Columbia, South Carolina—As the slow summer sun sets each day in South Carolina, the 2010 University of South Carolina Football team is inching closer and closer to the Thursday, September 2, 2010 season opener versus the Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Williams-Brice Stadium. Rabid Gamecock fans are ready to roll. Kickoff, though; is in three months. Will this finally be the "Year of the Gamecock?" The last time the Fighting Gamecocks brought home a conference championship was in 1969, when they won the ACC. The last 10- win season came in 1984, 26 years from the present. According to many "experts," this is South Carolina's best chance to make a sprint in the SEC East under offensive guru Steve Spurrier. Florida and Georgia are breaking in new quarterbacks for the first time since 2007, the year gator great Tim Tebow took control in Gainesville. But Steve Spurrier is plenty concerned about his own quarterback, who goes by the name of Stephen Garcia.Garcia passed for over 2,000 yards in 2009, but the Gamecocks coach wants the player to highly commit to film study and game preparation prior to the up-coming season. When it comes to the game itself, Spurrier wants him to cut his sack total in half along with quicker decisions. If Stephen Garcia can prosper, then the Gamecocks will be a team to watch out for. If Garcia does not commit, Steve Spurrier always has his Plan B; incoming freshman Connor Shaw. The Flowery Branch, Georgia native finished high school early and won the starting job. The young player is committed and ready to learn. The South Carolina offense will have plenty of other problems if the offensive line cannot block the skill position players. New line coach Shawn Elliott is the third coach in as many years. Elliott hopes to change the Gamecocks' recent blocking woes. South Carolina allowed 37 sacks in 2009, tied with LSU for last in the SEC. If the line blocks well, fans are hoping All-American recruit Marcus Lattimore of Byrnes, SC can revive a dented running game. Lattimore, however; will be challenged by powerful back Kenny Miles. On the defensive side of the ball, South Carolina should again rank at the top of the SEC. Ellis Johnson should lead a championship-caliber defense once again in 2010. But before you get to excited, the Gamecocks must replace the likes of LB Eric Norwood, DE Clifton Geathers, and SS Darian Stewart. Shaq Wilson will start at OLB in place of Norwood in 2010. The 5'10" Junior recorded 85 tackles while playing the MLB position for injured Rodney Paulk. At DE, freakish-sized 6'4" 260 pound senior Cliff Matthews will most likely replace Clifton Geathers, who was drafted by the Cleveland Browns. Lastly, DeVonte Holloman is projected to start at SS. He will be replacing Darian Stewart. The true freshman played in all 13 games last season, and many pundits expect him to break out in the upcoming season.  Begin Slideshow

Columbia, South Carolina—As the slow summer sun sets each day in South Carolina, the 2010 University of South Carolina Football team is inching closer and closer to the Thursday, September 2, 2010 season opener versus the Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Williams-Brice Stadium.Rabid Gamecock fans are ready to roll. Kickoff, though; is in three months. Will this finally be the "Year of the Gamecock?"The last time the Fighting Gamecocks brought home a conference championship was in 1969, when they won the ACC. The last 10- win season came in 1984, 26 years from the present.According to many "experts," this is South Carolina's best chance to make a sprint in the SEC East under offensive guru Steve Spurrier. Florida and Georgia are breaking in new quarterbacks for the first time since 2007, the year gator great Tim Tebow took control in Gainesville.But Steve Spurrier is plenty concerned about his own quarterback, who goes by the name of Stephen Garcia.Garcia passed for over 2,000 yards in 2009, but the Gamecocks coach wants the player to highly commit to film study and game preparation prior to the up-coming season.When it comes to the game itself, Spurrier wants him to cut his sack total in half along with quicker decisions. If Stephen Garcia can prosper, then the Gamecocks will be a team to watch out for.If Garcia does not commit, Steve Spurrier always has his Plan B; incoming freshman Connor Shaw. The Flowery Branch, Georgia native finished high school early and won the starting job. The young player is committed and ready to learn.The South Carolina offense will have plenty of other problems if the offensive line cannot block the skill position players. New line coach Shawn Elliott is the third coach in as many years.Elliott hopes to change the Gamecocks' recent blocking woes. South Carolina allowed 37 sacks in 2009, tied with LSU for last in the SEC.If the line blocks well, fans are hoping All-American recruit Marcus Lattimore of Byrnes, SC can revive a dented running game. Lattimore, however; will be challenged by powerful back Kenny Miles.On the defensive side of the ball, South Carolina should again rank at the top of the SEC. Ellis Johnson should lead a championship-caliber defense once again in 2010.But before you get to excited, the Gamecocks must replace the likes of LB Eric Norwood, DE Clifton Geathers, and SS Darian Stewart.Shaq Wilson will start at OLB in place of Norwood in 2010. The 5'10" Junior recorded 85 tackles while playing the MLB position for injured Rodney Paulk.At DE, freakish-sized 6'4" 260 pound senior Cliff Matthews will most likely replace Clifton Geathers, who was drafted by the Cleveland Browns.Lastly, DeVonte Holloman is projected to start at SS. He will be replacing Darian Stewart. The true freshman played in all 13 games last season, and many pundits expect him to break out in the upcoming season. Begin Slideshow

