QB “controversies” are sometimes good

Dylan Thompson

There is no question that last year’s quarterback dilemma in Columbia was costly.  I admit I was very vocal in support of Stephen Garcia and openly fretted about the Connor Shaw era.  I still think all but one of Garcia’s “offenses” were either set-ups or minor nothings.  But it happened, we ended up losing a home conference game due to the distraction and we lost the SEC East as a result.  

What appears to be developing now with Dylan Thompson and Shaw is much, much different and will end up helping this year’s team.  Shaw is acknowledged by all parties as the starting quarterback and he earned that role.  #14 is “too little not to love” and gets all the “gutsy, courageous” type of terms showered on him.  Shaw has only lost 1 game as a starter and has been under center for most of the Gamecocks’ 14-2 run. 

But after sustaining what is turning into a problem injury at Vanderbilt, Shaw’s ability to extend a defense and pitch the ball around the park is in serious question.  What I sensed from most Gamecock fans after Vandy was fear BECAUSE we didn’t have a backup option at QB.  We have games against Missouri, LSU, Georgia, Tennessee and Florida still on the schedule.  Logic dictates that if our starting QB cannot throw it around due to an injury, these team  ARE going to stop our running game and dare us to throw.  

And that is what East Carolina and UAB did the last two weeks.  They were willing to leave themselves open to deep balls, but they just sold completely out to stop us from running the football.  Enter Dylan Thompson, whose first, second and third instincts seem to be to throw it deep.  He has looked like a kid in a candy store, racking up big numbers through the air and allowing the garnet and black featherheads to breathe a bit.  

Connor Shaw

Now there is no question that Shaw is a better runner than Thompson.  I might could even keep up with #17 for about 10 yards in a sprint.  But at least we keep three or four option available in the arsenal until Shaw is fully healed.  Some folks are quietly whispering that there could be another “controversy” developing for the role as head signal-caller but I don’t see that.  Shaw, if healthy, is still Carolina’s best option at QB.  This will ESPECIALLY hold true when we run into nastier, faster defenses down the road.  We don’t get to play ECU, Clemson and UAB every week in the SEC.  But in the meantime it is nice to know that we have a capable backup in the wings.  

So unlike last season’s migraine, the current “controversy” ends up helping the Gamecocks in a big way.  Bring on Mizzou!

(One other note:  I had a good week in the Claws vs. Paws against my buddy Willie Powell at www.thetigerswag.com Old Willie still leads, but I am back on track and closing the gap.)

It’s a great time to be a Gamecock!  

CLAWS vs. PAWS - Scoreboard Update - 9/17/12

Based on last week's picks, the Cock-A-Booster made up some ground on The TigerSwag.  The Cock-A-Booster and The TigerSwag both predicted an easy Clemson which gave them both 3 points.  (They did not pick against the spread on the Clemson game.)  In the South Carolina game, The Cock-A-Booster predicted a win outright vs. UAB and he also predicted that they would cover the point spread - which they did.  The TigerSwag picked South Carolina to win, but he did not think they would cover.  So, The Cock-A-Booster got 3 points for picking the winner and also picked up 7 points for picking against the spread.  The TigerSwag only receive 3 points for picking the winner.  So that brings us to week 4...with TheTigerSwag leading The Cock-A-Booster by only 5 points - 41-36.

BIG GAMES COMING UP THIS WEEK:

FLORIDA STATE (home) vs. Clemson (FSU favored by 13.5)
SOUTH CAROLINA (home) vs. Missouri (USC favored by 10)

The Cock-A-Booster Crystal Ball Reveals Picks for Week 3

Week 3- September 15th

Alabama at Arkansas

Evil Nick and his Elegant Elephants trample into the Ozarks on Saturday, hoping their gridiron ivories will cause some Fayetteville squealing.  The home Hogs have already been skewered this fall and can’t be anyone else’s pigskin pork plate.  The Tuscloosa Trumpets are just too tough this year, so don’t expect any rolling back of the Tide. 

