SEC Schedule a Day: South Carolina

Nothing short of an adventurous first year for Spurrier at South Carolina last year. Which brings home a greater point, there were 4 coaches making their debut in the SEC last year compared to none this year (although there are a slew of new coordinators). Technically I guess you'd have to say that Les Myles had the best debut, but I think Spurrier had the biggest impact on his team. If only he could have pulled out that Clemson game he really would have had a hell of a season. QB Blake Mitchell, stud WR Sidney Rice, and talented RB Mike Davis all return to an offense that got better as the season went on last year. They won't have as good of an offensive line this year and the defense should be terrible, but the Gamecocks should have another up and down season.

Aug 31 @ Mississippi State W: Spurrier may not have the talent level or facilities up to his satisfaction yet, but they are still light years ahead of Miss St. Spurrier will be well served though to remind Mitchell that there is no crown on the field in Starkville.

Sep 9 Georgia L: Two years ago I called the Dawgs as like a 6 pt underdog in this game the lock of the century. I was dead wrong. Two fluke plays put Georgia behind early and the rowdy Gamecock crowd kept their team in it until the final few minutes. I expect a similar atmosphere this year, but with UGA having an unsure quarterback, they'll play it close to the vest and give the USC defense very few opportunities to create turnovers.

Sep 16 Wofford W: The Terriers may have given Furman one hell of game last year but they are no match for any SEC school including Vandy.

Sep 23 Florida Atlantic W: Good job by USC schedule makers allowing the team to heal their wounds after their first loss of the season by scheduling a couple of cream puffs. It's opportune way to figure out what you need to work on and practice it for two weeks without much resistance. Plus you have that Thursday game coming up.

Sep 28 Auburn W: As I stated before, I feel like Auburn is going to slip up and lose one game this year and this one makes sense for a few reasons. 1) Thursday game 2) Spurrier has the ability to abuse our young and inexperienced safeties 3) Auburn won in a blowout last year and is likely to overlook USC 4) Auburn players may be a little too high on themselves after a marvelous 4-0 start to the season featuring wins over Wash. St. and LSU.

Oct 7 @ Kentucky W: 9 days to get ready for a week Wildcat team, which gives them a couple of days to celebrate the win and then get back to a full week of practice.

Oct 21 @ Vanderbilt W: Carolina won in a shootout last year, but the Commodores don't have the offensive firepower this year. Plus the off week can't hurt.

Oct 28 Tennessee L: No way no how is Fulmer going to let himself get embarrassed by Spurrier again. I mean at some point you have to step up and have some pride and pull out all of the stops. I think for Fulmer that required actually being a hardass on his team during the offseason. USC's defense should be overmatched in this game.

Nov 4 Arkansas W: After picking up the win in Arkansas last season, the Gamecocks try to make it two in a row in Columbia. I don't think the Hogs are talented or experienced enough to get a win in Williams Bryce. Say what you will about some of their special players, but they weren't a great football team last year and I don't see them making the leap this year.

Nov 11 @ Florida L: Spurrier's reunion against his alma mater was a victorious one last year, this year's trip to the Swamp won't be as pleasant. I think that there are games that Coaches decided that they must win, and therefore spend more time preparing and also getting their players more hyped up for. For Urban Meyer, this has to be one of those games. With full focus, more talent, and the home field advantage you have to imagine he pulls this game out. There might still be some Gator fans crying in the stands though because even though they pulled out the victory, they know who the better coach on the field is.

Nov 18 Middle Tennessee W: MTSU (pronounced mitt-sue) may have the chip on their shoulder and athleticism to hang with Vanderbilt but they will have no such luck against USC. Not the cake walk that Wofford will be, but still another easy win.

Nov 25 @ Clemson L: Tommy Bowden should have his best Clemson team ever by this point and the season. "The other Death Valley" is more of a home field advantage early in the season but it'll still be good enough to get a victory in November as well. Rob Spence finally brought a change in the play calling philosophy to the Tigers and they are a much better team as a result. The defense has steadily improved the last few years as well and will be able to at least slow the Gamecocks down.

8-4 and another bowl trip. We'll see how recruiting goes this year but I still think it will be the 2008 season before you can expect USC to win the SEC East.