September 10, 2014 | ISSUE no. 3
a freetimes publication
YOUTH MOVEMENT Underclassmen-heavy front seven a mix of pain and promise
2
freetimes |
usc VS. GEORGIA
CONTENTS / SCHEDULE
8
8/28
vs.
TEXAS A&M Columbia, S.C.
L, 28-52
9/6
vs.
EAST CAROLINA Columbia, S.C.
W, 33-23
9/13
vs.
GEORGIA Columbia, S.C.
3:30 p.m.
9/20
at
VANDERBILT Nashville, Tenn
9/27
vs.
MISSOURI Columbia, S.C.
TBA
20 RECRUIT TO WATCH Reinforcement En Route Paris Palmer ready to offer immediate help to O-line.
10/4
at
KENTUCKY Lexington, Ky.
TBA
10/18
vs.
FURMAN Columbia, S.C.
TBA
21 OPINION Dawg Fight Annual Georgia matchup has become anticipated rivalry.
10/25
at
AUBURN Auburn, Ala.
TBA
11/01
vs.
TENNESSEE Columbia, S.C.
TBA
22 YOUR GAMECOCKS Roster, statistics
11/15
at
FLORIDA Gainesville, Fla.
TBA
11/22
vs.
SOUTH ALABAMA Columbia, S.C.
TBA
11/29
at
CLEMSON Clemson, S.C.
TBA
YOUTH MOVEMENT Underclassman-heavy Front Seven A Mix of Pain And Promise
ON THE COVER: Junior Kaiwan Lewis celebrates the Gamecocks’ win over Clemson on Nov. 30, 2013. photo by Travis Bell / Sideline Carolina
4 OPPONENT PREVIEW 6 GAMEDAY POSTER 14 SENIOR PROFILE The Quiet Leader J.T. Surratt speaks softly, but carries a big presence on the D-line. 18 EXPLAINING THE GAME Men At Work Deke Adams rebuilds defensife line
Published by Free Times free-times.com
.
TBA
SEC game
The Mortgage Network, Inc. Columbia Team Will Lead You to a Touchdown! Whether you’re purchasing or refinancing, we’ll help you tackle your home loan!
Clint Hammond
Clay Henry
Erica Hill West
Felicia Welch-Geiger
NMLS #71597
NMLS #998348
NMLS #397955
NMLS #39778
Branch Manager
Loan Officer
Loan Officer
Loan Officer
Ned Hill
Loan Officer
NMLS 819546
803-771-6933 TheColumbiaTeam.com 1122 Lady Street, Suite 800, Columbia, SC 29201 © 2014 Mortgage Network, Inc. NMLS ID# 2668. North Carolina L-113607; South Carolina-BFI Mortgage Lender / Servicer License MLS – 2668. This is not a commitment to lend. Restrictions apply. Equal Housing Lender.
September 10, 2014 | ISSUE no. 3
|
freetimes
3
GEORGIA
bulldogs CONFERENCE: Southeastern 2013 RECORD: 8-5 (5-3 SEC) 2014 RECORD: 1-0 (0-0 SEC) (as of Sept. 5) SERIES RECORD: Georgia leads, 47-17-2 COACH: Mark Richt YEARS AS COACH: 13 RECORD AT GEORGIA: 126-45 LAST MEETING: Georgia 41, South Carolina 30, (Sept. 18, 2013, in Athens, Georgia) RETURNING STARTERS: 15 (6 offense, 9 defense)
4
freetimes |
THREE TO WATCH Hutson Mason, quarterback
Todd Gurley, running back
Ramik Wilson, linebacker
Last year, Aaron Murray torched the Gamecocks with a nearly flawless performance, tossing for 309 yards and four touchdowns. Huston Mason doesn’t have Murray’s arm, but he knows the Georgia O — he guided Georgia to wins over Kentucky and Georgia Tech after Murray went down with an ACL tear late last year. And he has Murray’s favorite weapons, senior receivers Michael Bennett and Chris Conley, at his disposal. Given the Gamecocks’ struggles against the pass, getting pressure on Mason, who still only has four career starts under his belt and was nondescript in Georgia’s opener against Clemson, is paramount.
While last September’s shootout was largely the Aaron Murray show, Todd Gurley had a huge day for the Bulldogs on the ground, rushing for 136 yards on 30 bruising carries and scoring two touchdowns (one a reception from Murray). He’s started hot this season, too, ripping through a stout Clemson defense, thought to be the strength of the team, for 198 yards and three scores on just 15 carries. The Dawgs boast great halfback depth with Keith Marshall and freshman Nick Chubb, who averaged more than 17 yards on his four carries against Clemson, but Gurley’s the offense’s haymaker punch.
Again, it’s a tale of two seasons: Last year, the Bulldogs yielded 38 points in an opening-night loss to Clemson. This year, Georgia held Clemson to 21 points by deploying a more aggressive defensive style, applying consistent pressure to compensate for a weak secondary. The Bulldog linebackers overwhelmed Clemson’s line and sacked Clemson quarterbacks seven times — something that doesn’t bode well for Dylan Thompson given the struggles of the Gamecock O-line. We went with Wilson, a preseason first-team All-SEC linebacker, as one of our three to watch, but all of Georgia’s linebackers — outsiders Jordan Jenkins and Leonard Floyd, and Wilson’s inside partner Amario Herrera — are dangerous.
usc VS. GEORGIA
CIGARETTES Š SFNTC 3 2014
For more information on our organic growing programs, visit www.sfntc.com
Columbia Free Times 09-10-14.indd 1 September 10, 2014 | ISSUE no. 3
|
8/26/14 freetimes
5
1:15 PM
Bud light The perfect beer for whatever happens...
