Not being overly confident, but I don't recall when I felt as optimistic about football as I do right now

[18IsTheMan]

I guess 2011-2013 would be the closest, but in some ways, I feel even better. As good as those teams were, we knew Spurrier's career was waning due to his age. Right now, we seem to be surging with a young head coach. We have a bright young QB who will at least generate some off-season Heisman buzz. We haven't Heisman buzz at any level for over 40 years, so that alone is novel. Though we are losing a lot, we do return some strong talent, notably Dylan Stewart who looked like a superstar in the making. So far we have not had any opt outs announced for the bowl game and haven't had any noteworthy players transfer out the program, which is a possible testament to the culture Beamer is building.

If we can close out the season with a win and a strong bowl game appearance, I'll be feeling pretty darn good about things. It at least appears as if many of the pieces are in place.

That said, maybe the last time I felt really optimistic about our program was 2013...

 

[capngamecock]

Lattimore might have won the Heisman his Sophomore year if he didn't get hurt. Would have at least been in the conversation. The way Deebo started out his Junior year before the injury he would have been in the conversation. Had 6 TDs in 2 games and 1 play into the 3rd game before injury.

 

[18IsTheMan]

Lattimore might have won the Heisman his Sophomore year if he didn't get hurt. Would have at least been in the conversation. The way Deebo started out his Junior year before the injury he would have been in the conversation. Had 6 TDs in 2 games and 1 play into the 3rd game before injury.

Yep, Lattimore might have gotten Heisman buzz had he stayed healthy. Not sure about Deebo.

Sellers is already generating very early Heisman buzz though. VERY early. Odds are he won't, but it's nice to have that national recognition around the most important player on the team.

 

[Maccmaine12]

Same. I just believe Beamer knows what it takes to get us to the next level + having a potential generational QB. I can truly see us win 12 games next season. Would’ve been 10 this season if not for the refs in the LSU game.

 

[Bubba Fett]

Hope. That's a dangerous thing for us Gamecocks.

If we can get some portal help, and if Beamer's recruiting has been good, we can make some noise next year. Losing a lot of quality players. I don't think there is anyway for our defense to be as good. Hoping for the offense to take a step forward.

 

[Rhode Island Dork]

Hope. That's a dangerous thing for us Gamecocks.

If we can get some portal help, and if Beamer's recruiting has been good, we can make some noise next year. Losing a lot of quality players. I don't think there is anyway for our defense to be as good. Hoping for the offense to take a step forward.

Yep. The row to hoe is damn tough.

 

[18IsTheMan]

Hope. That's a dangerous thing for us Gamecocks.

If we can get some portal help, and if Beamer's recruiting has been good, we can make some noise next year. Losing a lot of quality players. I don't think there is anyway for our defense to be as good. Hoping for the offense to take a step forward.

haha, yes, I know it's a dangerous game. I probably should not have even acknowledged the optimism. Have probably doomed us to a 3-win season next year.

 

[ThinnyJ]

Same. I just believe Beamer knows what it takes to get us to the next level + having a potential generational QB. I can truly see us win 12 games next season. Would’ve been 10 this season if not for the refs in the LSU game.

Could have just as easily been 6 tho

 

[18IsTheMan]

Could have just as easily been 6 tho

Yep, things COULD have gone very differently this year. I think Beamer will keep that in front of the team going into next year. In many ways, we were fortunate to finish with as many wins as we did. In other ways, we screwed ourselves out of an 11-1 finish.

Past Gamecock teams, though, would have crumbled. Don't recall when I've seen us nut up like we did in our final 6 games.

 

[Lurker123]

haha, yes, I know it's a dangerous game. I probably should not have even acknowledged the optimism. Have probably doomed us to a 3-win season next year.

Yes. My first reaction to reading the thread title was "SHUT UP".

 

[SILVERSPUR-rier]

Every time I get optimistic....

 

[HI Cock1]

Be careful or "Hope" is going to be hanging out with us in SEC shorts.

 

[Maccmaine12]

Could have just as easily been 6 tho

Can say that about just about every team in America. We didn’t have many one possession games and dominated some SEC teams.

