CLAWS vs. PAWS - Week 12

SCOREBOARD AFTER WEEK 11


Weekend of November 17, 2012

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Wofford at South Carolina
(No Line)

THE COCK-A-BOOSTER PICK:

Why do we schedule teams that play this kind of offense?  If there was a line on this game, I would probably take the Terriers and the points because you know Carolina has to be gearing up a bit for the trip to the Sister-Marrying Capital of the World next week.  

Mike Ayers is one of my favorites and like he always does, he will come into Columbia, go for it all day on 4th down, run that pesky offense that drives you nuts and keep it close most of the day.  This game has been WAY too close for comfort in the past and I am sure the fannies will all be nervous on Saturday.  

Gamecocks get out of the game with a win, a big exhale, and hopefully will avoid any new injuries.    

 

South Carolina 30

Wofford 24

THE TIGER SWAG PICK:

UCS has always wanted to be part of the big boy club.  When in the ACC, they realized basketball belonged to the Research Triangle and football belonged to Clemson, so they left for greener grasses of independence.  After wandering the desert for 30 years with no shoulder to cry on, they thought the SEC would at least provide companionship.  But years of mediocrity made them sit at the kid's table during major holidays.  They went through phases: rebellion (Tanneyhill), bad boy (Newton & Watson), therapy (Holtz), and even grunge (Garcia), but the results were the same.

Eventually, the bias too strong, the money too good, and the hotels too cheap to keep them in the land of mediocrity.  They were even able to break up the Orange Crush (how come they never had a nickname for the gauntlet of Vandy, Kentucky, & the Mississippi's?).  They even had the audacity to bite the hand that fed them by blaming the SEC for their schedule.

And now it looks like they've finally learned the secret password and handshake to join the SEC's inner circle - at least when it comes to scheduling out of conference games in November.  This week, UCS joins Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Florida, and Texas A&M in going outside of their conference against FCS opponents.  Now Spurrier claims Wofford is as good as some of those SEC schools they play.  Not sure if he is referencing Florida & LSU or Kentucky & Arkansas.  Considering one half are NFL caliber teams, he must be comparing the bottom half of the SEC to FCS schools.  And UCS treats Wofford like such.

UCS 44

Wofford 13

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N.C. State at Clemson
(Clemson is favored by 17)

THE COCK-A-BOOSTER PICK:

This is the final installment of the Clemson cupcake tour happens on Saturday, and then we can finally see them play a Division 1 opponent next week.  To be fair, N. C. State is probably the best of that bad bunch that Clemson enjoys beating up.  If this game were in Raleigh, I would even say the kitten backers ought to be worried.  

And Clemson easily could be looking ahead a bit and yes, if they loaf around too long and this one slips into the 4^th quarter it could become a big headache.  Clemson’s defense is still not very good so State can get some points if they handle being on the road.  

I am sure that Dabbles is reminding them that the Pack beat Clemson badly last year but I seriously doubt anything but Carolina is on the Tigers minds at this point.  Too much Florida-purchased talent to call for the upset here, but I will take the points.   

Clemson 35

N. C. State 21

Clemson wins but does not cover the point spread.

THE TIGER SWAG PICK:

Clemson starts Week 1 of a two week revenge tour against NC State, a team that embarrassed Clemson last year in Raleigh.  This NC State team still wants to throw the ball around - and will with pretty good success as the Clemson secondary is still raw. 

But this NC State defense is not the same as last year as they've given up at least 33 points in each of their four losses, including 43 UNC and 44 to Miami.  In comparison, Clemson has scored at least 37 points in their last 9 games.

Which will win - NC State's defense or Clemson's offense?  Last year: NC State, at home.  This year: Clemson, at home.

But, NC State's offense will do what the last few teams couldn't - keep it close.  Clemson wins the game by double digits, but not until the 4th quarter - and not by the 17 point spread.

Clemson 41

NC State 27

Clemson wins but does not cover the point spread.

 

CLAWS vs. PAWS Scoreboard Update - After Week 11

SCOREBOARD AFTER WEEK 11

The Cock-A-Booster again cuts into The TigerSwag lead after week 11.  The Cock-A-Booster got both of his picks correct last week picking both USC and Clemson to win and cover their point spreads.  As a result, he picks up 20 points.