...This football season LOOK FOR DETAILS IN FREE TIMES ABOUT THE UPCOMING SCAVENGER HUNT IN COLUMBIA.
Junior linebacker Kaiwan Lewis sacks Clemson quarterback Tajh Boyd on Nov. 30, 2013. photo by Travis Bell / Sideline Carolina
YOUTH MOVEMENT Underclassmen-heavy front seven a mix of pain and promise
BY SCOTT HOOD
Y
outh, as the old saying goes, can be a blessing or a curse. Entering the season opener against Texas A&M two weeks ago, the starters listed on the South Carolina depth chart for the defensive front seven featured two seniors (defensive tackle J.T. Surratt and spur Sharrod Golightly), a junior (defensive tackle Gerald Dixon Jr.) and four sophomores (defensive ends Gerald Dixon and Darius English, and linebackers T.J. Holloman and Skai Moore). 8
freetimes |
usc VS. GEORGIA
Darla Moore School of Business Professional MBA Program
· #1 part-time program in S.C. (US News & World Report, 2015) · Convenient learning options: Classrooms in S.C. and Charlotte, and on-demand course capture (real and delay) · One course per seven-week term, one night per week · 28 months to complete · Optional weeklong study abroad experiences · Start dates in January and August
moore.sc.edu/pmba
September 10, 2014 | ISSUE no. 3 AIKEN
BLUFFTON
CHARLESTON
|
CHARLOTTE
COLU MBIA
GREENVILLE
freetimes
9
S PA R TA N B U R G
Sophomore defensive end Gerald Dixon chases down Texas A&M running back Brandon Williams on Aug. 28, 2014. Dixon’s half-brother, Gerald Dixon Jr., is his defensive linemate. photo by Paul Collins / Gamecock Central
Of the 20 players listed on the depth chart for the defensive front seven, 18 are expected to return for the Gamecocks in 2015. That’s a sharp contrast to 2014, when the Gamecocks returned much of last year’s young but surprising linebacking corps but lost three starters along the defensive line: Jadeveon Clowney, Kelcy Quarles and Chaz Sutton. Even though his young defense — seven of the 11 starters against Texas A&M were freshmen or sophomores, including a pair of two true freshmen — struggled mightily in the opener against Texas A&M, defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward vowed to stay the course with his young players as they experience the growing pains most SEC players endure in their early years. “You’ve got to be confident in the young men you put on the field,” Ward said prior to the A&M game. “It’s a reflection of you.”
10 freetimes |
The youth movement is more prominent along the defensive line, where many of last year’s backups have graduated into starting roles in 2014. Sutton was a fifth-year senior, while Clowney and Quarles were juniors with loads of experience. New defensive end starters Gerald Dixon and Darius English had one career start apiece when the season began two weeks ago. On top of that, Carolina debuted a new 3-4 defensive scheme that experienced some glaring glitches trying to defend the fast-paced spread offense Texas A&M deployed in its opening game thrashing. “We do have a lot of new players on defense,” Steve Spurrier noted after the game. Nonetheless, Ward is optimistic the depth in the defensive front seven will shine through before long. “We have some depth at D-line,” Ward says. “We have nine, 10, 11 guys that can play. We want to keep guys fresh by playing a lot of people.”
English, a 6-foot-6 sophomore from Powder Springs, Georgia, watched and learned as Clowney, Sutton and Devin Taylor played most of the snaps in the past two seasons. But based simply on his production in high school (English was Class 5A Defensive Player of the Year in Georgia following his 21-sack senior season), he could potentially become the next great Gamecock defensive end. Working closely with Carolina nutritionist Joey Blake, hired in December of 2013, English’s top goal during the sevenmonth offseason was adding much-needed weight to his once lanky frame. He did that and started the season around 250 pounds, allowing him to be an every-down defensive end and not just merely a pass rushing specialist. “Darius has looked good,” Ward says. For the first time in recent memory, the Gamecocks feature a pair of half brothers in the defensive front seven — de-
fensive end Gerald Dixon and defensive tackle Gerald Dixon Jr., sons of former Gamecock and NFL linebacker Gerald Dixon. “I don’t know if that’s ever happened here before,” Spurrier says. “I don’t think I’ve ever had two brothers starting the defensive line or even two offensive linemen. They’re both good players and have both earned their way to be starters.” After attending different high schools in the Rock Hill area, the Dixon brothers came to Carolina to play together. After four years in the program, they’re finally lining up side-by-side. “We realized we were going to end up starting beside each other one day,” Dixon says. “We have to prove ourselves to the world. Since we’re older guys on the D-line, we mostly know what to do. We know how to correct each other automatically.” Even Dixon was astounded by the level of depth exhibited usc VS. GEORGIA
5 YEARS IN A ROW 2014
B E S T H E AT I N G & A I R
MAKE 2 WIND ST YOUR 1 CHOICE! ND
September 10, 2014 | ISSUE no. 3
| freetimes
11
by the defensive line during preseason camp. If one player is hurt or ineffective, he believes another player can step in quickly and perform at a high level. “I believe in all of my teammates,” Dixon says. “Mason [Harris], David [Johnson], [Cedrick] Cooper, [Phillip] Dukes, Deon Green and Abu [Lamin]. I feel like we’re all going to have an impact, not just the first four.” The level of depth enjoyed at defensive line is also evident at linebacker. Last year’s linebacker corps comprised entirely of freshmen and sophomores, save for spur Sharrod Golightly, then a junior. The entire squad returned this year, and the rotation is largely dominated by a group of six sophomores that includes Skai Moore; one junior, Kaiwan Lewis; one senior, Golightly; and one true freshman, Bryson Allen-Williams. “We have nine guys, counting the two spurs, that can play,” Ward says. “I don’t care who starts. You can shake them all up in the bag and you get really good players with all of them.” Five of Carolina’s top eight tacklers in 2013 were linebackers: Moore led the team with 56 stops, two more than Lewis. All five returned to the Gamecocks defense in 2014, and four should be back a year from now as well. But despite being one of Carolina’s top tacklers, Lewis, a junior, lost a battle for a starting job to sophomore T.J. Holloman. Holloman emerged as the winner because of his enhanced physical presence and superb
Sophomore linebacker Skai Moore tackles Texas A&M running back Trey Williams on Aug 28, 2014. photo by Paul Collins / Gamecock Central
