The Daily Gamecock 8/29/19 by Garnet Media Group

GRAPHIC BY: TAYLOR SHARKEY // THE GAMECOCK

The

Gamecock 2019 FOOTBALL EDITION

2 SPORTS

GRAPHIC BY: TAYLOR SHARKEY // THE GAMECOCK

TABLE of CONTENTS

SPORTS 3 33 ZACHARY MCKINLEY//THE GAMECOCK

ZACHARY MCKINLEY//THE GAMECOCK

SIMEON ROBERTS//THE GAMECOCK

19 VICTORIA RICHMAN//THE GAMECOCK

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Home Away From Home

WWW.DAILYGAMECOCK.COM SINCE 1908 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Genna Contino MANAGING EDITORS Rita Naidu, Taylor Washington DESIGN DIRECTORS Taylor Sharkey, Erin Slowey SENIOR DESIGNER Alex Finger COPY DESK CHIEFS Makayla Hansen, Anna Mock SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Stephanie Justice PHOTO EDITORS Shreyas Saboo, Hannah Wade NEWS EDITORS Meghan Crum, Maddox Greene SENIOR NEWS WRITER Joseph Leonard ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Nick Sullivan SENIOR ARTS & CULTURE WRITER Kenna Coe OPINION EDITOR Clara Bergeson SPORTS EDITOR Matthew Edwards ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR Cam Adams

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SPORTS 7 LETTER FROM THE EDITORS:

SHREYAS SABOO//THE GAMECOCK

Dear Gamecocks, It’s finally time to stop talking about the offseason, as another football season is already upon us. Although South Carolina kicks off in Charlotte to open the season on Aug. 31, it will soon be time for Williams-Brice to once again turn into a sea of garnet and black. The sight of a college football “Saturday in South Carolina” is right around the corner with “Sandstorm” playing in the background, white towels swirling in the air and the Mighty Sound of the Southeast playing the fight song after every touchdown. This season brings a new outlook for South Carolina football, as the Gamecocks were injuryridden in 2018 and look to recover from a 7-6 2018 season after going 9-4 in 2017. With the return of Jake Bentley at quarterback, Bryan Edwards at wide receiver and the addition of Tavien Feaster at running back, the Gamecock offense is looking for a record-setting season in Bryan McClendon’s second full season as offensive coordinator. Senior quarterback Jake Bentley has an opportunity to become the all-time passing yards leader in school

We hope that your game days are full of fun, great food, tailgates and memories history as well. Bentley set the school record for passing yards in a single game against Clemson in 2018 with 510 yards against the eventual national champions. Despite an always tough SEC schedule, the Gamecocks have many opportunities for upsets. South Carolina will face the preseason AP top-three teams (Clemson, Alabama and Georgia). In addition, No. 8 Florida and No. 12 Texas A&M are on the schedule as always. “College GameDay” even has a chance to return to Columbia on Sept. 14 when the Gamecocks play Alabama. The well-known ESPN show last came to a South Carolina-Alabama game in 2010, when the Gamecocks upset the then No. 1 Crimson Tide.

South Carolina is still the last SEC East team to defeat Alabama. While these five top-12 teams are on the schedule, South Carolina is circling a couple of games on the calendar, including a home game against Kentucky as the Gamecocks look to end a five-year losing streak to the Wildcats and earn their first-ever win over Texas A&M in College Station. The Gamecocks are also looking to continue threegame winning streaks against Missouri and Tennessee this season on the road. South Carolina is additionally looking forward to its annual game against in-state rival Clemson as the Palmetto Bowl comes to Columbia on Nov. 30. This special edition of The Gamecock is filled with much information on the 2019 Gamecock football season, and we hope that it gears up your excitement and anticipation for one of the most rewarding experiences an SEC school has to offer. Our personal experiences at Williams-Brice SEE LETTER PAGE 9

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SHELTER PET & GLOBALLY RECOGNIZED PIANIST

FROM LETTER PAGE 7

Stadium have been phenomenal. We are excited to finally hear Sandstorm blasting through the speakers and the first “Gamecocks” chant of the season. There is nothing like college football bringing together 80,000 people to cheer on one school. Watching college football has always been a major tradition for us personally. From seeing the 2010 South Carolina team upset the No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide to witnessing three consecutive 11-win seasons and five-straight wins over that team from the upstate, we know that South Carolina football can rise again. Building a program takes more than a couple of seasons, which head coach Will Muschamp is trying to accomplish. Muschamp is the first coach in South Carolina school history to take the Gamecocks to three-straight bowl games in his first three seasons. Our recruiting is also

on the upward trend for the 2020 season and onward. Despite the first two home games being day games, we hope that you pack the student section at WilliamsBrice Stadium and prove that South Carolina is one of the toughest environments in college football. The Gamecocks will be on national television as usual, so it is important that viewers do not look and see an empty student section in the fourth quarter. As said before, there will be several opportunities for upsets this season, so get ready to be loud, rowdy and intense. As the saying goes, “If it ain’t swayin’, we ain’t playin’.” No matter the outcome this season, we hope that your game days are full of fun, great food, tailgates and memories in the student section that will last a lifetime. Sincerely, Matthew Edwards, sports editor, and Cam Adams, assistant sports editor

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ILLUSTRATION BY: ERIN SLOWEY //THE GAMECOCK

Student Guide:

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TAILGATING ALLISON LAPLAINE Sports Writer

n integral part of SEC football culture is tailgating before and after each home game, but high prices and limited availability at the Fraternity and Memorial lots can make it difficult for students to participate. Tailgating at the Fraternity Lot is immensely popular among students on game day, but while South Carolina boasts free football tickets for students, tailgating can be costly and much less accessible. Wristbands for the lots are highly coveted and difficult to come by. The Fraternity Lot sells 1,000 day passes per game and 3,000 season passes. While day passes go on sale the week of each home game, typically on Monday, the season passes became available over the summer and have already sold out. This makes it especially difficult for new students to access the lot if they did not know about the season passes at the time they were available. If the lot is sold out on game day, strict rules against the resale and transferring of tickets prevent students from sharing season passes or unwanted day passes. Passes for entry are available for

purchase on the Fraternity Lot website. However, only women are able to buy wristbands through the online wristband portal. Men must get a wristband from a brother or be part of a member fraternity. Those able to purchase a pass must bring their printed ticket to the lot in order to get a wristband. Women enter through gate three and men enter through gate two. Season pass holders may purchase one guest pass if capacity permits, pick up their wristband a day early and bypass the entry lines. The Memorial Lot makes 210 spots available per season at the price of $550. The owner of each spot receives 10 wristbands per game. The last spot sold July 15, according to a tweet from @MemorialLot. Passes are available for pick up the week before the first home game. There are no gender-based rules on who can purchase a spot in the Memorial Lot, but the lack of singleday passes for this location can limit it as a viable tailgating option for students. While there is not a strict dress code at the tailgating lots, there is a common etiquette for dress that reflects school spirit and Southern tradition. Men are usually seen wearing polos and khakis or a Carolina football jersey, while

