CLAWS vs. PAWS - Week 8

 Weekend of October 19, 2013

THE TIGERSWAG:

South Carolina's brutal SEC schedule continues as they travel to Knoxville to take on their 4th straight SEC opponent without a conference win.  Right now, UNC, Vandy, Kentucky, & Arkansas are a combine 0-12 in conference play.  Add in Tennessee's current SEC record and the winless streak reaches 14.

But you can't judge a school by it's in-conference record only, can you?  These teams has to have beaten good teams out of conference, right?

Wrong!

UNC is 1-5 with a 24 point home loss to East Carolina

Georgia lost at Clemson and by 2 scores to SEC newcomer Missouri

Vanderbilt needed two 4th quarter scores to break free of a UMass team with 2 wins in their last 21 games (at least it's better than a 21 game span in USC's past)

UCF, arguably USC's best win, needed two TD's in the last 2 minutes to beat a 1-win Memphis team (that's averaging 2-3 wins per year)

Kentucky is 1-5 with a double digit loss to Western Kentucky

Arkansas has been "karma'd" and has lost 4 straight games, including one to Rutgers

Tennessee lost to Oregon by 45

But don't let that fool you because this South Carolina team is battle tested and can play with any team in the country, at least that's what the faithful are saying.  Unfortunately, we can't prove it.  And we will have to wait at least another week to find out if it's true as Tennessee won't tell us much.

South Carolina doesn't start as fast as last week, but they kick into high gear towards the end of the half and cruise to another victory over the mighty SEC East.

South Carolina 37

Tennessee 20

THE COCK-A-BOOSTER:

Carolina fans justifiably are breathing a little easier this week.  To be frank, all of us were beginning to wonder if we had another gear other than mediocre and sluggish.  Now we know that we have it in us to play a game that is crisp and clean like a machine.

 

Which takes us to Rocky Top.  Tennessee has morphed into “Moral Victory U” of late after once being a national power.  Their recent loss to Georgia is being hailed as the sign of great things to come.  Meanwhile, we know that our loss to Georgia was embarrassing because they are SO overrated.    Only Clemson would ever celebrate a win over them at this point, much less a loss.  

I have seen enough football to recognize a team’s “desperate” hail mary effort game, and I am betting that is what we witnessed when the Vols nearly “upset” the Dawgs.  UT will come out excited and hot just like Central Florida and Arkansas did.  Maybe even build an early lead.  But over time, the Gamecocks’ depth and balance will win out and we will pull away late setting up a big trip to Mizzou.  

South Carolina 26

Tennessee 17

_______________________________________________________________

THE TIGERSWAG:

The game the ACC has been waiting for is finally here, in spite of a near hiccup by Clemson last week against Boston College.

The world won't be disappointed as Clemson and Florida State put on a show.  Boyd, Watkins, and the random tight end get it going for Clemson while Winston proves his mettle as he and their big receivers do damage against Clemson's secondary.

Florida State finds a rhythm early, but Clemson is never more than a score behind.  Through defensive play, Clemson eventually pulls even, only to slowly build a 4-7 point lead.  As the game ends, Florida State has the ball with a chance to win, but the Clemson D stands tall.

There's a reason FSU hasn't won in Death Valley since 2001.  In fact, Vanderbily & Ole Miss have won more frequently at South Carolina than FSU has won at Clemson.

The streak continues!

Clemson 34

Florida State 30

COCK-A-BOOSTER:

The ACC, Kirk Herbstreit and the rest of the high schools in the “Aunt Cindy Conference” can finally breathe a bit and stop wetting themselves this week.  Yes, everyone is going to tune in to watch an ACC vs. ACC contest for the first time in decades. 

All signs point to a Florida State win but I ain’t picking it that way.  Dabo the crazy is out bouncing around like a yipping puppy and saying stupid things even by his standards.  Clemson is making this some kind of biblical event that will end in the Tigers being given Moses’ staff to lead the ACC out of bondage from the SEC’s decade of dominance.  This has a buildup and feel to it similar to their hyping the Orange Bowl against West Virginia.  

