Gamecock nation is still enjoying the win over Clemson for the third time. By now you have seen the highlights, read the field report, saw the funny picture of “kiss the ring” and now are concerned with where the Gamecocks will be bowling.
Here are some more thoughts on the Gamecoks win over those pesky CU Tigers and check on the funny photo below….
The Art of War
Over two thousand years ago, Sun-Tzu wrote “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the results of a hundred battles.” I am uncertain if Connor Shaw was reading any ancient chinese literature this week, but he certainly stole the show at Williams-Brice this past weekend leading the Gamecocks to a sensational 34-13 win against the Clemson Tigers.
The Leader
Shaw (14/20, 210 yds,10.55 avg) absolutely dominated the playing field and masterfully controlled the tempo, helping to control the time of possession for over 37 minutes. The offensive line pushed Clemson around. Shaw’s confidence washed over the Carolina offense for the entire evening – this was by far the most enjoyable win in all my years as a Gamecock. His passing game was a joy to watch, with a precision pass to Bruce Ellington marking his career longest (49 yds). His mobility befuddled the Tiger defense all evening. In addition to a 200+ yard game, Shaw motored for 108 yards with one run for a score and three touchdown passes. What was paramount to this victory was the lack of mistakes – Shaw controlled the ball masterfully….a true leader.
The Enemy
“South Carolina has an average D-line” was said by the opposing quarterback. Clemson had to have not liked eating those words all evening. The USC defense limited the Tiger offense to an anemic 153 yds in total, which squandered several opportunities with miscues, dropped balls, and the constant harassment of QB Tajh Boyd (11/29, 83 yds 2.9 avg) who was sacked 5 times and hurried seven times. The Tiger offense tied the game up in the second quarter, but after that the wheels came off as Boyd spent most of the second half running for his life. Clemson came into the game outscoring their opponents 92-35 in the fourth quarter but were just unable to capitalize when contolling the ball.
The Ol’ Ball Coach
You have to give credit to Coach Spurrier – play selection was fantastic and the clock management was a work of art in the fourth quarter. I actually think Coach Spurrier was smiling – a rarity. But he again had the opponents defense keying on the wrong people, opening up the likes of tight end Rory “Buster” Andersen who also had a big reception and a sweet TD reception. Spurrier had to be happy with Carolina again scoring in each quarter of the game and looked on proudly as the Gamecocks stepped up and drove the stake through Clemson’s heart with a gutsy 18 yard TD reception to Alshon Jeffery after the Holloman interception.
A Great Day to be a Carolina Fan
When the game finally ended here at 3am in London, my smile could have reached across the Atlantic. What a great, crazy season. Back in early October, things were very cloudy with the chaos surrounding Garcia being dismissed. Connor Shaw has risen from those ashes and firmly placed himself as the team leader and starting quaterback. The seniors graduating will be greatly missed but should hold their heads high after a fantastic season. This win is going be in our minds for a long time and it will be greatly savored. Williams-Brice looked electric, you could feel the excitement build all night with quality play following each score. I am actually re-watching the game as I type this, I cant control the occasional giggle watching our defense chasing Tajh Boyd all around the field. Thank You Carolina for a fantastic season.
P.S. What is next for Carolina?
With 10 wins, we are in shape for a nice bowl game. One interesting matchup that would be fun would be the Cotton Bowl vs. Kansas State. I for one am a bit fed up with the Chick-Fil-a bowl and Outback Bowl. If you have not done it yet, please pause and check out a couple of the Clemson Blog sites – it is amazingly funny. There are some VERY ANGRY people out there yet these are the same that were loving Clemson football a month ago.
The upcoming season excites me. The idea of Connor Shaw, with Marcus Lattimore and Brandon Wilds in the backfield, well, you know where I am going but we will save those thoughts for another day as we are still loving the latest win.
In closing, here is another funny pic –
