Any official bowl game opt outs yet? Transfers? Is culture winning?

[18IsTheMan]

Bowl game is 2 weeks from today, and I believe we are set to start bowl prep in earnest today. Graduation was yesterday and Beamer said we'd go full speed bowl prep as soon as graduation was over.

Only player we've heard from is Kennard. He declared for the draft but didn't explicitly say he wasn't playing in the bowl (though it was very easily inferred from his statement).

I'd assume if we haven't heard anything yet on that front from a player, with where we are for starting bowl prep, that it's good news?

Also, so far, we haven't been hit with any bombshell transfers a la Burch, Antwane, Jaheim Bell, etc.

Could these be signs that Beamer's culture is winning?

 

[Gamecock72]

Bowl practice started yesterday and word is with the exception of those transferring, everyone was at the practice including Kennard. Still no opt-outs for the bowl game.

 

[18IsTheMan]

Bowl practice started yesterday and word is with the exception of those transferring, everyone was at the practice including Kennard. Still no opt-outs for the bowl game.

It would be amazing if we were 100% for the game.

 

[capngamecock]

Anyone that is already projected 1st round I really couldn't be mad at them for sitting out. But if you aren't, why not play and get more film against a 9 win football team?

 

[Rhode Island Dork]

Bowl practice started yesterday and word is with the exception of those transferring, everyone was at the practice including Kennard. Still no opt-outs for the bowl game.

And where did you receive said word?

 

[18IsTheMan]

Relative to many other SEC programs, things have been quite quiet us for so far on the transfer out front.

 

[Uscg1984]

everyone was at the practice including Kennard.

Hopefully, we can assume if an uninjured player is at practice, the intent is to play in the bowl. Hopefully, the days of players opting out of the bowl, but still hanging around the practice facilities and traveling with the team ended when Muschamp departed our campus.

 

[scbeachboy]

Well we know Simpkins is playing...great interviews if you haven't seen 1801 media.

 

[18IsTheMan]

Well we know Simpkins is playing...great interviews if you haven't seen 1801 media.

This is a great interview and statement by Simpkins. A lot of the attitude within programs is built on accountability among players. When everyone around you is buying and committed to the end, do you want to be the one guy who says "nah, I'm not playing?" It happens, of course, but I think the only way you get buy-in in this era is for players to hold each other accountable. Of course, it takes discernment in the recruiting and transfer portal progress to make sure you are, to the best of your knowledge, picking up high character guys and not the low character type who will quit on the last game of the season.

 

[18IsTheMan]

Hopefully, the days of players opting out of the bowl, but still hanging around the practice facilities and traveling with the team ended when Muschamp departed our campus.

A low, low, low point in Gamecock football history. A true sign that the inmates were running the asylum.

 

[Rhode Island Dork]

A low, low, low point in Gamecock football history. A true sign that the inmates were running the asylum.

I loathe Bill Muschamp. Possibly more than Fat Bradstard. I mean, the Bradstard beat that school upstate twice. The closest one of Bill's teams came was losing by 21.

 

[Spinal Tap]

Bowl practice started yesterday and word is with the exception of those transferring, everyone was at the practice including Kennard. Still no opt-outs for the bowl game.

Beamer just announced Kennard is not going to play.

 

[18IsTheMan]

Beamer just announced Kennard is not going to play.

Well, not shocking.

Kennard was a 12-game rental. Not a Gamecock.

If that's all we lose for the bowl game, though, that's still impressive.

 

[Piscis]

A low, low, low point in Gamecock football history. A true sign that the inmates were running the asylum.

In his defense, that was the common practice among pretty much all teams. I think coaches were hesitant to kick the players who quit for the bowl game off the team for fear of upsetting the player's friends on the team who were playing.

 

[18IsTheMan]

Well, not shocking.

Kennard was a 12-game rental. Not a Gamecock.

If that's all we lose for the bowl game, though, that's still impressive.

And, before I get blasted for the "not a Gamecock" line, one full paragraph of Kennard's draft announcement was dedicated to his time at Georgia Tech.

 

[Rhode Island Dork]

Well, not shocking.

Kennard was a 12-game rental. Not a Gamecock.

If that's all we lose for the bowl game, though, that's still impressive.

Hopefully Thomas & Geer can have a really good game in his place.

 

[18IsTheMan]

Hopefully Thomas & Geer can have a really good game in his place.

Yep. Kennard is a memory. Next man up.

 

[will110]

And, before I get blasted for the "not a Gamecock" line, one full paragraph of Kennard's draft announcement was dedicated to his time at Georgia Tech.

I mean, he was at Tech for 4 years. It would be weird for him not to acknowledge his time there.

I think he can be both a Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket and a South Carolina Gamecock. I definitely want to claim his accomplishments this year: consensus All-American, Nagurski Award winner, SEC defensive player of the year.

