Marcus Lattimore did not look like a freshman playing his first collegiate game against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles last night. His efforts aided his team to a 41-13 victory to start 2010 off on the right foot.
For Lattimore, he proved why there was so much hype surrounding him coming out of high school. He certainly did not disappoint in his debut. He helped to carry the load and got positive yards when it was needed. Don’t judge his effort by looking solely at his total of 54 rushing yards as he had two key rushing touchdowns early in the game. He did his damage on 14 rushing attempts - double the number of the player with the second most carries - and two pass receptions. Lattimore had 16 touches in his first college game and showcased the power, speed and pass-catching ability that made him a superstar at Byrnes High School.
For Gamecock fans, it was pleasant to see not only the success Marcus had in his debut but a commitment from Spurrier on running the ball. It was no coincidence that the Gamecocks put up their highest score and most rushing yards (196) for a single game in four years. The running game has been the missing ingredient for USC for a number of years. Spurrier’s offensive philosophy depends on a good ground attack.
Having Lattimore adds a wrinkle to the Spurrier game plan. Not only is he speedy, elusive and strong, but he has excellent vision, anticipates the play developing, and brings a leadership style the USC offense needs.
To go along with that hard-nosed downfield running style, is a great set of eyes that allows him to see the hole or see the play develop. With the vision, is a knack for knowing how to make a guy miss. The cuts he made to find the end zone were by no means an accident. He can “feel a play” very well which helps get those extra yards or in this case 6 points.
Leadership through action rather than words is a breath of fresh air in Carolina.  Lattimore is somewhat soft spoken but gets it done on the field.  He is quick to deflect praise on himself to his teammates.  In today’s world of sports, this team first attitude is nice to see.
All these traits and his abilities that Lattimore possesses are great for Spurrier’s program as it aims for success on the gridiron.
For USC to have the accomplishments that many believe they are capable of in 2010, it begins with a flourishing run game.  Lattimore will have plenty of opportunities to build upon the first game triumphs.  Next up is his SEC debut, Georgia better be ready as he will only improve with each carry given. 
Could USC have found the ingredient it needs to make a run at uncharted SEC territory?
 
For more "garnet tainted" opinions and insight, please check out www.leftoverhotdog.com as your Gamecocks blog of choice.Read more South Carolina Football news on BleacherReport.com

In this feature, GamecockCentral football insider and recruiting analyst Chris Clark provides his observations...

For eight months, college football pundits questioned everything about Stephen Garcia. His work ethic, his...