 

[will110]

I guess 2011-2013 would be the closest, but in some ways, I feel even better. As good as those teams were, we knew Spurrier's career was waning due to his age. Right now, we seem to be surging with a young head coach. We have a bright young QB who will at least generate some off-season Heisman buzz. We haven't Heisman buzz at any level for over 40 years, so that alone is novel. Though we are losing a lot, we do return some strong talent, notably Dylan Stewart who looked like a superstar in the making. So far we have not had any opt outs announced for the bowl game and haven't had any noteworthy players transfer out the program, which is a possible testament to the culture Beamer is building.

If we can close out the season with a win and a strong bowl game appearance, I'll be feeling pretty darn good about things. It at least appears as if many of the pieces are in place.

That said, maybe the last time I felt really optimistic about our program was 2013...

There was Heisman buzz for JD Clowney going into 2013. I remember the conversations on SEC Network. Obviously he was always a super longshot, but there was buzz at least.

 

[18IsTheMan]

There was Heisman buzz for JD Clowney going into 2013. I remember the conversations on SEC Network. Obviously he was always a super longshot, but there was buzz at least.

I recall it being speculated but Charles Woodson is still the only full-time defensive player to win the award, so I don't think there was ever any real thought that he could win it.

 

[will110]

I recall it being speculated but Charles Woodson is still the only full-time defensive player to win the award, so I don't think there was ever any real thought that he could win it.

Yep, to your main point in the post, though, I agree with you. We have a guy with limitless potential at quarterback and what seems to be a strong coaching staff. Shula at OC has a significantly better resume than Loggains, so perhaps that's an upgrade. A few holes need to be filled through the portal, and Beamer has proved he can do that efficiently.

It's an exciting time to be a Gamecock fan.

 

[Bubba Fett]

What are the odds that we can get through a whole season without these things, beyond our control, costing us a game?:

Phantom Penalties
Completely batshit crazy calls (think that first down in the bowl game, but then Clowney)
A ref making a tackle for our opponent
Mysterious clock stoppage
Mysterious clock running
Opponents getting away with murder

Yeah, yeah, I know, losers complain about the refs, but the thing is... I love and pull for some other teams too, and nobody, NOBODY, has the crazy crap happen to them that happens to the Gamecocks. We get rung up regularly with absolute crazy stuff.

 

[PrestonyteParrot]

Yep, to your main point in the post, though, I agree with you. We have a guy with limitless potential at quarterback and what seems to be a strong coaching staff. Shula at OC has a significantly better resume than Loggains, so perhaps that's an upgrade. A few holes need to be filled through the portal, and Beamer has proved he can do that efficiently.

It's an exciting time to be a Gamecock fan.

Kennard and Sanders were home run signees from the portal and Beamer seems to be focused on filling needs this year with recent signees.
I agree on the Shula being an upgrade if nothing less than just not being so predictable in his play calling.

 

[will110]

Kennard and Sanders were home run signees from the portal and Beamer seems to be focused on filling needs this year with recent signees.
I agree on the Shula being an upgrade if nothing less than just not being so predictable in his play calling.

Demetrius Knight too. Under-the-radar, but made a huge impact.

 

[Gradstudent]

There was Heisman buzz for JD Clowney going into 2013. I remember the conversations on SEC Network. Obviously he was always a super longshot, but there was buzz at least.

Your correct, in August 2013 he was getting Heisman hype, actually ESPN named him the leader, didn't last, given his lack of production, but he was being mention commonly in the 2013 preseason Heisman lists.

I clearly remember a CBS preseason show, they had him featured as a Heisman Hopeful, that hit vs Michigan was getting a ton of pub back then.

Clowney No. 1 in ESPN's first Heisman Watch By JOSH KENDALL - [email protected] Updated August 19, 2013 5:09 PM|

Last year, Jadeveon Clowney won the 2012 Ted Hendricks Award, given to the nation's top defensive end. Clowney received the honor from Hendricks himself during the spring game.

Nearly half of a 15-person panel of ESPN.com analysts believe South Carolina junior defensive end Jadeveon Clowney will win the 2013 Heisman Trophy. Clowney received seven first-place votes and a total of 55 points in the first Heisman Watch polling. Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller finished second with 40 points and four first-place votes.

“Can a defensive player win the Heisman Trophy? It hasn't happened since Michigan cornerback/kick returner Charles Woodson won the award in 1997. But Clowney is the most disruptive player in college football and is a potential No. 1 pick in next spring's NFL draft,” according to the website. Barring a surprise appearance on offense this season, Clowney would make history by winning the Heisman Trophy. No defense-only player has ever won the award. Last season, he had 23.5 tackles for loss and set the Gamecocks single-season record for sacks with 13.