Columbia, South Carolina—As the slow summer sun sets each day in South Carolina, the 2010 University of South Carolina Football team is inching closer and closer to the Thursday, September 2, 2010 season opener versus the Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Williams-Brice Stadium.Rabid Gamecock fans are ready to roll. Kickoff, though; is in three months. Will this finally be the "Year of the Gamecock?"The last time the Fighting Gamecocks brought home a conference championship was in 1969, when they won the ACC. The last 10- win season came in 1984, 26 years from the present.According to many "experts," this is South Carolina's best chance to make a sprint in the SEC East under offensive guru Steve Spurrier. Florida and Georgia are breaking in new quarterbacks for the first time since 2007, the year gator great Tim Tebow took control in Gainesville.But Steve Spurrier is plenty concerned about his own quarterback, who goes by the name of Stephen Garcia.Garcia passed for over 2,000 yards in 2009, but the Gamecocks coach wants the player to highly commit to film study and game preparation prior to the up-coming season.When it comes to the game itself, Spurrier wants him to cut his sack total in half along with quicker decisions. If Stephen Garcia can prosper, then the Gamecocks will be a team to watch out for.If Garcia does not commit, Steve Spurrier always has his Plan B; incoming freshman Connor Shaw. The Flowery Branch, Georgia native finished high school early and won the backup job. The young player is committed and ready to learn.The South Carolina offense will have plenty of other problems if the offensive line cannot block the skill position players. New line coach Shawn Elliott is the third coach in as many years.Elliott hopes to change the Gamecocks' recent blocking woes. South Carolina allowed 37 sacks in 2009, tied with LSU for last in the SEC.If the line blocks well, fans are hoping All-American recruit Marcus Lattimore of Byrnes, SC can revive a dented running game. Lattimore, however; will be challenged by powerful back Kenny Miles.On the defensive side of the ball, South Carolina should again rank at the top of the SEC. Ellis Johnson should lead a championship-caliber defense once again in 2010.But before you get to excited, the Gamecocks must replace the likes of LB Eric Norwood, DE Clifton Geathers, and SS Darian Stewart.Shaq Wilson will start at OLB in place of Norwood in 2010. The 5'10" Junior recorded 85 tackles while playing the MLB position for injured Rodney Paulk.At DE, freakish-sized 6'4" 260 pound senior Cliff Matthews will most likely replace Clifton Geathers, who was drafted by the Cleveland Browns.Lastly, DeVonte Holloman is projected to start at SS. He will be replacing Darian Stewart. The true freshman played in all 13 games last season, and many pundits expect him to break out in the upcoming season. Begin Slideshow

South Carolina's first game against Southern Miss is only a few weeks away, and the fans cannot wait for what is expected to be a very big year for South Carolina. 
This season, each position will play a vital part in the process of bringing South Carolina an SEC Championship. 
This season, I will be bringing a weekly positional power ranking. Much like journalists do for leagues and conferences but with a twist.
Each week, all of South Carolina's positions will be ranked according to the performances that they have on the field (stock market style).  
However, on paper, there is a clear cut best and worst position on this team. Without further ado, here are South Carolina's positional rankings!
 