The TigerSwag only picks up 13 points.  He correctly picked the winners of both games, but missed on his Clemson Tigers by not picking them to cover the 27.5 point spread. 

As we head down the home stretch, the race has begun tightened.  SHOULD BE INTERESTING!

HERE ARE NEXT WEEKS GAMES:

Wofford vs. SOUTH CAROLINA (No line as of 11/13/12)
NC State vs. CLEMSON (Clemson is favored by 17 points)

Why this year favors the Tigers

COMING SOON!!!

If you know me at all, then you are aware of the fact that I always call it like I see it when it comes to Carolina.  Am I a Gamecock fan all the way?  Yes indeed but I take my picks seriously.  Also, I am not one of these self-loathing negative Gamecocks who almost takes pride running their own school into the ground to get the attention.  Those people should honestly go stick a fork in a light socket.  Actually, I have picked us to win in 9 of 10 games this year.  My one error was picking us to beat Florida.  And honestly if our offense had decided to get off the bus and not fumble away the first half even that might have been right but I digress.   

And so we’re on the verge of the Clemson game.  Assuming we take care of business against Wofford, and they get by the last high school team on their “schedule,” it will be 10-1 vs. 9-2.  VERY exciting setting to say the least.  Last year I picked us to beat Clemson, as I did the year before when we played at Death Valley.  This year I can’t do that.  There are just too many things pointing in the Tigers’ direction:  

1. Clemson’s main strength is paired off against what I see as our main weakness.  When we have faced decent QBs this year, our defensive backs for the most part have been gashed badly and often.  The one exception to this is Georgia of course but that was a home game.  
2. I hate to say it, but outside of playing through pain at Vandy this year, has Connor Shaw really done much on the road?  He threw a fade pass to Alshon at MSU last year, and he was efficient enough to get wins against Tennessee, Vandy and Kentucky as well.  But those wins don’t stand out nearly as much as his losses do in my opinion.  Arkansas last year, LSU and Florida this year.  Clemson may not be as good as those teams on paper, but I will promise you they will come out playing like they are.  
3.  Every tractor with a drunk pair of married siblings will come down those hills and make the Pickens County Cathouse a wild scene.  We haven't exactly handled hostle environments so far.
4. Clemson fans are well beyond psychotically deranged about beating us this year.  Yes, yes, the school was founded on hating Columbia and they always want to beat us but it is comical how much they hate Carolina right now.  And when you have 1 real team on the schedule, you can bet they have been counting the days to this game.  We will get their best effort on both sides of the ball and we should know that going in.     
5. Meanwhile, we have nothing really to play for except for pride and extending our roughly 1500 day streak since they last beat us.  Spurrier is 4-3 against the Tiggers, and of course we have 3 in a row.  Do you ALWAYS want to beat your rival?  Sure.  But the intensity and desperation are always with the current losers.  

Now I am not saying we “cannot win” at all.  I realize that there are some reasons to be optimistic too.  Here are some positives: 

1. Our D has not broken all that often even with the large amount of “bending” against passing teams.  Aside from the quirky Florida game which was more about our offense fumbling than our D breaking, and 1 really bad game against Tennessee, our defense has yielded 13 points per game.  
2. By far we are the best defense Clemson will face.  Tajh hasn’t exactly shined under pressure and adversity himself.  Florida State has played basically the same group of cupcakes Clemson has, so who knows if they are any good either?  And yes, we are very likely to get more pressure on him than anyone else has this year which could lead to some typical Tajh Boyd bonehead mistakes.  
3. Their defense isn’t exactly something to write home about.  If we even have a “normal” offensive game we will get points on them.   
4.  Despite being the team that doesn’t have much to prove, there are some real incentives out there in terms of history for us to shoot for.  We could have two 10-win regular seasons in a row for the first time ever.  We are honestly still in the discussion for an at-large BCS bid, although it is a long shot and I certainly have never seen a group of seniors leave Carolina with 4 wins in the rivalry.  
5. Our Coach is better than theirs and practically lives in his head.  Dabo is so obsessed with Spurrier I could easily see him doing something stupid to try and prove he can coach like a big boy.  The one intangible we have going for us to be frank.