pass coverage skills, says linebackers coach Kirk Botkin. “He has brought a little more physical presence,” Botkin says of Holloman. “He has always been really good in pass coverage and had some great ball skills. He’s just been a little more physical in his play and little more consistent.” Ward talked openly about the possible impact of Bryson Allen-Williams, perhaps the most hyped defensive recruit since Clowney, during spring practice, despite the fact he didn’t step on campus until June. Chased by Georgia, Alabama and a host of other SEC schools until late in the recruit-
Freshman linebacker Bryson Allen-Williams tries to take down Texas A&M quarterback Kenny Hill on Aug. 28, 2014. photo by Paul Collins / Gamecock Central
12 freetimes |
ing process, Allen-Williams possesses the perfect size, speed and strength to excel at the B.O.B. (“Big Ol’ Backer”) spot, the fourth designated linebacker position in Carolina’s newfangled 3-4 alignment. The multitalented Allen-Williams can also play middle linebacker (the “Mike” position), outside linebacker (“Will”) and spur, a hybrid position combining the skills of safety and outside linebacker. “We had some B.O.B.s on the team, but when we recruited Bryson, we thought he had the ability to come in and play,” Ward says. “He’s picked it up well and we’re trying to make sure he learns on position.” Allen-Williams earned a starting spot in the opener because he quickly grasped the defensive playbook, understood his assignments and exhibited an ability to make plays rarely seen in a true freshman. But he wasn’t alone. “We have a lot of freshmen that have been impressive, especially for all the stuff we do on defense,” Ward says. By the end of the season, Allen-Williams might not be the only true freshman in the defensive front seven to see action. Taylor Stallworth, a 6-foot-2, 293-pound defensive tackle from Mobile, Alabama,
impressed Ward enough in preseason camp to possibly earn the right to play in a real game. “Taylor Stallworth has done well,” Ward says. “We have a lot of young guys that looked like they came to college ready to play. We’re preparing them to play. Taylor has about 10 linemen ahead of him, but he could play if he had to because he understands what we’re doing. If we have to use him, we will. If not, he could be redshirted. But he is ready to play if he has to.” The youth and depth of the defensive front seven bodes well for Carolina going forward. “We’re excited about the young group,” says Botkin. “It’s daylight and dark from where we were a year ago. After another spring, the game slows down for you a little bit more when you understand everything and where your help is. All these guys are saying the game is slowing down for them a little bit.” But as the loss to Texas A&M proved, there are still some kinks to work out. “We’re not quite there yet,” Botkin adds. “Everybody has something to work on. There are no perfect football players anywhere. We’ll just keep working.”
usc VS. GEORGIA
SENIOR PROFILE
BY Chris Dearing
Senior defensive tackle J.T. Surratt celebrates a fourth-quarter goal-line stop against Kentucky on Oct. 5, 2013. photo by Travis Bell / Sideline Carolina
DEFENSIVE TACKLE HOMETOWN: Winston-Salem, N.C.
J.T. SURRATT
HEIGHT / WEIGHT:
6-2 / 310
The Quiet Leader J.T. Surratt speaks softly, but carries a big presence on the D-line
J
.T. Surratt is in a role he’s not been very familiar with during his five years at South Carolina. He didn’t necessarily think it was going to be this way, either.
The lone senior on the Gamecocks defensive line — and only returning starter — has taken on a leadership role that he’s previously left to guys like Melvin Ingram, Devin Taylor, Chaz Sutton and Jadeveon Clowney. The quiet, soft-spoken 6-foot-2, 310-pound defensive tackle is quickly growing into the role. Surratt hardly mentions working on technique and fundamentals when discussing his final season with the Gamecocks. He wants to be the
14
freetimes |
“I guess when you sit back and think about it, you never think you’re going to be the last one standing,” Surratt says. “You come in with guys and expect them to be here with you to the end. Things happen for a reason, though, and I wouldn’t change a thing about my career. It’s been a great ride so far.” Surratt has gone from a sparingly used backup early in his career to a regular in the starting lineup. He redshirted his first season out of Parkland High School in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, before seeing action in three games in 2011. He made one start in 2012, but played in the final 10 games of the year and registered 15 tackles, two-and-a-half of which were for a loss. Surratt started all 13 games last year, and racked up 33 tackles, four for a loss, and 1.5 sacks. This season, Surratt will be surrounded by guys that are long on talent but short on actual game experience. Gerald Dixon, Gerald Dixon Jr. and Darius English are the three other starters on the defensive line, and they combined EXPERIENCE: for five career starts coming into 2 VL the 2014 season. That is where the leadership role comes into play. “I tell guys it comes fast and four years will be over before you know it,” Adams says. “[Surratt] can’t believe he’s there, but he’s It was something the two talked embraced it and wants to make about when South Carolina the most out of this final season. lost Clowney, Sutton and Kelcy He understands to do that, he’s Quarles to the NFL Draft. Those got to get the other guys on his three were the cornerstones of an level. So far, so good.” impressive front four, but with The biggest difference on the those three gone, there was a huge field this season has been South leadership void to fill. Carolina changing from a base In stepped Surratt, the only 4-2-5 defense to a 3-4 scheme. returning starter from last year’s That has Surratt playing a differdefensive line. ent role along the front, but he’s “He’s done a great job,” Adams adapted well so far, and Adams says. “He’s really been a leader and expects a banner senior season in wants to take over the group. He’s spite of the change. doing everything he needs to do “Obviously, we’re doing some this summer, working his behind things different so just picking off and the kids see him leading by up the schemes have been a big example right now. Anytime you thing,” Adams says. “He needs to have a guy that has a ton of snaps get more knowledgeable with that behind him like he does, it helps. stuff, but the base stuff he knows It’s been good.” like the back of his hand. I chalThe thought of being this type lenge him to learn this other stuff of leader never entered Surratt’s the same way. I expect he will do mind. He never envisioned being just fine and we should see some the lone senior leading a group big things from him.” that consists of all underclassmen.