South Carolina opened the 2010 season on September 2nd with a 41-13 smack-down over Southern Mississippi. Their commanding performance put upcoming opponent Georgia—and the rest of the conference—on notice that they are out to win the SEC East. Will the Dawgs be able to answer the call?
The Gamecocks did everything well vs. the Golden Eagles. They rushed, passed, defended, and kicked with gusto and precision. Southern Miss may not be a marquee conference or team, but they are coming off their 16th consecutive winning season and are expected to be a contender in Conference USA.
The offense was the most improved part of South Carolina’s game. They appeared to have corrected some weaknesses that have dogged them in seasons past.
Despite preseason controversy, quarterback Stephen Garcia displayed a new confidence and the ability to make plays happen when he couldn’t find open receivers. Freshman running back Marcus Lattimore came out strong. His performance gives South Carolina a chance to flip their 2009 record as worst rushing team in the SEC on its head.
The Gamecocks took advantage of third down opportunities, improving on last year’s 37 percent conversion ratio. They were also productive in the red zone scoring on every attempt (Four TDs, One FG).
Georgia has to bring their A-game to Williams-Brice Stadium on September 11th. The Gamecocks are looking to avenge their bitter four-point loss to Georgia last year and pick up a crucial SEC East win at home.
Here are six things the Bulldogs need to look out for when they enter the Cockpit.
Double QB threat.
Stephen Garcia came out strong vs. Southern Miss and never let up. He hit five of his first six attempts and rushed 22 yards for a touchdown on the Gamecocks’ second possession. By the time he stepped out of the game for good at the 12:25 mark in the fourth quarter, he had racked up 193 yards and two rushing touchdowns. True freshmen quarterback Conner Shaw took over from Garcia without missing a beat. Within minutes of entering the game for Garcia just prior to halftime, he threw a 15-yard touchdown pass. Shaw finished the day with 32 yards in the air and 31 on the ground.
All four South Carolina quarterbacks saw action during the game. Connor and Garcia give South Carolina a double-threat compared to Georgia who starts a redshirt freshman and has a true freshman in reserve.
A wealth of wide receivers.
The Gamecocks have 13 wide receivers on the roster, including five that are six feet three inches or bigger. Sophomore Alshon Jeffrey was a favorite target for Garcia against Southern Miss. He caught seven passes for 106 yards and was able to churn out first downs on every reception during the first quarter.
Freshman wide receiver Ace Sanders, one of the smallest guys on the team at five feet seven inches, ran for 53 yards on a reverse.Sophomore DL Moore caught a 29-yard pass from freshman QB Connor Shaw in the third quarter. 
Battering-ram at running back.
Freshman tailback Marcus Lattimore is essential to the Gamecocks rushing strategy this year and he looked up to the task. He is a four-star recruit and probably Steve Spurrier's biggest recruit in his five years at South Carolina. At a solid 220 pounds, Lattimore took control on the ground racking up 54 yards and two touchdowns.
First-rate secondary.
South Carolina’s secondary was quick to the ball and solid on pass defense. Stand-out players were free safety Akeem Auguste and cornerback Stephon Gilmore who combined to shut down Southern Miss’s top receiver, 6-foot-6-inch Deandre Brown. 
Gilmore had two tackles for a loss and stopped Southern Miss at the one yard line at the top of the fourth quarter. Auguste disrupted a third-down pass in the first quarter that led to South Carolina’s first touchdown.
Rooster Revenge.
The Gamecocks are 9-1 in their last 10 games at home suffering their only loss at the hands of Georgia in 2008. The crowd of more than 80,000, which rocked with deafening noise against Southern Miss, will bring equal or greater intensity to the stadium on September 11th. Along with crowd support, the Gamecocks will have two extra days of rest versus Georgia who plays their first game on September 4th against Lousiana-Lafayette.
The Spurrier Factor.
Steve Spurrier has been a burr in the sides of Bulldog players and fans for two decades. During the 1990s, Spurrier and the Gators tallied a ridiculous 11-1 record against Georgia.  After a brief trip to the NFL in 2001, Spurrier returned  to the SEC in 2005 to coach the Gamecocks. In 2007, South Carolina upset Georgia in Sanford Stadium winning 16-12 against a highly-rated Bulldog team.
Think the Dawgs can pull out a win in Columbia? Sound off in the comments below.Read more South Carolina Football news on BleacherReport.com

South Carolina opened the 2010 season on September 2nd with a 41-13 smack-down over Southern Mississippi. Their commanding performance put upcoming opponent Georgia—and the rest of the conference—on notice that they are out to win the SEC East. Will the Dawgs be able to answer the call?
The Gamecocks did everything well vs. the Golden Eagles. They rushed, passed, defended, and kicked with gusto and precision. Southern Miss may not be a marquee conference or team, but they are coming off their 16th consecutive winning season and are expected to be a contender in Conference USA.
The offense was the most improved part of South Carolina’s game. They appeared to have corrected some weaknesses that have dogged them in seasons past.
Despite preseason controversy, quarterback Stephen Garcia displayed a new confidence and the ability to make plays happen when he couldn’t find open receivers. Freshman running back Marcus Lattimore came out strong. His performance gives South Carolina a chance to flip their 2009 record as worst rushing team in the SEC on its head.
The Gamecocks took advantage of third down opportunities, improving on last year’s 37 percent conversion ratio. They were also productive in the red zone scoring on every attempt (Four TDs, One FG).
Georgia has to bring their A-game to Williams-Brice Stadium on September 11th. The Gamecocks are looking to avenge their bitter four-point loss to Georgia last year and pick up a crucial SEC East win at home.

Here are six things the Bulldogs need to look out for when they enter the Cockpit.
Double QB threat.
Stephen Garcia came out strong vs. Southern Miss and never let up. He hit five of his first six attempts and rushed 22 yards for a touchdown on the Gamecocks’ second possession. By the time he stepped out of the game for good at the 12:25 mark in the fourth quarter, he had racked up 193 yards and two rushing touchdowns. True freshmen quarterback Conner Shaw took over from Garcia without missing a beat. Within minutes of entering the game for Garcia just prior to halftime, he threw a 15-yard touchdown pass. Shaw finished the day with 32 yards in the air and 31 on the ground.
All four South Carolina quarterbacks saw action during the game. Connor and Garcia give South Carolina a double-threat compared to Georgia who starts a redshirt freshman and has a true freshman in reserve.
A wealth of wide receivers.
The Gamecocks have 13 wide receivers on the roster, including five that are six feet three inches or bigger. Sophomore Alshon Jeffrey was a favorite target for Garcia against Southern Miss. He caught seven passes for 106 yards and was able to churn out first downs on every reception during the first quarter.