He's only the fourth Carolina player ever to win a national award (https://www.espn.com/college-football/awards/_/team/2579).

It's really disappointing he's not finishing the season, however. That puts a damper on things (at least for me).

 

[Swifty]

Beamer also mentioned there was one, maybe two others still deciding. I'd imagine that's Nick and/or Rocket.

 

[18IsTheMan]

I think he can be both a Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket and a South Carolina Gamecock.

And, that for me, is the death of college sports. A player's association/identification with ONE program was THE hallmark of college sports.

For me, it's just hollow without that.

 

[18IsTheMan]

Beamer also mentioned there was one, maybe two others still deciding. I'd imagine that's Nick and/or Rocket.

Piss or get off the pot. If you're thinking about quitting, you already have, so just make it official.

 

[will110]

And, that for me, is the death of college sports. A player's association/identification with ONE program was THE hallmark of college sports.

For me, it's just hollow without that.

I transferred as a college student. I don't have a problem with football players doing the same thing. Now the free transfer without penalty every year thing is a bit ridiculous.

This question isn't to be snarky (seriously!), but you have posted a lot about the death of college sports and how college football isn't college football anymore, etc etc. When are you going to stop keeping up with the sport?

 

[18IsTheMan]

It's a shame with our PC culture, coaches aren't allowed to say what they REALLY think about players opting out of bowls.

 

[18IsTheMan]

--

 

[18IsTheMan]

I transferred as a college student. I don't have a problem with football players doing the same thing. Now the free transfer without penalty every year thing is a bit ridiculous.

This question isn't to be snarky (seriously!), but you have posted a lot about the death of college sports and how college football isn't college football anymore, etc etc. When are you going to stop keeping up with the sport?

I've addressed that in another thread. I've loved college football so much in the past that I am bound by emotional muscle memory alone to cling to the remaining vestiges of real college football. With every such change, that grasp grows weaker and weaker. I already watch far less than I used to, but it's difficult to fully disengage from what has been my favorite sport and pastime for several decades. It is only what college football USED to be that keeps me engaged to whatever degree I currently am. And perhaps a small shred of naive hope that it can somehow return to the great sport it was.

Fans are certainly entitled to their opinion, though. If a fan wants to express love and devotion for any player who dons their team's logo for 5 minutes, that's absolutely their prerogative. That, to me, though is itself a form of emotional muscle memory fans are carrying over from college football, when fans associated players with their team and developed a loyalty. As the game trends more and more on its present trajectory, that will pass away. There is no great fan loyalty to players in the NFL, which is where we are heading. You cheer for the guy as long as he wears your uniform.

 

[will110]

I've addressed that in another thread. I've loved college football so much in the past that I am bound by emotional muscle memory alone to cling to the remaining vestiges of real college football. With every such change, that grasp grows weaker and weaker. I already watch far less than I used to, but it's difficult to fully disengage from what has been my favorite sport and pastime for several decades. It is only what college football USED to be that keeps me engaged to whatever degree I currently am. And perhaps a small shred of naive hope that it can somehow return to the great sport it was.

Fans are certainly entitled to their opinion, though. If a fan wants to express love and devotion for any player who dons their team's logo for 5 minutes, that's absolutely their prerogative. That, to me, though is itself a form of emotional muscle memory fans are carrying over from college football, when fans associated players with their team and developed a loyalty. As the game trends more and more on its present trajectory, that will pass away. There is no great fan loyalty to players in the NFL, which is where we are heading. You cheer for the guy as long as he wears your uniform.

Personally I've never felt love or devotion to any player, no matter how long he wears the uniform, so perhaps that's why this new era hasn't dampened my interest in the sport. Competitive balance is seemingly at an all-time high, with the traditional blue bloods playing for a national title along with newcomers and underdogs. The games on the field are as good if not better than ever. South Carolina football is (seemingly) nationally relevant again, as you addressed in another thread.

If you can get past or ignore the changes, there's a lot to like about today's college football.

I pull for the team, not the player. I appreciate the guys who play for Carolina, but especially the guys who demonstrate loyalty (Dak Joyner, Luke Doty, etc.).

 

[Bubba Fett]

I've addressed that in another thread. I've loved college football so much in the past that I am bound by emotional muscle memory alone to cling to the remaining vestiges of real college football. With every such change, that grasp grows weaker and weaker. I already watch far less than I used to, but it's difficult to fully disengage from what has been my favorite sport and pastime for several decades. It is only what college football USED to be that keeps me engaged to whatever degree I currently am. And perhaps a small shred of naive hope that it can somehow return to the great sport it was.

