is very validating. It’s great to know that I can run at this level, and I can run here.”
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EQUESTRIAN improve her performance both on the flat and over fences and she has done just that,” Major said. “To get three over fences wins on the road, not to mention two MVP awards while doing it, is a huge accomplishment. She holds herself to the highest of standards when it comes to competing. It is great to see her get rewarded for all the hard work she has put in.” Scott also went 3-0 in Reining, improving to 5-2 on the season with one MOP. “Jordan has continued to
Madison Brayman
Gamecock Equestrian doesn’t back down, jumps to No. 3 in national rankings
Caroline Gute
By Jeff Owens/Executive Editor • Photos by SC Athletics
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s a three-time national champion, Boo Major and her South Carolina Equestrian team have never backed down from a challenge. “We are not afraid of anybody and never have been,” she said prior to the season. “We will never lay down and die. The SEC is really tough but we will go to every meet with expectations to win and we’ll not stop until it’s over. … Bring it. That’s how we feel like about it.” That attitude served the Gamecocks well during the fall season as South Carolina finished with a 4-3 overall record and ranked No. 3 in the NCEA national rankings. South Carolina won three NCEA national championships (2005, 2007 and 2015) and two SEC championships (2013 and 2014), but 2017 was a down year with a 4-10 record. Major expected her team to steadily improve this season. “You want to say we are going to win every meet. I think we will win some and we will lose some, but I think our team will be better than last year’s team, for sure,” she said. “I do think we will improve as the year progresses.” That proved true in the fall. December 2018
After losing their first two meets to No. 6 SMU and No. 1 Auburn, the Gamecocks upset No. 2 Georgia. After falling to No. 2 Texas A&M, they won their final three meets, beating UT Martin, No. 10 Fresno State and No. 4 Baylor. They also won two Hunter Seat events and an exhibition against Liberty. South Carolina also finished the fall season ranked in all four events. It is No. 2 in Equitation Over Fences, No. 4 in Equitation on the Flat, No. 5 in Reining and No. 11 in Horsemanship. The Gamecocks also picked up several individual honors throughout the season. Junior Carolina Gute was named SEC Reining Rider of the Month for October with wins over Georgia and Texas A&M. Her winning ride against Georgia helped lift the Gamecocks over the Bulldogs, 10-9. Senior Madison Brayman and junior Jordan Scott were named NCEA Rider of the Month in Equitation Over Fences and Reining, respectively, for November. Brayman went 3-0 in November and earned consecutive MOP honors in wins against UT Martin, Fresno State and Baylor. “Madison set a goal for herself to
improve and gain confidence all fall semester,” Major said. “She had three phenomenal reining rides at away meets that solidified her as a top contender amongst our reiners at South Carolina, in the SEC and in the NCEA. I am excited to see where Jordan and our reining team lead us next semester.” South Carolina closed the fall season by winning a tight meet against No. 4 Baylor on a tie-breaker. The performance demonstrated the fighting spirit Major predicted her team would have. “Our team does not back down and kept fighting until the last point,” she said. “It was a great way to end our fall season. I’m extremely proud of this team’s accomplishments and abilities to conquer the goals they are setting for themselves.” The Gamecocks return to action Feb. 2 for exhibitions against Ohio State and Liberty at One Wood Farm in Blythewood. They open the spring season at home Feb. 9 against TCU.
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It’s time for Gamecock Nation to paint Charlotte garnet and black By Bill Gunter | Contributing writer
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into the offseason with momentum. I’m not usually one to tell you that bowl games or bowl wins amount to much. However, this is a little bit different because of the expectations at the start of the season and how things turned out. Finishing with an 8-5 record and adding a bowl trophy would be a nice December. With this trip, it’s truly time for Gamecock Nation to take over Charlotte and call it a home away from home. In the years to come, as Charlotte continues to grow, the Gamecocks will be battling Clemson, North Carolina, NC State and even Tennessee for territory in the Queen City. Given the fact the Gamecocks played in the kick-off classic there a year ago, are playing in the Belk Bowl this year and open next season in Charlotte again, it’s really now or never. With many young South Carolina alumni moving into the area, now is the time to make the town Garnet and Black. The Gamecocks
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model and have mid-week games this spring against NC State on April 2 and vs. North Carolina on April 16. The benefits would extend beyond just recruiting student-athletes. Non-athletes would be introduced to the university brand as well. I think it’s a no-lose situation for the university and the athletic program. Yes, I would have loved the opportunity to spend New Year’s Eve in Jacksonville, but the Belk Bowl is a golden opportunity for both the school and football program. Now is the time to take action and paint Charlotte garnet and black, not just for Dec. 29th, but moving forward.