women wear DIY cut-out crop tops made from Carolina T-shirts with skirts or shorts. The lots are monitored by police and require all patrons wear wristbands for security reasons. Other safety restrictions at the fraternity lot include a minimum age of 18, the prohibition of glass and no available parking at the lot. More information about these tailgating locations can be found at http://fraternitylot.com and http:// www.memoriallot.com. For families, alumni and season ticket holders, there are more traditional tailgating spaces available in the fairgrounds and Gamecock Park. Prices vary based on location and availability. Spaces in Gamecock Park feature many amenities, including permanent restrooms, cable TV hookups and shaded tent zones. Through the middle of Gamecock Park is Garnet Way, where the marching band, cheerleaders and football team parade to the stadium. Both locations offer season parking passes and single game parking and are within easy access to Williams-Brice Stadium. More information on parking and tailgating in these areas can be found at https://gamecocksonline.com/

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Muschamp optimistic about upcoming season at summer media day SILVIA RAMIREZ Contributor

Entering his fourth season as head coach, Will Muschamp said he wanted to focus on three things: leadership, developing depth and overall growth. The Gamecocks are coming off a 7-6 overall record and their third-straight bowl game appearance. Muschamp said he has high hopes his football program this year will be better than last season. Seven of the 16 starters are returning to offense and another seven are back on

defense. In addition, both kickers from the 2018 season will return this year. One of the biggest concerns for the 2019 football team is how the Gamecocks will replace Deebo Samuel, who was drafted to the San Francisco 49ers in April. Muschamp said he is confident the offense will not skip a beat despite losing such an explosive player. SEE MEDIA PAGE 15 HANNAH WADE //THE GAMECOCK

Head coach Will Muschamp speaks to the press at South Carolina media day on Aug. 1, 2019.

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SPORTS 13 2019 SEASON PREDICTIONS We asked our editors, Student Goverment officials and professors share their predictions for the 2019 football season.

KEVIN HULL

SEC Champion: Alabama National Champion: Alabama Heisman Trophy Winner: Tua Tagovailoa (Alabama) SOUTH CAROLINA RECORD: 8-4

Student Body Vice President SEC Champion: Alabama National Champion: Alabama Heisman Trophy Winner: Trevor Lawrence (Clemson) SOUTH CAROLINA RECORD: 7-5

SEC Champion: Alabama National Champion: Alabama Heisman Trophy Winner: Trevor Lawrence (Clemson) SOUTH CAROLINA RECORD: 8-4

Clinical Instructor

Assistant Sports Editor

Sports Editor

SOPHIE DAVISH

SPORTY GERALDS

CAM ADAMS

MATTHEW EDWARDS

Journalism Professor

GENNA CONTINO Editor-in-Chief

SEC Champion: Georgia National Champion: Georgia Heisman Trophy Winner: Tua Tagovailoa (Alabama) SOUTH CAROLINA RECORD: 8-4

SEC Champion: Alabama National Champion: Alabama Heisman Trophy Winner: Jalen Hurts (Oklahoma)

SOUTH CAROLINA RECORD: 7-5

LUKE RANKIN Student Body President

SEC Champion: Alabama National Champion: Alabama Heisman Trophy Winner: Tua Tagovailoa (Alabama)

SEC Champion: Alabama SOUTH CAROLINA RECORD: 6-6 National Champion: Alabama Heisman Trophy Winner: Tua Tagovailoa (Alabama) SOUTH CAROLINA RECORD: 8-4

SHREYAS SABOO // THE GAMECOCK

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A look at South Carolina’s receiving corps without Deebo Samuel PAIGE DAVOREN Sports Writer

After a 2018 season that wasn’t what coaches, players or fans were expecting, South Carolina is looking for redemption. The Gamecocks are preparing for a season to showcase the hard work they have put in this summer and the new recruits the team has acquired. With each season, though, comes the absence of players who recently graduated. South Carolina’s receiving corps knows this all too well as they prepare for a season without star

receiver Deebo Samuel. Samuel is now with the San Francisco 49ers after being selected in the second round of the NFL draft earlier this year. Samuel ended his career at South Carolina with 148 catches for 3,457 yards and 28 touchdowns. “The guy’s an outstanding football player — one missed tackle and he can score on you. But he’s also a gunner, he’s also a kickoff returner,” head coach Will Muschamp said. “That’s not going to be filled by one person.” SEE DEEBO PAGE 18

VICTORIA RICHMAN //THE GAMECOCK

Former Gamecock Deebo Samuel awaits next play in 26-23 loss against Texas A&M on Oct. 13, 2018.

SPORTS15 FROM MEDIA PAGE 12

“[Samuel] is an outstanding football player. One missed tackle and he can score on you,” Muschamp said. “Four in three years, so he was the best in the nation in that time in doing that. That’s not going to be filled by one person.” Muschamp said he believes he has other young players, such as Shi Smith, who can step up to the plate in 2019 to make up for the loss of Samuel. “I think Shi has tremendous ball skills at the end of a catch. He’s got really good catch radius to be able to finish plays,” Muschamp said. “I don’t know if he’s got the lower body that Deebo has as far as being able to run through contact. Deebo was a lot like a running back in a lot of situations. Shi can stick his foot in the ground.” Muschamp acknowledged issues with the defense, which was ranked the No. 68 overall defense in the country in 2018. “We’ve got to play much better at the safety position. I am young, somewhat, but I am an old fashion ‘you better be good down the middle,’ and we just weren’t last year,” Muschamp said. Senior T.J. Brunson, who led the Gamecocks with 106 tackles in 2018, is

returning to the team. On the third side of the ball, special teams, Muschamp said he is confident in redshirt junior Parker White, who received the Jim Carlen Most Valuable Player — Special Teams award in 2018. White also received a full scholarship during the spring game in April. Although White racked up a list of accolades in the offseason, Muschamp said he doesn’t see it changing White as a football player. “Parker has always been a calm, cool individual,” Muschamp said. “He did have a shaky first year, and a lot of that was on me. He went back in offseason and worked extremely hard fundamentally on the things that he needed to work on.” Muschamp said this summer was the best he’s had yet, crediting strength and conditioning coach Jeff Dillman’s assistance. In addition, Muschamp is confident in the depth of his team, something he said was lacking in the past. Muschamp and the rest of the Gamecocks look to put the preseason talks to rest and prove themselves this year starting Aug. 31 when they take on the North Carolina Tar Heels in Charlotte. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m at Bank of America Stadium and can be viewed on ESPN.

