into my head. Was it within the “realm of possibility” that the Gamecocks could go undefeated? The answer was “yes.” Most likely, I will be the least surprised person (other than the most optimistic Gamecock fans) in all of college football.

The reason I think there is a possibility is as follows. The Gamecocks have played very well against Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama the last few years. They played well against Auburn in the two previous meetings. If one assumes the Gamecock offense under Spurrier will score on average 10 points more per game than Holtz’ offenses did and the Gamecock defense will play at least as well as it has the past six years, then the outcomes of the games against Tennessee and Georgia changes dramatically. Instead of being 0-6 against the Vols and 2-4 against the Dawgs, the Gamecocks are 4-2 against both teams.

However, there are three teams that could be the monkeys in the wrench. The Gamecocks have struggled against Florida (0-6), Arkansas (1-5) and Clemson (1-5) during the past six seasons. Even with the 10 extra points, they would be 2-3-1 against Clemson, 2-4 against Arkansas 1-5 against the Gators.

Still, there is hope against the three teams. Tommy Bowden will not be able to coach circles around Spurrier like he did a confused Holtz. The Gamecocks and Tigers are equal in talent and that game will be decided by which team wants it the most. Houston Nutt loved kicking Holtz’ butt and his teams played about as well as they could against Holtz’ team. Nutt doesn’t have the same personal grudge against Spurrier. New Florida coach Urban Meyer will be the toughest challenge. He has better players and appears to be just as innovative as Spurrier.

Other reasons this Gamecock season could be special are Spurrier’s coaching ability and what may prove to be the best recruiting class Carolina has had in quite a while. There are a lot of good athletes in Spurrier’s first class and as many as 20 of them could see action this season. They have done a good job of pushing the veterans for playing time in practice. Many times, a coaching change will spur a team to heights no one expected.

I predicted 7-4 for the Gamecocks in my magazine with losses to Auburn, Tennessee, Florida and Clemson and upset victories over Georgia and Alabama. That would be a good record because four opponents (Auburn, Tennessee, Florida, and Georgia) have a decided talent advantage. one team (Alabama) has a slight talent edge and two teams (Arkansas and Clemson) are similar in talent.
A 9-2 record with losses to Florida and Auburn is more probable than 11-0. Auburn is going to be better than most people expect and Meyer should be able to match wits with Spurrier and use his talent advantage to secure victory.

If the Gamecocks defeat Georgia, Alabama and Auburn early in the season, the momentum may just be enough to launch a second “magical” season. It is not all that probable, but it is possible.

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