The Cockabooster crystal ball says... Alabama by 9

UPSET ALERT!

Mississippi State at Troy

Larry Blakeney and his Maroon Spartans open up the Yellowhammer Colleseum this weekend, ready to neuter some visiting puppies from Magnolia Country.  The visiting howlers are feeling awfully good about themselves so far this fall and plan to bury some pigskin bones early and often.  The K9s are going to find out why most big schools stay away from these gladiators. 

In a big upset, The Cockabooster crystal ball says...Troy by 3

Florida at Tennessee

Derek Dooley and his refurbished Davy Crocketts are lying in wait this weekend, hoping to skin up some Citrus Lizards that are slithering in from the Sunshine State.  The visiting crocs showed they can still pack a chomp last week and they plan to use the Knoxville Minutemen as Hors D’ouerves.  Two big road trips in a row may just be too tall of an order.     

The Cockabooster crystal ball says...Tennessee by 4

Lousiana-Monroe at Auburn

Gene Chizik and his Plains Kittens open up the I-85 scratching post this weekend, ready to prove to the pigskin world that they are not declawed for good.  The Warhawks from the Bayou appear to be the perfect chance to do just that, but these birds just jammed some talons into the Natural State Pigs.  Whatever catnip the War Eagle Lions have in the tank it will be on display this weekend. 

The Cockabooster crystal ball says... Auburn by 14

Texas at Ole Miss

The Horned Cows from Austin herd into the Grove on Saturday, hoping to trample through the Mint Julep Gentleman and leave no banana pudding for dessert.  The Oxford Colonels are always hospitable hosts, but they won’t last long enough to have Bevo for dinner. 

The Cockabooster crystal ball says... Texas by 17

Presbyterian at Vanderbilt

The Azure Stockinged Poets from Clinton leave the I-26 Cultural Center this weekend, hoping to use their lyrical skills to take over Music City.  The Nashville Boat Captains are ready for the Palmetto State Smurf invasion and should be able to send them back to their Midlands Village with relative ease.   

The Cockabooster crystal ball says... Vanderbilt by 20

Furman at Clemson

Rev. Septober and his Overhyped Orange Cats open up the Pickens County Preserve this weekend, ready to claw up some Purple Cavaliers from Greenville.  The visiting Lancers will gallop in with confidence and may do some jousting early.  When it is all said and done the Blue Ridge Felines will capture plenty of Indigo Armor for a souvenir.   

The Cockabooster crystal ball says... Clemson by 30

UAB at South Carolina

Some Birmingham Dragons will swoop into Columbia on Saturday, hoping to do fire-breathe some fried chicken for dinner.  Steve Spurrier and his Richland Roosters are tough to catch at the Bluff Road Poultry Plant and they should be able to douse the visitors’ flames without too much hassle.  The Palmetto Cluckers will then get ready for their first batch of Tigers.     

The Cockabooster crystal ball says... South Carolina by 24

Other winners this weekend: 

KENTUCKY

TEXAS A&M

MISSOURI

GEORGIA

LSU

 

MOO U News: Dabo “Rev. Septober” Swinney: Clemson fans will still be the most delusional!

This is a FAKE story.  Please do not take it too seriously.

Notre Dame announced it would be moving to the ACC this week, which prompted concern amongst the national media that The Tigers would no longer be the most delusional fan base in the conference.  As a result, Clemson’s Fruit-Loop-in-Chief and head Football Coach Dabo Swinney held an impromptu press conference. Swinney, who has been dubbed “Rev. Septober” for his early season success/late season flops and bizarre public rants, made it clear no one could “out-Cuckoo” him.  

“Here at Clemson we take great pride in pretending that it is still 1982 and that is not about to change just because some drunk Midwesterners show up with clovers on their hats,” said Swinney, who pointed out that Clemson has been in denial much longer than South Bend.  “Shoot, they won a national title in 1988, well after we purchased ours.  As long we keep ‘pulling a Clemson’ every year everything will be fine.”  