Bottom line?  Very intriguing theatre all the way around in this year’s matchup and I understand a major injury either way could change things before next week.  But as of right now, if I had to place a big wager I would take the Tigers to win.  I hope I am wrong.  

Regardless, congratulations to USC for their second straight 6-win SEC season!  It’s a great time to be a Gamecock! 

Crystal Ball - Week 11

Missouri at Tennessee

The Columbia West Ocelots will prowl into the hills this weekend, hoping to skin up Old Smoky before his afternoon nap.  The Knoxville Mountain Troopers will have their rifles ready, but their aim has been in question all season.  Derek Dooley may not be the general of the brigade much longer if their shooting doesn’t improve quickly.   

The Cock-A-Booster Crystal ball says...Tennessee by 5

Louisiana-Lafayette at Florida

The Pigskin Lizards from the Gainesville Bog will be swimming in earnest on Saturday, and their hoping some red-hot Gumbo from the Bayou.  The Visitors from the Backwater know how to throw a tantrum and they’ll come in angry, but that will only add some spice to the Crocodiles’ meal.  Will Muschamp’s face will be red because of the food instead of a fit for a change.           

The Cock-A-Booster Crystal ball says...Florida by 16

Texas A & M at Alabama

Nick Saban and the Elegant Elephants will open up the Tuscaloosa Feeding Grounds this weekend, and they plan to trample up some Cowboys from College Station for some gridiron exercise.  The visiting calf-ropers will bring some shiny lassos with them when they arrive, and they think they’ll snag some ivory for a souvenir.  It’s tough to drag a Pachyderm anywhere near Houston.    

The Cock-A-Booster Crystal ball says...Alabama by 9

Georgia at Auburn

The propped up puppies from East Georgia leave their flea-ridden water dish this weekend, hoping to hike their legs on Jordan-Hare while the local felines are wounded.  Gene Chizik is about to be declawed if he’s not careful, and his Plains Lions better be ready to roar.  If Mark Richt can avoid a neutering during the visit, his barkers will get an unearned trip to Atlanta. 

The Cock-A-Booster Crystal ball says...Georgia by 7

Miss. State at LSU

The Bayou Bengals saw their dreams die at Death Valley last week, so look for them to be a little flat when some drooling barkers rumble in from Magnolia Country.  The Starkville K9s will be ready to bury the Mad Hatter, but he will have the home den in a frenzy by kickoff.  Tough to be that high on catnip two Saturdays in a row.

The Cock-A-Booster Crystal ball says...Miss. State by 3 in a mild upset

Maryland at Clemson

Dabo Swinney and his Heisman Orangies open up the Pickens County Scratching Post this weekend, ready to cook up a pot of turtle stew for a weekend treat.  The ancient crawlers have six shells left on the roster, so it won’t be long before they are part of the recipe.  The Meow Mix should be full of bourbon at the Esso Club when this one is done.      

The Cock-A-Booster Crystal ball says...Clesmson by 46

Arkansas at South Carolina

The Richland County Rooster Farm will be open for business on Saturday, and Steve Spurrier is planning to serve up some Ozark BBQ as an afternoon treat.  The Fayetteville Oinkers have had dented snouts all year, but they usually enjoy giving these Poultries a plucking.  It will be a tight affair for a while, but Pork is what’s for dinner when the day is done. 

The Cock-A-Booster Crystal ball says...South Carolina by 16

CLAWS vs. PAWS - Week 11

SCOREBOARD AFTER WEEK 10


Weekend of November 10, 2012

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Arkansas at South Carolina
(USC is favored by 15.5)

THE COCK-A-BOOSTER PICK:

For Carolina in the SEC, Arkansas has really been a problem.  What a perfect chance to land a nice win against them while they reorganize.  The Hogs are one of those programs that is the solo “big dog”  in their state which means they won’t stay down for long, similar to LSU. 

The Gamecocks’ main opponent this year has been themselves mentally and that really is the only significant question about Saturday.  If USC comes out, does what they are supposed to and plays hard they will land a nice easy win.  If they are flat and loafing we will be in a nightmare in the 4th quarter.  

The good news is that history matters to Steve Spurrier and he wants to land consecutive SEC seasons of at least six wins for the first time in the program’s history.  So there is a good chance we will take care of business and enjoy a big victory.  