Fans are certainly entitled to their opinion, though. If a fan wants to express love and devotion for any player who dons their team's logo for 5 minutes, that's absolutely their prerogative. That, to me, though is itself a form of emotional muscle memory fans are carrying over from college football, when fans associated players with their team and developed a loyalty. As the game trends more and more on its present trajectory, that will pass away. There is no great fan loyalty to players in the NFL, which is where we are heading. You cheer for the guy as long as he wears your uniform.

Yeah, with you on this.

No one would give a warm bucket of spit for Rudy Ruettiger, except for his desire to play for ONE TEAM.

 

[The Reel Ess]

And where did you receive said word?

It's the word on the street. Can't burn sources.

 

[18IsTheMan]

Personally I've never felt love or devotion to any player, no matter how long he wears the uniform, so perhaps that's why this new era hasn't dampened my interest in the sport. Competitive balance is seemingly at an all-time high, with the traditional blue bloods playing for a national title along with newcomers and underdogs. The games on the field are as good if not better than ever. South Carolina football is (seemingly) nationally relevant again, as you addressed in another thread.

If you can get past or ignore the changes, there's a lot to like about today's college football.

I pull for the team, not the player. I appreciate the guys who play for Carolina, but especially the guys who demonstrate loyalty (Dak Joyner, Luke Doty, etc.).

No, I don't buy that at all.

You simply cannot have been a college football for more than a few years if that is your perspective. I believe you're lying to try justifying your approval of the current system.

You can't tell me you've been a Gamecock fan and didn't pull for George or Sterling or Steve or Brandon or Marcus as individual players. It's just not possible. It is totally outside the realm of possibility that anyone could have been a college football fan in the decades prior to the current era and not identified with the players for their team.

 

[Gamecock72]

Beamer just announced Kennard is not going to play.

Yep. As I said before, end the end it could change and he could end up not playing. All I was saying at the time that there had been no announcement that he was opting out. And he had told some of the insiders that he had not made up his mind yet. Since he told them that, he seems to have made up his mind.

 

[Gamecock72]

And, before I get blasted for the "not a Gamecock" line, one full paragraph of Kennard's draft announcement was dedicated to his time at Georgia Tech.

Why would he not have recognized his time with Georgia Tech in his announcement? They were a big part of his college career. That in no way, shape, or form means he is "not a Gamecock." I do not see him as "Not a Gamecock" at all. In fact he gave a lot of love to the Gamecocks in that same announcement going as far as saying making decision to come to South Carolina was the best decision of his life.

 

[18IsTheMan]

Why would he not have recognized his time with Georgia Tech in his announcement? They were a big part of his college career. That in no way, shape, or form means he is "not a Gamecock." I do not see him as "Not a Gamecock" at all. In fact he gave a lot of love to the Gamecocks in that same announcement going as far as saying making decision to come to South Carolina was the best decision of his life.

Look, just call it what it is. It was a business arrangement.

He's got no deep, abiding love for the program, and why would he? I feel no compulsion to have a loyalty or admiration for players who are barely here long enough to unpack their bags, much less those who can't even give one full season of play on the field. Shoot, we got more dedication out of Antwane, one of the most reviled former players ever.

 

[18IsTheMan]

 

[Spinal Tap]

Ashford is practicing even though he's in the portal. Beamer said yes because he knows Robbie just wants to be QB1 somewhere while he has eligibility. Beamer said he met with "team leaders" who decided Ashford should be able to
finish this year because he helped them get to the bowl and has been a good teammate. Beamer hasn't let active transfer portal players play in the post season before to my knowledge.

Beamer stated if he sees anything that looks like Ashford is coasting or not entirely invested, then they'll have a separate conversation about that.

TBH, I like the idea of his being available just in case...

 

[Gamecock72]

Ashford is practicing even though he's in the portal. Beamer said yes because he knows Robbie just wants to be QB1 somewhere while he has eligibility. Beamer said he met with "team leaders" who decided Ashford should be able to
finish this year because he helped them get to the bowl and has been a good teammate. Beamer hasn't let active transfer portal players play in the post season before to my knowledge.

Beamer stated if he sees anything that looks like Ashford is coasting or not entirely invested, then they'll have a separate conversation about that.

TBH, I like the idea of his being available just in case...

Yep. I have no problem with letting him be part of it. It is not like he is parting ways in a bitter separation. His mom even went on X and gave Shula a huge shoutout when it was announced he would be the new OC even though her son was leaving the program. That tells you right there how much the kid and his family care about USC. Kid just wants to play his last year of football. I do not fault him for that whatsoever.

 

[FootballLVR]

I mean, he was at Tech for 4 years. It would be weird for him not to acknowledge his time there.

I think he can be both a Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket and a South Carolina Gamecock. I definitely want to claim his accomplishments this year: consensus All-American, Nagurski Award winner, SEC defensive player of the year.