Read more at: https://www.thestate.com/sports/col...h-carolina/article18169937.html#storylink=cpy

 

[USCEE82]

I guess 2011-2013 would be the closest, but in some ways, I feel even better. As good as those teams were, we knew Spurrier's career was waning due to his age. Right now, we seem to be surging with a young head coach. We have a bright young QB who will at least generate some off-season Heisman buzz. We haven't Heisman buzz at any level for over 40 years, so that alone is novel. Though we are losing a lot, we do return some strong talent, notably Dylan Stewart who looked like a superstar in the making. So far we have not had any opt outs announced for the bowl game and haven't had any noteworthy players transfer out the program, which is a possible testament to the culture Beamer is building.

If we can close out the season with a win and a strong bowl game appearance, I'll be feeling pretty darn good about things. It at least appears as if many of the pieces are in place.

That said, maybe the last time I felt really optimistic about our program was 2013...

Careful. Remember how you felt on December 1, 2022?

 

[Uscg1984]

I recall it being speculated but Charles Woodson is still the only full-time defensive player to win the award, so I don't think there was ever any real thought that he could win it.

In the days immediately after the Outback Bowl, I think there were a lot of people around the country who legitimately thought he could win it. He had just set the Clemson Memorial Stadium sack record right before generating one of the most viral college football highlights in history. He was poised to have an historic season. Unfortunately, he kind of coasted through the 2013 season.

 

[Uscg1984]

Whenever my optimism about Gamecocks sports begins to overflow, I usually spend a few moments reading through the threads on this forum and that brings me back down to earth.

 

[PrestonyteParrot]

Demetrius Knight too. Under-the-radar, but made a huge impact.

Forgot about Joshua Simon also. Good hands and tough to tackle.

 

[will110]

Whenever my optimism about Gamecocks sports begins to overflow, I usually spend a few moments reading through the threads on this forum and that brings me back down to earth.

This forum is definitely full of very pessimistic folks. People who would be able to find a negative in just about any situation. "Oh you found a pot of gold? Well just think of the tax implications" etc etc

 

[3USC1801]

This forum is definitely full of very pessimistic folks. People who would be able to find a negative in just about any situation. "Oh you found a pot of gold? Well just think of the tax implications" etc etc

Yep, some folks idea of coming back down to earth is doing a swan dive right into the mud of negativity. They come on here to wallow in it and seem to enjoy dragging anyone who is willing into the mire.

 

[HI Cock1]

Demetrius Knight too. Under-the-radar, but made a huge impact.

I think he was the most surprising of them all. When we got him, I was like, "Okayyyyy, we got an LB from Charlotte with meh stats. I guess he'll ride the bench for a season and be gone."

Knight made several of he biggest plays of the season - especially the LAST defensive play of the season!

 

[SouthernBelly]

What are the odds that we can get through a whole season without these things, beyond our control, costing us a game?:

Phantom Penalties
Completely batshit crazy calls (think that first down in the bowl game, but then Clowney)
A ref making a tackle for our opponent
Mysterious clock stoppage
Mysterious clock running
Opponents getting away with murder

Yeah, yeah, I know, losers complain about the refs, but the thing is... I love and pull for some other teams too, and nobody, NOBODY, has the crazy crap happen to them that happens to the Gamecocks. We get rung up regularly with absolute crazy stuff.

NO OPI calls on a clear as day push-off on a deep ball that set up a game winning field goal...but I obviously don't think about things like that anymore.

 

[SouthernBelly]

This season has been a surprise and a butt-ton of fun. But I will not be optimistic moving forward. Last time I was optimistic was heading into 2014. That went poorly. The defense looses too much, fixing that isn't all portal work. There are guys leaving who have been on this team for several years. I still have no confidence in the OL and specifically it's coaching. I will see if I can be surprised again in 2025, but I certainly won't be disappointed.

 

[Gradstudent]

I guess 2011-2013 would be the closest, but in some ways, I feel even better.

That said, maybe the last time I felt really optimistic about our program was 2013..

