SOUTH CAROLINA ROLLS AT HOME 41-13

Stephen Garcia came out last night and put some of the critics to rest. With about 5:45 to go in the 1st Quarter, Garcia dropped back to pass, saw no one open, scrambled off to the right side, and ended up lowering the boom on a Southern Miss D-Back, spun into the end zone for a Touchdown. It was a 22 yard scamper that was definitive Garcia. He set the hard-nosed tone early.

(Photo courtesy of AP/Brett Flashnick)

Lattimore did not start, but he was in soon enough, and it seemed like he had a calming effect on the offense. He ended up having 2 touchdowns on the night, and he looked to be running downhill all night.

The offense for South Carolina got off to a shaky start with a 3 & Out, but they quickly got the jitters out. South Carolina did see Conner Shaw in as promised by Coach Spurrier. He started out in the slot, but by the 2nd half he was leading the team on the field as well. With about 11:22 to go in the 4th, he pitched a perfect pass to DL Moore on a crossing route for a 20 Yard TD pass, which extended the USC lead to 41-6. It was a really nice catch in traffic. Look for DL Moore to be another weapon to step up for Carolina this year.

Garcia finished 16-23 for 193 yards, and while he didn't throw a TD pass, he did have some really nice passes. He had 2 runs in particular that really defined the night, as they were hard nosed fierce plays - where he was delivering the hit on the play. Garcia has some grit, and he led the Gamecocks to victory Thursday night. Alshon Jeffrey had 7 receptions for 106 yards. And true freshman, Mr. Highly Recruited, Marcus Lattimore did not disappoint. Coach Spurrier gave the courtesy start to Sr. Brian Maddox, but Lattimore was in quickly enough on the second drive. Latt had 14 carries and 2 TD, and his presence was unmistakable. The mantle has been passed in Columbia. Marcus Lattimore is the nasty back that Spurrier has been looking for during his stay in South Carolina.

Ellis Johnson's Defense played stout and stellar tonight, really not giving up much of anything in the way of points to Southern Miss.

Georgia better watch out in week 2. These Gamecocks are balanced and they can play.

SO CLOSE YOU CAN ALMOST TASTE IT

With the opening kickoff of the College Football 2010 season just weeks away its time to start breaking down games.


Let's start with opening night, Thursday September 2nd.

(All times are listed in EST)

Southern Miss @ South Carolina
7:30 ESPN
Both teams finished last season with a loss to end the season, and both finished 7-6 in their respective campaigns. But considering the tone that needs to be set early for this season, especially considering the way USC finished last season (they were sloppy and man-handled by UCONN in the bowl game), South Carolina should roll. They will be getting tuned up for the always important early season showdown with Georgia (9/11). The most intriguing aspects for me in this game will be the Offensive Line for USC and how well they protect (Sr.) Stephen Garcia. I am also very interested in seeing the crown jewel of Coach Spurrier's most recent recruiting class, Marcus Lattimore. Is he the second coming? Will he be the starter? Is he THE player that ushers in the balance that Coach has lacked since arriving in Columbia? Look for Carolina to come out gunning for the end zone, and expect Carolina to win by 21.



Marshall @ Ohio State
7:30 Big Ten Network
Ohio state is coming off an 11-2 season last year capped off by an impressive Rose Bowl victory over a very good Oregon team. Marshall on the other hand is coming off a 7-6 season, which they posted just 2 conference wins. I will be keeping an eye on Terrelle Pryor's surgically repaired right knee. He could be wearing a knee brace, and it is going to be a long season. So he might be handing off and focusing on pocket passing for the opener with VERY little scrambling. But let's be honest, running is in his blood and if it's 3rd Down, and he sees daylight and no one open, then there is a really good chance he could bolt. I just hope the body holds up (reference Colt McCoy in the Bama game). Marshall's Defense will resemble swiss cheese and The Buckeyes will roll in front of the home crowd. The Defense will be stifling, and OSU should win by 28.



Pitt @ Utah
8:30 Versus
Huge road test for Pitt. This is without a doubt the best matchup of the night. Both teams finished the season with 10-3 records, but take note: Utah went undefeated in conference play while Pitt dropped 2 games in the conference last year. Of course this is a non-conference game, but those are interesting numbers regardless, especially considering teams without a doubt should be getting up for the conference matchups. Pitt will be working out the kinks with a new QB under center, but look for them to handoff all night and rely on the strong D they bring to the table in 2010. Utah should be tough, but ultimately not have the answers to stop Dion Lewis and Pitt's ground game. Look for Pitt by 10.



USC @ Hawaii
11:00 ESPN
Southern Cal is coming an unusually crazy ride of an off season, and in my opinion get used to it as you, USC, officially signed up for it with Lane Kiffin and the Merry Pranksters. And for USC the hits keep coming as star freshman tailback Dillon Baxter will not be playing in the season opener. Either way usher in the Kiffin Era with a win. USC finished last year 9-4 and Hawaii subpar 6-7 record. Monty is one of the best in the business and the Defense will be stout. USC by 21.

Let me know what you think. How do you see the opening Thursday night festivities panning out?