Freshman wide receiver Ace Sanders, one of the smallest guys on the team at five feet seven inches, ran for 53 yards on a reverse.Sophomore DL Moore caught a 29-yard pass from freshman QB Connor Shaw in the third quarter. 
Battering-ram at running back.
Freshman tailback Marcus Lattimore is essential to the Gamecocks rushing strategy this year and he looked up to the task. He is a four-star recruit and probably Steve Spurrier's biggest recruit in his five years at South Carolina. At a solid 220 pounds, Lattimore took control on the ground racking up 54 yards and two touchdowns.
First-rate secondary.
South Carolina’s secondary was quick to the ball and solid on pass defense. Stand-out players were free safety Akeem Auguste and cornerback Stephon Gilmore who combined to shut down Southern Miss’s top receiver, 6-foot-6-inch Deandre Brown. 
Gilmore had two tackles for a loss and stopped Southern Miss at the one yard line at the top of the fourth quarter. Auguste disrupted a third-down pass in the first quarter that led to South Carolina’s first touchdown.
Rooster Revenge.
The Gamecocks are 9-1 in their last 10 games at home suffering their only loss at the hands of Georgia in 2008. The crowd of more than 80,000, which rocked with deafening noise against Southern Miss, will bring equal or greater intensity to the stadium on September 11th. Along with crowd support, the Gamecocks will have two extra days of rest versus Georgia who plays their first game on September 4th against Lousiana-Lafayette. (Check back for updates on how the Dawgs performed following the game vs. UL-L).
The Spurrier Factor.
Steve Spurrier has been a burr in the sides of Bulldog players and fans for two decades. During the 1990s, Spurrier and the Gators tallied a ridiculous 11-1 record against Georgia.  After a brief trip to the NFL in 2001, Spurrier returned  to the SEC in 2005 to coach the Gamecocks. In 2007, South Carolina upset Georgia in Sanford Stadium winning 16-12 against a highly-rated Bulldog team.
Think the Dawgs can pull out a win in Columbia? Sound off in the comments below.Read more South Carolina Football news on BleacherReport.com

