Spurs & Feathers 1014 by Spurs & Feathers

october 14 s 6OLUME s )SSUE s

South Carolina Strong Postmaster: Time sensitive material. Please expedite

Palmetto State shining in face of devastation, tragedy Monday is Columbus Day: Publication mailed Tuesday, Oct. 13

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Spurs & Feathers Published by Aiken Communications, Inc.

Contact Us: 326 Rutland Drive N.W. PO Box 456 Aiken, SC, 29801 To subscribe: Please call 800-559-2311; annual subscription price is $50 Ellen Priest Publisher Aiken Communications, Inc. Tim O’Briant General Manager tobriant@spursandfeathers.com (803) 335-1400 Ext. 500 Brian Hand Executive Editor bhand@spursandfeathers.com (803) 335-1399 Ext. 506 Ed Girardeau Contributing Editor/ Advertising Account Executive ed@spursandfeathers.com (803) 646-9807 Dee Taylor Advertising Director (803) 644-2371 Kathy Boyette Advertising Sales Manager (803) 295-3654 kboyette@spursandfeathers.com Brooks Rogers Advertising Representative (803) 446-4022 brooks@spursandfeathers.com Reporter Kyle Heck kheck@spursandfeathers.com Photographers Allen Sharpe and Jenny Dilworth Mary Watson Graphic Designer Cover Design Brian Hand (photo by Allen Sharpe) Postal Information: SPURS & FEATHERS (USPS 12779) (ISSN 7454368X) is published 23 times annually. The frequency is monthly from December to February, bi-weekly in March, monthly in April, bi-weekly in May, biweekly in June, monthly in July and August and weekly from September through December 2. SPURS & FEATHERS also publishes two slick-paper magazine issues — one in April and one in August. 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 Aiken Communications, Inc., 326 Rutland Drive NW, Aiken, SC, 29801-4010. Periodicals postage paid at Columbia, SC Postmaster: Send changes to SPURS & FEATHERS, PO Box 456, Aiken, SC, 29802.

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Gamecocks, School Cuts launch t-shirt to benefit relief efforts The University of South Carolina and local vendor School Cuts have teamed up on a project that will lend much-needed assistance to those agencies currently providing lands and the state of South Carolina. A T-shirt has been produced for sale with proceeds to be distributed by the Central Carolina Community Foundation, the American Red Cross of South Carolina and the United Way of the Midlands to agencies

The shirt, manufactured by School Cuts of Columbia, will sell for $15 and carry a message that says “Together” with the “o” in the shape of the state of South Carolina. There will be two versions available -- one with the Gamecock Block C logo and one without it. The shirt is available now through Garnet and Black Traditions at http://www. garnetandblacktraditions.com/GBT00007/ Product. Other outlets will be announced as they become available.

Gamecock Club information/upcoming events WHERE S.C. WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 24 : Four-man captain’s choice with shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. : $50 per person, $200 per team (includes lunch) There will also be door prizes Mulligans may be purchased at registration Contact Frank Davis at 803-275-7056 or Don Smoak at 803275-4605 Email Frank at lfrankdavis@bellsouth.net The deadline is Oct. 21. “Dinner with Dawn”, a Midlands Event hosted by Lexington County Gamecock Club will be held on Thursday, October 22nd, at Saluda Shoals River Center, Columbia, SC. Doors will open at 6:30 pm and the program will begin at 7:15 pm. This event will feature Coach Dawn Staley, coaches and staff from the University of South Carolina Women’s Basketball Program and the Emcee for the evening will be Judi Gatson of WIS-TV. A bar serving various beers and wine will be available using cash or credit card. A menu of baked chicken, roasted herb potatoes, vegetable medley, salad, apple pie, coffee, tea and water will be catered by Diimmler’s Catering. Tickets are available through Eventbrite at: http://www.eventbrite. com/e/dinner-with-dawn-a-midlands-event-hosted-by-lexington-county-gamecock-club-tickets-18831710152?aff=es2 or go to www.eventbrite.com and search for Dawn Staley. For further information or questions, please contact staleydinner@ yahoo.com : The Florence County Gamecock Club will hold their Fall Gamecock Rally on Thursday, October 29 at the Floyd Conference Center at Carolina’s Hospital. As they will let everyone know the program plans.

Please be reminded that Gamecock Club members who park in the Garnet, Black, White, Blue and Green sections of the

Fairgrounds parking lots have reserved parking spaces for six of the seven home football games in 2015. Parking for the Vanderbilt game on October 17 will be handled on first-come, first-serve basis, with no reserved parking that day for either those attending the game or the State Fair. The South Carolina State Fair has implemented a parking fee of $5 per day while the fair is in progress. This fee is cash only and will be enforced for the Vanderbilt football game. Gamecock Club members are reminded that season parking in Carolina Fair Park continues to be based on six home football games. Fans are encouraged to come early for the Vanderbilt game to get your vehicle parked and avoid the heavy traffic congestion around the stadium and fairgrounds that exists when the Fair is in town. When: Tuesday, November 03, 7:00 p.m. Location: Italian Garden Restaurant 59 US Hwy. 321, Winnsboro, S.C, All Gamecock Club member and fans are invited. Any questions contact Gene Schofield at 803-337-8850 or Chris Blackwelder 803-718-3276

October 14, 2015

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McFarland: ‘It just shows we have truly good people involved’ by brian hand Executive Editor

Patrick McFarland has a pretty unique job in that he gets to interact with Gamecock fans on a daily basis. Each week the Gamecock Club executive director is impressed with how passionate Gamecocks everywhere are and the efforts of the Gamecock Club chapters over the course of the past week in helping with the relief efforts in the state of South Carolina have even further emphasized to him why the saying “it’s great to be a Gamecock” is so true. “It’s extremely impressive and it just shows how much our chapters and our volunteers care, not only about the Gamecocks, but the community in general,” McFarland said. “We’ve had chapters from all across the state and Washington, D.C. to New York to Atlanta and chapter presidents themselves reach out to us.” Every year the Gamecock Club chapters work extremely hard in their own communities to make an impact and their efforts to help out those in need in Columbia and the entire Palmetto State this past week shows once again that they are willing to go above and beyond.

“It just shows that we have truly good people who are involved with our chapters,” McFarland said. “If you are a Gamecock fan, you not only feel like you support the team, you truly are a part of a special community and it’s being proven right now.” What’s most impressive to McFarland and the Gamecock Club is that they received so many calls that they had to put together a list of recommendations to send to the Gamecock Club Board of Directors about how to help out in the midlands. “It’s refreshing that we have received so many calls asking how they can help,” McFarland said. “We all want our Gamecocks to be good in anything they do. But our people, our fans, our Gamecocks, they realize what’s important. And they’re putting the well-being of our student-athletes, the students who have been affected and the community that’s being affected, they’re putting that above anything that happens on a playing field or court.”

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Orth: ‘We just have to keep on getting better’ by brian hand Executive Editor

noted. “In the third, they were just short, easy passes. I threw one to Jerell (Adams), I just read With Lorenzo Nunez unavailable, junior quarthe middle linebacker and he came down on an terback Perry Orth was thrust back into the starter under route. Jerell was wide open. Then I threw a role again heading into the LSU game. two-yard route to Pharoh (Cooper), and he did the rest. It’s awesome having guys like that.” his efforts on the day throwing for 200 yards and Despite having his most solid start, Orth undertwo touchdowns. He was 14-for-28 overall and he standably is more focused on getting the Gamehad one interception. cocks back into the win column. In general, Steve Spurrier was pleased with “It’s not the way we wanted to start obviously, Orth’s performance in the Gamecock loss to LSU. but there’s nothing we can do about it now,” Orth “Perry made a lot of good plays,” the Head Ball relayed. “We just have to keep on getting better. Coach said. “He made a lot of good ones. He did. On both sides of the ball there were times we were He made a lot of good plays for a walk-on kid. He clicking, offensively and defensively. We just need made some good passes in the second half.” to build on that” Like all Gamecocks everywhere though, Orth in South Carolina’s road loss to Georgia after the could not have been more appreciative of the efLSU loss Orth mentioned he was just happy to forts of LSU . have the majority of the snaps. “It was awesome,” Orth said. “Everyone in the “It was awesome,” Orth said. “I don’t know how area was very welcoming. Everyone in this area long Lorenzo (Nunez) is going to be out for, but kind of understands what we’re going through it was nice to get a full game. We came out hot in right now with (them going through Hurricane) Katrina. It was nice to see the fans cheering us for a while, but when we got the ball back in the on. At the same time though, it felt like an away second half, we went back to the game. It was awesome for their things that we were successful band to play our alma mater. with originally.” Those guys on the other team Orth was particularly strong were awesome about it. They for the Gamecocks in the third told us to keep our heads up Perry Orth quarter. about our situation going on at “They showed what they had KeenanSuggs home. Hats off to their guys and been running defensively in Player of the Week coach Miles.”

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LSU pulls away for victory over South Carolina other long drive that came in the second quarter.

but his tip went right to receiver Travin Dural, who raced into the end zone for what was a drive and a 14-yard run by quarterback Brandon 62-yard touchdown reception that put the Tigers Playing a “home” game at LSU’s Tiger Stadi- Harris got LSU deep into South Carolina terup 31-10 with a little over six minutes left in the um, South Carolina was unable to overcome 396 quarter. rushing yards by the No. 7 Tigers as they pulled as he found sophomore receiver Malachi Dupre Orth helped South Carolina cut into the lead away for the 45-24 victory over the Gamecocks. for a 11-yard touchdown that put the Tigers up on the ensuing possession after the Gamecocks LSU had a 17-10 lead at halftime and the 14-3. The touchdown pass completed a 11-play, Gamecock defense was playing well, as they 67-yard drive that took 5:42 off the clock. held LSU sophomore star tailback Leonard Fortunately for the Gamecocks, freshman Ra- senior wide receiver Shamier Jeffery down Fournette to 49 yards on 15 carries. shad Fenton did something that hasn’t happened the sideline for a 22-yard gain. Jeffery was The second half was a different story, howin 13 years at South Carolina on the ensuing interfered with, but was able to hold on for the ever, and the Tigers (5-0, 3-0 SEC) were able to kickoff. tremendous catch. After a Cooper reverse and overcome a much-improved offensive showing Fenton raced untouched up the middle and two incompletions, the Gamecocks were facing from the South Carolina (2-4, 0-4 SEC) offense. outran the Tigers on his way to a 96-yard kickoff a fourth and eight. In a must-convert situation, “They had a pretty good second half,” head return touchdown that cut the Tiger lead to 14-10 Orth found tight end Jerell Adams down the coach Steve Spurrier said of the Tigers. “(Our) to get into the end zone to complete the 36-yard got more downs, but they were just too good Gamecocks since Matthew Thomas recorded a for us in the second half. Offensively, we were 95-yarder at Virginia in 2002. took 1:21 off the clock and cut the LSU lead to trying to get a little bit here and there. We didn’t “Fenton is a young man that has some break31-17. run the ball all that well, but it is what it is. The Tigers extended their lead back out to them to put him in there. That was my best call three touchdowns on the next drive thanks to of the game. He came off and said, ‘thanks for their two backup tailbacks. All six plays of the look very good.” putting me in coach.’ I said, ‘no, I’m the dummy 75-yard drive were runs by either Guice or WilSouth Carolina used a 13-play, 62-yard drive that hadn’t put you in all year.’” liams and the latter topped it off with a one-yard It looked like the Gamecocks were about to touchdown run that pushed the Tigers lead to lead over LSU. The Gamecocks completed two cut into the lead even more before halftime, but 38-17 with just over one minute left in the third. long third downs in the process and quarterback Orth had a pass tipped and intercepted by LSU’s The touchdown was Williams’ second of the Perry Orth hit wide receiver Pharoh Cooper for day. a 42-yard gain that put the Gamecocks at the and get three points of their own just before half- The Gamecocks would keep up the touchTiger 13-yard line. time. Trent Domingue split the uprights from South Carolina would get to the LSU three29-yards out and the Tigers led 17-10 at halftime. yard line, but the drive stalled there and Elliott LSU would start the second half with the ball

down trend on their own ensuing possession. It took just three plays and Orth hit Cooper on a quick slant and the junior star raced 43 yards for 39 seconds left in the third. South Carolina went with the onside kickoff after LSU scored and while kicker Landon Ard recovered the kick, the referees called D.J. Smith offsides on the play, nullifying the recovery. The Gamecocks kicked it long after that and again. It took six plays for the Tigers to go 67 yards and Guice recorded a four-yard touchdown run to extend the Tigers lead to 45-24. For the game, LSU gained 624 yards to South Carolina’s 283. The Tigers’ vaunted ground game lived up to their reputation as they recorded 396 yards on the ground. Orth completed 14-of-28 passes for 200 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Cooper posted his second straight 100-yard receiving game as he gained 105 yards and a touchdown on seven receptions. For the Tigers, Guice led the team with 161 rushing yards and a touchdown while Fournette run. Harris completed 18-of-28 passes for 228 yards and two touchdowns. Dural was the top yards and a receiving touchdown.