1.  Defensive Backs
South Carolina has many playmakers ready to step up this year. Stephon Gilmore is arguably the best athlete on the entire team. Chris Culliver, C.C. Whitlock, Akeem Auguste, and DeVonte Holloman are all great players. This is a deep and talented position, and it enters the season as the No. 1 unit. 
 
2.  Wide Receiver
Another deep position with talent is wide receivers as it comes in a respectable second in the preseason rankings. Alshon Jeffery and Tori Gurley have the potential to be elite players. Jason Barnes, Dion LeCorn, D.L. Moore, and DeMario Bennett all have skills.
 
3. Linebackers
There is a lot of talent at this position. Rodney Paulk returns from injury and should provide veteran talent and leadership. Shaw Wilson has great ability for an undersized linebacker. Josh Dickerson and Toquavius Gilchrist will play major roles as well as the "spur" players—Antonio Allen and Demario Jeffery.
 
4. Running Back
This is a group to watch. 
Many talented players are in this group, and once it produces it should shoot up the list. 
Kenny Miles is a great workmanlike back. Jarvis Giles has speed to burn. Brian Maddox is a GREAT power back. Bryce Sherman could play a role, and of course, everyone is expecting great things from freshman Marcus Lattimore. 
The fullbacks are also a part of this group, and Patrick DeMarco (who also plays tight end) could have a big season.
 
5. Quarterback 
Stephen Garcia could have a monstrous breakout season, or he could be average and lose his spot to freshman Connor Shaw. 
After the great quarterback exodus of 2009-10 that saw SC lose three quarterbacks, there is not a great deal of depth behind these two. Zac Brandise and Andrew Clifford could be good, but there isn't enough experience here to warrant higher than a five ranking.
 
6. Tight Ends
Controversy surrounds current starter and potential NFL draftee Weslye Saunders. A big body with soft hands, Saunders could be an elite SEC starter if he stays focused. 
Justice Cunningham has talent and size to spare. Pat DiMarco should also see time here, and he has proven (as a fullback) to have excellent hands. This is another position to watch.
 
7. Defensive Line
Some of South Carolina's best players could potentially be here. Cliff Matthews, Devin Taylor, Travian Robertson, and Ladi Ajiboye could have big years. Why do I have them ranked so low? Lack of depth.
 
8. Special Teams
South Carolina has a great kicker in Spencer Lanning. However, the kickoff specialist is still a question mark, and kick coverage was horrendous last year. 
Chris Culliver and Bryce Sherman are great kickoff men, and Stephon Gilmore is a reliable punt returner. Fix the coverage, and this glaring problem from last year becomes a team strength.
 
9. Offensive Line
This position has to be last coming into the season. Nine players weigh over three HUNDRED pounds, but they must get used to Coach Shawn Elliot's new scheme. This area must improve for South Carolina to have any success. 
Check back after the Southern Miss game to see the risers and fallers within the team.Read more South Carolina Football news on BleacherReport.com