South Carolina opened the 2010 season on September 2nd with a 41-13 smack-down over Southern Mississippi. Their performance put upcoming opponent Georgia—and the rest of the conference—on notice that they are out to win the SEC East. Will the Dawgs answer the call? The Gamecocks did everything well vs. the Golden Eagles. They rushed, passed, defended, and kicked with gusto and precision. Southern Miss may not be a marquee conference or team, but they are coming off their 16th consecutive winning season and are expected to be a contender in Conference USA. The offense was the most improved part of South Carolina’s game. They appeared to have corrected some weaknesses that have dogged them in seasons past. Despite preseason controversy, quarterback Stephen Garcia displayed a new confidence and the ability to make plays happen when he couldn’t find open receivers. Freshman running back Marcus Lattimore came out strong. His performance gives South Carolina hope they can improve on their 2009 record as worst rushing team in the SEC. The Gamecocks took advantage of third down opportunities, improving on last year’s 37 percent conversion ratio. They were also productive in the red zone scoring on every attempt (Four TDs, One FG). Georgia has to bring their A-game to Williams-Brice Stadium on September 11th. The Gamecocks are looking to avenge their bitter four-point loss to Georgia last year and pick up a crucial SEC East win at home. Here are six things the Bulldogs need to look out for when they enter the Cockpit. Double QB threat. Stephen Garcia came out strong vs. Southern Miss and never let up. He hit five of his first six attempts and rushed 22 yards for a touchdown on the Gamecocks’ second possession.Garcia traded off playing time during the second and third quarters. He stepped out of the game for good at the 12:25 mark in the fourth quarter with 193 yards and two rushing touchdowns. True freshmen quarterback Conner Shaw took over from Garcia without missing a beat. He entered the game for the first time about two minutes prior to halftime. He rushed for a dozen or so yards and connected on a 10 yard pass to Lattimore before time expired. In the fourth quarter, he threw a 15-yard touchdown pass. Shaw finished the day with 32 yards in the air and 31 on the ground. All four South Carolina quarterbacks saw action during the game. Connor and Garcia give South Carolina a double-threat compared to Georgia who starts a redshirt freshman and has a true freshman in reserve. A wealth of wide receivers. The Gamecocks have 13 wide receivers on the roster, including five that are six feet three inches or bigger. Sophomore Alshon Jeffrey was a favorite target for Garcia against Southern Miss. He caught seven passes for 106 yards and was able to churn out first downs on every reception during the first quarter.Freshman wide receiver Ace Sanders, one of the smallest guys on the team at five feet seven inches, ran for 53 yards on a reverse.Sophomore DL Moore caught a 29-yard pass from freshman QB Connor Shaw in the third quarter.  Battering-ram at running back. Freshman tailback Marcus Lattimore is essential to the Gamecocks rushing strategy this year. He is a four-star recruit and one of Steve Spurrier's biggest signing wins during his five years at South Carolina. At a solid 220 pounds, Lattimore made the most of his carries scoring two touchdowns on 54 yards. First-rate secondary. South Carolina’s secondary was quick to the ball and solid on pass defense. Stand-out players were free safety Akeem Auguste and cornerback Stephon Gilmore who combined to shut down Southern Miss’s top receiver, 6-foot-6-inch Deandre Brown. Gilmore had two tackles for a loss and stopped Southern Miss at the one yard line at the top of the fourth quarter. Auguste disrupted a third-down pass in the first quarter that led to South Carolina’s first touchdown. Rooster Revenge. The Gamecocks are 9-1 in their last 10 games at home suffering their only loss at the hands of Georgia in 2008. The crowd of more than 80,000, which rocked with deafening noise against Southern Miss, will bring equal or greater intensity to the stadium on September 11th. Along with crowd support, the Gamecocks will have two extra days of rest versus Georgia who plays their first game on September 4th against Lousiana-Lafayette. (Check back for updates on how the Dawgs performed following the game vs. UL-L). The Spurrier Factor. Steve Spurrier has been a burr in the sides of Bulldog players and fans for two decades. During the 1990s, Spurrier and the Gators tallied a ridiculous 11-1 record against Georgia - who suffered under two underwhelming head coaches.  After a brief trip to the NFL in 2001, Spurrier returned  to the SEC in 2005 to coach the Gamecocks. In 2007, South Carolina upset Georgia in Sanford Stadium winning 16-12 against a highly-rated Bulldog team. Think the Dawgs can pull out a win in Columbia? Sound off in the comments below.Read more South Carolina Football news on BleacherReport.com