one to lead this group, like his predecessors. “All I got to do is step up and get better at this leadership role,” Surratt says. “I just got to step up and start saying the things that need to be said. I wasn’t too boisterous last year, but this year I’ve got to step up into that role and say things more. “All the years that I’ve been here, I haven’t been that guy to do those things.” Defensive line coach Deke Adams has seen the change.
usc VS. GEORGIA
6.6 Miles from Williams-Brice
TAP ROOM NOW OPEN WED 5-8PM • THUR 5-8 FRI 5-9 • SAT 11AM-9PM SUN 1-6PM WE WILL BE OPEN AT 9AM FOR THE USC/GEORGIA GAME!
WE WILL BE GIVING AWAY 2 TICKETS TO THE USC/GEORGIA GAME THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 BEFORE THE GAME @ 7:45PM (MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN)
Find us on Twitter and Facebook September 10, 2014 | ISSUE no. 3
Outdoor Pool & Grill Area • Complimentary Shuttle • Across from Wal-Mart Onsite Laundry • 24 Hour Fitness
(803) 731-2300 347 Zimalcrest Dr. Columbia, SC 29210
www.baymontinns.com/hotel/46756 |
freetimes
15
THE BEST TAILGATE PARTY AT WILLIAMS BRICE!
SOUND & LIGHTING PROVIDED BY TROY DAVIS
16 freetimes |
usc VS. GEORGIA
AFTER THE GAME Don’t sit in traffic. We keep the party going long after the game is over!
WILLIAMS-BRICE STADIUM CAROLINA WALK CONDOS
GEORGE ROGERS BLVD
STATE FAIRGROUNDS
S. STADIUM ROAD BLUFF ROAD
LUCID & DEZ-ONE
Join us at our sister bar, Kelly’s Pub on Washington Street for great food, fun and FREE SHOTS with every SC Score! SHOP ROAD
DJ’S
WANT TO AVOID THE STADIUM?
ASSEMBLY STREET
Check out the incredible BUD LIGHT PORTABAR equipped with Flat screen TV’s and ICE COLD Bud products! You have to see it to believe it!!
COCKS VS. DAWGS
EXPLAINING THE GAME
BY Chris Dearing
ence level and talent level were a bit more advanced than they are this season. This defensive front had a combined five career starts coming into the season. But that didn’t change Adams’ approach on the practice field. “We’re going to get after it and work,” Adams says. “Obviously some of these guys don’t have as much experience so I can’t give them as much leeway as I did some of the guys last year. We have to be on-point with everything we do because they’re still learning. But I’m coaching them the same way as last year.” The Gamecocks had a starting line-up of Gerald Dixon, J.T. Surratt and Darius English up front in new look. Adams South Carolina defensive line coach Deke Adams talks with Chaz Sutton after the Gamecocks allowed Georgia to make a big rotated six more players into play during second-quarter action in Athens on Sept. 7, 2013. photo by Travis Bell / Sideline Carolina the line: Phillip Dukes, David Johnson, Gerald Dixon Jr., plus for Adams. He’s able to Deon Green, Kelsey Griffin and get a feel for what the guys are Abu Lamin also saw action. seeing and can look them in the Johnson and Lamin were seeing eyes to see if confusion, emotion their first-ever action; Green or exhaustion are issues on the and Griffin have seen the field field. during their careers (both are s South Carolina was getting trounced by Texas A&M at “I think being able to see sophomores), but in limited home in the season opener, Gamecocks defensive line how guys react in situations action. coach Deke Adams was feverishly working on the sideline is the biggest plus for a coach Adams does not believe the to find a way to slow Aggies quarterback Kenny Hill and his ofduring the game,” Adams says. 680-yard performance by Texas fensive juggernaut. “Everybody is different. As A&M will be the norm. He has ments on the fly, and looking coaches we have to find the right complete confidence in his playfor the right combination of Not many things were buttons to push to maximize ers, and believes they will get guys to put on the field. In working. South Carolina was their ability. I don’t think you better as the season progresses. the end, nothing worked, breaking in a new 3-4 defencan get that from sitting in the He wasn’t sure if the new and the Aggies won by three sive scheme mixed in with a booth upstairs. Those guys up scheme or limited experience scores. The loss, Carolina’s first top play a key role in what we traditional 4-3 and 4-2-5 look, played a factor in the opener, home loss in 19 games, wasn’t but nothing seemed to rattle do, but I like the face-to-face but they hit the practice fields routine, but the conversation Hill, who had ample time to interaction. In my opinion, that looking for quick improvement. between series was about the sit in the pocket and direct the really helps.” “We have a long way to go, same as it’s always been. quick-throw attack. Adams is in his second