Gameday Traditions

everyone why he’s one of the best players in quarter. the nation. On second down from the Tigers’ However, the Tigers were able to answer with 13-yard line, the 230-pound bruiser charged a long drive of their own. LSU used a three-man up the middle and outran the South Carolina rushing attack led by Fournette, the Heisman defense for a 87-yard touchdown that put the trophy candidate, who picked up 22 yards on Tigers up 24-10. That run came after Fournette had just 49 Derrius Guice added a 16-yard run and sophoLSU used a bit of luck to extend its lead later 75-yard drive with a four-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. On a 3rd and 24 from their that put the Tigers up 7-3 over the Gamecocks. The drive took 5:47 off of the clock. that was intended for tight end DeSean Smith. The Tigers would extend their lead with anSmith was only able to get a hand on the ball,

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Spurs & Feathers working with postal officials to eliminate delays

A large number of Spurs & Feathers subscribers have reported delayed delivery of the newspaper in the mail over the last several weeks. Spurs & Feathers general manager Tim O’Briant has reported these increasing delivery issues to the U.S. Postal Service. Tom Ouellette, a Washington, D.C., spokesman for the USPS, said the issues are being taken seriously. “The issue was recently brought to our attention and the U.S. Postal Service is already investigating the matter,” Ouellette said Thursday, Sept. 24. “Rest assured we remain totally committed to identifying and correcting errant processes in our operations as early as possible. Customers with service or delivery concerns are encouraged to contact USPS either by calling 1-800-ASK-USPS or visiting our website at usps.com/help. We will continue to strive to provide the best service to our customers.” O’Briant said he is glad there is an investigation ongoing, but he and other Gamecock “We’re dealing with thousands of newspa-

pers going all over the country in the mail, so there have always been some issues,” O’Briant said. “This summer, we’ve seen far more delays and missed deliveries and had more customer complaints. That’s a real concern.” the shuttering of bulk mail processing centers has caused delivery slow downs across the board, according to a recent report from the USPS Inspector General. “We want nothing more than to have Gamecock Nation get Spurs & Feathers on time, every time,” O’Briant said. “At this eliminated.” Spurs & Feathers is delivered in bulk and mailed each Monday morning from Columbia. “The only thing that’s changed is the to get it to my house and everybody else,” O’Briant said. “Last year I was getting it in Aiken on Tuesday or Wednesday and now I’m lucky to get it on Saturday.”

October 14, 2015

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The view from the LSU locker room by kyle heck Reporter

South Carolina/LSU postgame notes and quotes south carolina athletics media relations

deFensiVe notes

General notes 45-24

category

sPecial team notes

oFFensiVe notes -

Passing leaders

south carolina head football coach steve spurrier Opening statement

rushing leaders

receiving leaders On the uniqueness of the game week for South Carolinaâ&#x20AC;Ś

lsu

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Previewing the Vanderbilt football team by kyle heck Reporter Before we get into the preview of the Vanderbilt football team in advance of its game against the Gamecocks on Saturday, Oct. 17, it’s important to mention the impact the Commodores have already made on the Just days after the state was ravaged by

(see story on page 10). It was a heartfelt gesture from the Commodores athletic department and goes to show that football conference and division rivalries aren’t nearly as important as helping out a neighbor in need. When Vanderbilt heads into Columbia, it will be coming off of a bye week. The Comseason, but have won two of the last three with both wins coming over nonconference opponents. games in SEC play, the Commodore defense has been impressive thus far. This probably has a lot to do with the fact that head coach Derek Mason took over the defensive playcalling duties heading into this season. Regarded as one of the best defensive minds in the nation, Mason was defensive coordinator at Stanford prior to taking the Vanderbilt job and helped the Cardinal to back-to-back Rose Bowl appearances. After hanging around with Georgia for most of the game before falling 31-14 to the Bulldogs, the Commodores went to Ole Miss, then one of the top offensive teams in the nation, and held them to 27 points. The Rebels came into that game averaging 64 points per game. As a unit, the Commodores are holding opponents to just over 18 points per game and are only giving up an average of 320.8 yards per game. corded nine sacks, but those sacks have come from nine different players, showing the depth and versatility the Commodores have on defense. Sophomore linebacker Zach Cunningham leads the team with 35 tackles and four of those have come for loss, which is tied for the team lead. Junior cornerback Torren McGaster leads Vanderbilt with six pass breakups while also adding 20 tackles. The Commodores also spread the tackles out as six players have at least 20 stops. On offense, the Commodores are still a bit of a work in progress and have particularly struggled in the turnover department. Sophomore quarterback Johnny McCrary has

PHOTO BY ALLEN SHARPE

downs on the year. However, Mason and company aren’t afraid to still let McCrary throw it around as he averages right around 250 passing yards per game. Perhaps the best player on offense is sophomore tailback Ralph Webb. After an outstanding freshman year, Webb has rushed for 437 yards and three touchdowns this season. Webb is a threat in the receiving game as

receiving touchdowns. By far the biggest threat on the outside is 465 receiving yards and two touchdowns. No other wideout on the team has more than 154 yards. The Gamecocks will likely make sure they keep a close eye on return specialist Darrius Sims. The junior had two kickoff returns for

touchdowns against South Carolina in Nashville, Tennessee last year. South Carolina has won the last six meetings against Vanderbilt and head coach Steve Spurrier is 20-2 all-time against the Commodores. The last time the two teams met in Columbia was 2013, when the Gamecocks came away with a 35-25 victory. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. and can be seen on the SEC Network.

October 14, 2015

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PHOTO COURTESY OF RICHARD LOPER

‘You can always count on Gamecocks’ Greenwood is a completely amazing town that refuses to let others in our beloved state suffer. We are overwhelmed by the love and generosity by People all across the nation and even the world the people in this town. This is what being from have reached out to the Palmetto State over the South Carolina is all about.” course of the past few days asking how they Richard Loper of the Greenwood County can help. And as one would expect, Gamecocks Gamecock Club added “it’s southern hospitality. everywhere are leading the pack because as Neighbors helping neighbors.” Sharon Hawes perfectly put on Spurs & FeathThe New York City Gamecock Club and the ers’ Facebook page, “you can always count on My Carolina Alumni Association are also holdGamecocks.” ing a fundraiser at the Mason Jar to help raise Gamecock Club chapters from all over have funds for those in need. reached out to Spurs & Feathers, the Gamecock The efforts of chapters like the Greenwood Club, the University and Gamecock athletics ask- County Gamecock Club, the Aiken County ing how they can help. Gamecock Club and the NYC Gamecocks are Chris Fulmer and the Aiken County Gamecock not surprising to Gamecock Club executive direcClub asked how to get in contact with the student tor Patrick McFarland. relief fund to help for example and all of the chap“We can always count on our Gamecock Club chapters to help others in need,” McFarland said. how best to get resources to those in need. “We can’t thank them enough though for stepping The Greenwood County Gamecock Club in up when our great state is in need.” Greenwood, South Carolina, reacted almost imThe efforts of the Gamecock Club chapters mirmediately as they quickly started a social media ror what is happening through all of Gamecock campaign asking Greenwood residents to donate Country as another example of going above and water to the Red Cross that would be taken to beyond is what the “Gourmet Gents” are doing Columbia. as they are donating the money they would have “I decided to text Ray Lewis at 4:30 p.m. (Mon- used for tailgating to help with the recovery efday, Oct. 5) to start a relief effort for Columbia forts. through our chapter,” Alison M. Burns of the These are all just a few small examples as it Greenwood County Gamecock Club chapter would be too exhaustive of a list to note everysaid. “By 7:30 p.m. we already had a truck bed thing, but it more than shows how quickly Gamefull of donations and they are still pouring in. cocks everywhere mobilize. We will need many trucks to haul the items. “You can always count on Gamecocks.” Indeed.

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Vanderbilt AD: ‘This was about helping other people’ by brian hand Executive Editor Vanderbilt Vice Chancellor for Athletics and University Affairs and Athletics Director David Williams was doing his part helping to load water into an 18-wheeler when he looked out and saw a child come riding up on a bike. Carrying a six-pack of water, the young boy approached the 18-wheeler and told everyone around the truck, “I just want to help.” This incredible outpouring from a child was indicative of just how special what took place in Nashville on Thursday, Oct. 8, really was. Williams and the rest of the Vanderbilt athletics department announced earlier in the week that they were going to send an

to help with the relief efforts. It was something they wanted to do as they had been there before when Nashville went through a

“It was an easy thing to do and the community has responded,” Williams said. “A lot of people are coming and saying thanks for doing it and I say, ‘no, thank you.’” It was pretty early in the day though that Vanderbilt realized that one 18-wheeler would not be enough as just a few short

Corbin and head football coach Derek Ma-

former Gamecock and current Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop showed up to help out the efforts by donating some water “This was about helping other people,” to send back to Columbia. Williams said everyone involved was more Williams said. “You guys are us and we’re than willing and they were happy that they you and we went through that. We had a could help the recovery efforts. “It’s more than willing,” Williams said. - I know for me - I didn’t quite understand the midlands. Even that would not be enough as with two “They wanted to do it. This is not something where you’ve got to say ‘will you do it?’ No, middle of one. What got us through was and a half hours to spare before the end of they’re on top of this. And most of our staff people helping each other and when we their scheduled donation time, the second has gotten out today at some point in time. heard you guys were underwater, our people I just left over there and part of our football right off the bat said, ‘what can we do to team is out helping and the next thing I help?’” know I looked up and here comes the cross Vanderbilt knew that they could help by bottles of water,” Williams said. country team. These are people that want to raising awareness, but they decided to take Vanderbilt’s coaches, staff and studentdo this. We’re just happy that we can help it even one step further and load up an athletes took hourly shifts to make all of out in any way that we can.” 18-wheeler. this happen with head baseball coach Tim

October 14, 2015

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South Carolina Gamecocks

ReCRuitinG Round-up By phil Kornblut

WR Kelvin Harmon (6-3 195) of Palmyra, NJ last Thursday announced a commitment to USC during a ceremony at his school. Harmon picked the Gamecocks over NC State in what he called a “tough” decision. “I visited South Carolina my sophomore year so I built a love for them longer,” he said. He also considered Rutgers, North Carolina, West Virginia and Temple. to USC and NC State with his USC visit taking place last weekend. Harmon made several

was in touch with USC recruiter Steve Spurrier Jr. last week after sending him a new transcript and he just wanted to see an updated one to make sure I was a December guy,” Massey said. Massey said Spurrier Jr. told him he will be out to see him October 19th. It’s expected that USC will offer Massey during that visit and he said the Gamecocks will become his favorite at that point. Massey said he talked with Purdue Wednesday and he also talked last week with Mississippi State and Cincinnati. He has

with USC about one for one of their remaining games. Massey has offers from Memphis, Cincinnati, East Carolina, Missouri, Mississippi State, Iowa State, Appalachian State, Illinois and Georgia State. He’s also getting interest from Phil Kornblut Alabama and has been there three times. He’s Contributing also visited Ole Miss, Mississippi State, MisWriter souri and Memphis. Massey said his grades are good, he’s on track to graduate in December and visit and I got to see the facilities and saw how I will have three years to play two. can be utilized in the offense early.” As a junior Richland Northeast LB TJ Brunson was back Harmon had 54 catches for 829 yards and 16 at USC for its last home game and continues touchdowns and his coach believes he’ll only to consider the Gamecocks though he remains get better at USC. “He’s a very hard worker committed to Louisville. “I talked to Coach Spurrier, Steve Spurrier Jr., Coach Botkin, classroom,” coach Jack Geisel said. “He’s an Coach Hoke and Coach Ward,” Brunson said. all around player and he will do whatever you “The Head Ball Coach said he wanted me to ask. I’ve moved him around early this year so stay in state and Coach Spurrier Jr. followed teams don’t know where he’s at. I feels he’s got- up with how they’ve had their best teams when ten where anything our quarterback throws he’s they’ve kept the best talent in state. They said going to catch, and after the catch, with his size they want me to be a Gamecock and Coach Botkin said again how he wanted to coach me.” So, runs good, crisp routes. He’s worked hard on with all that from the Gamecocks, is Brunson that part of his game.” Harmon is the third re- thinking right now of making the switch? “No, ceiver to commit to the Gamecocks for the 2016 not really,” he said. “I enjoyed my visit and the class and along with Bryan Edwards of Conway atmosphere and what they had to say. I’m still a gives them two listed with a height of 6-3. He Louisville commit. It’s still early and I’m still a likes what the Gamecocks can do in the passing Louisville commit.” The Gamecocks will get game, especially with promising quarterbacks in another shot with Brunson because he plans to Lorenzo Nunez and fellow commitment Branreturn for the LSU game with his parents in tow. don McIlwain. “I like how they throw a lot and He’s going to try to go to Louisville October they have good wide receivers, but I feel like I 24th for the Boston College game. He currently can compete early,” he said. “I see that either way (at quarterback) I’m going to get a good quarterback honestly.” Harmon becomes the visit. 17th commitment for the class. USC has known about DB Dreshun Miller (6In 2013 then Mauldin quarterback Dre 2 185) of Marietta, GA since his sophomore seaMassey (6-0 190) compiled one of the greatson when he was a wide receiver, and the Gameest individual seasons in South Carolina high cocks saw him in camp as a junior. Now playing school football history. Massey passed for 2798 yards and 28 touchdowns and rushed for Gamecocks and several other major programs 2050 yards and 34 touchdowns. Massey signed waiting in the wings while he tries to improve with East Carolina in February 2014 but did his ACT. Miller said his grades are good but the not qualify and enrolled at Holmes JC in Mistest score needs to improve. He recently retook sissippi. Massey, who has been clocked in the 4.3-4.4 range at junior college, is now garnering the major offers will come possibly including major college attention including USC. Massey one from the Gamecocks. “I talked to Coach over the past three years including a camp visit and the pool party this past summer. “I was star struck when I visited them my sophomore year,” Harmon said. “It