I think Lee Corso will even pick the Tigers, which also would indicate a “Seminole Win” if you don’t mind my butchering a really nice John Anderson song title.  But far be it from me to jinx the Noles by picking them (check my Arkansas-Carolina pick for evidence).  So instead I will say the Klimpletons have their big night, Herbie is crying like a girl at the prom in excitement , and Brent Musberger will even find a Tiger Cheerleader or two at the Esso Club to celebrate with.  (Hopefully, he will pick the ones that remembered to shave their mustaches).   J/K with you my Tiger friends.  I know that none of them shave.   

Clemson 34

Florida State 30

_______________________________________________________________

READ MORE FROM THE COCK-A-BOOSTER HERE.

READ MORE FROM THE TIGER SWAG HERE.

_______________________________________________________________

CLAWS vs. PAWS - Week 7 Scoreboard

WOW, the TigerSwag made a huge comeback this past weekend.  He successfully picked both winners against the spread in the two Palmetto State games.  This earned him 20 points!  He then picked up another two points on a saftey (Cock-A-Booster total miss on USC/Arky game).  The Cock-A-Booster, on the other hand, enjoyed his team's performance (and Clemson somewhat struggling) but as a result his score in our little contest suffered greatly!  He picked USC to lose to Arkansas - WRONG!  Therefore he only received 3 points for the weekend thanks to Clemson's win.  Clemson not covering the spread prevented him from not picking up a valuable 7 points.  So, now the Cock-A-Booster trails by 9 points after leading by 10 for the entire month of September!  Interesting battle as we head down the backstretch of the season.

Well, let's get ready for this weeks games...

Cockabooster insists it will not be shut down!

Concerns that the Cockabooster would be furloughed due to the Federal Government shutdown were denied vehemently by Cockabooster Junior Vice-President and Head of Paper Stacking Ted Felder.  

Felder said it was deep-seated jealousy and rampant innuendo spouted from his rival site, The TigerSwag, that caused the concern.  “No, we are not going to be affected by what is happening in Washington,” said Felder, who hastily threw together a press conference to address the issue.  “We plan to be right here every week giving our readers the coverage of Gamecock sports that they have come to expect: silly and sarcastic.”  

Ted also addressed the involvement of the Cockabooster’s sister site in Orange.  “Willy Powell is like my little brother.  He looks up to me in awe and admiration, yet he also has a continual grudge.  I think it’s primarily due to my ability to put stacks of coins on my elbow and catch them in my hand.  That and my elegant use of spam in cooking are just too much for him to handle.”  

Felder promises that there will be no interruption. “I made a pledge to provide my readers the least substantive and most ridiculous perspective on all things Carolina.  And if Ron Morris can do it, so will I.  You have my word.”

CLAWS vs. PAWS - Week 7

Weekend of October 12, 2013

THE TIGERSWAG:

Since USC's struggles over Kentucky...and UCF...and Vanderbilt, all Gamecock fans are talking about is this upcoming three game road trip against Arkansas, Tennessee, and Missouri.  About how this three game stretch will define their season and dictate where they go bowling.  Never mind the three schools are a combined 1-4 in conference (thank God for Vandy!).

But one thing that hasn't been discussed is how USC seems to struggle in Fedville, which is surprising because many people consider it to be the Columbia's cute little sister (you know, the one that is prettier, more petit, and much safer...).  Since USC joined the SEC, they are just 2-8 at Arkansas with an average margin of defeat of nearly 17 points.

But those teams didn't have Steve Spurrier and Jadeveon Clowney and Connor Shaw.  Actually they did have those guys in 2011, and they lost by 16.  And Clowney didn't show up in the box score...

And while history may not be on USC's side, Karma is - thanks to Mrs. Jen Bielema.  Since her ill-fated taunting of Wisconsin, Arkansas is winless.  In two of those losses, they've also failed to cover the spread. 

Unfortunately for Arkansas, the winless streak continues, and they add one more loss against the spread.  The USC offense will be good for 30 points, and the Arkansas offense won't reach 20.

In fact, now that Jadeveon Clowney is playing, this game could be a blowout of epic proportions.  Someone raise them old Cumberland boys from the dead because their 222 point record could be in jeopardy.

