If Steve Spurrier’s second seasons as coach at other universities are any indication, the South Carolina Gamecocks can expect a somewhat successful 2006 season.
In 1988, his second campaign as coach at Duke University, he led the Blue Devils to a 7-3-1 record. In his second year at Florida in 1991, the Gators garnered a 10-2 record and a Southeastern Conference championship.
Spurrier, who was 7-5 in his inaugural season with the Gamecocks, said in July at SEC Media Days he feels comfortable going into his second year at South Carolina.
“I think just the biggest difference is you feel like you belong there a little bit more going in the second year,” he said.
South Carolina showed promise last season with a five-game midseason winning streak which included a road victory against the Tennessee Volunteers and a 30-22 upset of the Florida Gators at home.
South Carolina returns six starters from an offense which ranked No. 9 in the SEC in total offense. Junior quarterback Blake Mitchell, sophomore running back Mike Davis and standout sophomore wide receiver Sidney Rice are all returning.
Rice is widely regarded as one of the most talented receivers in the nation. The preseason first-team, All-SEC selection hauled in 70 passes for 1,143 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2005.
“Sidney is one of the best,” Spurrier said of Rice at an SEC media day. “Everybody knows about Sidney now. Wherever No. 4 goes, there’s going to be a bunch of guys hanging around him.”
Mitchell is coming off a sophomore season in which he passed for 2,370 yards with 17 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
Spurrier said Mitchell will be a huge factor in the success of the Gamecocks this season.
“[Mitchell] played pretty well last year, but he certainly can play better,” he said. “If we’re going to have the big year, I think Blake really has to play well.”
In addition to Davis, the team also has junior Cory Boyd available at running back.
Boyd sat out the 2005 season because of a team suspension. He was the team’s second leading rusher in 2004, when he ran for 309 yards and three touchdowns. He was also the Gamecocks’ second leading receiver with 35 catches for 347 yards and another touchdown.
Davis said he appreciates the competition for the top-running back spot.
“Cory [Boyd] and I are good friends,” Davis said. “It is just friendly competition. He brings a lot of experience and leadership to the team.”
South Carolina returns only four players on the defensive side of the ball, including preseason All-SEC senior cornerback Fred Bennett.
The Gamecocks ranked No. 10 in the SEC in total defense last season, allowing 360.8 yards per game.
Bennett recorded 31 tackles and three interceptions on his way to being named Honorable Mention All-SEC.
He said he considers Spurrier’s first season as coach a success.
“It was a great season for us,” Bennett said. “Coach [Spurrier] came in and did a great job for us. He brought a lot of motivation to the team.”
Much like the defense, South Carolina’s special teams will have a newer, younger look this season. Punter and place-kicker Josh Brown is gone, and sophomore Ryan Succop will take his place and handle all three kicking duties in 2006.
—–Contact Tyler Batiste at [email protected]