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Horn and Mukuamu lead a renewed secondary in 2019 PERRY DOMINICI Sports Writer

In 2018, South Carolina faced an uphill battle in stopping the passing game. Last season, the team ranked 68th in the nation in total passing defense, giving up an even 229 passing yards per game. The struggles can be credited to a few key injuries and a lack of depth in the secondary that limited the impact the pass defense had on the 11th-ranked defense in the SEC. In looking forward to the 2019 season, a renewed secondary will look to improve off of last season’s struggles. With a few returning faces and depth amplified by a promising recruiting class, there is reason to believe the Gamecocks’ secondary will be a force to be reckoned with. Leading the secondary is sophomore cornerback Jaycee Horn. Horn, son of New Orleans Saints legend Joe Horn, saw his freshman campaign cut short by an ankle injury in November against Chattanooga. Prior to his injury, however, Horn recorded 30 solo tackles to go along with his 8 pass breakups on the season in 11 games. While he did not record an interception on the year, Horn was named to the 2018 Coaches’ All-SEC Freshman Team. The freshman defensive back played all over the field for the Gamecocks. Due to the injuries in the secondary to the likes of Rashad Fenton and Keisean Nixon, Horn saw games in the slot as an outside corner and was even lined as a safety. But, after his 2018 season, Horn is projected to start as the top cornerback for the Gamecock defense. Across from Horn, the Gamecocks are expected to start another physically imposing sophomore corner. Standing at 6’4” is Israel Mukuamu, a smothering defensive back who saw playing time as a depth piece at the nickel and corner spots last season. Mukuama’s freshman season found him a home for the future as a starting corner. He appeared in all 13 games last year, recording 17 tackles and one of the few interceptions for the Gamecocks in 2018. Mukuama’s stature and ball-hawking abilities have

SARA YANG //THE GAMECOCK

Sophomore defensive back Jaycee Horn warming up for rivalry game against Clemson on Nov. 24, 2018 at Memorial Stadium.

the potential to play out as a key for improvement in the turnover department. The Gamecocks recorded six interceptions last year. With Horn and Mukuama leading the way as the starting corners, the Gamecocks will also have plenty of depth to play with, highlighted by their freshman class. Of the four incoming freshman, Shilo Sanders’ name carries the most notoriety. The three-star cornerback recruit is another Gamecock with some of the game’s history in his blood. He is the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, who’s known as one of the best to ever play the cornerback position. Sanders is projected to be one of the top depth players in the secondary, playing both as a slot corner or on the outside receivers. A returning flexible piece to the unit is defensive back R.J. Roderick. He’ll likely be the one taking the starting snaps closer to the middle of the defense in

the nickel spot. After spending most of last year at safety, Roderick has been impressing throughout offseason camps as the inside corner. Roderick also brings a sense of veteran experience to the defensive backfield. Roderick appeared in 11 games last year, just as Horn did. In his 11 games, he was also bounced around throughout the secondary. Having players in multiple positions contributes to the depth the secondary was missing in 2018. Having options at each position, along with a good mix of veteran leadership and an intriguing freshman class, is an excellent sign for an improved year for the Gamecock secondary. While health can only be factored with time, a renewed South Carolina secondary could have head coach Will Muschamp’s defense competing with the demanding physicality that comes with playing in the SEC.

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Although Samuel leaves big shoes to fill, the Gamecocks have a receiving corps that contains more depth than recent years with players such as senior wide receiver Bryan Edwards. Edwards is an experienced player who stepped up to play alongside Samuel last season. In 2017, when Samuel broke his leg in week three, Edwards took his place and ended the season with 64 catches. “I feel like this is as deep as we’ve ever been,” Edwards said. “It’s always kind of been me and Deebo, and maybe one or two others, but now I feel like we got two, three guys who are going to come in and play.” Muschamp said he’s looking forward to the depth and talent that the Gamecocks have on this year’s roster. “I’m excited about Bryan going into his senior year,” Muschamp said. “He’s worked extremely hard, and he told me he feels like he is in the best shape he’s been in since he’s been at Carolina. He’s as strong as he’s ever been.” There are also other returning wide receivers from 2018 that will help answer the looming question of how the offense will fare with Samuel. Junior Shi Smith, who took the third spot last year behind Edwards and Samuel, is a versatile and capable player. He played mostly outside in the spring, but can also play in the slot. Smith thinks the Gamecocks are

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equipped with plenty of guys who can maintain success as receivers. Another receiver, OrTre Smith, is back from a knee injury that kept him off the field for the entire 2018 season. When Samuel got injured in 2017, Smith had 18 receptions for 224 yards and three touchdowns as a true freshman. There are also younger players on this 2019 football team that have the potential to create problems for opposing defenses, which has been a recruiting priority over the past few years for wide receivers coach Bryan McClendon. Four-star recruit Keveon Mullins and three-star Xavier Legette are two freshmen joining South Carolina’s team. While there will be a learning curve with Mullins and Legette, as there is with all freshmen, it will come down to more than just talent in the eyes of Muschamp. “You gotta have ability,” Muschamp said. “You gotta have an opportunity. But then the third factor is, you gotta be mature.” Chavis Dawkins, Chad Terrell, Josh Vann and Randrecous Davis all also look to be factors in the 2019 South Carolina offense. The Gamecocks and the wide receiving corps will begin the 2019 season with a game against North Carolina at Bank of America Stadium on Aug. 31. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.

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It’s almost Saturday in South Carolina: A Gamecock fan’s guide to game day traditions MATT EDWARDS Sports Writer

College football fans throughout the country — regardless of what colors they don on Saturdays — can practically already hear the “oohs” and “ahhs” of their home team’s crowd, envision their team’s first touchdown and picture themselves debating how AP

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polls will shake out throughout the season. VICTORIA RICHMAN // THE GAMECOCK All of these things can only Student section waves towels in game vs. Arkansas on October 7, 2017 at Williams-Brice Stadium. mean one thing: College football season is right around the corner. is watching the action on the forward to on game day. Fans of the garnet and black field. However, this feeling is not Below is a guide to the best are counting down the days until universal. moments and traditions of game the Gamecocks play in front of What is less of a debate is that day for those cheering on the their home crowd at Williams- current students, alumni and garnet and black. Brice Stadium on Sept. 7. younger Gamecock fans who SEE TRADITIONS For many South Carolina are already eager to send in an PAGE 24 fans, the best part of game day application all have a lot to look

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GRAPHIC BY TAYLOR SHARKEY // THE GAMECOCK

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Breaking down the 2019 schedule MATTHEW EDWARDS Sports Editor