Clowney 223

Arkansas 0

THE COCK-A-BOOSTER:

What has been going on in the Carolina locker room has finally been revealed a bit this week, and how the team will react to it is a mystery wrapped in a puzzle stuffed inside an enigma.  I honestly believe that the Gamecocks will not stay as they have been.  They will either retreat back into an 8-4 type of season or we’ll see a much higher level of play from the defense because for the first time they’re on the same page. 

I wish I could be optimistic that the latter was the case, but I fear it is the former.  Not to mention that we never play well out in Pig-ville.  Now I will grant you that if we do win this game, and we look better on defense, then no question we are a tough out the rest of the way.  But I always pick what I actually think is going to happen and not what I want to happen. 

Add in that Connor Shaw is not exactly Joe Montana on the road and it all points to a loss.  We will score enough to keep things close and we will certainly have chances to win.  But I see the hoggies  controlling the second half on the line of scrimmage and wearing us down.    

Arkansas 28

South Carolina 23

_______________________________________________________________

THE TIGERSWAG:

For some reason, Clemson struggles with Boston College.  Not sure if it is the style of play, size of the lineman, or commitment to the run, but for whatever reason, Clemson never seems to get into a solid offensive or defensive rhythm. 

And it could very easily happen this weekend.  What we say against Syracuse will not translate to BC.  Their teams are different, their philosophies are different, and their secondary is different.  Which all adds up to a game that is closer than the odds makers think.  Will Clemson lose?  No, but the 24.5 is too many points to give up and feel comfortable covering.

For one, Boston College will end the 4-game streak of the defense holding opponents to 14 points or less.  Look for BC to approach the 20 point mark through the use of sustained drives with an occasional big play.

For Clemson, Tajh Boyd will still do his thing and the offense will approach the 40 point mark, but I just can't see them covering the 24.5 point spread.

Clemson 41
Boston College 20

COCK-A-BOOSTER:

In a game that only folks in Iva and Six Mile care about (and Kirk Herbstreit), Clemson will beat up another high school team from the Aunt Cindy Conference on Saturday. 

Tajh will get to talk about himself in the third person, Sammy will be able to play high and pad some stats, and Dabbles will continue to pretend the headset he wears is actually hooked up to someone in the press box.

Tiggers romp in a so-what special. 

     

Clemson 59

Boston College 27

_______________________________________________________________

READ MORE FROM THE COCK-A-BOOSTER HERE.

READ MORE FROM THE TIGER SWAG HERE.

_______________________________________________________________

At least now we know what’s been going on

Even for those of us who didn’t drink all the preseason hype about the Gamecocks, it has been obvious that something has been just a bit “off” this year.  We knew we were young defensively and we would struggle a bit, but even that couldn’t account for the absolute gashing and dying late that we’ve witnessed. 

Don’t be mad at Clowney for retreating and protecting himself.  Based on what folks are whispering in his ear, I probably would be doing that myself.  That is a ton of cash at risk and he probably freaked out a bit when the injuries started popping up.  In other words, I believe he started out this year fully intending to play and give it his all.  Then reality hit and he’s gun-shy.  Who wouldn’t be? 

This team may be still “alive” for all of our original goals, but that is largely because of who we’ve played.  Don’t misunderstand me, a win is a win and I just got finished talking about how we should get behind the team.  I still believe that 100%.  

But don’t expect me to run out and bet the mortgage payment on it.  We’re the youngest team in the country with only 5 scholarship seniors on the entire roster.  We may have been hyped as an 11 or 12 win team, but truthfully an 8-4 or 9-3 regular season would be good work AND lay the foundation for 2014.  We will have 13 seniors starting next year even with Clowney gone to the NFL.  5 of our first 7 games next year are in Columbia and the two road games in that stretch are Vandy and Kentucky.  

So yes, I am still happy as can be with this program although it appears we are headed for a loss or two in the next few weeks.  All the remaining games are winnable and most all are losable as well.  Frankly, if we come back to Columbia to play Miss. State with a 6-2 record we’ve done quite well.  

I know that idiot at the State smells blood and has re-emerged from his Mom’s basement to start attacking Carolina again.  And the Yabble Dabbles in Orange are just wetting themselves because their schedule finally is easy enough to get them through a season unbeaten.  But now at least we know what has been going on, what must be done to correct it and most importantly what we realistically can accomplish.  