South Carolina opened the 2010 season on September 2nd with a 41-13 smack-down over Southern Mississippi. Their performance may have put upcoming opponent Georgia—and the rest of the conference—on notice that they are playing to win the SEC East. Will the Dawgs answer the call? The Gamecocks did everything well vs. the Golden Eagles. They rushed, passed, defended, and kicked with gusto and precision. Southern Miss may not be a marquee conference or team, but they are coming off their 16th consecutive winning season and are expected to be a contender in Conference USA. The offense was the most improved part of South Carolina’s game. They appeared to have corrected some weaknesses that have dogged them in seasons past. Despite preseason controversy, quarterback Stephen Garcia displayed a new confidence and the ability to make plays happen when he couldn’t find open receivers. Freshman running back Marcus Lattimore came out strong. His performance gives South Carolina hope they can improve on their 2009 record as worst rushing team in the SEC. The Gamecocks took advantage of third down opportunities, improving on last year’s 37 percent conversion ratio. They were also productive in the red zone scoring on every attempt (Four TDs, One FG). Georgia has to bring their A-game to Williams-Brice Stadium on September 11th. The Gamecocks are looking to avenge their bitter four-point loss to Georgia last year and pick up a crucial SEC East win at home. Here are six things the Bulldogs should look out for when they enter the Cockpit. Double QB threat. Stephen Garcia came out strong vs. Southern Miss and never let up. He hit five of his first six attempts and rushed 22 yards for a touchdown on the Gamecocks’ second possession.Garcia traded off playing time during the second and third quarters. He stepped out of the game for good at the 12:25 mark in the fourth quarter with 193 yards and two rushing touchdowns. True freshmen quarterback Conner Shaw took over from Garcia without missing a beat. He entered the game for the first time about two minutes prior to halftime. He rushed for a dozen or so yards and connected on a 10 yard pass to Lattimore before time expired. In the fourth quarter, he threw a 15-yard touchdown pass. Shaw finished the day with 32 yards in the air and 31 on the ground. All four South Carolina quarterbacks saw action during the game. Connor and Garcia give South Carolina a double-threat compared to Georgia who starts a redshirt freshman and has a true freshman in reserve. A wealth of wide receivers. The Gamecocks have 13 wide receivers on the roster, including five that are six feet three inches or bigger. Sophomore Alshon Jeffrey was a favorite target for Garcia against Southern Miss. He caught seven passes for 106 yards and was able to churn out first downs on every reception during the first quarter. Freshman wide receiver Ace Sanders, one of the smallest guys on the team at five feet seven inches, ran for 53 yards on a reverse.Sophomore DL Moore caught a 29-yard pass from freshman QB Connor Shaw in the third quarter.  Battering-ram at running back. Freshman tailback Marcus Lattimore is essential to the Gamecocks rushing strategy this year. He is a four-star recruit and one of Steve Spurrier's biggest signing wins during his five years at South Carolina. At a solid 220 pounds, Lattimore made the most of his carries scoring two touchdowns on 54 yards. First-rate secondary. South Carolina’s secondary was quick to the ball and solid on pass defense. Stand-out players were free safety Akeem Auguste and cornerback Stephon Gilmore who combined to shut down Southern Miss’s top receiver, 6-foot-6-inch Deandre Brown. Gilmore had two tackles for a loss and stopped Southern Miss at the one yard line at the top of the fourth quarter. Auguste disrupted a third-down pass in the first quarter that led to South Carolina’s first touchdown. Rooster revenge.The Gamecocks are 9-1 in their last 10 games at home suffering their only loss at the hands of Georgia in 2008. The crowd of more than 80,000, which rocked with deafening noise against Southern Miss, will bring equal or greater intensity to the stadium on September 11th. Along with crowd support, the Gamecocks will have two extra days of rest versus Georgia who plays their first game on September 4th against Lousiana-Lafayette. (Check back for updates on how the Dawgs performed following the UL-L game). The Spurrier Factor. Steve Spurrier has been a burr in the sides of Bulldog players and fans for two decades. During the 1990s, Spurrier and the Gators tallied a ridiculous 11-1 record against Georgia - who suffered under two underwhelming head coaches.  After a brief trip to the NFL in 2001, Spurrier returned  to the SEC in 2005 to coach the Gamecocks. In 2007, South Carolina upset Georgia in Sanford Stadium winning 16-12 against a highly-rated Bulldog team. Think the Dawgs can win in Columbia? Sound off in the comments below.Read more South Carolina Football news on BleacherReport.com

There were many impressive performances on both sides of the ball in South Carolina's dominating 41-13 victory over a good Southern Miss team.This game was filled with great plays and big time playmakers.A couple of great freshmen made impressive debuts. Veterans proved why they belong.Here are the game's top 10 players.Begin Slideshow

The latest information from The Whitney hotel saga.Click

The top recruit in the country, defensive end Jadeveon Clowney had a great showing in South Pointe's first game of the season against Northwestern, but for as good as Clowney was on the field, it was what he said off it that drew the most attention.After the game, Clowney met with reporters and reaffirmed that his top two choices remain Alabama and South Carolina and that those are the two schools recruiting the South Carolina native the hardest. "You've seen 'em roll the tide," Clowney said with a smile. "They play hard. South Carolina [is] in a little trouble right now, so I don't know right now. Still thinking about where I'm going to go to. It's a big decision, though." The highly coveted recruit plans on making all five of his official visits before making a decision and there's one game on the schedule he doesn't want to miss.  "Alabama-South Carolina game, I'm going," he said. "Got to go to that game." So what is Clowney looking for when it comes to making a commitment?"I just want to go and get a good education, hope to play in the league one day," he said. Unfortunately for all of us waiting impatiently for this situation to play out, don't expect any sort of quick resolution.Not only does Clowney plan on making all of his visits, he's a prime candidate to wait until national signing day before committing. So, Clowney can either stay in his home state of South Carolina and play for the Gamecocks under Steve Spurrier, or he can head over to Alabama and hook up with the Crimson Tide and coach Nick Saban.But which of these two schools have more to offer the Rock Hill native? Where will he develop his talents the best and where will he hit the field first? These are just some of many questions that must be answered throughout this process.You can checkout the breakdown of the situation here. Read more South Carolina Football news on BleacherReport.com