Conference expansion is coming for the third time since the 1990's, and insiders and fans expect it to be the biggest move in history for the Bowl Championship Subdivision of College Football.
Nobody knows when it is coming, but Big 10 Bosses have hired a financial firm that will help determine the deciding factors that could choose the best fit universities to expand the Big 10 to twelve teams or beyond.
If enough dominoes fall, then AD Eric Hyman must choose the fate of the city favorite college of Columbia, South Carolina. What will he decide? To make up my mind, let’s look at some history.
As early as 1922, the Gamecocks joined the Southern Conference , which formed from the roots of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association . A meeting was held on February 25, 1921 in Atlanta, Georgia. 14 member schools split from the SIAA in 1921, while USC joined the conference in 1922.
23 member schools made up the conference from 1922-1953. 13 members split from the SOCON in 1933, forming the SEC. In 1953, South Carolina Clemson, Duke, Maryland, North Carolina, North Carolina State, and Wake Forest formed the Atlantic Coast Conference.
The Gamecocks would not accomplish much in the ACC from a football standpoint, only winning two ACC Championships. The 1969 Carolina squad went 7-4 and was undefeated in conference play. The 1971 ACC title was taken away due to an ineligible player. The Gamecocks almost were invited to the Orange Bowl in 1956, but the bid did not come. Overall, the Gamecocks were mediocre at best.
In basketball, South Carolina was another story. Coach Frank McGuire led the Gamecock Ballers to an undefeated 1970 ACC season, along with an ACC Tournament Championship in 71'. Carolina qualified for three straight Sweet 16 appearances from 71-73.'
Hostility of road crowds on "Tobacco Road" in North Carolina and unfair economic treatment prompted South Carolina to become an Independent after 1971.
While operating as an independent in earlier years, the Gamecocks would see Jim Carlen and Joe Morrison reach new heights.
The Gamecocks reached six bowl games and saw six teams with eight wins or more. South Carolina finished 1984 10-2 and ranked 11th in the nation. Joe's teams were called "Fire Ants and Black Magic" due to the swarming defense wearing black jerseys
Coach Morrison died in 1989 and so did the Gamecocks.
After many tough seasons as an independent, the Gamecocks joined the SEC in 1991. Although it is a challenging conference, South Carolina has fielded a consistent football program under Brad Scott, Lou Holtz, and Steve Spurrier.
 
 
ACC-Pros
·         The South Carolina Gamecocks are from the roots of the ACC, with natural rivals such as arch-rival Clemson and former nemesis North Carolina.
·          The Gamecocks would have a better shot at playing in the conference championship game in a weaker conference.
·          The ACC Championship Game is in Charlotte, which is in close proximity to Columbia.
ACC-Cons
·         Basketball would be a tough shot in the ACC. Making the NCAA Tournament would be harder with teams such as North Carolina and Duke crowding the standings.
·         The Gamecocks could gradually become worse- they did not do much in the ACC in those days.
·         Football is not as seriously taken in the ACC. South Carolina would be looked down upon by former SEC rivals.
·         South Carolina could lose money and recruits by re-joining the ACC to fellow SEC rivals.
·         It is a step down- Clemson dreams of joining the SEC one day.
SEC-Pros
·         South Carolina is pulling in millions of dollars in the SEC.
·         It's South Carolina's identity- The Gamecocks have been playing in the SEC for 18 years
·         The Gamecocks' natural rivals are Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee- not North Carolina or Duke
·         South Carolina runs circles around Clemson in revenue- by millions
·         Steve Spurrier is an SEC man. He wants an SEC Championship with the Gamecocks before he retires.
·         The recruits came to be winners in the SEC
·         Better bowl games
·         More fanfare in the SEC
·         Tougher schedules bring more BCS Bids
SEC-Cons
·         It would be interesting to play in the same conference as Clemson, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, Miami, or North Carolina-all good football teams
 
Prediction: The Gamecocks will stay in the SEC
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Read more South Carolina Football news on BleacherReport.com

With Wednesday February 23 only hours away the South Carolina Gamecocks have their eyes on two recruits more big recruits. Marcus Lattimore and Justin Parker. Marcus Lattimore will make his announcement on February 2nd much to the delight of many, and much to the chagrin of others. Parker's announcement will likely come Wednesday. Sharrod Golightly announced his decommitment from Vanderbilt and commitment to South Carolina on Monday, and Juco defensive tackle Byron Jerideau announced he will sign with South Carolina on Wednesday as well. With that being said, lets look at South Carolina's top five signees, to this point in no particular order.Begin Slideshow