If we play a good game over in Fayetteville, that is a VERY winnable game.   Then we go to Knoxville, where they may have just used up their best shot on Jawja and missed.  Mizzou is going to be tough no matter how you slice it.  But then we come back home to four very winnable home games.  I think it all shakes out with us at 8-3 or 9-2 headed into the Klimpleton game.  I could live with that, especially when you consider the future.  

It’s a great time to be a Gamecock!

CLAWS vs. PAWS - Week 6 Scoreboard

Both The Cock-A-Booster and The TigerSwag played to a tie AGAIN this week...but this time they both received a total of 13 points...They both picked the winners of both games and they won against the spread in the Clemson/Syracuse game!  However they both missed against the spread in the USC/UK game. So, we move on to WEEK 7...Here are your match-ups for this week!  Maybe CLAWS can extend his lead or PAWS can begin to chip away at the 10 point cushion.

CLAWS vs. PAWS - Week 6

Weekend of October 5, 2013

THE TIGERSWAG:

They say truth is better than fiction.  If you ever wanted to debate this statement, don't use USC's last seven days.  Beginning with Shaq Roland being suspended, the crazy week picked up USC as they nearly lost to UCF.  It followed that by playing "As Connor Shaw's Shoulder Turns", from where he was hurt to how he's been miraculously healed.  And the week ended with a Scooby Doo Mystery focused on finding & releasing Spurrier's awkward coaches show.

But you know what fixes a crazy week like this?  The SEC East.  After heading out of conference to face some decent competition, the Gamecocks welcome another SEC world beater in Kentucky.  And playing another SEC juggernaut like Kentucky will help you forget all your troubles.  Just like Vandy did and just like Tennessee & Missouri will do.

Unfortunately for Kentucky, USC has a ton of troubles to work out, which means the Wildcats will be getting the Jadeveon Clowney (remember him) blocking sled treatment.  And this week, the only troubles the Gamecocks will worry about will be where the students spend the second half.

The Fightin' Slurriers 33
The Kentucky Bourbons 10

THE COCK-A-BOOSTER:

The Gamecocks will be in Columbia on Saturday for the last time this month, and Kentucky will be a nice test before we head off on the three-game road adventure.  Connor Shaw insists he will be back to play against the Wildcats (we are at home where he is comfortable so why not).  Hopefully he won’t aggravate his injuries.  

We know that to actually go three for three at Fayetteville, Knoxville and Mizzou Dylan Thompson will have to play a prominent role.  Shaw will likely miss time due to being hurt during that stretch.  

But for this weekend, all should be well at Williams-Brice.  I say USC comes out sharp instead of flat, gets a nice early lead and cruises to a big victory.  The young defense will be working on new schemes and coverages as promised by Spurrier, so we will likely see another big play or two given up.  But the spread should be covered and all in Garnet should be smiling as we head off to the Ozark Pig Trough.        

South Carolina 45

Kentucky 17

_______________________________________________________________

THE TIGERSWAG:

When Dabo instituted the no social media policy at the beginning of fall camp, many wondered why.  Some of the responses we heard: "It's not fair!" "What about recruiting?" and "What's the big deal?"

Well, after Syracuse's starting running back Jerome Smith took to the twitter world spouting how his QB was better than ours, it was game on.  But that wasn't enough, he backed it up, followed by his teammates and coaches saying the same things publicly.  And now, after a game that has quietly crept up on Clemson, especially with a showdown vs Florida State in a few weeks, this game just got important.  A Clemson team that could have been in sleep mode was just thrown from the bed with some Zombie Nation, and now it's game on.

This won't be a cake walk for Clemson, and no expects it to be, but Clemson will be focused, much more so than at NC State, and the differences will be obvious.  Syracuse will also be ready - and may even jump out to an early lead to get their spring game crowd amped up.  But in the end, the Clemson storm eats them up and spits them out. 