sea- but I think we can get to the “The first thing I want to do son at South Carolina, and he’s point we need to be,” Adams Adams continued to work, when they come off is correct though. in a bit of a different situation says. “Guys still have to get some mistakes,” Adams says. “You never stop teaching, than he inherited last year after technique stuff down and learn “Once we do that, we need to because when you do then arriving from North Carolina. and fine tune the system in move on to the next play and it’s time to move on and do In 2013, Adams had the luxury what we’re doing. I do feel good next series. We want to try to something else,” Adams says. of coaching Jadeveon Clowney, about it and we have to just anticipate what will happen to “There’s always something to the eventual No. 1 overall pick keep working.” us in the next drive. A lot of learn in this sport.” in the NFL Draft. Kelcy Quarles that time too is working on get- and Chaz Sutton, two guys that When the players returned ting the rotation down.” to the sideline, Adams was in were in NFL camps, also were a Being on the sideline is a their faces, making adjustpart of that line. So the experi-
Men at Work
Deke Adams rebuilds the defensive line
A
18
freetimes |
usc VS. GEORGIA
GamecockCentral.com
RECRUIT TO WATCH BY CHRIS CLARK
Reinforcement En Route Paris Palmer ready to offer immediate help to O-line
G
iven that South Carolina could lose both starting offensive tackles after the 2014 season, the Gamecock coaching staff has tabbed the position as one of critical need in the 2015 recruiting class. The objective from day one was to find some talented prospects at the position capable of contributing right away. Offensive line coach Shawn Elliott has to look no further than junior college commitment Paris Palmer for that help. Standing nearly 6-foot-9 with a lean frame that already carries more than 300 pounds, the North Carolina prospect has been honing his game at Lackawanna Community College in Scranton, Pennsylvania. After drawing scholarship offers from Arizona State, Baylor, Miami, Ohio State, Penn State and numerous others, Palmer made a verbal commitment to Carolina back in March after visiting Columbia. “My family really enjoyed it,” Palmer told Gamecock Central after the commitment. “We got to watch them practice and they scrimmaged a little bit. I talked a lot with Coach Elliott. They showed us around the facilities and everything was nice. They showed us the new renovations. It all looks good. We got to have lunch with them at the stadium. The stadium was really nice.” Palmer returned in July to take part in the annual Game-
20 freetimes |
O F F EN SI VE TACK LE
PARIS PALMER Hometown: Plymouth, N.C. Junior College: Lackawanna Community College Height / Weight: 6-9 / 305 cock Showcase camp as well. As a December graduate, he will be able to enroll at Carolina next January and begin competing for a position in spring practice. “He’s just scratching the surface,” says Lackawanna running game coordinator Josh Pardini. “I really think the sky is the limit for this kid. I think because he’s so long and he’s so agile, that’s something that’s an advantage for him.” Pardini also notes that Palmer has drawn some comparisons to another former Lackawanna prospect, former NFL tackle Bryant McKinnie. The four-star prospect, ranked by Rivals as the nation’s top junior college offensive tackle, is ready to start working with Elliott. “I like Coach Elliott,” Palmer said in March. “I can see that he is real hands on with his players. He tells them what they do wrong and right. He said that I would have a chance to play right away because they are losing both of their offensive tackles to the NFL after this season. We have a good relationship going.” usc VS. GEORGIA
OUR PASSION IS THE RIGHT NUTRITION BUSH RIVER ROAD 422 Bush River Rd., Unit 4 Columbia, SC 29210 (803) 216-0910 Monday - Saturday 9am - 6pm
NUTRITION WAREHOUSE inside SOUTH CAROLINA BARBELL 9600 Two Notch Rd. #14 Columbia, SC 29223 (803) 788-2852
FOREST ACRES 4714 Forest Drive Columbia, SC 29206 (803) 708-5788 Monday - Saturday 9am - 6pm
VVVV
Monday - Thursday 5am - 10pm Friday 5am - 8pm Saturday 8am - 5pm Sunday 9am - 5pm LEXINGTON 5609 Sunset Blvd. Ste. D Lexington, SC 29072 (803) 951-0600 Monday - Saturday 9am - 6pm
Bring the Party!
We have great dishes and platters to make you the star of every Saturday’s game. Come get creative with us.
Buy a 12 pack of tacos and GET 3 FREE ORDERS OF Nachos and Cheese!
GO GAMECOCKS!
739 Knox Abbott Drive • Closest to campus & down town. Present ad when ordering. Offer good at 12 Midlands participating restaurants for a limited time. © Taco Bell 2014.