Mangus and he visited me on the Friday before

the football game and thought it was a nice little

range and physicality.” Miller was planning to

immediate playing time. He had a good time relating with the head coach and he thinks he can play for the coaching staff.” Later in the day Monday Keita echoed the words of his assistant coach. “I really liked the campus and I liked the strength and conditioning coaches,”

but will have to come another time. He was at Alabama for the Ole Miss game and he wants to visit Michigan. He’s also heard from Kentucky and has an offer from Carson-Newman. USC is still working Camden, NJ teammates WR Brad Hawkins Jr. and DE Ron Johnson Jr., both of whom are committed to Michigan. But before committing to the Wolverines in mid-summer, the two camped at USC and had the Gamecocks on their respective favorites list. USC recruiter GA Mangus has continued to work both prospects and that’s paid off with of-

pretty good. I like their playing style. They give their bigs freedom to make plays.” Keita said he doesn’t have a favorite right now and location, as in distance from home, is not a factor. Keita

to Temple October 9th and Providence October 16th. He’s also considering Penn State, LSU and UNLV. Coaches from Providence are scheduled “We’ve been talking to him about getting down to be at his school today. Keita does plan to sign in November. there for a visit and seeing how it is on game Hammond shooting guard Seventh Woods day,” Hawkins said. “It’s a great school. Just looking at options and seeing how it is with the cently to North Carolina. The Tar Heels have different schools and seeing the difference between schools.” Hawkins said right now he and been one of his long time suitors and at one time Johnson have only the USC visit and one in Jan- were considered the team to beat. That might not be the case anymore because of the USC factor. Still, Woods and his parents wanted to game they’ve been to this season was the Penn State at Temple game. The two still plan to go to take one more close up look at the Tar Heels and the same school. As for his Michigan commit- coach Roy Williams, and they got that on their visit. “His parents and Seventh went to coach’s ment, Hawkins said, “It’s strong, very strong,” (Roy Williams) house for dinner,” Hammond adding that he’s not wavering at this point. Florence native OL Ashton Julious of Lacka- coach Mark McClam said. “He played picked with players and former players now in the wanna JC, PA picked up an offer from Florida last week. That’s his second offer from the SEC NBA.” USC coach Frank Martin has remained East with USC the other. And it’s the only offer active with Woods. McClam said he was in for he’s added since the season started. Julious has a visit with Woods recently. . And Georgetown been in touch with USC exchanging comments coach John Thompson III was at the open gym with line coach Shawn Elliott via Twitter. “They still have a little interest in me and I still have in- visit to Georgetown and he terest in them,” Julious said. “He was just asking to South Carolina this past weekend. McClam if I still have interest in them.” Julious has an of- said right now there is no plan regarding when and how Woods will make his announcement. 6-10 Dewan Huell He’s also trying to schedule one to Arizona State November 14th and he will visit Florida after the season. He has no plans to visit USC at this point Miami. October 9th he will visit Florida State USC WR commitment Tre Jackson of Baton Rouge, LA suffered a torn ACL in a recent game and will miss the rest of the season. DB Javon Jackson of Tyrone, GA committed to Duke over USC. Basketball News: 6-10 center Sedee Keita of Philadelphia made the Gamecocks made a positive impression on see himself there,” said assistant coach Josh Scraba of Putnam Science Academy in Connecticut where Keita is a student. “He enjoyed

According to Huell’s coach, USC talks with the player at least three times a week. Gamecock assistant coach Lamont Evans was in for a visit last week. “He likes them,” said Norland High School coach Lawton Williams. “There’s a chance to play early and Coach Martin and I have similar styles. He has a great relationship with them and they’ve shown him they can put players to excel depending on their ability.” Williams said the other two schools also continue to recruit Huell strongly. Right now the plan is for Huell to wait until the spring to make his decision though his coach said that could change at any time. There is no leader for Huell as he goes into his visits.

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South Carolina Gamecocks

2015

StandingS

football SChedule

CONFERENCE

OVERALL

09/03/15 ..........vs. North Carolina ............... Charlotte, N.C. ....................W, 17-13

SEC East

W-L

09/12/15 ..........vs. Kentucky # ...................... Columbia, S.C. ..................... L, 26-22

Florida

4-0

101

6-0

193

09/19/15 ..........at Georgia # .......................... Athens, Ga. ........................... L, 52-20

Kentucky

2-1

4-1

130

109

Georgia

2-2

124

110

4-2

223

130

09/26/15 ..........vs. UCF..................................... Columbia, S.C. ....................W, 31-14

Missouri

1-2

4-2

110

W-L

STRK

Tennessee

1-2

3-3

223

154

10/10/15 ..........vs. LSU # .................................. Baton Rouge, La. ................ L, 45-24

Vanderbilt

0-2

2-3

106

South Carolina

0-4

147

2-4

124

174

10/17/15 ..........vs. Vanderbilt # ..................... Columbia, S.C. ..................... 4:00 PM

SEC West

W-L

STRK

10/31/15 ..........at Texas A&M # ..................... College Station, Texas ..............TBA

LSU

3-0

111

5-0

189

110

11/07/15 ..........at Tennessee # ...................... Knoxville, Tenn. ...........................TBA

Texas A&M

2-0

5-0

196

105

Ole Miss

2-1

5-1

281

118

11/14/15 ..........vs. Florida #............................ Columbia, S.C. .............................TBA

Alabama

2-1

102

5-1

208

10/03/15 ..........at Missouri # .......................... Columbia, Mo. ..................... L, 24-10

11/21/15 ..........vs. The Citadel....................... Columbia, S.C. .............................TBA 11/28/15 ..........vs. Clemson ........................... Columbia, S.C. .............................TBA

Enjoy our beaches every da y... Call about proper ties for sale.

Arkansas

1-2

2-4

143

139

Mississippi State

1-2

4-2

194

106

Auburn

0-2

3-2

123

127

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October 14, 2015

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Moore: Gamecocks still searching for the right tune Like any road trip - expected or unexpected - you have to have a good playlist to get you in the mood. I Don’t know what is about getting down in the “boot” that is Louisiana, but I feel the need to have Creedence Clearwater Revival on as theme music. The bluesy mystical sound seems like it is always conjuring up some bayou voodoo. The LSU Tigers didn’t need any help from the spirits to take on this Gamecock team. The Tigers ran us through the Langston Moore jungle and out Contributing of the stadium Writer imposing their will on us via the ground game. “Thought it was a nightmare” Returning from Missouri after a tough loss, barely beating the storm front that would eventually wreak havoc on the city and rest of the state, no one thought we would deal with the tragedy that awaited the next few days. We thought the LSU Tigers coming to town would be our biggest obstacles on the f light home from Mizzou, but that clearly moved to the bottom of everyone’s list of priorities after the storm hit. Understandably in the wake of everything we had to change venues and call LSU “home.” As grateful as we all are to be fortunate to play this game in spite of the tragedy, playing it in Baton Rouge under the guise that we were the home team we knew it would be a nightmare playing at their venue. “They told me, don’t go walking slow, the devil’s on the loose” That devil was #7 in purple. He led his band of running backs to over 300 yards rushing. After holding the Heisman hopeful Leonard Fournette to just 50 yards in the first half, early in the second half the “devil got loose” and made the Gamecock defense look slow after f lying around the first half. These running backs demonized and haunted us and they haven’t been relegated to just the bayou of Baton Rouge. The running backs that joined Leonard Fournette’s class coming out of high school Elijah Hood (UNC), Nick Chubb (UGA)

PHOTO BY ALLEN SHARPE

and Sony Michel (UGA) have all put up nightmare numbers on our defense this season. “Thought I heard a rumbling” We’ll hear the complaining and rumblings from everyone about the game and how it may have been different played at home, but it wouldn’t have mattered. Yes, it would’ve been great to have a true home game experience and we possibly could’ve used our crowd to help us some. But in the end the crowd

wouldn’t have been on the field to make a tackle. Nor could we allow the fans to come on the field to help stop one of the 29 first downs that led to LSU eating up 39 minutes of clock. That is the responsibility of the players and the coaches that instruct them. But like any song, game, or road trip it all comes to an end at some point (thank goodness). We would like to shuff le past these last few performances but we can’t. The trip we’re on is scheduled to conclude in late November against another foe with a Tiger mascot. We’re gonna have to change

our tune and find some other theme music more suitable between now and then. Forever to thee... The lyrics are from “Run through the Jungle” by Creedence Clearwater Revival Follow Langston Moore on Twitter at: @reMovetheChains #justachicken #eat2win #yoby

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This has been a very weird season Odds are if you are reading this you are back that came up just short before a a South Carolina athletics fan and more tough outing at Georgia. That of course than likely you are a pretty big fan of paved the way for Lorenzo Nunez to the football program. Last week I wrote start two games before a shoulder injury about how at times we can plan our fall forced him to the sidelines this past Satcalendar around the football program and urday. how their success can dictate our hapIf there is one position on the field you piness. With that being said it is time to do not need a rotating starter at, it would address the obvious: this has been a very be the quarterback position and through weird season. six games, three players have started at I have no idea how the next six games least two games. That my friends, is not are going to play out. Typically, I love a recipe for success in college football. making predictions whether they are I am not trying to fool anyone, there are right or wrong, I will own up to them plenty of issues inside of the 2015 edition and discuss them with good friends. That of Gamecocks that have not been touched being said, I really have no clue how the on. It is just that the quarterback position remainder of the season will turn out for always gets the most attention and for the Gamecocks. South Carolina, this year has drawn more What I do know is that the 2015 edition than its share. of Gamecock football has to be one of This brings me back to Saturday the weirdest I can ever remember. though, which seemed like an odd event. Most likely, I am like you in that footHowever, it seemed perfectly normal ball is the main topic of discussion for for the season that Gamecock fans are me during the week leading up to the enduring. It did not make sense, yet it season. Last week however, was a little made perfect sense. A South Carolina different as we saw people pull together home game that was actually taking in Columbia and throughout the wonder- place at the opponents stadium. ful state of South Carolina. It was not ideal, it was not how it was Sports are a diversion from reality, but supposed to be, but it seemed fitting. what was taking place was real life and Very little is going right for Spurrierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s it was hard to accept. It was real people, Gamecocks and having to go on the road losing real items like houses and even against a top ten opponent when you are more. It was tough for our state to endure supposed to play at home seemed to fit and pushed football to the back burner of the mojo of the season. our mindset. From a purely sports perspective, this However, on Saturday it was time for season has felt different and the Gameanother game, which was a nice respite cocks have never gotten on track. Saturfrom the events of the week. Still, the day was just another example of a season events surrounding the day were difthat has taken a different turn and does ferent as the game was moved to Baton not seem like something that is capable Rouge, there were only around 40,000 of being put back in the right direction. fans there and the whole game day With the second half of the season getseemed out of sorts. ting underway this week, we will see It was another odd moment in a season what happens. The hope is the team that is becoming full of them for Steve will settle on a quarterback who can Spurrier and the Gamecocks in 2015. stay healthy and the team find confiThis article is more about the season dence to be competitive in order to give that is for the Gamecocks and not about themselves a chance to win a couple ball the events of last week, but games. However, in a season they certainly factor into the that has been this weird, it strange fall. seems like a difficult chalFor starters, the quarterlenge. back situation has played out On a side note, sometimes similar to Lou Holtzâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first you search for words and it is year in that it seems who hard to describe just what is will start is more of a topic taking place. Last week was instead of how someone will tough for residents of Coperform. lumbia and the state of South Connor Mitch did not ever Carolina and I hope that you seem to get comfortable in and your family are doing his five quarters of action okay. The Gunters thoughts Bill Gunter before injury forced him to and prayers are with those Contributing the sidelines. Perry Orth that have been affected by Writer led a solid second half comewhat has taken place.