Rev. Septober went on to add that there are some folks that actually respect Notre Dame’s coach and that they aren’t really joining in football anyway.  “Look, I like Coach Holtz and the job he is doing up there but he spends way to much time on ESPN and not enough time on the sidelines.”  When a reporter pointed out that Holtz no longer coaches there, Dabo shot him the bird and stormed off the set.  He did return briefly to say his extended finger was intended in the most biblical of contexts. 

CLAWS vs. PAWS - Week 3

Weekend of September 14, 2012

 

Furman at Clemson
(NO-LINE on this game) 

THE COCK-A-BOOSTER PICK:

It took a while for Clemson to finally convince the pigskin world they were for real last year before they pulled a Clemson and collapsed.  The same pattern appears to be unfolding in 2012.  Sammy Watkins returns this weekend and the Tigers will beat up on Furman before going to FSU next week.   

The truth is we just don’t know what to think about this year’s Tigers and that will play itself out over the next six weeks or so.  But for Saturday, look for them to cruise and convince themselves even more deeply that we have returned to 1982.   

I’ll take Clemson...
Clemson 45, Furman 10

THE TIGER SWAG PICK:

It will seem like UCS is in town this weekend as the northwest corner of the stadium breaks into FU chants, but like most UCS trips to the valley, there won’t be much to cheer about for the visiting faithful.  Clemson welcomes Sammy back and will look to get him into the game as soon as possible.  The Furman coaches know this and will do their best to blanket him.  If Boyd and Watkins can stay patient, Clemson can burn them with Ellington and Hopkins to put this game away early.  If Boyd forces some throws, then the Clemson offense may struggle to find a rhythm.

Look for Clemson to bait Furman into double-teaming Watkins, and for Morris and Boyd to exploit that advantage and score early and often.  Once the Furman defense backs off Watkins, look for him to get his.  The defense will also play better, which is not saying much, and every player with shoulder pads enters the game.

Clemson 56

Furman 10

_____________________________________________________

UAB at South Carolina
(South Carolina is favored to win by 33.5)

THE COCK-A-BOOSTER PICK: 

Whether or not the Gamecocks cover the spread this weekend is really irrelevant to me as a USC fan.  I want to see continued improvement and most importantly I want to see us continue to just quietly fly under the radar as it happens.  The teams that talk the loudest in September are usually the quietest in November. 

I sense that Carolina is what I hoped they would be:  a very good team with a salty defense who wins games and goes about their business without a lot of flash.  Therefore, it’s hard for me to see them really focused on making sure they win by a certain amount against the Blazers with the schedule they have coming up.  Having said, I think we just may have that big of a talent gap to where it happens anyway.  

I will take South Carolina to win by more than 33.5.

USC 42, UAB 3

 THE TIGER SWAG PICK:

Man, how a week can change things.  Just take a look at where we stood last week – and where we stand now:

Last Week: UCS is done if Jaybo’s brother can’t play

This Week: Quarterback controversy

Last Week: Can we go to 8 lineman and just bench the receivers?

This Week: We need more balls to keep our stud receivers happy

Last Week: Good thing we caught Vandy early because they are Atlanta worthy

This Week: Glad we aren’t playing Northwestern – they look like Rose Bowl material

Last Week: Lattimore is back!  Back like crooked crack!

This Week: Wonder what Cory Boyd is up to these days?

Last Week: Can’t wait to see the Cocks!

This Week: Party Like a Rock Star!

Apparently, Vegas was so impressed with The TigerSwag’s pick, they have challenged us with an even bigger number against ECU’s conference mate – 33.5.  Can UCS replicate their success a second week?

No.  While UCS fans have to be giddy about their passing game, the running game looked terrible.  Expect UCS to pound it away this week with Lattimore and his minions.  And because of this, the clock runs, UCS wins, but they are unable to cover.  Also, UAB has a decent passing game and the secondary is the one week spot on UCS’ defense.   