September 10, 2014 | ISSUE no. 3
3101 MILLWOOD AVENUE
•
771.8080
•
www.MyMadPlatter.com
| freetimes
21
Dawg Fight
Annual Georgia matchup has become anticipated rivalry
T
OPINION BY JAMES HARLEY
he rivalries are piling up for Carolina, and this is a good thing, because outside of region and tradition, no series becomes a true rivalry unless its games really matter. Obviously, Clemson is the Gamecocks’ truest rival, but Carolina’s recent success in the SEC and on the national level is pulling other teams on board. In just one meeting with SEC-ordained cross-divisional rival Texas A&M, the Gamecocks and Aggies showed promise in establishing the new yearly game as a spirited one, from the clash of fans at the State House to the shootout on the field. The previous cross-division “rivalry” games with Arkansas never amounted to much, partly because there was never that much at stake, each team frequently bordering on mediocrity. But things have changed in Columbia. With the Gamecocks consistently challenging in the SEC East, traditional matchups are becoming more than that. For example, while Tennessee has owned Carolina with a 23-7-2 overall record, five of Carolina’s wins in this series have occurred during coach Spurrier’s nine-year reign. The expectations for the annual meeting have thus shifted significantly, and many of the games have been close ones. The heartbreaking nature of last year’s loss to the Vols, which essentially cost the Gamecocks the SEC East title, will just make this year’s game more emotional, leading toward that developing-rivalry feeling. Then, of course, we have Georgia, whose dominance over Carolina through the years is even more pronounced at 47-17-2. This one has been considered at most a sort of “gentlemen’s rivalry,” as the games never really meant much for the first 90 years of play; although the two met regularly, there was nothing at stake to really stir the pot and the hatred. Basically, Carolina was not enough of a threat for Georgia to take it seriously. But joining the SEC seems to have changed things, as the two schools now battle regularly for the division crown. And the series has heated up accordingly, with
22 freetimes |
an almost even split in wins since Spurrier took the reins at South Carolina. Appropriately, both Georgia and South Carolina have been singled out as favorites for this year’s SEC East crown, again increasing the importance of this annual meeting. Unfortunately, despite the Gamecocks winning three of the last four, it looks like Georgia will have the edge in this one. Why? It doesn’t take much to see that Carolina isn’t living up to its preseason hype, while the Bulldogs are surpassing theirs. A year ago, Clemson topped the Dawgs in the season opener; this year Georgia flattened the Tigers. But it wasn’t just the way they came out — it was the way they adjusted to Clemson’s threats. A 21-21 tie at the half turned into a 45-21 beatdown of the Tigers, a sign of excellent communication between Georgia’s coaches and players regarding what needed to happen. The Gamecocks demonstrated the opposite in their opener, falling behind Texas A&M immediately and making no effective changes throughout the embarrassing remainder of the game. With the magic of the home winning streak broken, it will take an extreme effort on the part of Carolina to overcome the surprisingly strong Bulldogs. But there is a little bit of hope to be had. The Gamecock defense has struggled against the pass, but Georgia’s strength is the run, which the Gamecocks have done a fair job of holding in check. Todd Gurley will not be shut down, but if the Gamecocks can contain him enough to force the Bulldogs into the air then there may be a slim chance for victory, provided the offense is productive enough to keep up in what will likely be a shootout. Because of the conference loss to Texas A&M, this is a must-win situation for the Gamecocks if they hopes to remain alive in the SEC hunt, so perhaps emotion alone will drive the team to wake up and play to their potential. After all, how do you turn a series into a true rivalry? Beat the opponent when you aren’t supposed to. Unfortunately, it’s hard to see that happening here. Bulldogs 41, Gamecocks 24. usc VS. GEORGIA
THE ORIGINAL DESIGNATED DRIVER
FLUFF-N-FOLD 1.50
$
PER POUND
DOWNLOAD THE APP TODAY!
• Book a reservation in as few as 3 clicks. • Get a fare estimate by entering both pickup and destination address. • Receive a confirmation number for your reservation immediately on booking. • Receive notifications including vehicle number once your reservation has been dispatched. • Monitor the progress of your vehicle on a map. • Create a list of favorite addresses and assign a custom name for each.
• Select an address from your list of telephone contacts. • Specify the number of passengers, vehicle type and preferred payment method. • Review all reservations you have made over the past 30 days. • Provide feedback related to the application and/or service you received. • Call Checker Yellow Cab with a push of a button.
A QUALITY CLEANER WHERE YOU GET MORE THAN WHAT YOU PAID! 4600-5 FOREST DR. COLUMBIA, SC 803.782.2755 September 10, 2014 | ISSUE no. 3
1637 MAIN ST. COLUMBIA, SC 803.252.2791
iPhone
WWW.CHECKERYELLOWCAB.COM
Android
AVAILABLE 24/7
803-799-3311
| freetimes
23
24 freetimes |
usc VS. GEORGIA
September 10, 2014 | ISSUE no. 3
| freetimes
25
GAMECOCK ROSTER NO. NAME
NO. NAME
POS. HGT. WGT. CL.