He's only the fourth Carolina player ever to win a national award (https://www.espn.com/college-football/awards/_/team/2579).

It's really disappointing he's not finishing the season, however. That puts a damper on things (at least for me).

Do you mean like Bobby Cremins? Too soon?

 

[Piscis]

Ashford is practicing even though he's in the portal. Beamer said yes because he knows Robbie just wants to be QB1 somewhere while he has eligibility. Beamer said he met with "team leaders" who decided Ashford should be able to
finish this year because he helped them get to the bowl and has been a good teammate. Beamer hasn't let active transfer portal players play in the post season before to my knowledge.

Beamer stated if he sees anything that looks like Ashford is coasting or not entirely invested, then they'll have a separate conversation about that.

TBH, I like the idea of his being available just in case...

I think letting any player who enters the portal have anything to do with the team is a terrible idea and sends a bad message to the rest of the team. When a player announces he is entering the portal, Beamer should have someone walk with the player to his locker and watch him clean it out, making sure he doesn't take anything that belongs to the program. The player should have all access to workout facilities, practice facilities and any other resources available to players immediately revoked. The player has quit the team and should not have access to anything associated with the team.

Beamer needs to send the message to the entire team that if you aren't on the team 100%, you aren't on the team at all. By letting Ashford, or any player in the portal, practice with and remain part of the team you are letting that player have the best of both worlds and not have to face any consequences of leaving the team. If players know they are completely out of the program if they enter the portal, they may think twice about jumping in the portal.

 

[Gamecock72]

I think letting any player who enters the portal have anything to do with the team is a terrible idea and sends a bad message to the rest of the team. When a player announces he is entering the portal, Beamer should have someone walk with the player to his locker and watch him clean it out, making sure he doesn't take anything that belongs to the program. The player should have all access to workout facilities, practice facilities and any other resources available to players immediately revoked. The player has quit the team and should not have access to anything associated with the team.

Beamer needs to send the message to the entire team that if you aren't on the team 100%, you aren't on the team at all. By letting Ashford, or any player in the portal, practice with and remain part of the team you are letting that player have the best of both worlds and not have to face any consequences of leaving the team. If players know they are completely out of the program if they enter the portal, they may think twice about jumping in the portal.

Beamer did go to the players and ask their feelings on it and they unanimously agreed that he should be allowed to play.

 

[Gamecock72]

I think letting a player play in a bowl game after he has announced he is transferring is not a one size fits all situation. It is a huge difference in how Ashford is leaving the team and for example how Juice Wells left last season. I have no problem with a situation like it is with Ashford being allowed to play, as long as the team is in agreement with that choice and letting someone who left like Wells did play. No way I would ever support letting a player who left like Wells did play.

 

[will110]

No, I don't buy that at all.

You simply cannot have been a college football for more than a few years if that is your perspective. I believe you're lying to try justifying your approval of the current system.

You can't tell me you've been a Gamecock fan and didn't pull for George or Sterling or Steve or Brandon or Marcus as individual players. It's just not possible. It is totally outside the realm of possibility that anyone could have been a college football fan in the decades prior to the current era and not identified with the players for their team.

I've been a college football fan since 2006 (I was 12). I consider myself a diehard college football fan. From 2006 to 2012 I was a Georgia fan, but then realized the error of my ways and became a Carolina fan in 2013 when I entered USC as a student and marched in the Carolina Band.

Rogers, Sharpe, Wadiak, Bennett were all before my time, most of them playing before I was born. Lattimore was an incredible player, and I enjoyed watching him even as a UGA fan at the time. I was in Williams Brice when he ran over the Dawgs defense in his coming out party in 2010.

Obviously I pulled for the players on each team, but only because they wore the garnet and black (or red and black in my UGA childhood). I still have a soft spot for Matthew Stafford in the NFL because of my former UGA fandom. I look back with fondness on Clowney, Connor Shaw, Mike Davis, and even Deebo Samuel despite the fact he quit on the team prior to that embarrassing Belk Bowl.

Perhaps I didn't phrase what I was saying very well, but I'm not lying to justify approval of a system that I don't like. I hate the unlimited transfer portal. I dislike fan-funded NIL collectives that are pay-for-play but not while the universities are raking in record TV money and charging unprecedented amounts for tickets. These ridiculous attributes of today's college football, though, haven't changed my enjoyment of watching Carolina or any great college football game on TV or in person.


My point is: I'm a fan of the South Carolina Gamecocks. It doesn't matter to me who puts on the uniform. If they wear the garnet and black, I'm going to pull for them. If they move on to the NFL, I hope they do well, but I'm not going to closely follow them. If they decide to leave/transfer/quit, it is what it is. I'm not letting the decisions of 18-22 year old guys detrimentally impact my enjoyment of college football as a whole.