Clemson 37
Syracuse 20

COCK-A-BOOSTER:

The Tiggers will continue their tour of high schools this weekend at Pearl Washington’s Carrier Dome up in the Empire State.  It is hard to take the Klimpletons seriously right now but what makes this year particularly bad is the added hysteria from Herbie and crew at ESPN.

The kittens will come out, shake off an early flat start and pull away in the second half to a comfortable victory margin.  Clemson will be looking dynamic and flashy on paper while their lines of scrimmage get softer and softer.

We’ve all read this book before folks.

Clemson 40

Syracuse 20

_______________________________________________________________

READ MORE FROM THE COCK-A-BOOSTER HERE.

READ MORE FROM THE TIGER SWAG HERE.

_______________________________________________________________

CLAWS vs. PAWS - Week 5 Scoreboard

Both The Cock-A-Booster and The TigerSwag played to a tie again this week...but this time they both opened up the offense and each received the full 20 points...They both picked the winners of both games and they both and won against the spread in both games!  So, we move on to WEEK 6...Here are your match-ups for this week!

Gamecock fans need to grow up!

I have said it before and I will say it again…Clemson fans are always 1 game away from their next winning streak and Gamecock fans are always 1 game away from their next losing streak.  I use this blog to have fun ripping those of orange ilk as you know, and I will continue that later this week.  But for now I want to go all “Dr. Phil” on us USC fans.  

South Carolina has one of the youngest teams in the nation this fall and we have played undeniably one of the toughest schedules.  A team with all-new linebackers and mostly new defensive backs has had to face 3 quarterbacks that are likely headed to the NFL.  And (GASP) we gave up more points than we wanted to and we have some weak spots!  Well HELLS BELLS!  What a Shock!  

Now I will admit that things are not perfect but COME ON!  USC fans should feel pretty good after going through such a stretch and emerging 3-1 and being ranked at least in the top 13.  But NOOOOOO, instead we are all swimming in some negative pool of bitter self-pity and scared to death of the rest of the season. 

Tell me one game on the remainder of the schedule that we cannot win.  If you’re being honest, you can’t.  If your first reaction to that was anything related to “well we could lose them too,” then you need to seriously ask yourself why you waste time being a fan.  OF COURSE we could still lose games.  We don’t get to play a bunch of high schools and 1 or 2 good teams at home.  You have to be in the ACC for that.  We’re in the Big Boy Conference, where you have to play tough road games, your players get hurt and nothing is ever easy.  

Yes, we lost to Jawja on the road after they had a must-win perfect game, and we made some crucial mistakes.  It happens and yes, the East is likely off the table now.  Yes, our orange neighbors beat said dawgs at home the week before while UGA was focused on us and the Klimpletons played a perfect game.  And yes, that meant that the Tiggers will likely be unbeaten when they come to Columbia in November.  

So the question is very simple:  Are we going to suck it up and win anyway, or continue to act like a bunch of petulant children who had a toy taken from them?  I hope the team views the rest of the season as an opportunity to go 13-1 because that could still happen.  If your first reaction to that sentence was anything close to “but we can’t win the East now so we won’t play but 13 games,” then see the above paragraph about asking yourself why you’re a fan.  

Personally, I think rather than sitting around in cringed fear waiting for a shoe to drop, how about instead we focus on beating Kentucky to prepare for our final three road games?  Because If we take the Droopy Dog approach moving forward and whine about every dadgum thing on earth, then congratulations, the negativity will be rewarded and we will get dinged at some point with more losses.  

How about growing up and rallying around the team?  Let’s get focused for once on the positives and admit to ourselves that Kentucky, Arkansas, Tennessee, Mizzou, Miss. State, Florida, Coastal and Clemson  isn’t exactly murderers row.  I’ll even throw in one small acknowledgement for the haplessly negative who just have to hear it before they can stop wetting themselves:  yes, some of them are very good teams.  Feel better?  I hope so, but I also say that we’re better than all of them IF we play like we’re capable of playing. 

And that is why it is important to view the final 2/3 of the schedule as an OPPORTUNITY to go 11-1 as opposed to walking a land mine scared out of our minds of an INEVITABLE failure.  Mentality matters and we as fans aren’t doing our part to help this program.  And that’s a fact.   So stop it and get behind the team.  Or just go do something else.  Please.  