South Carolina 33, Arkansas 17 - USC wins and covers the point spread

 THE TIGER SWAG PICK:

UCS fans usually know to root against their opponents, but Arkansas week is tough for them.  When you spend the majority of your time – and money – inside Wal-Mart, how do you reasonably pull against the flagship university of Wal-Mart’s home?

Do I cheer for my team, or the provider of my jorts?

Do I cheer for my team, or the supplier of my Slim Jims?

Do I cheer for my team, or my employer?

The good news is this year’s Arkansas team provides the ultimate win-win.  It allows you to feel sorry for them – maybe even cheer for them – yet still walk away with a win.  And if you don’t beat them too bad, you almost feel good inside.

See, this isn’t the Arkansas team of last year, or UCS’ lone East Division, or even the last six years (Arky is 5-1 over that span).  No, this Arkansas team is different.  And worse than that, they’ve quit.  Quit on their coach and each other.  And I don’t expect them to find themselves during a noontime Billy Brice.

UCS plays hard – for Marcus – and steamrolls Arkansas.  Jumping on them quickly and watching them once again lay down for an opponent.  The defense eats up Wilson and the offense...  Well, let’s just say they’ll enjoy playing against a terrible defense with no heart.

UCS 37

Arkansas 20

UCS wins and covers the point spread.

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Maryland at Clemson
(Clemson is favored by 27.5)

THE COCK-A-BOOSTER PICK:

You can set Clemson’s football seasons to music at this point so this will be an easy analysis:

1.       Beating up several nobodies while gearing up for Florida State. 

2.       Beating up several more nobodies while gearing up for South Carolina. 

Clemson will pad their stats some more this weekend, as a team of injured  high-schoolers from College Park will limp into Clemson for a lashing. 

Tigers win and the rest of the country yawns.  

Clemson 52, Maryland 6 - Clemson wins and covers the point spread

 THE TIGER SWAG PICK:

In years past, a team without its starting quarterback and best defensive playmaker would spell trouble for Clemson.  They would find a way to play down to their opponent, let them hang around, and give them just enough hope that they could win.  And sometimes we even let them.

But this Clemson team is different, for the better.  And this Maryland team, for the worse.

But to Maryland's credit, most of it is not their fault as their down to their 5th string quarterback, who really isn't a quarterback.  In fact, the injuries have been so bad Terp fans are beginning to feel sorry for Randy Edsall.

Hopefully this Clemson team won't.  And I don't think they will.  But at the same time, I don't know that Clemson can keep the offensive pace they've had the last two weeks.  And with a 27.5 point spread, any mistakes by the Tigers, or points by Maryland, makes for a tough cover.  One that Clemson won't make.

Clemson 40

Maryland 14

Clemson wins but does not cover the point spread.

Hit the Piggies while they are down!

I give credit to Arkansas where it is due:  they have owned us.  Whatever the spin, whatever the excuse,  they have been better over the years.  That’s why I don’t care what anyone says about them being down this year:  for once we are clearly the better team and we need to show it this weekend.  Closing out the SEC season at 6-2 for the second straight season isn’t perfect, but it would certainly be our best 2-year stretch in the conference so we’re making progress.  It wasn’t that long ago that we were more than happy with 4-4.  

 

To isolate this in terms even Georgia fans could understand, here are the numbers on Spurrier’s  eight seasons at Carolina compared to before.  In the 13 seasons we suffered through before Spurrier’s arrival, we had a grand total of 37 wins, 0 seasons of more than 5 wins and 0 titles of any kind.  Spurrier has 30 wins already, and two straight seasons of six wins and an SEC east championship.  

Who cares how that compares to how other schools did in the 70s, 80s or 90s?  The bottom line is that we’re trending up in the conference and we’re in great shape.   Yes, our expectations are higher as a result and they should be.  It’s good that we’ve left “winning season” and “bowl eligible” in the ash heap of former goals.  But don’t pretend that we shouldn’t enjoy where we are compared to where we were during the ride. 

If you had told us all in 2004 that we were just a few years away from winning the Citrus Bowl, consecutive 6-win SEC seasons and winning streaks against Clemson and Georgia I think most folks would have laughed at how silly that sounded.  So yeah I wanted more this season but if we finish strong this year we’ll be right back in everyone’s faces again in 2013.  