While I'm not arguing this NIL era is good for college football or I enjoy it, it does seem to be becoming clear, we have the ability to bring in players through NIL, that contribute and help us be more successful and the NIL era has specifically been good for our program and our program is doing better in this era then we were on how we ended the recent prior no NIL Muschamp era (2-8)

 

[Gamecock72]

While I'm not arguing this NIL era is good for college football or I enjoy it, it does seem to be becoming clear, we have the ability to bring in players through NIL, that contribute and help us be more successful and the NIL era has specifically been good for our program and our program is doing better in this era then we were on how we ended the recent prior no NIL Muschamp era (2-8)

We had so many people saying how NIL and the transfer portal was going to just keep the rich getting richer and if this season is any indication, that is completely not true. This has been one of the best with most parity NCAA football season in recent memory.

 

[3USC1801]

I think he was the most surprising of them all. When we got him, I was like, "Okayyyyy, we got an LB from Charlotte with meh stats. I guess he'll ride the bench for a season and be gone."

Knight made several of he biggest plays of the season - especially the LAST defensive play of the season!

Aaaaaaah. . . Yes, that last defensive play against the Upstate Losers was a thing of beauty!!!

 

[Slim Chickens Gamecock]

What are the odds that we can get through a whole season without these things, beyond our control, costing us a game?:

Phantom Penalties
Completely batshit crazy calls (think that first down in the bowl game, but then Clowney)
A ref making a tackle for our opponent
Mysterious clock stoppage
Mysterious clock running
Opponents getting away with murder

Yeah, yeah, I know, losers complain about the refs, but the thing is... I love and pull for some other teams too, and nobody, NOBODY, has the crazy crap happen to them that happens to the Gamecocks. We get rung up regularly with absolute crazy stuff.

If you go back and watch the Kentucky game from this year, it was ridiculous how much holding they were doing. Several Horse collars on our players after we ran by them. Thye called a few yes but literally almost every play could have been holding.
how bout the time our starting QB pre-season had his foot stepped on pre-season and was out most the year. OMG- sounds too weird to be true. We have frequently over the years been really bad at receiving punts. I can think of 10 different occasions where our defense actually stood up and stopped someone to force a bad punt that inexplicably one of our guys got hit by only to give the opps the ball in sweet position. Heart breaking sht. Bridle that hope just yet. Historically, we are the Bill Buckner of College Football.

 

[Lurker123]

This forum is definitely full of very pessimistic folks. People who would be able to find a negative in just about any situation. "Oh you found a pot of gold? Well just think of the tax implications" etc etc

Some of us have been gamecock fans for a longer time than the existence of the internet. This sort of attitude is learned.

 

[Beanerball]

With the portal pick ups so far , I’m very optimistic. Sure, we need a few more players, but with Sellers, the returning WR’s, plus the new recruits, it looks promising. An rb would be nice, maybe a few more pickups, which we will get. But, we got DL and LB help, OL and TE help. Sellers is going to be hard to stop. Brown, Bennett, Harbor back at WR, plus a ton of recruits. I like our chances. Still see us getting 4 or more portal players.

 

[Tngamecock]

What are the odds that we can get through a whole season without these things, beyond our control, costing us a game?:

Phantom Penalties
Completely batshit crazy calls (think that first down in the bowl game, but then Clowney)
A ref making a tackle for our opponent
Mysterious clock stoppage
Mysterious clock running
Opponents getting away with murder

Yeah, yeah, I know, losers complain about the refs, but the thing is... I love and pull for some other teams too, and nobody, NOBODY, has the crazy crap happen to them that happens to the Gamecocks. We get rung up regularly with absolute crazy stuff.

You are telling it like it is. Don’t forget our left footed ball spots. I saw one spot this year 4 yards back. I had to wind it back and watch it to my eyes. Announcers nor our coaches said a word. Boggles the mind.

 

[Sparklecity]

I guess 2011-2013 would be the closest, but in some ways, I feel even better. As good as those teams were, we knew Spurrier's career was waning due to his age. Right now, we seem to be surging with a young head coach. We have a bright young QB who will at least generate some off-season Heisman buzz. We haven't Heisman buzz at any level for over 40 years, so that alone is novel. Though we are losing a lot, we do return some strong talent, notably Dylan Stewart who looked like a superstar in the making. So far we have not had any opt outs announced for the bowl game and haven't had any noteworthy players transfer out the program, which is a possible testament to the culture Beamer is building.

If we can close out the season with a win and a strong bowl game appearance, I'll be feeling pretty darn good about things. It at least appears as if many of the pieces are in place.

That said, maybe the last time I felt really optimistic about our program was 2013...

Slow your roll, just a few weeks ago you wouldn't even watch the game, you went out to blow bubbles with your kids