South Carolina has one of the toughest schedules in college football coming into the 2019 season. Kicking off the season with two non-conference opponents — UNC on Aug. 31 and Charleston Southern on Sept. 7 — the season only gets tougher as it progresses. Let’s take a closer look at South Carolina’s upcoming opponents. The “Big Three” The remaining 10 games features three matchups against preseason top five teams: Alabama, Georgia and Clemson. Alabama has appeared in every College Football Playoff for the last five seasons, while Clemson has appeared in the last four, including winning two of the last three College

Football Playoff National Championships. Alabama and Clemson have played each other in the playoff in the last four seasons, with three of those matchups being in the national title game. Georgia is two seasons removed from its Rose Bowl victory and College Football Playoff National Championship appearance. The Bulldogs have beaten South Carolina for four consecutive seasons, while Clemson has defeated the Gamecocks five seasons in a row. South Carolina will travel to Athens to face Georgia on Oct. 12. However, South Carolina is still the last SEC East team to beat Alabama, dating back to the 2010 season when the Gamecocks upset the No. 1 Crimson Tide 35-21. The Gamecocks will face the

Crimson Tide in Columbia on Sept. 14. “The expectations and the goals don’t change regardless of the season and regardless of the situation,” head coach Will Muschamp told The State at SEC media days. “And that’s the way we approach every year. Our players in our program

understand clearly defined the goals of the program every year, the expectation every year.” Streaks the Gamecocks look to end and continue South Carolina will attempt to end a five-year losing streak to Kentucky when the Wildcats come to Columbia on Sept. 28. South Carolina’s last win against

GRAPHIC BY TAYLOR SHARKEY // THE GAMECOCK

the Wildcats came in 2013 when the Gamecocks finished 11-2 for the third-straight season. SEE ONLINE www.dailygamecock.com

Darius Rush expected to make big impact KEIANNA BENSON Sports Writer Get ready for the passion of screaming fans as Gamecock football returns on Aug. 31 against the North Carolina Tar Heels. With 14 returning starters and numerous recruits joining the team, what’s in store for the Gamecocks this season? Wide receiver Darius Rush joined the Gamecocks out of C.E. Murray High School in Greeleyville, South Carolina, where he led the War Eagles to an 11-2 record and the Class A Lower State finals. During his senior year with the War Eagles, he had 47 catches for 863 yards and 17 touchdowns, while also rushing for 165 yards. The 6-foot2-inch, 195-pound receiver missed

GRAPHIC BY ALEX FINGER // THE GAMECOCK

extended time in the fall due to a wrist injury during his redshirt year. Rush expressed his excitement to be attending the University of South Carolina and his experience

with meeting other recruits and staff members in an interview at Charlotte Rivals 3 Stripe Camp. “I feel at home at Carolina,” Rush said. “It’s a great opportunity to be at

Carolina.” But Rush, who spent the majority of last season behind the scenes, got his chance during the spring practice and annual Garnet and Black game held on April 6 at Williams-Brice Stadium. During the spring game, Rush added three receptions for 61 yards. Fans are looking forward to seeing the versatile receiver in action this season. What fans may not be expecting are the changes made with Rush and this upcoming season. Rush was spotted practicing with the defensive backs, wearing the number 28 instead of 81.

24 SPORTS FROM TRADITIONS PAGE 19

Before entering “Willy B” Tailgating For many, tailgating takes the cake when it comes to the biggest game day tradition in Columbia. Much can be said about spending time with family and friends, and there is even more that can be said about family time with delicious food, cold drinks, flat-screen TVs and tailgating games, such as cornhole and KanJam. Va r i o u s o p t i o n s e x i s t f o r tailgating enthusiasts in the area s u r r o u n d i n g Wi l l i a m s - B r i c e Stadium. Before making their way into Willy B for the game itself (if they so choose), fans

can tailgate in the fairgrounds, Memorial Lot, Fraternity Lot or one of the 22 Cockabooses located next to Gamecock Park. Before catching the shuttle to Williams-Brice, on-campus students might also socialize and tailgate at the Russell House where there’s a sober tailgate offering free Chick-fil-a. Before kickoff “2001” One of the most memorable aspects of game day for those inside Williams-Brice is watching the Gamecocks enter the field from the locker room to the tune of “2001: A Space Odyssey.” The 80,250 pairs of eyes throughout the stadium are not the only ones watching the players run onto the field.

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Joining the team in the pregame entrance is South Carolina’s red-feathered, yellow-beaked mascot “Cocky” who reveals himself to the stadium crowd from behind a black cage as smoke zooms into the air. “Game” to “Cocks” Another tradition fans have grown accustomed to at Carolina football games is the “Game” and “Cocks” chant, in which half of the stadium emphatically yells “GAME” before the fans located in the other half follow up with “COCKS.” Various USC alumni, such as women’s basketball legend A’ja Wilson, return to campus to lead the “Game-Cocks” chant before kickoff. “Welcome to Williams-Brice” Another pregame mainstay at home games is the introductory video beginning with the phrase “Under a Carolina sky I stand.” Shown on the video board located behind the student section at the beginning of the game, “Welcome to WilliamsBrice” never fails to get the crowd riled up moments before kickoff and remind everybody in the stadium that a legend can be made at any given moment throughout the course of the game. “Sandstorm” Gamecock athletic events and Darude’s single “Sandstorm” are synonymous with each other, and football games at Williams-Brice Stadium are no exception. Fans from every corner of the stadium can be found waving a white rally towel as the song blasts on the stadium’s sound system. Many claim this Gamecock fan favorite does more than add to the atmosphere of WilliamsBrice Stadium; it also makes the crowd part of the game itself.

Last football season featured a Sandstorm remix that will likely make its way back into Wi l l i a m s - B r i c e S t a d i u m a s early as the Gamecocks’ second game on Sept. 7 against the Charleston Southern University Buccaneers. During the game “Mighty Sound of the Southeast” South Carolina’s marching band, nicknamed the “Mighty Sound of the Southeast,” continuously performs USC’s fight song, “Go Carolina,” and “Sweet Caroline,” throughout the game, along with other songs to the delight of the crowd. Halftime at home features a performance from the marching band as the athletes take a break from the field. Fireworks and rooster crow Gamecock fans are well accustomed to the sight of fireworks shooting up from the scoreboard and the sound of a rooster crow over the loudspeakers. Both noises alert everyone in the stadium and those still tailgating or watching the game in the area s u r r o u n d i n g Wi l l i a m s - B r i c e Stadium that the Gamecocks have found their way into the end zone for a touchdown. Postgame Alma mater Win or lose, a South Carolina football game would not be complete without the university alma mater at the conclusion of the game. The song concludes with the lines “Here’s a health Carolina, forever to thee,” as those in the stadium put their arms around each other and mime raising a glass. The marching band then follows suit with “Amazing Grace,” the last song performed each game day.