I remember the 1998 and 1999 seasons.  Honestly, if it weren’t for the Taneyhill run to our first bowl win I would have long since burned any memory of the 1990s period!  The 2000s started promising and then crashed with the brawl in 2004.  Then Spurrier started the slow but steady building process and the results speak for themselves.  

Who knows what will happen after the Spurrier era ends?  We’ll cross that bridge when we get there but in the meantime it’s a pretty good feeling to know that whoever replaces him is walking into a great situation.  One that is FINALLY free of all the old baggage. 

What a great time to be a Gamecock! 

CLAWS vs. PAWS - Scoreboard Update - Week 10



SCOREBOARD AFTER WEEK 10

 The Cock-A-Booster makes up 7 points on The TigerSwag.  The Cock-A-Booster picked Clemson to win and to cover the spread in this past weekend's game vs. Duke.  The TigerSwag picked Clemson to win but not cover the spread.  Clemson won 56-20 and covered the 15 point spread.  Therefore, The Cock-A-Booster gets 3 points for picking the winner and 7 points for picking the winner vs. the spread.  The TigerSwag only picks up 3 points for picking the winner. 

As we go down the home stretch, The Cock-A-Booster is trailing by two touchdowns.  Can he come back or will The TigerSwag begin to put the nails in the coffin?

THIS WEEK'S GAMES:

Arkansas vs. SOUTH CAROLINA (South Carolina is favored to win by 15.5 points)
Maryland vs. CLEMSON (Clemson is favored by 27.5 points)

Crystal Ball - Week 10

Troy at Tennessee

The Smoky Mountain Minutemen have used up just about all of their ammo this fall, and they don’t have an SEC head to mount on the wall.  The Knoxville Brigade better get it together this weekend, as Larry Blakeney brings his Alabama Argonauts to town.  The Yellowhammer Spartans will not go down without a fight, but they eventually will surrender their swords.

The Cockabooster Crystal Ball says... Tennessee by 8

Missouri at Florida

Will Muschamp and his newly-skinned crocodiles found out it wasn’t so easy to have several tough games in a row last week, and they couldn’t be happier that the Show Me State pride is next on the slate.  The Golden Meowers from Columbia West have this one last chance to offer a pigskin roar, but it won’t be much over a whimper.         

The Cockabooster Crystal Ball says... Florida by 15

Ole Miss at Georgia

East Georgia’s favorite neutered puppies are back in the Athens Alpo Hut this weekend, having been given an SEC East bone again that they did not earn.  Mark Richt and his delicate howlers welcome in some Southern Gentlemen from the Oxford Plantation, and there won’t be any fried green tomatoes on the menu.  UGA will be on the ice and resting in plenty of time for supper.   

The Cockabooster Crystal Ball says... Georgia by 3

Alabama at LSU

Nick Saban and his Tuscaloosa Tuskers will rumble into the Bayou this weekend, hoping to make the local bengals the main ingredient in the pigskin gumbo.  The Mad Hatter has no intentions of letting this recipe be created, and he’d like some Ivory in the pot instead.   Death Valley always is a menacing den for guests, but even that won’t stop the red rhinos from doing a little stomping. 

The Cockabooster Crystal Ball says... Alabama by 5

Clemson at Duke

The Carnival Barker and his offended orange masses will leave the oversensitive upstate scratching post this weekend, roaring into Durham to claw up some purple demons.  The Tobacco Lucifers are the latest pretender to be propped up in the NCAA high school division, and their flames will be extinguished with ease.      

The Cockabooster Crystal Ball says... Clesmson by 30

Other winners: 

ARKANSAS

VANDERBILT

AUBURN

MISS STATE

CLAWS vs. PAWS - Week 10

SCOREBOARD AFTER WEEK 9

Weekend of November 3, 2012

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Clemson at Duke
(Clemson is favored by 15)

THE COCK-A-BOOSTER PICK: 

Clemson continues its tour through the SCISA 8-man football league this weekend, as they head to Durham to beat up on Duke.  The ACC tried hard to prop up the Blue Devils for a while but after their trip to Tallahassee that is now over.  

