Coach: Lou Holtz (22-25, 5th season)
2002 overall record: 5-7
Conference record: 3-5
Returning starters
Offense: 2
Defense: 6
Kicker/Punter: 1
2002 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Corey Jenkins (655 yds)
Passing: Corey Jenkins (1,334 yds)
Receiving: Troy Williamson* (491 yds)
Tackles: Jonathan Martin (122)
Sacks: Langston Moore (9.5)
Interceptions: Dunta Robinson* (4)
Outlook: In the latest installment of the long-running football farce, "Poor Lou Holtz," the coach of the Gamecocks announced that his team has less talent than at any time since his first squad went 0-11. "Right now it looks like the darkest I've seen except for our first year," he mourned. It's true that almost all the guys who made the plays that took South Carolina to improbable back-to-back bowl games are gone. But it's also true that Holtz has put together three consecutive stellar recruiting classes -- and there are even rumors that in private, Poor Lou has told a few folks that he has as much talent as South Carolina has EVER had. The truth will come out on the field soon enough. The primary question about this team is the same as last year: Are the quarterbacks good enough to win in the SEC? Dondrial Pinkins started the last two games last year and will be the man this year. Carolina loves Pinkins' big arm and fast feet. The fact that he went through spring drills without throwing an interception raises Holtz's hopes that his command of the position will improve in his second season of Division I-A football. The other major offensive issue is whether or not Holtz follows through on his pledge to loosen the reins on son/offensive coordinator Skip. Holtz the younger would prefer to spread the field and throw the ball more, but Holtz the older used his veto power last year to stay ultra-conservative. The result was an offense that produced the fewest passing first downs in the league and eventually suffered a ghastly collapse in the second half of the season. The Gamecocks averaged just 11 points their final six games, and lost the last five. Will Lou really let Skip loosen it up? Answers start rolling in Aug. 30. Charlie Strong did fine work as defensive coordinator before moving on to Florida, but Holtz wasn't pleased with his unit's inability to generate sacks or create turnovers last year. New coordinator Chris Cosh will change from a three-man front to four, and will be asked to crank up the aggressiveness and turn up the heat on opposing offenses. His group will be light on senior leadership but long on talent and potential.
Keep an eye on: Backup quarterback Michael Rathe. The junior college transfer seems to be well-suited for the spread offense Skip Holtz favors over sledgehammer option football. If Skip really is calling the shots on offense this year, Rathe might fit into his plans -- especially if Pinkins struggles early.
Key game: Last year started coming apart with a 13-point loss to Virginia in the second game. This year the Cavaliers come to Columbia Sept. 6, and likely will bring a national ranking with them. An upset there would show that the Holtz magic of 2000 and 2001 has been recaptured. A loss, followed by trips to Georgia and Tennessee before the month is out, could set up the Gamecocks for another losing season.
It's a good year if. . .: South Carolina climbs back above .500 and takes its horde of diehard fans bowling again. The schedule is no bargain, but eight home games sure helps the cause. So does the fact that Tennessee has been shuffled up in the schedule to September, somewhat alleviating the annual late-season death march. And the East could be uncharacteristically vulnerable this year. If the young talent shows it's ready to play on this level, Holtz's genius reputation is restored -- but they may be a year away.
SEC Preview
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ESPN Preview of South Carolina
Just reality. I don't expect a blowout however. Lou Holtz will not allow a blowout. If we get a comfortable lead, he'll throttle way back and only put in the starters if you guys begin to threaten. But like I said before, you guys just don't seem to have the offense this year that you have had in the past.