All things considered, this is an easy UCS win, but not more 33.5 points.

UCS 44

UAB 16

Dabo says, “Mississippi State must just be that AWESOME!”

THIS IS A FAKE STORY...PLEASE DO NOT TAKE IT TOO SERIOUS!

Last week, Clemson declared that defeating unranked Auburn by 7 was akin to David toppling Goliath or the U. S. Hockey team defeating the Russians in 1980.  One Tiger blogger actually went so far as to say that Clemson had “disposed of the SEC.”  

Unfortunately for that fairy tale, Miss. State absolutely destroyed Auburn on Saturday 28-10.  Auburn’s only score was a kickoff return and they looked like a total dumpster fire.  So Tiger Coach Dabo Swinney took to the airwaves to explain what happened.  “Well as it turns out, MSU is actually just that awesome.  They must have used 77% of their offense or something.   Our win over Auburn still has meaning.  At least in our minds.” 

Something similar happened in 2010, when Clemson beat the daylights out of a much-better Auburn team than this year’s version.  That Auburn team went on to upset South Carolina, which sent Tiger fans into a frenzy of anticipation of being able to end their losing streak to the Gamecocks.  (They lost by three touchdowns just a few weeks later)

So the “O’Doyle Rules” saga will continue for now, but Swinney did admit that as a result of MSU’s performance, Clemson may have to vacate one of their five preseason Heisman trophy awards.  “Yes, we have proven that we were the preseason national champs, but we probably won’t have five people in New York now.  We’ll have to include someone from Starkville too.” 

Does Spurrier have a point about the fans?

The Head Ball Coach sort of came after his own fan base on Sunday, admonishing them to stay until the end of ALL games.  He also feels that the game should be the main focus of the weekend for fans.  Well, Coach, Gamecock fans have always been an interesting bunch to observe.  The stadium used to empty early because the team was losing so often and so badly.  I still believe that was at least part of the thought process that led to the policy that says when you leave you can’t return without a new ticket.  

Now it is coming from the other way.  The fans left in droves again on Saturday despite Carolina winning big.  Now I will concede that Saturday was one of the hottest days I have ever seen at that stadium.  I was sweating like Rosie O’Donnell at the Equator and it was still mid-morning at our tailgate.  So I can see why the brutal weather contributed to folks ducking out on this particular Saturday.  I don’t see a whole lot of difference between leaving early for heat or leaving early for a gully-washer rain storm, for example.  

And I have no doubt that Spurrier knows that too.  That’s why I think he was trying to lay down a marker to prevent future exits during big blowouts in our favor.  The Coach has really done a nice job of making long-term permanent changes to the mindset of Carolina fans.  This is just the next one to fix.  Unfortunately for USC, our football program was built on a foundation of winning in the parking lot and losing on the field.  Now that has changed and the fans need to continue their metamorphosis as well.  

We’ve come a long way the last few years.  Gamecock fans no longer obsess over everything Clemson is doing, while many Clemson fans are in a drooling, fetal ball with beating Carolina at the center of their universe.  (Go see how many of your Tiger friends actually took time to post something about Carolina’s new facility upgrades this weekend and you’ll get a chuckle.  I was floored but I digress…)

The bottom line is that we as a fan base are a work in progress but we’re much better than we were.  No longer do teams come roaring into Columbia, take over our stadium and parking lots and pat us on the head while complimenting our Cockabooses and kicking our tails.  We no longer have to read letters in the paper every week from smug opposing fans whose teams have just waxed us saying how nicely they were treated.  But yes, we must learn to handle “normal” week-to-week large wins against “bunny” teams as well.  So Coach Spurrier, although it was an odd week to talk about it due to the scorching temperatures, you have a point about the fans.  

(One other note:  Congratulations to my buddy Willy Powell at www.thetigerswag.com who has gotten the better of me on Claws vs. Paws this fall.  Nice work Sir!)