SOUTH CAROLINA ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

Market Your Business to the Gamecock Nation! Advertise in Spurs & Feathers and www.spursandfeathers.com Call me today! Kathy Boyette, USC Class of 1989 Advertising Sales Manager (803) 295-3654 kboyette@spursandfeathers.com

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South Carolina showing how special it is in face of devastation, tragedy by brian hand Executive Editor Every Sunday my deadline to turn Spurs & Feathers into the printer is 5 p.m. And Sunday, Oct. 4, was no different. I woke up on Sunday, Oct. 4, just before 9 a.m. after staying up late the night before to lay out as much of the paper as I could before our columnists were to have their stories in to me by 10 or 11 a.m. Once I received them, the printer. My family was out of town Sunday morning, so I hopped out of bed threw on some clothes and my hat and walked out the door to my car to go to the local gas station oblivious to what was going on around us. I went to bed the night before knowing it had been raining for a long time, but being so tired I had slept through all of the rain until I woke up. It was once I got in my car and it was still pouring that I thought to myself, ‘it’s been raining for a good little bit, I’m just glad we are not getting what Charleston is going through.’ Man, was I wrong. I live just off of Garners Ferry behind the William Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical arrived at the closest gas station it didn’t take Instead of packed like always, there was nobody out on Garners Ferry. Curious, I turned out and headed towards Target thinking I’ll just go there anyway. I suddenly saw things were blocked off and when I drove up I saw what I never thought I would see, which is that where Garners Ferry turns into Devine was under water. It was completely surreal seeing boats in the middle of the street and seeing the water up to the tops of buildings like at the Subway restaurant right there. It then dawned on me that if this was hapout Spurs & Feathers as quickly as possible in case the power went off. The columnists turned in their pieces on time per usual and I Spurs & Feathers while watching in astonishment on television what was taking place in our city. I’m proud we got the publication out, but what I was doing was in the grand scheme of things of no importance as to what was taking place with the “1,000-year storm” as described by South Carolina governor Nikki

PHOTO BY ALLEN SHARPE

Haley and so many others. Never did I think that what was taking place would ever happen in the midlands. I was just a few weeks away from moving from Dallas to Greenville, South Carolina when Hugo happened, but I’ve heard the horror stories. Still, never in my wildest dreams did I think that rains of this magnitude would ever be here though. A little under two years ago, I lived through the Aiken ice storm with a then pregnant wife and a then 5-year-old son freezing temperatures. That was tough, but you expect things like that can happen in the winter even in the south. But a “1,000-year storm” that results in the loss of lives and thousands being displaced or without water or power in October? Wouldn’t happen. Unfortunately it did. That’s where it has been special to see

though. The state of South Carolina has come together in an unmanageable way through this tragedy and shown the nation and really the world just why South Carolina is such a special place. Through the herculean efforts of the local media in Columbia and even the national media coming into town like Lester Holt doing the “NBC Nightly News” from just behind where I learned of the magnitude of what was going on Devine, we have seen people give of themselves in incredible ways. Whether it be the emergency responders, the government agencies or even the federal government, everyone has stepped up immensely to help those in need through this terrible tragedy. For example, I never thought I would see a in the hospitals in Columbia would not have to leave. But that’s what happened and it was special to watch. So many people have stepped up as well by

helping to distribute water, raise money or even just awareness. Social media has been huge through all of this as everybody could not be everywhere, so people have gone out of their way to provide updates and make sure the media could make people aware. In addition, all University of South Carolina, coaches, administrators and numerous former and current student-athletes have shown in person or through social media that they are willing to help in any way possible. Whatever the case may be, people have stepped up in the state and those that love South Carolina have reached out to their friends and families. Once again, it’s all been surreal. But once again - and most important - South Carolina has shined in the face of tragedy. There is still a long way to go until everything is back to as close to normal as possible. But the state will thrive as always. South Carolina is special.

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October 14, 2015

4QVST 'FBUIFST t 19

South Carolina fans impressed with support: ‘There’s fantastic people at LSU’ by kyle heck Reporter LSU Student Body President Andrew Mahtook and the school’s student government wanted to make it easy for South Carolina fans. Many people from the state were already having to deal with the aftermath of a devproperty all across South Carolina. In addition, what was once a home game against LSU at Williams-Brice Stadium for Gamecock fans suddenly turned into a home game at LSU’s Tiger Stadium. South Carolina Athletics Director Ray Tanner, University President Harris Pasthe week that it was not feasible to hold a football game in Columbia. Since there is so much that goes into a road trip to an opposing team’s stadium, LSU students and faculty wanted to take care of that for Gamecock fans, most of whom already had enough on their plate with the natural disaster back in South Carolina. That led to the “LSU at South Carolina tailgate,” an event hosted by LSU Student Government and Campus Life that allowed Gamecock fans to get ready for the game on Saturday, Oct. 10 without worrying about all of the tailgate supplies. It was a welcome relief for those traveling from South Carolina. “I think it helps,” said Matt Disko, a junior from South Carolina. “You can congregate and talk to people and you don’t have to worry about food or anything like that.” Mahtook made a call to South Carolina Student Body President Jonathan Kaufman to see if there would be any interest in a tailgate. When Mahtook found out there was, there was no question that LSU was going to do the special tailgate. “I was joking with Jonathan earlier saying, ‘this isn’t going to be your typical hamburger and hot dog event,’” Mahtook said. “We’ll have Jambalaya, all the cajun kind of specialties so that South Carolina fans and students can have a centralized place to tailgate. Hopefully we can take the stress off and kind of cater an event toward them and give them just a commonplace area to meet up and get ready for the game.” Mission accomplished. “We were incredibly grateful, overwhelmed and humbled,” Kaufman said. “There’s fantastic people at LSU. There’s

PHOTO BY KYLE HECK

just been a physical display of warmth and kindness so far.” Prior to the game, Mahtook and LSU presented the keys to Tiger Stadium to Kaufman and the Gamecocks in a special ceremony. The tailgate and pregame ceremony were just a couple more examples of the support shown by LSU to South Carolina. It all started at the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport, where there was a sign that read: “Welcome USC Gamecock fans! Our home is your home.” “It’s awesome and I think it says a lot about them,” said Aiken County Gamecock Club President Chris Fulmer, who made the drive down to Baton Rouge. “I think some other universities would have probably done some similar things, (but) I don’t know if they would’ve done all the things that LSU has done.” Since the South Carolina band wasn’t able to make it to Baton Rouge, the LSU band

learned the South Carolina alma mater

most like a healing. Those who are coming

people. “I’ll probably start crying,” said Catherine August, the mother of Gamecocks tight end Jacob August, before the game. “It’s just very, very sweet that they’re doing that. I get kind of teary when I’m in our stadium and I hear that, but just to have an opposing team and all their fans start something like that, I think that’s very touching.” For Mary Wallace, Associate Dean of Students and Director of Campus Life at LSU, things like the tailgate were a chance for South Carolina fans to forget about the troubles going on back in their state and just focus on good food and talk about football. “Tragedies like this, devastation like this brings out the best in people,” Wallace said before the game. “I think we’re going to witness something in Tiger Stadium that’s going to be of course a competition, but al-

they can just relax and soak in the hospitality because we know it’s a long road ahead and we want to be that respite for people.” As another testament to how much LSU cares about helping South Carolina out, Wallace said the 25 volunteer student orgato send money and/or supplies to South Carolina over the next week or two. “Our students who are involved in these volunteer service organizations want to continue some of that giving back to South Carolina,” Wallace said. While ideally Gamecock fans would love to be playing the Tigers in the comfy continue to be amazed at the effort LSU is putting forth to make it feel as close to Columbia as possible. Raymond August, Jacob August’s father.

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Student-run group helping out people in need by kyle heck Reporter When Cory Alpert decided to start up a Google doc for people to volunteer to help had no idea where things would be less than 48 hours later. media and seeing the tremendous impact and the surrounding areas. People’s homes losing power and water service. As a native of Columbia and an Irmo High his community. So he started up the Google doc and that was the beginning of a huge movement to help those affected by the mas-

it suddenly started going viral to the point PHOTO BY KYLE HECK

document. The student-run group created a Twitter account called USC Flood Relief that has played a big role in spreading the ments where people can sign up to help in various locations around the city of Columbia. Alpert credits the South Carolina Athletics Department for jumpstarting the USC Flood Relief initiative. “The athletic department is largely the reastudent tutor at the Dodie Academic Enrichment Center on campus. “(Senior Associate

that they have started getting some of the University’s student-athletes volunteering as well. Alpert said that USC Flood Relief currently has people at 15 different sites around the city and that number is expected to grow. Things are still on a relatively small scale

The volunteers do anything from helping to put out sandbags to handing out water Alpert. “This is a way for the student body to say that they care about what’s going on and they care about helping out each other and While Alpert could have never imagined the immense amount of support and reacabout the people of the University of South Carolina. what’s going on around them and that they said. will now be able to do much more. He says the group will now be able to send larger groups on buses to areas that need help recovering and rebuilding. BRUNCH

All of this came less than two days after “It expanded beyond this idea of a couple -

next couple of days on getting hundreds of follow USC Flood Relief on Twitter at @ UofSCRelief.

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October 14, 2015

4QVST 'FBUIFST t 21

LSU fans doing best to make Gamecocks feel at home by kyle heck Reporter

If there is a group of people that can relate best to what South Carolina is currently going through, it would be the folks in the southern Louisiana area. Just over a decade ago, Hurricane Katrina came ashore and left a trail of destruction in her path. Most of New Orleans was underwater and the impact reached all throughout the state. Many people at Louisiana State University, located in Baton Rouge, remember the impact that Katrina had on the area. That’s why in South Carolina, they knew exactly what the state was going through. The LSU football team was scheduled to travel to Columbia, South Carolina on Saturday, Oct. 10 to take on the Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium. However, due to the Athletics Director Ray Tanner and his staff were forced to make the tough call a few days before the game and announce that the contest would have to be played in Baton Rouge. That is another familiar scenario for LSU. Shortly after Katrina swept through, the Tigers were scheduled to play host to Arizona State. However, with much of the southern Louisiana area still crippled, they were forced to make the call to play at Arizona State. Now more than 10 years later, LSU was the school that played host to a school trying to recover from a natural disaster. “You feel for them when you hear about a storm like that,” LSU Student Body President Andrew Mahtook said. “You know the kind of toll it can take on a city. It kind of gives you that sense of we’ve had that battle, we’ve overcome it and so we want to help and make sure that you can overcome it.” With just a couple of days to prepare for an impromptu home game, the Tigers went above and beyond to make South Carolina feel welcome. There were signs all over the city that welcomed Gamecock fans to Baton Rouge. In addition, the LSU band played the South Carolina alma mater and “Sandstorm” to make the Gamecocks feel more at home. “It’s amazing to me,” said Wendy Martin, a junior at LSU. “I just have such a passion for my University because we’ve really stepped up I feel like. It’s not something that everybody would necessarily help with.” Martin, who is originally from Alaska, came

PHOTO BY KYLE HECK

to LSU to enroll in a four-year army reserve state and has two close friends in Columbia “One actually lost her job because the place was so damaged,” Martin said. “It’s just heartbreaking for me, but I think as a University we’re doing everything we can.” Martin is also doing what she can to help out South Carolina. “I’m going to be volunteering with the Red Cross on Saturday and I’m helping out with stadium cleanup after the game,” Martin said. their own way, but it’s just something I feel obligated to do because we’re all college students, we’re all supporting our favorite teams

game. But we’re all one of the same at the end of the day.” The Red Cross was at Tiger Stadium before the Gamecocks and Tigers played to take donations that will be sent back to South Carolina. In addition, LSU Athletics Director Joe Alleva said that the school would make an extra donation to South Carolina to help out with the recovery efforts. The entire city of Baton Rouge came together to welcome Gamecock fans into their home. It’s taken on a special meaning for them because most of them know exactly what South Carolina is going through. That’s why this past weekend was all about Tiger fans making sure that Gamecock fans

aren’t thinking about what is happening back in South Carolina. “I think it just shows the sense of community in our community,” said Mahtook, who grew up in Lafayette and went through Katrina. “Obviously (there’s a) connection between the two areas that have been ravaged by storms. The empathy of knowing here’s what we need, here’s what we can do to make your lives a little better and a little easier during a time like this. I think it also shows the bond of the SEC. Two schools who aren’t huge rivals, but always have close games when they play each other and how we can kind of put aside the football and the intensity of the game and just kind of return back to being humans and showing compassion and support.”