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Gamecock offense looks to set records in 2019

Senior wide receiver Bryan Edwards advances the ball downfield in a 26-23 loss to Texas A&M on October 13, 2018 at Williams-Brice Stadium.

LEE WARDLAW Contributor Fourth-year head coach Will Muschamp and his South Carolina Gamecocks will have the nation’s most difficult schedule this upcoming season, according to Phil Steele’s 2019 college football strength of schedule rankings. While the schedule is difficult, there is still hope for South Carolina. That’s because an offensive attack that averaged 30.1 points per game will return six starters headed into opening day against the North Carolina on Aug. 31 in Charlotte. If the team, along with Clemson transfer running back Tavien Feaster, can put some points on the board, the Gamecocks will have a fighting chance. But the question is if they can do it or

not. Quarterback Senior Jake Bentley will once again start for South Carolina, and the fourthyear quarterback will be aiming to break school records in two categories: total passing yardage and touchdowns. Currently, Bentley is in South Carolina’s all-time top five for both stats with 7,385 passing yards and 54 touchdowns. Part of the reason Bentley was able to do that is because he finished the regular season on fire, playing well against Florida and Ole Miss. To cap it off, he broke a single-game school record for passing yards, with 510 yards on the road against eventual national champion Clemson. Bentley doesn’t come without his baggage, however. The quarterback has thrown 26 interceptions in his last two seasons, finishing 102nd in the nation

among 130 total passers in 2017 and 2018. Depending on Bentley’s performance, he could be replaced. If that is the case, Ryan Hilinski, a true freshman from California, is next in line. It remains to be seen what the freshman can do on the field in the SEC, but it appears that he is picking up on the game quickly here in Columbia. Running Back Spartanburg native Tavien Feaster rushed for over 1,330 yards with Clemson in his three-year stint at the rival camp, and coaches and fans are excited to see if he can contribute for the Gamecocks. Chris Miller, Feaster’s high school coach at Spartanburg, said that his ability to run in space and catch the football were under-showcased during his time with Clemson because his playing time was limited.

ZACHARY MCKINLEY // THE GAMECOCK

While it seems that Feaster could boost a South Carolina running attack that only mustered 152.8 yards per game in 2018 (91st in the nation), it remains to be seen if he will win the starting position. He will compete with three other backs that had meaningful experience in 2018: seniors Rico Dowdle (654 yards), A.J. Turner (294 yards) and Mon Denson (432 yards). Wide Receivers Jake Bentley will have an assortment of weapons to choose from when he decides to air it out. The Gamecocks’ top returning wide receiver, senior Bryan Edwards, is a tall, speedy 6’3”, 215-pound target who can climb the ladder to make the big catch over defenders. SEE OFFENSE PAGE 31

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The historic roots of the battle of the Carolinas CAM ADAMS Assistant Sports Editor This Saturday, the Gamecocks and Tar Heels are going head to head to prove who is the real Carolina. South Carolina and the University of North Carolina are set to renew a border rivalry on Aug. 31 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte as a part of the Belk College Kickoff, beginning the 2019 college football season. This will only be the fourth time since the turn of the century that the two Carolinas have faced each other on the field. The first matchup took place in Chapel Hill in 2007, Columbia in 2013 and Charlotte in 2015. However, South Carolina and North Carolina have not always played as rarely as they do today. In fact, the two schools were once fierce rivals looking to show the opposing school who the best of the Carolinas is. The conflict between the universities has been relatively one-sided, as the Tar Heels hold an all-time 34-19-4 advantage over the Gamecocks since 1903, when North Carolina defeated South Carolina by a score of 17-0 on an October Saturday in Columbia. Since then, North and South Carolina have shared a total of 49 years in the same conference with 31 years in the Southern Conference (SoCon) from 1922 to 1953 and 18 years in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) from 1953 to 1971. The two rivals went their separate ways when the Gamecocks left the ACC in favor of becoming independent, and they

GRAPHIC BY ALEX FINGER // THE GAMECOCK

eventually joined the SEC in 1991. During the teams’ years in the SoCon, the Tar Heels dominated South Carolina, beating the Gamecocks in 12 of 17 games between 1922 and 1953. After the SoCon split in 1953 to create the ACC, the Carolinas have even prevented one another from capturing conference titles. This first occurred when the Tar Heels defeated the Gamecocks 6-0 in 1958, which would eventually put South Carolina second in the ACC, a half-game behind Clemson, who

the Gamecocks defeated during that season. The Gamecocks enacted their revenge against their rivals from Chapel Hill with their last ACC meeting with the Tar Heels in 1970 with a 35-21 win, which would put the Tar Heels second in the conference, a half-game behind Wake Forest at the end of the season. After the Gamecocks left the ACC, the Carolinas faced off on a fairly regular basis, meeting a total of four times as non-conference

foes in the 1970s and four times in the 1980s. Since then, the two border rivals have not seen each other on the field often. But with the 2015 Belk College Kickoff, this year’s season opener and another meeting scheduled for 2023 in the Queen City, the onceheated ACC rivalry has found new life in a city that is considered home territory for both schools — Charlotte.

28 SPORTS Incoming freshman Pickens adds strength to defensive line MATTHEW EDWARDS Sports Editor

GRAPHIC BY ALEX FINGER // THE GAMECOCK

n South Carolina’s 17thranked 2019 recruiting class, Zacch Pickens is the only five-star recruit. Pickens signed his national letter of intent to South Carolina on Dec. 19, 2018. The Anderson, South Carolina native graduated from high school a semester early and enrolled at South Carolina in January so he could participate in spring practice. Pickens is a defensive e n d w h o l e d t h e T. L . Hanna High School Yellow Jackets to a 14-1 record and a South Carolina 5A state championship game appearance in his senior season. He had 87 tackles with 15 tackles for loss and six sacks in his senior season. Pickens’ most notable play during his senior year was a pick six against Dutch Fork High School in the state championship game, which was played at Williams-Brice Stadium. Pickens was selected to play in the Under Armour All-American Game and in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas, earning Defensive MVP honors. He was named the top player in South Carolina for the 2019 class, as well as the No.1-ranked defensive tackle

in the nation, according to 247 Sports. Pickens also has a 0.9946 rating, according to 247 Sports. Although Pickens and the other freshmen on the team are not allowed to talk to the media under head coach Will Muschamp’s rules, Pickens’ mom Felicia Harris shows her pride on Twitter and has been extremely vocal in the Gamecock fanbase. “It’s been a long time in the making. I’m just full of emotion,” Harris told Gamecock Central in an interview. “Can’t explain how happy and proud I am … Deep down in the heart of hearts, he knew Carolina felt like home.” Pickens’ older brother Kevin is also on the team as a defensive back. Pickens is expected to make an immediate impact on South Carolina’s defensive line and strengthen the passrushing attempts. He also adds depth to the defense as a whole, which was a weakness for South Carolina during the 2018 season because of injuries within that unit. Pickens will begin his first year with the Gamecocks when South Carolina kicks off against UNC in Charlotte on Aug. 31 at 3:30 p.m.

