South Carolina Football: Time to Step Back and Look at the Big Picture

OK, South Carolina fans, it's time for some perspective. 

The Gamecocks are not good on the road and there are some definite issues on the offense.  The defense is insane and the talent runs deep. 

South Carolina should be favored against Tennessee, Arkansas and Wofford.  Clemson may get the nod at Death Valley but South Carolina is the stronger team. 

If the Gamecocks play well, they could be in line for another 11-2 season.  Keep in mind, this team looked incredible during the first six games, and lost to two top ten teams on the road. 

Granted, the team looked awful against Florida, but that doesn't wipe out the entire season's success.  In years past, the team would have killed to be 6-2, and the fans would have appreciated the hard work and effort that goes into it. 

If the Gamecocks beat the Clemson Tigers, that will be the fourth year in a row the team has beaten their hated rivals.  That would be the first time since 1951-1954.  That's big.  They have beaten Georgia three straight games.  If they beat Tennessee this week, they will have won two out of three against those guys and Florida, two teams that have rocked them in the past. 

The team is putting together another solid recruiting class.  They currently have the 13th rated recruiting class according to Rivals.com. 

While the expectations surrounding the program has definitely rose, the fans can't forget how far the team has come.  These Gamecocks are built for the long haul.  The improvement in facilities and recruiting will ensure that the Gamecocks are a top-end coaching job.  Once Steve Spurrier leaves, there is little doubt he left the program in much greater shape then when he got there. 

The Gamecocks are improving at an alarming rate.  The team is on the right track and will continue to grow with Steve Spurrier at the helm.  He has cemented his status as a legend, even if he never wins a championship here.  This isn't a program with tradition.  It's a program making it's own.