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4QVST 'FBUIFST t 23

Depth Charts for October 17, 4 p.m. South Carolina OFFENSE WR:

15 Matrick Belton 3 D.J. Neal 8 Shamier Jeffery WR: 11 Pharoh Cooper 81 Hayden Hurst WR: 9 Carlton Heard 5 Terry Googer LT: 71 Brandon Shell 55 Christian Pellage LG: 76 Mike Matulis 69 D.J. Park C: 78 Zack Bailey -OR- 70 Alan Knott RG: 75 Will Sport 72 Donell Stanley RT: 74 Mason Zandi 63 Blake Camper TE: 89 Jerell Adams 40 Jacob August 84 Kyle Markway QB: 19 Lorenzo Nunez 10 Perry Orth 12 Michael Scarnecchia FB: 39 Rivers Bedenbaugh TB: 22 Brandon Wilds -OR- 7 Shon Carson

6-4, 209, Jr. 6-3, 193, Fr. 6-1, 198, Jr. 5-11, 207, Jr. 6-5, 252, Fr. 6-0, 182, Sr. 6-4, 226, RFr. 6-6, 328, Sr. 6-6, 314, Fr. 6-5, 293, Sr. 6-4, 325, So. 6-6, 320, Fr. 6-4, 270, So. 6-5, 295, Sr. 6-4, 320, RFr. 6-9, 314, Jr. 6-8, 295, Fr. 6-6, 231, Sr. 6-6, 258, RFr. 6-4, 243, Fr. 6-3, 210, Fr. 6-1, 203, Jr. 6-4, 210, RFr. 6-2, 245, So. 6-2, 220, Sr. 5-8, 206, Sr.

Columbia, S.C. Stone Mountain, Ga. St. Matthews, S.C. Havelock, N.C. Jacksonville, Fla. Athens, Ga. Atlanta, Ga. Goose Creek, S.C. Brooksville, Fla. Boynton Beach, Fla. Dillon, S.C. Summerville, S.C. Tyrone, Ga. Milton, Fla. Floydale, S.C. Chapin, S.C. Virginia Beach, Va. Pinewood, S.C. Columbia, S.C. St. Louis, Mo. Kennesaw, Ga. Ponte Vedra, Fla. Fleming Island, Fla. Leesville, S.C. Blythewood, S.C. Scranton, S.C.

33 David Williams 32 Rod Talley

6-1, 222, So. 5-10, 201, So.

Philadelphia, Pa. Laurens, S.C.

DEFENSE DE:

DT:

NT:

DE:

MLB: WLB: SLB: SPR: LCB:

55 David Johnson 49 Boosie Whitlow 91 Shameik Blackshear 44 Gerald Dixon 95 Dante Sawyer 90 Taylor Stallworth 94 Kelsey Griffin 92 Gerald Dixon, Jr. 52 Phillip Dukes 99 Abu Lamin 8 Marquavius Lewis 18 Cedrick Cooper 5 Darius English 11 T.J. Holloman 4 Bryson Allen-Williams 10 Skai Moore 28 Jonathan Walton 23 Larenz Bryant 12 Ernest Hawkins 20 T.J. Gurley 26 Jasper Sasser 7 Al Harris Jr.

6-1, 240, So. 6-3, 240, Fr. 6-4, 250, Fr. 6-2, 269, Sr. 6-3, 291, So. 6-2, 308, So. 6-2, 316, Jr. 6-3, 327, Sr. 6-3, 319, Sr. 6-4, 326, Jr. 6-3, 264, Jr. 6-2, 248, Sr. 6-6, 225, Jr. 6-2, 231, Jr. 6-1, 233, So. 6-2, 218, Jr. 6-0, 235, Jr. 6-0, 220, Jr. 6-1, 224, So. 5-10, 193, Sr. 6-0, 210, So. 5-11, 163, So.

Lithonia, Ga. Opelika, Ala. Bluffton, S.C. Rock Hill, S.C. Suwanee, Ga. Mobile, Ala. Buford, Ga. Rock Hill, S.C. Manning, S.C. Fayetteville, N.C. Greenwood, S.C. Lithonia, Ga. Powder Springs, Ga. Stone Mountain, Ga. Ellenwood, Ga. Cooper City, Fla. Daphne, Ala. Charlotte, N.C. Baltimore, Md. Cairo, Ga. Jacksonville, Fla. Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

3 Chris Lammons 22 Jamari Smith FS: 21 Isaiah Johnson 6 Chris Moody SS: 42 Jordan Diggs 24 D.J. Smith RCB: 1 Rico McWilliams 16 Rashad Fenton 27 Toure Boyd

5-10, 183, So. 5-10, 200, So. 6-0, 206, Sr. 6-1, 215, Jr. 6-0, 209, Jr. 5-11, 195, So. 5-11, 186, Jr. 5-10, 180, Fr. 5-11, 180, Jr.

Lauderhill, Fla. Jacksonville, Fla. Cary, N.C. McDonough, Ga. Fort Myers, Fla. Marietta, Ga. Hampton, Ga. Miami, Fla. R. Cucamonga, Calif.

SPECIALISTS KO: PK: P: KR: PR: SN: H:

19 Landon Ard 29 Elliott Fry 29 Elliott Fry 19 Landon Ard 13 Sean Kelly 85 Michael Almond 7 Shon Carson 32 Rod Talley 11 Pharoh Cooper 47 Drew Williams 48 Nick McGriff 13 Sean Kelly 19 Landon Ard

5-9, 182, Sr. 6-0, 164, Jr. 6-0, 164, Jr. 5-9, 182, Sr. 5-10, 189, Jr. 6-3, 200, Fr. 5-8, 206, Sr. 5-10, 201, So. 5-11, 207, Jr. 6-2, 213, Jr. 6-0, 224, RFr. 5-10, 189, Jr. 5-9, 182, Sr.

Rock Hill, S.C. Frisco, Texas Frisco, Texas Rock Hill, S.C. Oakland, Fla. North Augusta, S.C. Scranton, S.C. Laurens, S.C. Havelock, N.C. Irmo, S.C. Gainesville, Fla. Oakland, Fla. Rock Hill, S.C.

Vanderbilt OFFENSE OT: OG: C: OG: OT: WR:

WR: -ORQB: RB:

FB:

TE:

74 Will Holden 75 Bailey Granier 53 Jake Bernstein 61 Bruno Reagan 77 Spencer Pulley 60 Cole Hardin 56 Barrett Gouger 64 Delando Crooks 58 Justin Skule 66 Blake Fromang 10 Trent Sherfield 9 Caleb Scott 6 Darrius Sims 36 Trey Ellis 82 Kris Kentera 86 Latevius Rayford 8 Ronald Monroe 2 Johnny McCrary 12 Wade Freebeck 7 Ralph Webb 28 Dallas Rivers 22 Josh Crawford 42 Ladarius Banks 28 Dallas Rivers 88 Kyle Anderton 81 Steven Scheu 83 Nathan Marcus

6-7, 312, Jr. Green Cove Springs, Fla. 6-6, 315, RFr. Galliano, La. 6-4, 310, Sr. Lake in the Hills, Ill. 6-3, 315, RFr. Clarksville, Tenn. 6-4, 300, Sr. Germantown, Tenn. 6-4, 300, RFr. Florence, Ala. 6-4, 308, Jr. Soddy-Daisy, Tenn. 6-5, 315, So. Atlanta, Ga. 6-6, 305, Fr. Clifton, Va. 6-7, 305, Jr. Orlando, Fla. 6-0, 200, So. Danville, Ill. 6-1, 195, So. Suwanee, Ga. 5-9, 188, Jr. Memphis, Tenn. 5-9, 168, So. Charlotte, N.C. 6-4, 218, Sr. Colorado Springs, Colo. 6-1, 198, Jr. Memphis, Tenn. 6-3, 200, RFr. Houston, Texas 6-4, 220, So. Decatur, Ga. 6-5, 226, So. Davie, Fla. 5-10, 202, So. Gainesville, Fla. 6-1, 224, So. Stone Mountain, Ga. 5-10, 200, Fr. Wetumpka, Ala. 6-2, 255, Jr. Dallas, Ga. 6-1, 224, So. Stone Mountain, Ga. 6-4, 255, Fr. Hendersonville, Tenn. 6-5, 245, Sr. Evansville, Ind. 6-5, 240, So. Glen Ellyn, Ill.

89 Sean Dowling

6-5, 270, So.

Fallbrook, Calif.

DEFENSE DE: DT: DE:

OLB:

ILB: ILB: OLB: CB:

SS: FS:

CB:

69 Adam Butler 94 Torey Agee 74 Jay Woods 77 Nifae Lealao 55 Caleb Azubike 49 Jonathan Wynn 34 Dare Odeyingbo 44 Nehemiah Mitchell 99 Landon Stokes 47 Charles Wright 35 Darreon Herring 40 Ja’karri Thomas 41 Zach Cunningham 23 Khari Blasingame 45 Stephen Weatherly 25 Josh Smith 5 Torren McGaster 4 Tre Bell 30 Bryce Lewis 32 Andrew Williamson 2 Arnold Tarpley 20 Oren Burks 27 Jahmel McIntosh 14 Ryan White 31 Tre Herndon

6-5, 305, Jr. 6-4, 284, Jr. 6-3, 285, So. 6-5, 315, So. 6-4, 265, Sr. 6-5, 260, So. 6-2, 255, Fr. 6-4, 260, Jr. 6-4, 240, So. 6-3, 236, RFr. 6-2, 230, Sr. 6-1, 230, Jr. 6-4, 230, So. 6-1, 228, RFr. 6-5, 250, Jr. 6-3, 236, Fr. 6-1, 200, Jr. 5-11, 178, So. 6-0, 180, RFr. 6-1, 212, Sr. 6-0, 202, So. 6-3, 215, So. 6-1, 202, Sr. 5-9, 190, So. 6-0, 185, So.

NICK: Duncanville, Texas Opelika, Ala. Jackson, Ga. Sacramento, Calif. Nashville, Tenn. Stone Mountain, Ga. Irving, Texas Hayward, Calif. Orlando, Fla. Irvine, Calif. Stone Mountain, Ga. Tallahassee, Fla. Pinson, Ala. New Market, Ala. Snellville, Ga. Murfreesboro, Tenn. Daphne, Ala. Union, N.J. Lilburn, Ga. San Antonio, Texas Pittsburgh, Pa. Fairfax Station, Va. Cleveland, Miss. Louisville, Ky. Chattanooga, Tenn.

3 Taurean Ferguson 13 LaDarius Wiley 7 Emmanuel Smith 3 Taurean Ferguson

5-9, 185, So. 6-1, 205, RFr. 6-2, 218, So. 5-9, 185, So.

Jonesboro, Ga. Los Angeles, Calif. Murfreesboro, Tenn. Jonesboro, Ga.

SPECIAL TEAMS P:

17 Tommy Openshaw 16 Colby Cooke PK: 17 Tommy Openshaw 93 Hayden Lekacz SN: 48 Jacob Schultz HOLD: 82 Kris Kentera KOR: 6 Darrius Sims 14 Ryan White PR: 14 Ryan White -OR36 Trey Ellis KO: 93 Hayden Lekacz 17 Tommy Openshaw

6-2, 185, So. Jacksonville, Fla. 6-3, 220, Jr. Goochland, Va. 6-2, 185, So. Jacksonville, Fla. 6-0, 192, So. Glen Ellyn, Ill. 6-4, 235, Jr. Murfreesboro, Tenn. 6-4, 218, Sr. Colorado Springs, Colo. 5-9, 188, Jr. Memphis, Tenn. 5-9, 190, So. Louisville, Ky. 5-9, 190, So. Louisville, Ky. 5-9, 168, So. Charlotte, N.C. 6-0, 192, So. Glen Ellyn, Ill. 6-2, 185, So. Jacksonville, Fla.