HOMETOWN/HIGH SCHOOL/LAST COLLEGE
89 4 81 19 40 29 80 23 21 1 50 7 16 18 11 86 58 14 28 13 31 42 44 92 52 17 5 18 29 90 43 9 19 93 7 94 14 20 15 59 31 34 84 83 82 11 13 35 8 55 3 70 99 3 8 46 25 76 91 48 41 1 6 6 10 41 5 87 10 88 69 30 49 34 30 21 53 55 4 43
TE LB TE PK TE WR WR SPR WR WR OG TB K/P DE WR TE LS WR TB QB FB SPR DE DT DT FS DE P PK TE FB SPR WR DT CB DT CB SS QB LS CB DE WR WR WR LB P DB WR DE WR OC DT CB LB SPR FS OT DE TE FB CB QB SS LB LB QB WR QB TE OT FB TB K/P CB LB OT OT WR DB
Pinewood, S.C./Scott's Branch Ellenwood, Ga./Cedar Grove Powder Springs, Ga./McEachern Rock Hill, S.C./South Pointe Columbia, S.C./Cardinal Newman/Fork Union Military Columbia, S.C./Keenan/Hampton Waxhaw, N.C./Marvin Ridge Charlotte, NC./Vance Mt. Pleasant, S.C./Bishop England/Presbyterian Sicklerville, N.J./Timber Creek Bamberg, S.C./Bamberg-Ehrhardt Scranton, S.C./Lake City Charlotte, N.C./Myers Park/North Carolina A&T Lithonia, Ga./Lithonia Havelock, NC./Havelock Bamberg, S.C./Bamberg-Ehrhardt Laurens, S.C./Laurens Academy Gaffney, S.C./Gaffney Atlanta, Ga./Stephenson Columbia, S.C./Irmo Hamilton, N.J./Hamilton West Fort Myers, Fla./Island Coast Rock Hill, S.C./South Pointe Rock Hill, S.C./Northwestern Manning, S.C./Manning Union City, Ga./Banneker Powder Springs, Ga./McEachern Shelby, N.C./Burns Frisco, Tx./Prince of Peace Christian Tallahassee, Fla./Lincoln Rock Hill, S.C./Northwestern Decatur, Ga./Southwest DeKalb Atlanta, Ga./Woodward Academy Windermere, Fla./Olympia Lithonia, Ga./Martin Luther King Buford, Ga./Mill Creek Stone Mountain, Ga./Stephenson Cairo, Ga./Cairo Collinsville, Ill./Collinsville Aiken, S.C./South Aiken Fort Lauderdale, Fla./St. Thomas Aquinas Fort Oglethorpe, Ga./Ridgeland Rock Hill, S.C./Rock Hill Athens, Ga./Clarke Central/Gardner-Webb Cornelius, N.C./Hough Stone Mountain, Ga./St. Pius X Mount Airy, N.C./Mount Airy/Guilford College Florence, S.C./South Florence St. Matthews, S.C./Calhoun County Lithonia, Ga./Lithonia Moore, S.C./Byrnes Tyrone, Ga./Sandy Creek Fayetteville, N.C./Trinity Christian/Fort Scott C.C. Sunrise, Fla./Plantation Pleasantville, N.J./St. Joseph Camden, S.C./Camden/Coastal Carolina Stone Mountain, Ga./Stephenson Boynton Beach, Fla./Park Vista Jacksonville, Fla./Sandalwood Gainesville, Fla./Gainesville Raleigh, N.C./Garner Hampton, Ga./Lovejoy Raleigh, N.C./Wakefield McDonough, Ga./Henry County Cooper City, Fla./University Warner Robins, Ga./White Knoll/Gray Military Allentown, Pa./Central Catholic Orangeburg, S.C./Orangeburg Prep Ponte Vedra, Fla./Ponte Verda/Florida State College Charlotte, N.C./Ardrey Kell Dillon, S.C./Dillon Columbia, S.C./Richland Northeast/North Greenville Granite Falls, N.C./South Caldwell Cockeysville, Md./St. Paul's Easley, S.C./Wren/Western Carolina Powder Springs, Ga./McEachern Havelock, N.C./Havelock Waldorf, Md./McDonough Lexington, S.C./Lexington Atlanta, Ga./Woodward Academy
Jerell Adams Bryson Allen-Williams Rory Anderson Landon Ard Jacob August Matrick Belton K.J. Brent Larenz Bryant Andrew Bunch Damiere Byrd A.J. Cann Shon Carson Zack Cimaglia Cedrick Cooper Pharoh Cooper Kevin Crosby Ryland Culbertson Shaq Davidson Mike Davis Grant Davitte Jordan Diaz Jordan Diggs Gerald Dixon Gerald Dixon, Jr. Phillip Dukes Chaz Elder Darius English Patrick Fish Elliott Fry Cody Gibson Garrison Gist Sharrod Golightly Terry Googer Deon Green Wesley Green Kelsey Griffin Ali Groves T.J. Gurley Austin Hails Coleman Harley Al Harris Jr. Mason Harris Matthew Harvey Carlton Heard Caleb Hines T.J. Holloman Tyler Hull Shannon James Shamier Jeffery David Johnson Nick Jones Alan Knott Abu Lamin Chris Lammons Kaiwan Lewis Cedrick Malone Kadetrix Marcus Mike Matulis Blake McClain Nick McGriff Connor McLaurin Rico McWilliams Connor Mitch Chris Moody Skai Moore Kyle Morini Brendan Nosovitch Sean Odom Perry Orth Drew Owens D.J. Park Darius Paulk Devin Potter Jonas Price Sidney Rhodes Marcquis Roberts Corey Robinson Na'Ty Rodgers Shaq Roland Benjamin Russell
26 freetimes |
6-6 242 6-1 231 6-5 227 5-9 178 6-6 247 6-4 215 6-4 192 6-0 220 5-11 173 5-9 170 6-4 311 5-8 201 6-1 170 6-2 225 5-11 201 6-1 230 6-4 267 5-11 170 5-9 223 6-3 180 6-1 236 6-0 217 6-2 274 6-3 323 6-3 323 6-2 195 6-6 241 6-0 194 6-0 165 6-7 278 5-10 260 5-10 187 6-4 210 6-4 289 5-10 176 6-2 310 5-10 187 5-10 194 6-2 220 6-1 246 5-11 162 6-3 235 6-8 22 8 6-0 188 5-11 160 6-2 234 6-2 207 5-7 153 6-1 198 6-1 275 5-7 168 6-4 280 6-4 302 5-10 172 6-0 228 6-0 201 6-1 194 6-5 307 6-3 265 6-0 220 6-0 243 5-11 184 6-3 211 6-1 210 6-2 213 5-10 221 6-1 221 6-0 190 6-1 204 6-6 238 6-4 328 5-8 199 5-10 203 6-2 165 5-10 182 6-1 216 6-8 344 6-5 280 6-1 176 6-0 175
JR FR SR RS JR FR RS SO RS JR SO RS SO SR RS SR RS JR RS SO RS JR SO FR RS SR FR JR RS FR RS SR RS SO RS SO RS JR RS JR RS SO RS SO RS SR SO RS SR RS JR RS SR FR RS SO FR SO RS FR JR RS JR RS JR FR RS JR RS JR RS JR FR RS SO RS SR RS SO RS JR RS FR RS SR RS FR RS SO FR JR RS SO SR RS JR FR FR RS SR RS SO RS FR RS SO SO RS SR RS SO SO RS SO RS JR RS FR RS SO RS SO RS FR RS SR RS SO RS SR RS FR JR RS FR
NO. NAME
9 26 12 49 71 39 24 22 75 65 54 90 72 45 97 32 17 44 51 28 51 95 85 22 12 33 47 77 74
Deebo Samuel Jasper Sasser Michael Scarnecchia Garrett Shank Brandon Shell Demetrius Smalls D.J. Smith Jamari Smith Will Sport Brock Stadnik Clayton Stadnik Taylor Stallworth Donell Stanley Brandon Sturdivant J.T. Surratt Rod Talley Dylan Thompson Gerald Turner Cody Waldrop Jonathan Walton Devin Washington Michael Washington Kane Whitehurst Brandon Wilds Brison Williams David Williams Drew Williams Malik Young Mason Zandi
POS. HGT. WGT. CL.