It’s a great time to be a Gamecock (or at least it SHOULD be)!

CLAWS vs. PAWS - Week 5

Weekend of September 28, 2013

COCK-A-BOOSTER:

This game is just vintage South Carolina.   We play a team with a lot of legitimate weapons on offense on their field at a time when we’re not playing all that well.  So sure, OF COURSE we could go down there and lose.  Heck, if Central Florida were just a little bit better I would even say this was a matchup worthy of earning Shaw his 1st signature road win, but I digress.  So no matter how much the media would like for USC to be “looking past” the Knights, it just ain’t true.  Win or lose on Saturday, all Gamecocks understand that this is a good football team and it is going to be VERY tight. 

I see a “buzzsaw” type of start from the home team that gets them an early lead.  Maybe 14-3 or something like that.  If Carolina follows their script it will take us most of the first half to get rolling.  But UCF’s defense also has to play this weekend and they are NOT very good.  So we will be able to score enough to survive the home “atmosphere.”  

We are scared to death but come home from Orlando 3-1.  Right where most folks predicted before the year started.       

South Carolina 24,
Central Florida 21

THE TIGERSWAG:

In listening to the media & pundits, one word is continually used: trap.  Everyone thinks this could be a "trap" game for the mighty Spurriers.  Noon start.  Road game.  Florida talent.  Questionable academics.  Backup school.  Doctored resumes.  And that's just the visiting team...

And while many of the talking heads will use "trap", I don't think it is all that appropriate.  To me, a "trap" game is one in which the underdog has no chance of winning unless a perfect storm of apathy, turnovers, & karma all fall their way.  That doesn't need to happen here for UCF to pull off the upset.

Last year, Connor Shaw struggled on the road, going 2-2 with wins over Vandy & Kentucky.  But even the wins weren't spectacular as at the half, USC was tied with Vandy and trailed Kentucky.  Additionally, a clearly less than 100% Marcus Lattimore had better rushing numbers than Shaw had passing.

That kind of offensive performance won't fly against UCF.  In fact, UCF has speed that neither Vandy nor Kentucky possesses.  Will that speed and skill position talent translate to a win?  No, but it will make things very interesting.  More than most USC fans will want to experience.

In the end, the talent and depth of USC ekes out a win.  And the traveling jorts are able to enjoy their trip to Disney.

South Carolina 27

Central Florida 21

_______________________________________________________________

COCK-A-BOOSTER:

The All Hat No Cattle brigade from the Upstate will continue their cupcake tour this weekend.  Thanks to Georgia predictably vomiting on the road and then “renaissancing” at home against us, the almost annual “Clemson beats someone from the SEC who beats Carolina” thing has those in orange all aflutter again. 

Those awash in the hype will enjoy this week as the Klimpletons will now begin hyping up the ACC’s high school teams as they head to their other game with a pulse against FSU.  

The Tigers will have an easy day of it, give Kirk Herbie a tingle or two in his leg and have Dabo the Crazy spouting things about how you can’t dream about beating Wake until they dream about greatness.  And as we saw in Raleigh if things get close the convenient whistle or two will protect as insurance.    

Clemson 52

Wake Forest 23

THE TIGERSWAG:

Most everyone thought last week would be the weekend the Clemson offensive finds it rhythm.  In fact, most people were expecting a shootout similar to last year's game in Clemson, where the teams combined for 110 total points.  Instead, we saw the Clemson defense man up and take control of the game.

But there is not better salvo for an out of sorts offense like Wake Forest.  Last year Clemson posted the first 35 points of the game en route to a 29 point win.  Look for a similar offensive performance this week, but with Morris and the coaching staff still chucking the ball around the field into the fourth quarter to get the starters more reps.

On the other side, the Clemson defense will pressure the 10th year senior Tanner Price into a few mistakes, though he may hit on a big play or two.  In the end, the secondary has a solid game, allowing the D-line to record a few sacks and the crowd to remain energized.

Clemson 51

Wake Forest 20

_______________________________________________________________

READ MORE FROM THE COCK-A-BOOSTER HERE.

READ MORE FROM THE TIGER SWAG HERE.

_______________________________________________________________