*These depth charts are taken from the listings from each team’s previous game. Spurs & Feathers goes to print shortly after the conclusion of each game. Please visit www.spursandfeathers.com over the course of the week for updated depth charts.

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Making the most of a new opportunity Being a goalkeeper requires the ability to focus and stay cool under pressure. South Carolina’s William Pyle is soft spoken, relaxed, and right now, is enjoying a nice ride as the Gamecocks recently knocked off a pair of top 10 nationally ranked teams to climb into the national spotlight. “I’ve trained myself to not freak out and take it moment by moment,” Pyle said. “I’ve learned to keep myself calm and try to control the things that I can control.” William and his fraternal twin brother, James, are both goalkeepers for nationally ranked NCAA Division I soccer programs,

fer. “I knew some people on the team. People are just really nice here in Columbia too. The coaches, the dining staff at the Dodie (Academic Enrichment Center), and even the people who work at Chick-Fil-A. They’re all nice. The wholesomeness of the people is great. William started 13 games in goal at UNCG last year and was named to the Southern Conference All-Freshman Team. While there, he started against the Gamecocks and made seven saves in a 2-1 loss for his former team. “If I didn’t do well in that game, I’m sure the coaches would have remembered that and I probably wouldn’t be here right now,” Pyle

my defender, and the other was a weird header that went in.” and Kim, to make all of their games. James With there being only one goalkeeper on the is the goalkeeper for undefeated and No. 2 pitch for each team, the competition to earn a ranked North Carolina this year. The question starting role can be greater. Whether he’s startof which game the parents will see in a paring or supporting a teammate in front of him, ticular week is just about the only drama you’re Pyle is always prepared for an opportunity. going to see according to William. Instead of “My mentality doesn’t really change because an intense sibling rivalry, there is more of a you always know that someone could get hurt mutual respect, admiration and desire to see or get a red card, so you always have to be each other succeed. ready to go in,” Pyle said. “I just want to have “Our relationship is really good,” Pyle said. shutouts no matter what. I know anyone can “We’re twins, so I guess we’ll always be best score, so I want to make sure we get the win. I friends. Being in South Carolina makes it a think I read the game pretty well. Even when I little harder to see him. If we have an off day was really young, I could read the game well. on the weekend, and he is playing, I’ll drive I can anticipate where they might shoot and up there. We both know we can go far, and where the ball might come. Goalie is like an we work really well together so there’s no ego about it. I’ll help him, and he helps me. We have to make sure you have everybody’s back.” each know what the other is going through. While he admits that playing with his brother in off-season summer leagues are among his best memories playing soccer, his competiboth have grown into the position. We’re not tive spirit isn’t totally lost on his family, and he wouldn’t mind the opportunity for he and we sort of quiet down. Playing different places James to meet as opposing goalkeepers for has made us different players too.” their respective college teams. “I do wish we could play each other,” Pyle lina after transferring from UNC Greensboro, said. “I want our team to win, but then I’d still where he played as a freshman. He has helped want him to do well. I’d like to win at their the Gamecocks surge into the top 25 as South place because it would be fun to beat them at Carolina is currently ranked at No.15 in the Chapel Hill. If it was in the NCAA tournament National Soccer Coaches Association of I’d obviously want us to win, but for us both to America poll after wins over No. 8 Elon and have a good game. Maybe if we won on penNo. 7 New Mexico followed by a road win at alty kicks, but he still stopped a few.” Marshall. Neither brother knows who is the older of the Pyle allowed only two goals in those three matches with both coming off set pieces. For “Our parents never told us,” Pyle said. “We his efforts, Pyle earned Conference USA don’t want to know anymore. I quit asking a Defensive Player of the Week accolades and long time ago.” placement on the Top Drawer Soccer Team The brothers never “trash talk” with each of the Week. Although he wasn’t the starter other, but if they did have the opportunity to at the beginning of the year, the Charlotte, take penalty kicks with one shooting against North Carolina, native is making the most of the other, William, calm but with the hint of his opportunity and is glad he chose to take his a smile, declares who would have the upper talents to South Carolina. hand. “The athletic program at South Carolina is “I would obviously win,” Pyle said. “He top notch,” Pyle said of his decision to transknows that too.”

PHOTO BY TRAVIS BELL/SIDELINE CAROLINA

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by brad muller South Carolina Director of Content

October 14, 2015

4QVST 'FBUIFST t 25

South Carolina Gamecocks # 1 1 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 10 10 11 11 12 12 13 13 14 14 15 15 16 16 17 18 18 19 19 20 20 21 22 23 23 24 25 25 26 27 28 29 30 30 32 33 34 34

Name Pos. Rico McWilliams CB Deebo Samuel WR Chris Lammons CB D.J. Neal WR Bryson Allen-Williams LB Jalen Christian WR Darius English DE Terry Googer WR Chris Moody FS Connor Mitch QB Al Harris Jr. CB Shon Carson TB Shamier Jeffery WR Marquavius Lewis DE Carlton Heard WR Sherrod Pittman LB Skai Moore LB Perry Orth QB T.J. Holloman LB Pharoh Cooper WR Ernest Hawkins LB Michael Scarnecchia QB Sean Kelly P Jalen Henry LB Shaq Davidson WR Ali Groves FS Matrick Belton WR Antoine Wilder SS Rashad Fenton CB Gage Pucci QB Chaz Elder SS Cedrick Cooper DE Danny Gordon QB Landon Ard PK Lorenzo Nunez QB Joseph Charlton K/P T.J. Gurley SPR Isaiah Johnson FS Brandon Wilds TB Christian Owens WR Larenz Bryant LB D.J. Smith FS Darin Smalls CB A.J. Turner TB Jasper Sasser SPR Toure Boyd FS Jonathan Walton LB Elliott Fry PK Daniel Fennell LB Darius Paulk TB Rod Talley TB David Williams TB Mon Denson TB Scott Grant SS

Hgt. 5-11 6-0 5-10 6-3 6-1 5-9 6-6 6-4 6-1 6-3 5-11 5-8 6-1 6-3 6-0 6-0 6-2 6-1 6-2 5-11 6-1 6-4 5-10 5-10 5-11 5-10 6-4 5-10 5-10 6-0 6-2 6-2 6-0 5-9 6-3 6-5 5-10 6-0 6-2 6-5 6-0 5-11 5-11 5-10 6-0 5-11 6-0 6-0 6-3 5-8 5-10 6-1 5-10 5-10

Wgt. 186 202 183 193 233 177 225 226 215 211 163 206 189 264 182 225 218 203 231 207 224 210 189 207 175 183 209 185 180 195 209 248 203 182 210 180 199 206 220 204 220 195 190 185 207 180 235 164 220 198 201 222 222 178

Cl. RS JR RS FR SO FR SO FR RS JR RS FR RS JR RS SO SO RS SR RS SR JR RS SR FR JR RS JR RS JR JR SO RS FR RS JR FR RS FR RS SO RS JR FR FR FR RS JR RS SR RS FR RS SR FR FR SR RS SR RS SR FR JR SO FR FR RS SO JR JR JR FR RS JR RS SO RS SO FR RS FR

Football Roster

Hometown/High School/Last College Hampton, Ga./Lovejoy Inman, S.C./Chapman Lauderhill, Fla./Plantation Stone Mountain, Ga./Stephenson Ellenwood, Ga./Ceder Grove Damascus, Md./Damascus Powder Springs, Ga./McEachern Atlanta, Ga./Woodward Academy McDonough, Ga./Henry County Raleigh, N.C./Wakefield Fort Lauderdale, Fla./St. Thomas Aquinas Scranton, S.C./Lake City St. Matthews, S.C./Calhoun County Greenwood, S.C./Greenwood/Hutchinson Athens, Ga./Clarke Central/Gardner-Webb Jacksonville, Fla./First Coast Cooper City, Fla./University Ponte Vedra, Fla/Florida State College Stone Mountain, Ga./St. Pius X Havelock, NC./Havelock Baltimore, Md./Dunbar/Hartnell College Fleming Island, Fla./Fleming Island Oakland, Fla./West Orange/FAU/Tallahassee JC Foley, Ala./Foley Gaffney, S.C./Gaffney Stone Mountain, Ga./Stephenson Columbia, S.C./Keenan/Hampton Riverdale, Ga./Hapeville Charter Miami, Fla./Miami Carol City Glendora, Calif./Rancho Cucamonga Union City, Ga./Banneker Lithonia, Ga./Lithonia Worthington, Ohio/Worthington/Miami (Ohio) Rock Hill, S.C./South Pointe Kennesaw, Ga./Harrison Columbia, S.C./A.C. Flora Cairo, Ga./Cairo Cary, N.C./Panther Creek/Kansas Blythewood, S.C./Blythewood Griffin, Ga./Griffin Charlotte, NC./Vance Marietta, Ga./Walton Summerville, S.C./Summerville Clifton, Va./Centreville Jacksonville, Fla./Wolfson Rancho Cucamonga, Calif./Chaffey College Daphne, Ala./Bayside Academy Frisco, Texas/Prince of Peace Christian Loganville, Ga./Grayson Columbia, S.C./North Greenville Laurens, S.C./Laurens/Gardner-Webb Philadelphia, Pa./Imhotep Charter LaGrange, Ga./LaGrange Laurens, S.C./Laurens

Coaches

Steve Spurrier - Head Coach Deke Adams - Defensive Line Kirk Botkin - Linebackers Shawn Elliott - Co-Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line Jon Hoke - Co-Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs G.A. Mangus - Quarterbacks/Tight Ends Joe Robinson - Special Teams Coordinator Everette Sands - Running Backs Steve Spurrier Jr. - Co-Offensive Coordinator/Wide Receivers/Recruiting Coordinator Lorenzo Ward - Co-Defensive Coordinator Jamie Speronis - Associate AD/Football Operations Joey Blake - Director of Football Nutrition Joe Connolly - Director-Football Strength & Conditioning Robbie Liles - Director - Recruiting Operations Patrick Shine - Administrative Coordinator - Recruiting Scott Spurrier - Quality Control Coordinator (Offense) Travelle Wharton - Quality Control Coordinator (Offense) Grady Brown - Quality Control Coordinator (Defense) Shaq Wilson - Quality Control Coordinator (Defense) Brian Turk - Quality Control Coordinator (Special Teams)

# 35 39 39 40 40 41 42 43 43 44 44 45 45 46 46 47 48 48 49 49 51 52 55 55 57 59 63 69 70 71 72 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 99

Name Pos. Shannon James CB Demetrius Smalls CB Rivers Bedenbaugh FB Jacob August TE Jason Senn FS Tyler Ragsdale LB Jordan Diggs SS Garrison Gist FB Benji Russell SS Gerald Dixon DE Max Moorman FB Reubyn Walker LB Clayton Stadnik TE Cedrick Malone LB Jakob Huechtker LS Drew Williams LS Nick McGriff LS Dexter Wideman DE Devin Potter TB Boosie Whitlow DE Cody Waldrop OG Phillip Dukes DT David Johnson DE Christian Pellage OT Cory Helms OC Logan Crane LS Blake Camper OT D.J. Park OT Alan Knott OC Brandon Shell OT Donell Stanley OG Mason Zandi OT Will Sport OG Mike Matulis OT Malik Young OT Zack Bailey OG Trey Derouen OG John Dixon WR Hayden Hurst TE Sean Odom WR Jamari Smith CB Kyle Markway TE Michael Almond K/P Devin Dingle WR Kevin Crosby TE Connor Redmond TE Javon Charleston WR Jerell Adams TE Taylor Stallworth DT Shameik Blackshear DE Gerald Dixon, Jr. DT Ulric Jones DT Kelsey Griffin DT Dante Sawyer DE Abu Lamin DT

Hgt. 5-7 5-9 6-2 6-6 5-8 6-0 6-0 5-10 6-0 6-2 5-10 5-10 6-3 6-0 5-6 6-2 6-0 6-4 5-10 6-3 6-2 6-3 6-1 6-6 6-4 6-3 6-8 6-4 6-4 6-6 6-4 6-9 6-5 6-5 6-3 6-6 6-3 5-11 6-5 6-0 5-10 6-4 6-3 5-10 6-1 6-4 6-0 6-6 6-2 6-4 6-3 6-5 6-2 6-3 6-4

Wgt. 154 170 245 258 181 210 209 251 188 269 234 220 240 200 188 213 224 293 203 240 300 319 240 314 301 212 295 325 270 328 320 314 295 293 308 320 314 185 252 194 200 243 200 160 238 225 185 231 308 250 327 300 316 291 326

