Today is the day we have been waiting for since the Gamecocks lost to Florida State in the bowl game. It is a new day, new season and expectations are high. Today, the defending SEC East champs take the field and work to usher in a new era of Gamecock football.
Coach Spurrier has never faced the Pirates as a head coach. ECU has won five of the last seven contests, with the last game coming in the 1999 season. The Gamecocks do own the all-time series as USC’s record versus ECU is 10-5. It should be increased by one additional win today.
As we know Connor Shaw gets the starting gig, which we all should hope goes smoothly. Stop talking about it and support the young man. For him and Stephen Garcia, it is about not making costly mistakes. ECU’s defense is not strong and USC should be able to move the ball at will. For USC to win, they must hold their own on the defensive side as ECU can score points in bunches.
What I am watching for today is not only for the win but to see how the team looks overall. How the lines play and who is ready to step up. Big difference between talking about who impresses in practices and who plays big in live games. The one unit I am watching today to see how they do is the linebacking unit. With Shaq Wilson back, I want to see the unit fly around the ball and be aggressive.
In closing before we get ready to watch some football and watch the Gamecocks start the season 1-0. I do ask that you follow us on twitter – @LOHDgamecocks – and download our Smartphone Apps which can be found on the left side of the main site. That way you can keep up with us if not on our facebook.
Lastly, in is a good time to review all our thoughts on this game –
– Gamecocks Football: USC vs. East Carolina Preview
– USC Football 2011: 5 Games the Gamecocks Can Not Look Past
– What the Gamecocks Must Do to Avoid a Upset vs. ECU
– Gamecocks Football Roundtable: Q&A with Travis Haney
– Gamecocks Podcast: Talking about East Carolina
– Gamecocks Schedule Preview: East Carolina
– South Carolina Football 2011: Five Gamecocks That Must Step Up Versus ECU
– 5 Predictions for ECU-USC Opener
Also LOHD was a guest for the Scout.com Gamecocks sports outlet – GamecockAnthem.com . If you are part of that network, check out the ECU Roundtable and the Season Preview Roundtable. Both will make you smarter SC fans. Thanks to GamecockAnthem for having me on.
A Big Go Cocks Today !