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Shi Smith, a junior who hauled in 673 yards and four touchdowns in 2018, is primed for a breakout season. The 5’10”, 190-pound receiver has strong pass-catching abilities, and when defensive coaches assign their best defender to Edwards, it will open up Smith to catch more passes. Opposing defenses will likely slot their best cornerback to face Edwards, which Smith can take advantage of to catch more passes. Josh Vann caught 18 passes for 118 yards as a freshman in 2018. Vann is a fast and physical target who is expected to earn more playing time as a sophomore this fall. OrTre Smith, a redshirt sophomore, should also figure into the rotation. OrTre Smith caught 30 passes for 326 yards in 2017 before suffering a nagging knee issue that required surgery after two games last season. A former quarterback who stands at 6’5”,

redshirt sophomore Jay Ulrich is a speedster who we could see playing time as wide receiver this fall. He is one of the fastest players on the team and has been seeing increased reps at practice. Offensive Line The Gamecocks boast an offensive line with experienced players. At the guard positions, redshirt junior Sadarius Hutcherson and sophomore Dylan Wonnum are expected to start. Hutcherson is 6’4” and weighs in at 320 pounds and started 11 games at both left and right guard in 2018. Wonnum started the final seven games of the season and was a first team SEC All-Freshman selection. Donnell Staley is a sixth-year senior who has started at center, left guard and right guard. He is expected to start at guard but is a valuable player who could start anywhere on the line and could potentially be drafted to the NFL after his time is complete in Columbia. Eric Douglas is projected to be the other starting guard, but Jovaughn Gwyn or Jordan

Rhodes should also compete for playing time. Hank Manos is projected to start at center, but Eric Douglas could step in to take snaps if he is not healthy enough to play. For South Carolina to be successful, the line must not only be able to pass block but also run block. Any time a team rushes for 100 yards or less, it’s not good for its chances of winning a game. Tight End The position that once was considered an advantage for the Gamecocks is now a bit thin, because former downfield threat Kiel Pollard, who hauled in 181 yards and two touchdowns, retired from the game. Two-sport athlete Evan Hinson is also expected to miss the start of the season. Kyle Markaway, a fifth-year senior, will be asked to take on a role with more responsibility. Markaway hauled in three passes for 53 yards in 2018. It appears Will Register will be the backup, but he will be pushed by freshmen Traevon Kenion and KeShawn Toney.

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Column: Grading Muschamp’s South Carolina tenure LEE WARDLAW Contributor

Is South Carolina’s football coach an investment worth the long haul for the Gamecocks’ football program? Maybe. Athletic director Ray Tanner’s answer to that question? A resounding yes. Twice. Shortly after the conclusion of the Gamecocks’ nine-win season in 2017, Muschamp inked a new six-year deal that would pay him $4.2 million in 2018 and increase $200,000 yearly until its completion in 2023. After seven wins in the 2018 season, the contract was extended until 2024. If Muschamp completes his final year, he’ll earn $5.4 million. Headed into his fourth season as head coach, is he worth it for South Carolina boosters and fans? How long will his time continue in Columbia? Let’s dissect. Recruiting Unlike South Carolina’s former coach, it’s no secret that Muschamp is a diligent recruiter, and he has assembled a coaching staff that is also serious about recruiting. Muschamp’s 2019 class ranked 17th nationally, heralded by second nationally ranked pro-style quarterback Ryan Hilinski and five-star defensive end Zacch Pickens, who the Gamecocks landed over rival Clemson. It will be necessary for Muschamp to continue recruiting well to keep his job at South Carolina and keep up with the ever-competitive SEC. As a benchmark, the four programs that have qualified for the College Football Playoff more than once (Alabama, Clemson, Ohio

State and Oklahoma) have averaged a top-15 class or better in the 247Sports composite rankings over the five-year period the playoff has existed. If the Gamecocks are to ever compete for a conference championship, they’ll need to post numbers like these. Muschamp and his staff are working hard to crack this upper level. Fifteen signees are on board for 2020. The coaching staff’s hard work on the recruiting trail has paid off this summer, with 12 players signing the dotted line since May, including fourstar running back MarShawn Lloyd of Hyattsville, Maryland, the eighth ranked running back in the nation according to 247 Sports. Luke Doty, a four-star quarterback recruit from Myrtle Beach, plans to embrace an ambassador role for the class and will try to get signees on board with the program. The class is in good shape, but if four-star defensive lineman Alex Huntley of Hammond School in Columbia could encourage five-star teammate Jordan Burch to stay in town, this class could be really special. Grade: B. Already an established recruiter when he arrived to campus, Muschamp’s four signing classes have ranked 25th, 21st, 18th and 17th, according to 247 Sports. His average of 20.25 is good, but needs some improvement if the Gamecocks want to compete with the likes of Georgia, Alabama and Clemson. SEE MUSCHAMP PAGE 36

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‘Black Magic’ returns to South Carolina sideline LEE WARDLAW Contributor The heyday of Gamecock football was under head coach Steve Spurrier from 2005 until 2014. The Gamecocks finished in the nation’s top ten three seasons in a row and defeated arch rival Clemson five seasons in a row. However, the 1980s shaped the history of the Gamecock program and will always be remembered. It all started in 1980, when senior running back George Rogers led South Carolina to an 8-4 record and a Gator Bowl invite behind a rushing attack that earned 1,781 yards and 14 touchdowns. More importantly, though, Rogers was voted America’s best college football player, becoming the Gamecocks’ first and only Heisman Trophy winner. The best was yet to come. In 1983, South Carolina hired Joe Morrison from the University of New Mexico. Morrison was a hot prospect on the coaching market at the time, leading the Lobos to a 10-1 finish in 1982. What was to follow didn’t just produce the era with the most wins all-time in school history yet, but also created a brand of roll the dice, smash-mouth football unique to South Carolina, putting the program on the national map. Simply known as the “Man in Black,” Morrison sported an all black look on game days: cap, shirt and pants. Additionally, Morrison’s face was masked with his classic aviators. Joseph Addison, a starting long snapper for the Gamecocks from 1985 to 1988, simply described Morrison’s practices as “rough.” Morrison was the type of old school coach to kick back and lean on the field goal at practices and smoke a pack of cigarettes as the offensive and defensive coordinator led drills,

