The 'Head Ball Coach' Can Still Coach

Posted on October 11, 2010 by Jacob Bunn

Last Friday, Alabama was 5-0, undefeated, and thought of by some to be as good as the worst NFL team. Saturday, the Crimson Tide matched up against the South Carolina Gamecocks, who came into the game having never beaten a top ranked team. And with that motivational factor in mind, Steve Spurrier’s squad went to its business.

The scoreboard read 14-3 at the conclusion of the first quarter, but it read a lot more than that. South Carolina gouged Alabama from the outset. And even though the Crimson Tide had some spotty success during the second half, the game was really never close.

Much maligned South Carolina quarterback Stephen Garcia had the game of his life. He completed 17 of 20 for 201 yards and three touchdowns. Seven of those passes were to sophomore wide receiver Alshon Jeffrey, who had 127 yards receiving on the day.

Remember, the Gamecock baseball team won the national championship just a few months ago. South Carolina also upset number one Kentucky in basketball on January 26, so this has definitely been a historic year for South Carolina athletics.

The success of the football team Saturday was due in large part to its head coach. Steve Spurrier, of course, went 122-27-1 in his time as head coach of the Florida Gators, and his 1996 Florida team won the national championship. Then, after a couple of forgettable seasons with the Washington Redskins, he made his return to college football by taking over for legendary coach Lou Holtz at South Carolina. Coming into the 2010 season, Spurrier had racked up an unimpressive 35-28 record while in Columbia. So, this was going to be a crucial season for the ‘head ball coach’ (as he is referred to affectionately).

Not long after the start of the 2010 season, it was clear that the biggest challenge for the Gamecocks would be the contest at home against Alabama. After starting the season well, the Gamecocks stumbled on the road against Auburn. Then with the two weeks he had to prepare, Steve Spurrier got his team in the best condition it could possibly be, as well as supplying it with a championship-like game plan.

It was hyped to be the biggest day in Gamecock history, and that is exactly what it became. South Carolina made all the plays it needed to and effectively capitalized on the mistakes made by the Crimson Tide. When it was all said and done, Spurrier’s squad secured a 35-21 victory over the reigning national champion.

Now that the dust has settled, the question becomes what will South Carolina do now? Given this program’s history, one would tend to think that it will lay a gamecock sized egg in Lexington this weekend against Kentucky. However, Steve Spurrier knows what the formula for success is because he experienced it at Florida. One thing is for sure, this is certainly not Florida. The truth is, though, we do not know how South Carolina will handle the success it is having because it has never had any.

Not only did South Carolina knock Alabama out of the national championship picture (albeit temporarily), but it also launched its own campaign for the big one. But for them to get to the national championship game, they must first take care of business in the SEC. One thing that will help the Gamecocks is the fact that the East is down this year, but they will still be required to play someone out of the West. I am not sure that any of those possibilities sound terribly exciting, especially a rematch with Alabama.

Steve Spurrier has to be truly enjoying being on top of the world once again. This is a man who, just several months ago, was left for dead as far as coaching is concerned. Against Nick Saban, who some consider to be the best current college football coach, Spurrier has three wins and only one loss. Needless to say, Spurrier has once again solidified himself as one of the top coaching minds.

So, now that the mega upset has occurred, the spotlight is shining a few watts brighter on the South Carolina football team and Steve Spurrier. And on behalf of the Southeastern Conference national championship club, I would like to welcome the Gamecocks to relevance. Now, I wonder how long it will be until they blow it.

Contact Jacob Bunn at Jacob@bunnsports.com