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aybe I’m just a positive person, maybe I have an unknown love for the city of Charlotte or maybe I just wanted a day trip. Whatever it is, I’m excited for South Carolina to be playing in the Belk Bowl in Charlotte. I think it’s a blessing for the Gamecock program. It’s not that I didn’t want a trip to Jacksonville to play in the Gator Bowl. Trust me, I had a week planned that included taking the kids to Disney World (which I have been told is an awful idea this time of year). However, the short trip to Charlotte, a city we should claim as Gamecock territory, has me much more excited about the 2018 bowl than the potential trip to Jacksonville. I also love this matchup for Will Muschamp. South Carolina is better than Virginia, and in a season that has been somewhat of a disappointment, winning the bowl game and finishing with eight wins would be a good season and would send the team
need to make it a priority to schedule at least one game at Bank of America Stadium every two years. Games against North Carolina are lined up for next season and 2023, but it would be great to see the Gamecocks play a marquee regional matchup in other years against schools such as Virginia, Virginia Tech, Maryland or even West Virginia. Much like Alabama has done with making Atlanta an opening-season kickoff game, the Gamecocks could do the same thing with Charlotte to help promote the brand in the area to the fullest. I do not want this to just stop with football. Both Frank Martin and Dawn Staley should be scheduling at least one non-conference game at the Spectrum Center, the Charlotte Hornets’ home arena each season. I think it would be fantastic to get the exposure of playing in Charlotte against a regional team like the Hokies, Terrapins, Wolfpack or even Wake Forest or Georgetown. Mark Kingston and the baseball program have already followed this
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Despite disappointing third season, hope springs eternal By Ed Girardeau | Contributing writer
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nother football season is in the books and, depending on who you talk to, it was a reasonably good year, a mediocre season, or an underachieving team. Will Muschamp’s seven wins matched Warren Giese’s 1958 team, which was 7-3 in his third season. An eighth win in the Belk Bowl against Virginia would be one fewer than Lou Holtz’s nine wins in his third season in 2001. Muschamp’s 22 wins so far are more than any South Carolina coach in his first three seasons, so you would think fans would shake their heads and say, “OK, we’re ahead of schedule.” So why do fans tell me we overachieved and that it doesn’t feel like three winning seasons? The answer is simple: expectations. Reasonable or not, those who follow the Gamecocks hoped to improve on last year’s nine wins. I did. Of course, I figure out how we’ll go undefeated every year, so I, too, have an expectation beyond
what might be reasonable, so I get it. For what it’s worth, the reason it doesn’t “feel” like three winning seasons is there haven’t been any wins against Georgia or Clemson, much less Texas A&M, Kentucky or any top-ranked teams. In Steve Spurrier’s first three seasons, we beat Clemson and Georgia. In year three under Spurrier, we were 6-1, ranked in the top 10, and it was Game On! Then came Vandy and we lost the last five games and didn’t go to a bowl game. South Carolina had some hope, but it sure didn’t feel like much. In fact, in year four, we lost to Vandy and Georgia, got crushed by Florida 56-6, lost to Clemson 31-14 and lost to Iowa 31-10 in the Outback Bowl. Was Spurrier past his prime? That season was followed by Carolina’s only SEC East title and three straight 11-2 seasons. This season could have been much worse. The wins over Missouri, Tennessee and Ole Miss
were precarious at best but each were nice wins. That being said, the Florida loss after leading 31-14 is still hard to swallow. The losses to Georgia and Clemson are always disappointing. You take some solace in the offense’s performance against Clemson, but losing by 21 is never satisfactory. You can’t help but believe that if the defense had just half of its injured players, Carolina had a real chance to pull off the upset. Hope springs eternal, though. The defense had to compete with players who weren’t ready for prime time. That will pay off in years to come. With the recruiting class coming in and the return of the injured players and young players who got considerable experience, the defense should be much improved next season. Spurrier’s three 11-2 teams featured great defenses. Players like Clowney, Swearinger, Gilmore, Ingram, Stewart, Taylor and Holloman, among others, played in
the NFL. If defense wins championships, players such as these are necessary. Jake Bentley made great strides this year and is poised for a big senior season. All the running backs and a very good group of wide receivers also return. With improvement on both sides of the ball, maybe Muschamp’s year four will surpass all the fourth seasons of past coaches. Expectations will be high but there appears to be good reason. With loyal devotion, remembering the days …
Ed Girardeau is a 1982 South Carolina graduate and has been a columnist for Spurs & Feathers since 2012.You can reach him at edgirardeau@spursandfeathers.com.
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