It’s a great time to be a Gamecock! 

The Cock-A-Booster Crystal Ball Reveals Picks for Week 2

Week 2- September 7th

Florida at Texas A & M

The Bog Lizards from Citrus Country slither into the Lone Star State on Saturday, hoping to put the first conference chomp on the Rookies from Rio Grande Land.  The College Station Cowboys will have all the pistols firing when the crocs arrive and plan to bag them some new gridiron boots.  Roping the beasts from the bog is never an easy chore, but Kyle Field may be smiling when this pigskin rodeo is done.    

The Cockabooster Crystal Ball says... Texas A & M by 5

Auburn at Mississippi State 

The limping lions from East Alabama paw into Starkville this weekend, hoping to neuter some maroon puppies and get the thorns out of their pigskin paws.  The home howlers appear to be ready to defend the kennel against the feline attack, but this one will be a dandy…or a dud.  Go with the Magnolia Chuck Wagons to escape with a bone to bury.    

The Cockabooster Crystal Ball says... Mississippi State by 3

Georgia at Missouri

The Red Clay Hounds leave the Athens Water Dish this weekend and intend on welcoming the Show Me State Stripers to the SEC with a Big Pigskin Bite.  Gary Pinkel is counting on Farout Field being a wild house on Saturday Night and he will likely get his wish.  Mark Richt’s better have some jolt in the Alpo or they will return to the Peach State covered in scratches.    

The Cockabooster Crystal Ball says... Missouri by 7

Vanderbilt at Northwestern

James Franklin and his Music City Admirals sail into Evanston this weekend, hoping to declaw the Chicago Cats in the Quiz Bowl Classic.  The battle of the brains will take place at Ryan Field, and Pat Fitzgerald will have the home pride meowing all the way.  The Kenny Rogers Sea Captains appear to have the S. S. Nashville in good shape and they should return to the Volunteer State with the boat horns blaring.  

The Cockabooster Crystal Ball says... Vanderbilt by 8

Ball State at Clemson

Dabo Swinney and his rejuvenated rally cats are in their annual early season run, giving themselves a tongue-bath and inhaling the catnip.  They will open up the Upstate Orange Asylum on Saturday to feast on some chirpers from Schuemann Stadium.  Pete Lembo’s flock is tough bunch of Buckeye State birds, but Frank Howard Field ain’t the place for perching.  

The Cockabooster Crystal Ball says... Clemson by 24

East Carolina at South Carolina 

The Purple Pirates from Greenville North sail their Jolly Rogers into Williams-Brice Stadium this weekend, hoping to loot all the local chicken feed away from the Richland Roosters.  The Bluff Road Poultry Plant will be clucking loudly and the birds should survive.  But not before some pillaging and damage has been done by the visiting bandana crowd.  Plenty of moon pies, Marlboros and slim jims in the Southeast Corner on Saturday.    

The Cockabooster Crystal Ball says... South Carolina by 5

_________________________________________________

Other winners this week:

Arkansas

Alabama

Tennessee

Ole Miss

Kentucky

LSU

 

 

   

We will have to throw at some point…

Assuming Connor Shaw can and will heal up over the next two weeks, Carolina leaves the 1st game of the year right where we thought they would be:  1-0 with a tough win on the road in the SEC.  Having said that, there is no doubt that there are two areas that will need improvement before Missouri comes to town:  Our passing game and defensive backs.   

Real quick let me address our upstate orange friends.  As I said on Facebook following the game, I thought Clemson looked better than I expected them to and I tip my cap to them for the win.  And congrats to my buddy Willy Powell over at The Tiger Swag for taking the lead in Paws vs. Claws.  Well done Sir!  