Cl. RS JR RS SO RS SO RS FR FR FR RS JR RS SR RS SO RS SR FR RS JR RS JR RS JR RS SO JR RS FR FR RS JR FR RS JR RS SR RS SO FR JR FR FR RS SO RS SO RS SR RS FR RS JR RS SR RS SR RS FR FR FR FR FR JR RS SO FR FR FR RS FR FR FR SR SO FR RS SR JR JR SO RS JR

Hometown/High School/Last College Florence, S.C./South Florence Bluffton, S.C./Bluffton Leesville, S.C./Lexington/Georgia Southern Columbia, S.C./Fork Union Military Beaufort, S.C./Beaufort Mt. Pleasant, S.C./Wando Fort Myers, Fla./Island Coast Rock Hill, S.C./Northwesterm Atlanta, Ga./Woodward Academy Rock Hill, S.C./South Pointe Alpharetta, Ga./Milton Rock Hill, S.C./Florida A&M Greensboro, N.C./Western Guilford Camden, S.C./Camden/Coastal Carolina Rock Hill, S.C./South Pointe Irmo, S.C./Dutch Fork Gainesville, Fla./Gainesville Saluda, S.C./Saluda/Camden Military Granite Falls, N.C./South Caldwell Opelika, Ala./Opelika Seffner, Fla./Armwood Manning, S.C./Manning Lithonia, Ga./Lithonia Brooksville, Fla./Nature Coast Tech Alpharetta, Ga./Milton/Wake Forest Dartmouth, Mass./Dartmouth Virginia Beach, Va./Frank W. Cox Dillon, S.C./Dillon Tyrone, Ga./Sandy Creek Goose Creek, S.C./Goose Creek Floydale, S.C./Latta Chapin, S.C./Chapin Milton, Fla./Pace Boynton Beach, Fla./Park Vista Pelzer, S.C./Woodmont Summerville, S.C./Summerville, S.C. Lilburn, Ga./Parkview Alexandria, Va./Episcopal Jacksonville, Fla./The Bolles School Orangeburg, S.C./Orangeburg Prep Jacksonville, Fla./Fletcher St. Louis, Mo./St. John Vianney North Augusta, S.C./Westminster Summerville, S.C./Cane Bay Bamberg, S.C./Bamberg-Ehrhardt Lawrenceville, Ga./Archer Gurnee, Ill./Warren Pinewood, S.C./Scottâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Branch Mobile, Ala./Murphy Bluffton, S.C./Bluffton Rock Hill, S.C./Northwestern Oxford, Ala./Butler (Kan.) Community College Buford, Ga./Mill Creek Suwanee, Ga./East Mississippi C.C. Fayetteville, N.C./Fort Scott C.C.

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Vanderbilt Commodores # 2 2 3 4 4 5 6 7 7 8 9 9 10 10 11 11 12 13 14 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 27 28 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 39 40 41 41

Name Pos. Johnny McCrary QB Arnold Tarpley S Taurean Ferguson CB Tre Bell CB John Webb QB Torren McGaster CB Darrius Sims WR/RS Emmanuel Smith S Ralph Webb RB Ronald Monroe WR Caleb Scott WR Caleb Peart LB Shawn Stankavage QB Trent Sherfield WR Rashad Canty WR Harding Harper ILB Wade Freebeck QB LaDarius Wiley CB Kyle Shurmur QB Ryan White S DeAndre Woods TE Colby Cooke P/PK Tommy Openshaw PK Chandler Dorrell WR C.J. Duncan WR Oren Burks S Donovan Sheffield CB Josh Crawford RB Khari Blasingame ILB Jalen Banks S Josh Smith LB Andrew Rector S Jahmel McIntosh S Jaire George RB Dallas Rivers RB Bryce Lewis DB Tre Herndon CB Andrew Williamson S Jay Hockaday ATH Dare Odeyingbo LB Darreon Herring LB Trey Ellis WR/PR Wilson Johnson SN Brian Doney WR Jaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;karri Thomas ILB Chris Martin FB Zach Cunningham ILB

Ht. 6-4 6-0 5-9 6-0 6-0 6-0 5-9 6-2 5-10 6-3 6-2 6-1 6-2 6-0 6-3 6-2 6-5 6-1 6-4 5-9 6-3 6-3 6-2 5-11 5-11 6-3 5-11 5-10 6-1 5-11 6-3 6-0 6-1 6-1 6-1 6-0 6-1 6-1 6-3 6-2 6-2 5-10 6-2 5-10 6-1 5-10 6-4

Wt. 220 202 185 178 200 200 188 218 202 200 195 230 195 200 205 240 226 205 226 190 235 215 185 185 200 215 182 200 228 195 236 205 202 218 224 180 185 212 215 252 230 168 210 184 230 240 230

Yr. RS SO SO RS SO RS SO SO RS JR JR SO RS SO RS FR SO FR RS FR SO RS FR RS JR SO SO FR RS SO RS SO RS JR RS SO RS SO RS SO RS SO FR FR RS FR RS SO FR FR SR FR SO RS FR SO SR FR FR SR SO JR SO RS JR SR RS SO

Coaches

Football Roster

Hometown (Previous School) Decatur, Ga./Cedar Grove Pittsburgh, Pa./Central Catholic Jonesboro, Ga./Jonesboro Union, N.J./St. Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Prep Dallas, Texas/St. Markâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Daphne, Ala./Daphne Memphis, Tenn./Whitehaven Murfreesboro, Tenn./Oakland Gainesville, Fla./Gainesville Houston, Texas/Fort Bend Bush Suwanee, Ga./North Gwinnett Gilbert, Ariz./Hamilton Durham, N.C./Cardinal Gibbons Danville, Ill./Danville Riverdale, Ga./Riverdale Montgomery, Ala./Carver Davie, Fla./St. Thomas Aquinas Los Angeles, Calif./Cathedral Philadelphia, Pa./La Salle College Louisville, Ky./Trinity Birmingham, Ala./Clay-Chalkville Goochland, Va./Goochland Jacksonville, Fla./Creekside Nashville, Tenn./Stanford Montgomery, Ala./St. James School Fairfax Station, Va./South County Nashville, Tenn./Ensworth Wetumpka, Ala./Edgewood Acad. New Market, Ala./Buckhorn Markham, Ill./Thornton Township Murfreesboro, Tenn./Oakland Nashville, Tenn./Father Ryan Cleveland, Miss./Cleveland Hyattville, Md./DeMatha Catholic HS Stone Mountain, Ga./Stephenson Lilburn, Ga./Parkview Chattanooga, Tenn./East Hamilton San Antonio, Texas/John Paul Stevens Nashville, Tenn./Christ Presbyterian Acad. Irving, Texas/Cistercian Prep Stone Mountain, Ga./Stephenson Charlotte, N.C./Ardrey Kell HS Nashville, Tenn./Montgomery Bell Academy Westerville, Ohio/St. Charles Prep Tallahassee, Fla./Godby Princeton, N.J./Princeton Pinson, Ala./Pinson Valley

Derek Mason - )FBE $PBDI Andy Ludwig - 0Ä&#x152;FOTJWF $PPSEJOBUPS 2VBSUFSCBDLT $PBDI Charles Bankins - 4QFDJBM 5FBNT $PPSEJOBUPS 3VOOJOH #BDLT $PBDI Gerry Gdowski - 5JHIU &OET $PBDI 3FDSVJUJOH $PPSEJOBUPS Cortez Hankton - 8JEF 3FDFJWFST $PBDI Keven Lightner - 0Ä&#x152;FOTJWF -JOF $PBDI Frank Maile - %FGFOTJWF -JOF $PBDI Marc Mattioli - 4BGFUJFT $PBDI Brett Maxie - $PSOFSCBDLT $PBDI Kenwick Thompson - "TTPD )FBE $PBDI -JOFCBDLFST $PBDI James Dobson - )FBE 4USFOHUI $PBDI Jason Grooms - "TTU "UIMFUJDT %JSFDUPS %JSFDUPS PG 'PPUCBMM 0QFSBUJPOT Tyler Barnes - %JSFDUPS PG 1MBZFS 1FSTPOOFM Tom Bossung - )FBE "UIMFUJD 5SBJOFS Al Smith - %JSFDUPS PG 1MBZFS %FWFMPQNFOU Rayna Stewart - %JSFDUPS PG )JHI 4DIPPM 3FMBUJPOT Chris Singleton - &RVJQNFOU .BOBHFS Matt Britain - "TTJTUBOU %JSFDUPS PG 0QFSBUJPOT Mike Kroeger - 1MBZFS %FWFMPQNFOU 0QFSBUJPOT "TTJTUBOU Tyler Clarke - "TTJTUBOU %JSFDUPS 4USFOHUI Aaron Hill - "TTJTUBOU 4USFOHUI $PBDI Ben Schumacher - "TTJTUBOU 4USFOHUI $PBDI Cedric Calhoun - 2VBMJUZ $POUSPM %FGFOTF Kevin Abrams - (SBEVBUF "TTJTUBOU 0Ä&#x152;FOTF Ryan Anderson - (SBEVBUF "TTJTUBOU %FGFOTF Tate Benton - (SBEVBUF "TTJTUBOU 0Ä&#x152;FOTF Chris Marve - (SBEVBUF "TTJTUBOU %FGFOTF Davis Dudchock - (SBE "TTJTUBOU 'PPUCBMM "ENJOJTUSBUJPO Ryan Blakney - 2VBMJUZ $POUSPM 0Ä&#x152;FOTF Rod Chance - 2VBMJUZ $POUSPM %FGFOTF Mike Morita - 2VBMJUZ $POUSPM 0Ä&#x152;FOTF

# 42 43 44 45 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 56 57 58 60 61 64 66 69 70 71 74 74 75 76 77 77 78 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 93 94 95 97 99

Name Pos. Ladarius Banks FB Jordan Griffin LB Nehemiah Mitchell OLB/DE Stephen Weatherly OLB Charles Wright OLB Jacob Schultz SN Jonathan Wynn DE Andrew Jelks OT Davis Winkie SN Nigel Bowden ILB Jake Bernstein C/OG Kade Mayle DL Caleb Azubike DE Bradyn Jasper OLB Barrett Gouger C/OG Ean Pfeifer OL Justin Skule OL Cole Hardin C/OG Bruno Reagan OG Delando Crooks OG Blake Fromang OT Adam Butler DL Darion DeBrossard DT/OL Jared Southers OL Jay Woods DT/DE Will Holden OT Bailey Granier OL Egidio DellaRipa OL Spencer Pulley C/OG Nifae Lealao DT Kevin McCoy OL Jared Pinkney WR Steven Scheu TE Kris Kentera WR Nathan Marcus TE Sam Dobbs TE Curtis Graves WR Latevius Rayford WR Winston Guillory WR Kyle Anderton FB Sean Dowling TE Sekou Clark DE Hayden Lekacz PK Torey Agee DL Riley Tindol DL Reid Nelson P Landon Stokes OLB

Ht. 6-2 6-0 6-4 6-5 6-3 6-4 6-4 6-6 6-4 6-1 6-4 6-3 6-4 6-3 6-4 6-4 6-7 6-4 6-3 6-5 6-7 6-5 6-4 6-4 6-3 6-7 6-6 6-4 6-4 6-5 6-5 6-4 6-5 6-4 6-5 6-4 6-2 6-1 5-11 6-5 6-5 6-3 6-0 6-4 6-5 6-2 6-4

Wt. 255 215 260 250 236 230 250 307 248 240 310 275 260 238 308 285 305 300 315 315 305 300 340 315 280 312 315 300 300 315 305 240 245 218 240 220 198 198 185 255 270 264 195 282 262 215 240

Yr. RS SO FR JR RS JR RS FR JR RS SO RS JR RS FR RS SO SR FR SR JR RS JR FR FR RS FR RS FR RS SO RS JR RS JR FR FR RS SO RS JR RS FR SO SR SO RS JR FR SR SR RS SO FR JR JR FR FR RS SO RS FR SO RS JR RS FR SO RS SO