Addison said. Morrison, in his all black attire, might have been quiet at times, but he was busy devising his defensive blueprint: a blitz heavy attack. The scheme was something new to college football at the time and caught opponents off guard, Addison said. Famously dubbed the “Fire Ants,” the defense reached its prime in 1984, as did the rest of the team. The name was a metaphor: South Carolina would be doing the biting, and if the offense figured out it was being bit before it was too late, they’d be swatting away, hard. The Fire Ants were complemented by a power-running option, which was co-captained by starting quarterback Mike Hold and Allen Mitchell. Hold only threw for 1,385 yards and a 46.7% completion percentage, but he navigated the Gamecocks’ rushing attack, which featured three workhorse running backs that each carried for 500 yards or more: Thomas Dendy, Quinton Lewis and Kent Hagwood. However, South Carolina missed a shot at the national championship. The season was nicknamed “Black Magic” after the coach’s favorite color. Morrison was superstitious, and the luck finally ran out at the end of the season. On Saturday, Nov. 17, only one team stood in front of South Carolina in the rankings: the Nebraska Cornhuskers, who had lost to the Oklahoma Sooners earlier that day. All the Gamecocks had to do was win one more game, and they would be the nation’s No. 1 headed into the annual rivalry game against the Clemson Tigers. Addison was a redshirt freshman when he decided to get in the car and travel over 500 miles to Annapolis, Maryland, to cheer on his teammates’ play against Navy, which had a 3-5 record at the time. The Gamecocks

GRAPHIC BY ALEX FINGER // THE GAMECOCK

were 24-point favorites, and a win would secure a bid to the prestigious Orange Bowl. The Midshipmen ended these plans. In front of 27,234 fans on a cold, rainy day at Navy Marine-Corps Stadium, a team that had only defeated North Carolina, Lehigh and Princeton would upend the Gamecocks in what Addison called “a classic trap game.” The team meeting the following Sunday was charged and emotional. Addison said that when Morrison walked in, he hit the room’s movie projector and said, “Gentlemen, this is what you guys pissed away yesterday.” Morrison would go on to explain all that was squandered: millions

of dollars in postseason bowl money and a chance to play in the national championship. Through the heartbreak, the players decided they had no choice but to salvage the situation. The answer came with two words: Beat Clemson. And in comeback fashion, the Gamecocks did just that, beating the Tigers 22-21 at Clemson. The tone was set in that meeting, Addison said. The national championship was SEE BLACK MAGIC PAGE 36

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gone, but all was not lost. South Carolina would finish the season with a loss to Oklahoma State in the Gator Bowl, but it was still the season that defined the Joe Morrison era in Columbia. The Gamecocks created a 9-0 record and rose to a No. 2 national ranking behind a runand-shoot offense and blitzkrieg defense, defeating college football bluebloods Georgia, Pittsburgh, Florida State and Notre Dame before their eventual downfall. During the Morrison era, the Gamecocks would go on to win eight games or more on two more occasions: 1987 and 1988. After a 3-6-2 season in 1986, the Fire Ants would be replaced with a new scheme under firstyear defensive coordinator Joe Lee Dunn. Another blitz heavy strategy structured similarly to a late night visit to a Las Vegas casino, it was named Black Death. An article penned by Randall Mell of the Sun-Sentinel two days before South Carolina’s Dec. 5, 1987

Nation’s Top Defense.” “Black Death is the name South Carolina’s kill-or-be killed defense goes by. It’s gambling, blitzing make-life-chaotic kind of defense,” Mell wrote. Morrison’s Gamecocks lived on the wild side, and the team’s rabid fanbase did too. Like a rock ‘n’ roll concert your parents might’ve attended in the ‘80s, the fever pitch was deafening, especially when the Gamecocks took the field at the then-72,400-seat Williams-Brice Stadium wearing all black from head to toe. Black Magic was a brand taken seriously by fans at South Carolina, and some supporters even had jolly roger flags with those letters scripted on them. In present d a y, w e m u s t continue to honor our storied past, and when the University of South Carolina and Under Armour announced that the Gamecocks would bring back the 1980s era uniforms for a home game this fall, it does just that. It’s a reminder to older fans and a history lesson COURSTEY OF JOE ADDISON for younger Long snapper Joe Addison poses in the ones. “Black Magic” jersey in 1984.

matchup with No. 2 Miami Hurricanes best described the group: “Death Blitz Gambling Gamecocks Turn Controlled by Chaos, Mayhem Into One of

Facilities “If you build it, they will come.” This saying reflects the attitude that major college programs have towards building state-of-theart infrastructure, an often useful tool when a coach wants to sell his program to a recruit. The completion of the $50 million Long Family Football Operations Center in early January continues to demonstrate that South Carolina is making a serious financial commitment to the future of the program. The facility is getting rave reviews and has likely improved recruiting as well. The 110,000-square foot facility is complete with all of the bells and whistles, housing the entire coaching staff and providing everything a player might want or need. It is even equipped with a recording studio. On top of that, South Carolina recently announced Phase II approval of $22.5 million in renovations to Williams-Brice Stadium, including new club space, restrooms, concessions and the 2001 Club, which will include new club seating and “offer a field view of the Gamecocks entering the playing field on Saturdays through a glass corridor,” the

Greenville News wrote. Grade: A. As long as Muschamp lasts until the start of 2020, the Gamecocks will have completed two major facilities upgrades totaling $72.5 million during his time here. It doesn’t get much better than that, especially considering that the new operations building ranks among the best in the nation. O n - f i e l d performance It’s harsh to assess a coach off of straight-up wins and losses when he is building a program, but it’s the nature of bigtime college football. But fans shouldn’t be complaining about Muschamp and if they did, should they? His 22-17 record is the most wins of any coach in their first three years with the program. Is that something to be proud of or is it a testament to the futility of the Gamecocks’ program throughout its history? The answer: The statistic should be taken with a grain of salt. South Carolina only qualified for nine bowl games in the program’s first 107 years. Since 2000, though, they’ve appeared in 14 bowl games, won the SEC East and finished in the top 10 three times. The reality is that both Lou Holtz and Steve Spurrier raised the

bar for the program, and Muschamp will need to make his mark if he wants to stay in Columbia for the foreseeable future. The Gamecocks haven’t been bad under Muschamp, but the reality is that he’s been miserable against ranked opponents. South Carolina’s record against top 25 opponents is 1-11 since 2016, and he’s never won against four annual opponents: Clemson, Georgia, Kentucky and Texas A&M. Grade: C. Muschamp took over the Gamecocks in rebuilding mode after Spurrier left the program. He’s qualified for bowl games in each of his three seasons with the program, but Spurrier raised the bar for the program and there are donors who have put big money into the program that expect bigger things in Columbia. Conclusion Fans should be patient with the program. Recruiting is going well, and the new football facility means nothing but good for the Gamecocks. Muschamp will have plenty of opportunities to score a signature victory in 2019, and scoring a big upset could go a long way headed into the future.