Having sincerely said that, Clemson is making WAY too much over beating the unranked 7th or 8th best team in our conference but I digress.  They haven’t had much to cheer about lately so it makes sense.  And although I will do my weekly Moo U article on them this week, I think USC fans just need to do like Adam Sandler in “Billy Madison,” and treat them as the O’Doyle family running around screaming  “Clemson (O’Doyle) RULES. ” Because the fact is we have our own issues that need addressing and we “need to study.” That station wagon will hit the banana peel in a few weeks, and their car flags and loud hooting and hollering will instantly disappear and go right off the cliff. 

In the meantime, let’s focus on our issues.  Coach Spurrier did a nice job of expressing the frustration all Gamecock fans were feeling about our lack of a passing game on Thursday night.  No, it didn’t cost us the game but that better not be the best we can produce throwing the ball moving forward.  Yes, it was raining, it was the first game, Shaw was injured, etc, etc.  All are valid points and again the main thing is that we won the game.  No question.  In the SEC, we are going to face defenses that WILL make us throw the ball to open up the running game and win.  LSU, Missouri, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee and Arkansas make up half of our schedule.  So we better find another Alshon quickly or expand our passing playbook. 

I also was not happy with our defensive back play, but looking back on the game they really did a pretty good job.  Several of Vandy’s completions were just prayer lobs that were answered.  And yes there was the 1 big play for their touchdown but those things happen sometimes.  Our defense held a team that was playing their “Super Bowl” at home according to James Franklin to 1 big play, 200 other yards, and 13 points.  Not bad.

With the schedule as back-heavy as it is this year, we must take advantage of the next two weeks to get ready and I think we will.  In the meantime, it is SO much nicer to be following this version of Carolina football.  Give me spoiled fans picking apart wins instead of delusional fans celebrating minor successes any day!  It’s a great time to be a Gamecock! 

BONUS COLUMN: Enjoying the wins, not enduring them

Okay, so it wasn’t pretty.  If you polled America today, I doubt most folks would say “WOW!  That was a top 10 performance from South Carolina.”  Well, sorry to be infantile about this but DUH!!  What did you honestly expect from that setting?

We are on the road, in the rain, at night against a team whose Coach had declared the game his team’s Super Bowl and one of the most important games in their history.    Throw in a couple of early turnovers and sure we ended up in a dogfight.  To me this was pretty easy to see coming and I am glad we gutted out a win and came home 1-0. 

I have already seen on the message boards fans from Carolina and Clemson trying to tear down this team as a result of last night.  First for the Clemson fans who still are with Uncle Rico back in 1983 and just cannot handle that things have changed (for my Clemson friends who have been really cool and said nice things about Shaw please just ignore this next sentence), the main thing I have seen is that we only won the game because of a no-call on the pass interference at the end of the game.  All I can say is that if anyone would know about winning a game that way it would be Clemson. (cough-Gardner-cough)

And to the Gamecock fans who continue to sport the tin hats dissecting every potential flaw and guaranteeing doom and gloom, please go soak your heads.  Honestly.  We get how smart you are, how much better of a fan you are and how much more you are demanding from this program.  Here’s your gold star and a ribbon, now please go see a man about a dog.  To throw you one bone on this topic, I will say that yes this is the WORST 12-2 stretch I have ever lived through as a Gamecock fan.  Compared to the other 12-2 runs (I think there maybe was one other at most), this one is awful.  

Now to the rational fans who really are enjoying this program for what it is:  a very solid football team with a nasty, salty defense and some potential talent on offense.  Are we the #9 team in the nation?  Who knows yet and who cares?  We have two weeks at home now to work out some pings and knocks and then we welcome in Missouri to Columbia to find out.  

In the meantime, today is a time to lift a toast to Connor Shaw for some serious grit and determination.  That boy was clearly in pain and got it done.  Hopefully he is okay moving forward.  #14 is 9-1 as a starter now and very likely will be 11-1 when we face our first set of Tigers. 

Keep it up Coach Spurrier.  The naysayers can have their details and flaws and technical points.  I will just keep enjoying the wins instead of enduring them.