It’s difficult to actually try and analyze these ridiculous matchups.  Duke can throw the ball and will get plenty of yardage against Clemson’s porous defense.  But honestly the Tigers have too much Florida-purchased skill position talent for this game to stay close.  

As I have said for a while now, Clemson has two games worth playing on the schedule this year.  They lost the first and the second will be when they play Carolina.   

Tigers win and the rest of the country yawns.  

Clemson 40, Duke 10 - Clemson wins and covers the point spread

THE TIGER SWAG PICK:

Most SEC apologists will say Bryant-Denny or Tiger Stadium or Ben Hill Griffin is the toughest place to play.  I disagree – they are the toughest places to get a win, but not the toughest place to play.  It may be a case of semantics, but playing on national tv in large stadiums is actually fairly easy.  You don’t need any motivation – the locale and atmosphere provides it for you.  And the result of the game becomes a matter of which team is better, thus your Alabamas, LSUs, & Floridas tend to win the vast majority of their home games.

To me, the toughest places to play are the small, quiet stadiums.  Stadiums that don’t come equipped with fancy locker rooms or giant replay screens.  Stadiums that don’t sell out and are generally low-key affairs.  Stadiums that provide nice family atmospheres.

And no stadium fits the bill quite like Wallace Wade.

With a maximum capacity of just under 34,000, only Wake Forest has a smaller stadium among BCS schools.  However, unlike Wake, Duke football fans have had little to cheer about over the last 20 years.  Additionally, a track surrounds the field, creating a noise buffer between the fans and players.  To many of these guys, it will harken back to their high school days.

And because of the lack of atmosphere and attendance, opposing teams have struggled playing in Durham.  This is not to say many teams leave town with an L, but to say teams take a while to find their stride.  And for the first time in 20 years, if you don’t find your stride, Duke can make you pay.

And Duke’s offensive strength will go against Clemson’s defensive liability – the pass.  Expect Duke to chunk all over the field and on every down.  Expect the screen game to serve as their run game and for them to use every trick in the book.  This is Duke’s chance to slay a Top 10 dragon – and it could happen.

But it won’t.  Clemson has too many offensive weapons and too many athletes on defense.  Duke will hang around, maybe even into the 4th quarter.  But Clemson wins by double digits, but not by more than 15.

Clemson 41

Duke 27

Clemson wins but does not cover the point spread.

_____________________________________________________ 

South Carolina if OFF this week.

MOO U News: Dabo makes surprise endorsement for President

CLEMSON FANS...THIS IS A FAKE STORY...DO NOT TAKE IT TOO SERIOUSLY!

FOR DABO...THE CHOICE IS SIMPLE!

Clemson Football Coach Dabo Swinney has taken the unusual step of endorsing a candidate for President this year, and this could change the landscape in several upstate farming communities ahead of Tuesday’s election.  Swinney decided he had to speak out after his role model and childhood hero was attacked by Mitt Romney.  As a result, the often incoherent former used car salesman, who is known as “Patient Crazy” by upstate psychiatrists, has offered his support to Big Bird. 

“Big Bird will make a great President.  Who do you think taught me not to go potty in the tub?  And that was three years ago!”  said Swinney who hopes others will follow his lead.  “That barking dog fellow over at Coastal needs to join me and do this too.”  

The news was a huge lift to Bird’s fledgling campaign, as the Children’s Television Workshop icon had not yet announced he wanted to serve.  “I am so happy Dabo likes me,” said Bird, who also wants other Palmetto State Coaches to come on board.  “But I know we won’t get Steve Spurrier.  He already likes a Garnet Bird in Columbia.  He’s so mean.  He will probably endorse The Count or Oscar the Grouch.”  

It really was an easy choice for Swinney.  Like Bird, Swinney is always out of touch with reality and saying silly and goofy things.  And the final requirement for obtaining an Honors Degree at Clemson to watch 50 hours of Sesame Street.  “Yes, we make sure that all of our honor grads understand their letters, shapes and numbers.  Now we can help them know who to vote for.  Or for all the fork-using fancy-pants folk, help them know for whom to vote.”  

Swinney closed the press conference by reminding everyone that his endorsement was brought to you by the letters n, u, and t, and by the number 1, representing his wins over Carolina.  (The funding of the announcement was made possible by a grant from The Chubb Group.)