Steve Spurrier was once the most hated man in college football. He needled Tennessee fans with quips such as, “Citrus Bowl: The Winter Home of the Tennessee Vols.” And he quickly dubbed Florida State “Free Shoes University.”
But Spurrier has mellowed publicly since the days he coached at Florida. He refers to himself as the Ol’ Ball Coach and his favorite target these days is usually directed at any flaws he sees in his South Carolina Gamecocks.
“We’ve got a problem here at South Carolina football right now,” Spurrier said. “It’s called pass defense.”
Spurrier said that before
his Gamecocks, ranked 105th nationally and dead last in the SEC, were scorched for 228 yards receiving and one touchdown on six catches by Tennessee’s Denarius Moore in a 38-24 South Carolina win.
The Volunteers are 65th in passing offense. This week Spurrier’s Gamecocks face the top passing offense in the SEC. Arkansas, led by coach Bobby Petrino and quarterback Ryan Mallett, is second nationally, averaging 360 yards per game.
“They’re probably going to be licking their chops when they see the tapes of our last several games,” Spurrier said.
But here’s what Spurrier isn’t saying — his team is undefeated at home, including an upset win over then No.1-ranked Alabama.
If South Carolina wins on Saturday, it can wrap up the Gamecocks’ first trip to the SEC title game with a win at Florida next week.
Imagine Spurrier returning to The Swamp and winning his first division at South Carolina.
The Gamecocks have it all in reach, and Spurrier is good at keeping his teams focused. The pick: South Carolina (-4).
Georgia Tech (+13) over VA. TECH:
The Hokies have won six in a row this season since the stunning loss to James Madison. But just two of those wins have been against teams with winning records, and Georgia Tech’s rushing attack, No. 1 in the nation, should do damage against Virginia Tech’s rushing defense, an uncharacteristically low 45th in the country.
Air Force (-7) over ARMY:
The Falcons can wrap up their first Commander in Chief trophy since 2002.
CLEMSON (-3½) over NC State:
We’re going with the bounceback theory. Tigers are coming off a horrible loss at Boston College. Wolfpack elated over upset of FSU.
Louisville (+6) over SYRACUSE:
The letters from Syracuse faithful ripping me for picking against the Orange each week has reach staggering levels. Syracuse needs one more win to become bowl eligible for the first time since 2004, but the Cardinals, like the Orange, are experiencing a resurgence under first-year coach Charlie Strong.
Illinois (+3) over MICHIGAN:
Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez said he will not make any changes to his defensive staff, which leaves us no choice but to pick Illinois, whose three losses are to teams with a total of three losses. By the way, Michigan’s defensive coordinator is Greg Robinson.
OKLAHOMA ST.
(-7½) over Baylor:
Call me tipsy but look for Cowboys wide receiver Justin Blackmon, making a return from a one-game suspension for DWI, to torch the Bears.
Northwestern (+6) over PENN ST.:
Wildcats QB Dan Persa (mild concussion) has been cleared to play. Persa is one of the best athletes in college football. Penn State, Nittany Lions fans might want to sit for this one, is tied for 63rd in turnover margin. Sadly, this ain’t your daddy’s Penn State.
FLORIDA ST. (-10) over UNC:
The Seminoles have had two extra days to prepare and two extra days to feel the sting of the 28-24 loss at NC State on a late fumble. Tar Heels struggled to beat William & Mary and the lack of depth is starting to take a toll.
UTAH (+4½) over Tcu:
The Utes, not TCU, not Boise, have more wins over BCS foes than any non-automatic qualifying team, and they also have a 21-game home win streak. They also have one commodity that is priceless — two quality quarterbacks. If QB Jordan Wynn does go down against TCU’s terrific defense, Utah has a terrific backup in Terrance Cain. And for all his success, we have seen TCU QB Andy Dalton struggle in big games.
TEXAS A&M (+3½) over Oklahoma:
Cincinnati’s dual-threat QB Zach Collaros threw for 305 yards and three touchdowns in the Bearcats’ loss at Oklahoma. Texas A&M QB Jerrod Johnson is better. He runs the sixth-best passing offense. The Sooners are ranked 83rd in pass defense.
Texas (-3½) over KANSAS ST.:
Longhorns have lost 4 of 5. The only win was on the road at Nebraska against a run-oriented team.
STANFORD (-9½) over Arizona:
The Wildcats’ defense will keep them in the game most of the way, but Nick Foles (dislocated kneecap) is back playing for the first time in three weeks.
Alabama (-6) over LSU:
Now that LSU has a loss and Alabama clearly can see its road to the BCS title game, it’s Roll Tide.
Arizona State (+5½) over USC:
Whatever was left in the Trojans’ tank was drained in the loss to Oregon.
LAST WEEK:
8-7 overall, 0-3 best bets