WR FS QB SS OT DB DB CB OG OG OC DT OL FB DT TB QB FB OC LB DE DE WR TB SS TB LS OL OT
6-0 192 6-0 203 6-4 189 6-0 203 6-6 333 5-11 170 5-11 189 5-10 197 6-5 291 6-5 287 6-3 273 6-2 293 6-4 346 6-2 218 6-2 310 5-10 201 6-3 218 6-2 250 6-2 309 6-0 228 6-3 221 6-3 237 5-11 169 6-2 222 5-11 208 6-1 214 6-2 201 6-3 318 6-9 301
POS. HGT. WGT. CL.
HOMETOWN/HIGH SCHOOL/LAST COLLEGE
HOMETOWN/HIGH SCHOOL/LAST COLLEGE
FR RS FR FR RS SO RS JR RS FR FR SO RS JR RS SO RS SO FR FR RS SO RS SR RS SO RS SR RS FR RS SO SO RS FR RS JR RS JR RS JR SR RS FR SO FR RS SO
Inman, S.C./Chapman Jacksonville, Fla./Wolfson Fleming Island, Fla./Fleming Island Marietta, Ga./Lassiter Goose Creek, S.C./Goose Creek Bluffton, S.C./Bluffton Marietta, Ga./Walton Jacksonville, Fla./Fletcher Milton, Fla./Pace Greensboro, N.C./Western Guilford Greensboro, N.C./Western Guilford Mobile, Ala./Murphy Floydale, S.C./Latta Fort Mill, S.C./Nation Ford/York Tech Winston-Salem, N.C./Parkland Laurens, S.C./Laurens/Gardner-Webb Boiling Springs, S.C./Boiling Springs Goose Creek, S.C./Goose Creek Seffner, Fla./Armwood Daphne, Ala./Bayside Academy Orlando, Fla./Jones Allendale, S.C./Allendale-Fairfax/S.C. State Duluth, Ga./Chattahoochee/Arkansas Blythewood, S.C./Blythewood Warner Robins, Ga./Northside/Fork Union Military Philadelphia, Pa./Imhotep Charter Irmo, S.C/Dutch Fork Pelzer, S.C./Woodmont Irmo, S.C./Chapin
GAMECOCK Game STATs PASSING Dylan Thompson Totals
CMP-ATT-INT
RUSHING Mike Davis Brandon Wilds Dylan Thompson Pharoh Cooper David Williams Totals
RECEIVING Shaq Roland Pharoh Cooper Nick Jones Mike Davis K.J. Brent Jerell Adams Brandon Wilds David Williams Totals
ALL RE T URNS Pharoh Cooper Shon Carson S. Golightly T.J. Gurley Totals
YDS
25-38-1 25-38-1
NO. 18 14 3 2 1 38
GAIN
0 4 0 0 0 4
1 0 0 0 1
101 49 19 6 0 175
Punts Yds Lg 5 0 0 0 5
5 0 0 0 5
TD
0 0
LG
2 0 0 0 0 2
36 9 10 6 0 36
0 124 0 0 124
AVG.
5.6 3.5 6.3 3.0 0.0 4.6
LG
0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1
Kickoffs No Yds Lg 0 6 0 0 6
SACK
31 31
TD
94 45 44 28 26 14 9 6 266
TOP Defensive PLAYERs Skai Moore T.J. Holloman T.J. Gurley Rico McWilliams J.T. Surratt Chris Moody Jordan Diggs Phillip Dukes Jonathan Walton Brison Williams
NET
YDS
7 5 5 3 2 1 1 1 25
LONG
1 1
LOSS
101 53 19 6 0 179
NO.
No
TD
266 266
31 19 13 19 16 14 9 6 31
Intercept No Yds Lg
0 38 0 0 38
0 0 1 1 2
0 0 0 7 7
0 0 0 7 7
TACK TFL/YDS FF SACK/YDS INT 4 6 4 5 3 2 2 2 2 2
• • • 1/3 • • • 1/2 • •
• • • • • • • • • •
• • • • • • • • • •
• • 1 • • • • • • •
usc VS. GEORGIA
go gamecocks!
UG
A
Do you need assistance with a legal matter? Handling a legal matter on your own may lead to an undesirable outcome. Before handling a DUI, criminal charge, personal injury or civil matter on your own, let attorney Marion M. Moses consult with you to explain your rights.
Former state prosecutor, over 13 years experience practicing law.
28 freetimes |
usc VS. GEORGIA