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Garcia discusses his role in 2010 Alabama upset SILVIA RAMIREZ Contributor

to go, I think it’s coach Muschamp. I’m a firm believer in him; I love his fire, his energy,” Garcia said. “I think he’s going to have these guys fired up, ready [to play].” Garcia isn’t the only person who believes in

Williams-Brice 2010 The Alabama Crimson Tide is returning to South Carolina to face the Gamecocks for the first time since 2010. The Gamecocks won the game 35-21 and has remained the only team in the SEC East to defeat Alabama since. Alabama’s coach Nick Saban has not forgotten what happened to his team that year. “I remember a lot. We got the lining kicked out of our britches in the game over there,” Saban told The State. One man behind South Carolina’s win that day was quarterback Stephen Garcia. Garcia completed 17 of 20 passes that day with the help of Alshon Jeffery, who registered 127 yards for his seven catches, and Marcus Lattimore with 93 yards. Like Saban, Garcia remembers that day very well, as he had many thoughts and emotions running through his head while he played the game. “You can never take your foot off the pedal, and that’s one thing that coach [Steve] Spurrier doesn’t have a problem doing,” Garcia said. “He would try to score 100 points if he could, but it’s Alabama. It’s one of the best teams; the New England Patriots of college football. You know, they can always make a come-back, they can always come back and beat you in the end.” BETH REVELLE // THE GAMECOCK Before the season started, Garcia knew his team Former quarterback Stephen Garcia looks downfield in 24-21 win was capable of a big win like that. over Navy on Sept. 17, 2011 at Williams-Brice Stadium. “That summer from 2009 to 2010 was probably the most busy one that we had ever had,” Garcia coach Muschamp. Jamie Bradford, former South said. “I mean we were out there training every Carolina student and current ESPN sports radio single day.” host and marketing manager, had great things to As training continued, Garcia said he felt like he say about coach Muschamp. and his team were ready for a tough season knowing “This program has been trying to turn around they faced the then-No. 2 team in the nation. the last few years and they have the right coach Garcia said he is aware this year’s football to do it. Will Muschamp is the best fit for South schedule is a tough one, but he knows no schedule Carolina,” Bradford said. “Will Muschamp needed is an easy one. He said he has a lot of faith in South South Carolina and South Carolina needed Will Carolina head coach Will Muschamp. Muschamp.” “If there’s anybody that can get those guys ready Bradford and Garcia attended South Carolina at

the same time and are still friends now. Bradford was in the stands that day and vividly remembers the 2010 game. “[Stephen] was an elite quarterback that day, and being an elite quarterback means more than statistics. You have to be able to handle the moment and he handled the moment brilliantly,” Bradford said. “There is no way that they would have won that game without him that day, leading the football team. He was tough, he was determined.” Williams-Brice 2019 Both Garcia and Bradford said they are confident South Carolina’s team this year is capable of beating Alabama. “Jake is a very experienced guy, so he’s not going to be nervous. He’s not going to be freaked out at all by the core of Alabama,” Garcia said. “I think our biggest thing is you just got to believe in it. It’s tough to beat anybody if you don’t believe you are going to win.” Bradford had a similar response when asked if he thought South Carolina could defeat Alabama. “Do I think they can win? I do,” Bradford said. “I think that they have the staff to kind of coach them up enough to be able to get it done. I think they have the players, I think they have a lot of seniors and upperclassmen on this team that are hungry for an opportunistic moment like that. I think that they’re a deeper football team.” Garcia already has an idea in his head of what the Gamecocks’ record will be at the end of the season. “I think they’ll be able to shock some people,” Garcia said. “I know a lot of the guys are predicting them to win five or six games or something like that. I can see them winning eight to nine games.” Bradford did not share his predictions but said he thinks South Carolina will have a better season than people expect. Bradford has Garcia on his show sporadically when college football comes around. They talk about Gamecock football and the quarterback training Garcia is involved in. Garcia will return to Williams-Brice Stadium to watch South Carolina play Alabama on Sept. 14.

SPORTS 39 Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis

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1 2 3 4

Solutions to today’s puzzle

ACROSS 1 Meat shaped for a burger 6 Consider 10 Place to unwind 13 Sound before “Bless you” 14 Food brand for Fido 15 Visa competitor, briefly 16 Like a wet day 17 “Deal me a hand” 18 __ slaw 19 Nickname for Elvis Presley 22 One rotation of Earth on its axis 23 Up until now 24 “I’ll pay any price!” 28 Nod off 31 Not hers 34 “We’re having __!”: retail comeon 35 Jupiter’s wife 36 Marriott rival 37 Nickname for Ella Fitzgerald 40 Scarlett’s plantation 41 Acme 42 “Nevermore!” bird 43 Boy in “Star Wars” prequel films 44 Currier and __: printmakers 45 Seth of “SNL” 46 Ring or stud site 48 He wrote “The 42-Across” 49 Nickname for James Brown 58 Funny Bombeck 59 A4 automaker 60 Scarlett’s last name 61 Close by 62 Marvel Comics mutants 63 Post-op therapy 64 2,000 pounds 65 Ain’t right? 66 Brutalizes DOWN 1 Place to spread a picnic blanket 2 Smoothie berry

3 Slender 4 Half a barbecuer’s pair 5 Up-and-down weight loss effort 6 Grocery section with milk 7 Red Muppet 8 “Lawrence of Arabia,” e.g. 9 2000s OCDafflicted TV sleuth 10 Often sarcastic “Nice one!” 11 __-mell: disorderly 12 Ice skater’s jump 15 Property measure 20 White part of beef 21 “Science Guy” Bill 24 1990s commerce pact acronym 25 Thai or Laotian 26 He’s not single 27 Film lioness 28 Fellas 29 Banded gemstone 30 Place to observe animals 32 __ circle: group of close advisers 33 Omens

35 Joke 36 “__, can you see ... “ 38 Loo 39 Having an irregular design 44 “Roth” investment 45 Bovine sound 47 Not at all close by 48 Make a hard copy of 49 Fellow 50 Black-and-white treat 51 Uber alternative 52 Runs smoothly 53 Blissful Genesis place

08/29/2019

54 New York stadium dismantled in 2009 55 Honolulu’s island 56 Eurasia’s __ Mountains 57 Chocolate dogs

40 SPORTS

THE COUNTDOWN TO

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