Hometown (Previous School) Dallas, Ga./East Paulding Tampa, Fla./Armwood HS Hayward, Calif./CC-San Francisco Snellville, Ga./Shiloh Irvine, Calif./Beckman Murfreesboro, Tenn./Siegel Stone Mountain, Ga./Stephenson Paris, Tenn./Henry County Cumming, Ga./South Forsyth HS Macon, Ga./Central Lake in the Hills, Ill./Crystal Lake South McConnelsville, Ohio/Morgan Nashville, Tenn./McGavock Washington, Mo./St. Francis Borgia Soddy-Daisy, Tenn./Baylor School Bentonville, Ark./Bentonville Clifton, Va./Centreville Florence, Ala./Florence Clarksville, Tenn./Clarksville Atlanta, Ga./Carver Orlando, Fla./Lake Highland Prep Duncanville, Texas/Duncanville Snellville, Ga./Shiloh South Orange, N.J./Seton Hall Prep Jackson, Ga./Jackson Green Cove Springs, Fla./Clay Galliano, La./South Lafourche Castaic, Calif./College of the Canyons (Calif.) Germantown, Tenn./Evangelical Christian Sacramento, Calif./Capital Christian Tampa, Fla./Armwood Norcross, Ga./Norcross Evansville, Ind./Reitz Memorial Colorado Springs, Colo./Pine Creek Glen Ellyn, Ill./Glenbard West Douglasville, Ga./Landmark Christian Alpharetta, Ga./Alpharetta Memphis, Tenn./Central Dallas, Texas/Episcopal Hendersonville, Tenn./Station Camp Fallbrook, Calif./Fallbrook Union Denton, Texas/Ryan Glen Ellyn, Ill./Glenbard West Opelika, Ala./Opelika Billingsley, Ala./Autauga Academy Hueytown, Ala./Hueytown HS Orlando, Fla./Lake Highland Prep

October 14, 2015

4QVST 'FBUIFST t 27

Snyder: Bizarre week for Gamecocks

I have to say up front how hard it is to write about the outcome of a football game given the unfathomable tragedy our great state, and the city of Columbia suffered during the week. The loss of life and the staggering amount of property damage is incomprehensible. I have never paid much attention to astrolment last week. The only word I can come up with to describe the events is “bizarre.” How bizarre is it that the remnants of a hurricane that never came close to the coast mindboggling devastation to just one state? How bizarre is it that the Gamecocks would wind up playing a “home” game 600 miles two years ago has become, once again, at best, average? Football programs, just like our lives, go through cycles, and arguably the best in South Carolina history is in a downturn. There are a lot of places to start explaining the reasons why, but at the heart of it is instate recruiting, which also goes through cycles.

kicker, not only were they exceptional players, they were exceptional young men who wanted to be Gamecocks, when they could have been Tigers, or Bulldogs or Gators.

SOUTH CAROLINA ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

and working hard to get better. One game at a time. The offense had its moments, scored 24 points, and played very hard against a big, lightning-quick Tiger defense. The defense ended the three-game 200-yard rushing streak of Leonard Fournette, and special teams made a very special play with a 96-yard kickoff return by freshman Rashad Fenton. I really thought the coaches had a good plan on both sides of the ball, and the players did their best to execute the plan – LSU just had a better plan, and a lot better talent.

you have to recruit within a 150-mile radius of your school, because these are kids who know your program, grew up watching your program, who want to play for the home state school.” In a state with limited prospects to begin with, coupled with the recent success the next game - Vanderbilt, with the very real of the upstate team and a downpossibility that game won’t be turn in talent, USC’s recruiting played in Williams-Brice either, base has shrunk as well. It’s the roads and bridges are that always about talent and the bad. Coach Spurrier is fond Gamecocks have not had a large of saying “it is what it is,” and pool of homegrown prospects to for his team it’s a team taking draw from, and maybe without small steps when it needs to run. that base there isn’t the commitWherever it’s played, this is a ment to winning games for the game the Cocks need to win, state school. because it’s obvious there just Giving up on our coaches is aren’t going to be many opporgiving up on the players, and I tunities ahead for the rest of the believe in my heart they haven’t season. Glenn Snyder given up on one another, they It’s a great time to be a GameInside are playing as hard as they can, cock! Look

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those three-straight 11-2 seasons. You know the names – Stephon Gilmore, D.J. Swearinger, Marcus Lattimore, Jadeveon Clowney, etc. That cycle of instate talent might rival any the state has ever produced. There just hasn’t been the buzz about prospects of that ability and those numbers in

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After the storm: Gamecock teams lend their support, strength to Columbia’s ood victims

SUBMITTED PHOTO OF MEN’S BASKETBALL HELPING OUT

***

BRIAN HAND PHOTO OF MEN’S SOCCER PACKING BOXES

October 14, 2015

4QVST 'FBUIFST t 29

in need in a community that has done so much for me the past year. Much love to Columbia, SC,” tweeted sophomore designated hitter

account, which advertised volunteer opportunities, as a resource. The decision to volunteer, and what type of work to do, was left up to the individual teams. That freedom allowed teams to get creative. players into a “Pretty” and “Gritty” squad for their outing. “Pretty” went to a shelter to take in donations and play with children; “Gritty” donned rubber boots, masks and gloves to help in a neighborhood clean-up. Junior utility player Macey Webb took her service a step further: she brought back $300 from a miniswater.

SUBMITTED PHOTO OF BASEBALL IN COMMUNITY

Alex Destino. A day later, Holbrook learned that Coca-Cola had ripped up his check. All of the bottles would be donated for free. ***

was the water line.

to my shoulder,” the Gamecocks’ sophomore soccer player recalled. A day after beating #8 Auburn at Stone leveled Columbia, Conklin and her teammates went into town, looking to help. The record rainfall caused several dams along the 70-mile Gills Creek Watershed to break, leading to hoods. Many families evacuated their homes caked in mud, their possessions ruined. “You see it on TV, and then to see it in person was just shocking. Your mouth drops,” said Conklin, a sport and entertainment management major from Randolph, N.J. In the days following the storm, several Gamecock teams headed into the city’s most distressed neighborhoods, eager to lend their manpower (and womanpower) to the rebuilding process. Members of the South Carolina women’s tennis team pulled out carpet, furniand golf teams did the same on their outings. were sometimes as simple as separating contaminated food from non-contaminated food. “We get a lot, but it’s nothing compared to what we get from the community. It’s cool to be a part of the other side,” said sophomore Nelson says there was no single, coordinated teams involved in cleanup efforts. Some coaches and staff members sought her out for

teammates came upon the Woodlake Drive home of Tommy and Sally Rollins. Their house, a white brick rambler, was in the process of being gutted. They asked the volunteers on site if they needed extra muscle (it just so happened their muscle reached the NCAA Elite Eight last season). and shovels, Conklin and her teammates tore down drywall and door frames, then dumped the contents in buckets and carried them outside. “We even said this is more of a workout than we do when we’re lifting,” Conklin said. The work also touched them in ways they didn’t expect. As the Gamecocks chopped away at their sodden drywall, the Rollins shared their story of evacuating at three in the ters. A person Sally Rollins knew drowned in saved them about $8,000 off the cost of gutting their home. The Rollins also shared another fact: they soccer.

SUBMITTED PHOTO OF VOLLEYBALL HELPING OUT IN THE COMMUNITY

morning, the Gamecocks were in Starkville, Miss., preparing for their match against Mis-

and commitment to the community,” Nelson said.

they sat riveted in their hotel rooms, watching

Gamecocks will soon jump back into their normal routines of practice, study hall and games. “Normal,” though, will have a differ-

Twitter timelines. “It just seemed surreal to us. We weren’t there. It was perfectly sunny weather in Mississippi. Meanwhile back home, all of our friends and people that we know are suffering The Gamecocks spent two more anxious days in Starkville, waiting for the weather to clear before they could head home. When

collapsed bridges; the simple lines of civic geometry, suddenly and forcefully washed away. “We wanted to go back and help right away,”

cleanup around Columbia will last for months, toric storm, Columbia learned it had hundreds of student-athletes who were willing to be part of the process. The bond between athlete and community – always there, sometimes taken for granted – took on added meaning. Conklin, the soccer player, spoke for many: “It’s just great to know that you’re in a community that can do something like this,” she said. “It’s going to be tough, but with everybody working around us, I think that everything will be okay.”

teammates had a plan in place. On Thursday morning, a day before it faced Auburn at the Carolina Volleyball Center, the Gamecocks

SUBMITTED PHOTO OF WOMEN’S SOCCER IN COMMUNITY

“[Tommy] said, ‘We come to every game. I sit three rows back from the announcing table,’” said Conklin. “It kind of made a lot of us speechless. And grateful that we could help out.” *** ew teams had a more poignant experience than South Carolina volleyball. As rain pelted the Midlands Sunday

Road in Columbia, where they unloaded water and sorted boxes of non-perishable food items. unteering in a rural farming town in northern Costa Rica. Her work there included paving roads and helping with community development. “We were doing an assembly line of cases of time at Newspring. “I remember thinking to myself, ‘This is just like Costa Rica.’” The work was sobering, but the desire to help wasn’t surprising. South Carolina student-athletes logged 8,860 community service hours last year, a school record by more than 1,000 hours.

SUBMITTED PHOTO OF WOMEN’S BASKETBALL IN COMMUNITY

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PHOTO BY BRIAN HAND

Resilient Gamecocks pick up top-10 win for community by brian hand Executive Editor

games on the SEC Network.

Coming into No. 10 South Carolina’s top10 showdown with No. 8 Auburn, women’s soccer head coach Shelley Smith knew that her team was “representing a city that’s been through a lot.” Smith and the Gamecocks also knew that -

team was able to acquire the win to stay

in the midlands and they were hopeful they could be a little bit of a distraction for fans,

to be able to play, but we also understood

They did both as before a crowd of 1,191 at Stone Stadium, the Gamecocks procured

“This community’s been tremendous and ported us and we wanted to play hard for the

the fans something to cheer about for a little while.”

out with the win. on the year. Abby Crider picked up the clean sheet in ing three Tiger shots.

as we normally are and it was hard to focus,” -

getting off to such a great start was for the Gamecocks.

the ball around, we found the seams and we

shot the Gamecocks, 9-8, South Carolina tal- a lot of looks, but the looks we got we made the most of and that’s how you win games.” goal of the year in the 10th-minute off a Caroline Gray assist to put the Gamecocks

the way her team handled the challenge of not much time to prepare for a top-10 team,

group.” South Carolina as of Oct. 8, is now 11-1-1 (5-0-1 SEC), while Auburn after the loss to Smith knows there is long way to go in the regular-season, but at the same time she is not shy about pointing out how big the win was in the race for the league title. “Auburn was right there with us,” Smith done a tremendous job all season and they’ll the last few weeks.”

October 14, 2015

4QVST 'FBUIFST t 31

PHOTO BY KYLE HECK

We won’t forget the people coming together Saturday morning I was awakened by the sound of thunder off in the distance. I have to admit that I was hit by a case of anxiety and immediately turned on the weather channel. A week earlier, I was in Edisto when I was awakened by the sound of pouring rain just when we left and it was a whiteknuckle trip back to Aiken, but was nothing compared to what our brethren endured in Columbia and to the coast. So I can only imagine what it was like when the line of thunderstorms came through Columbia between 9 and 10 a.m. on the nerves of the folks there. An inch and a half to two inches of rain was dumped right at the time that the majority of us would have been arriving for tailgating before the scheduled noon kick-

off with LSU. If there was any doubt that the game needed

issued for the area and the last thing Columbia needed was another 80,000 people packed into the community. The week took me back to Hurricane Hugo in 1989. The line of rain rolling into South Carolina on Friday evening was taking the same path of the hurricane with a path of water stretching from McClennanville to Sumter to Camden to Charlotte. I remarked at the time the eeriness of that fact. By morning, it had shifted to the south coming right through Ed Girardeau Charleston (and Edisto) to CoContributing lumbia and the hose of water Editor continued to be poured on Co-

lumbia through Monday. The devastation in the Columbia/Lexington area was incredible, much different than what occurred in the same area in 1989, as the greater damage was to the east at that time. I remember in the aftermath the talk of whether to play the game two days afterwards against Georgia Tech in Columbia. The decision was made to play the game to try at best to restore some normalcy to the state. South Carolina won 21-10. To be honest, I had to look that up. I have no memory at all of that football game. I’m sure I was there. What I remember from that week was going to help my family in Sumter and cutting tree limbs and the bomb that seemingly had gone off in that area. Football took a back seat. As far as football this week, we’ll probably remember the fact that the game was moved. The result was a loss and that is not good and makes the game much more forgettable. What won’t be forgotten is the people coming

together and helping each other. The Louisiana people were as hospitable as they possibly could be. They went through Hurricane Katrina 10 years ago and they remember and though the football team was not as nice, you could not expect the Tigers not to work hard to get the win. Vanderbilt sent water and aid. They’ve been delivered water and helped out in the community where they could. We will remember the damage caused, and the state coming together to help each other get through it. That is what South Carolina is all about as we’ve experienced in the tragedies of the past. Football will go on. Vanderbilt will come in next week and it will be an opportunity to get a SEC win. It won’t be easy, but there were signs of better play in Baton Rouge. Perhaps the events of the week will inspire the team to play their best game of the season.

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