South Carolina Football Fans, Don't Panic: Debunking Five Myths for 2010

With all of the hype surrounding South Carolina in the spring, one would assume that something would go wrong for the team. 

Enter Summer 2010—South Carolina's summer of controversy and questioning. 

The media loves to create major issues out of nothing.  I am here to tell you, that most of South Carolina's major issues are, in fact, non-issues.

I would go as far as to say they are myths.

Myth #1:  The constant trouble surrounding Weslye Saunders will affect the passing game.

It has been noted over and over again that Wes being suspended will be a huge loss.  I have heard “he is South Carolina's biggest red zone threat”, stated over and over again. 

I couldn’t disagree more.  South Carolina's biggest threat was, and still is, Alshon Jeffery.  He gives it his all EVERY game and EVERY play. Lets not forget South Carolina's other big WR, Tori Gurley. 

BUT the good news is that we have two highly competent TEs ready to step in.  In Justice Cunningham, you have a great big old blocker who won the springs “best blocker” award.  He will help freshman Marcus Lattimore find the end zone as well.

Then, there is Patrick DiMarco.  He has better hands then Saunders, and is a good blocker.

This isn’t to say I don’t think Saunders is a good player.  He is, and he definitely can make plays.  However, he is in a position with a skill set that is easily offset by other players we have on our team. 

Myth #2:  The Whitney Hotel trouble will cause South Carolina to lose focus and players.

In actuality, this is not a major issue.  From the Charlotte Observer:

“According to NCAA documents, for expenses under $500, the suspension is zero games; between $501 and $700 is 10 percent of the regular season; $701 to $1,000 is 20percent; and $1,001 “and up” is 30 percent.  The NCAA does not quantify a “point of no return” or an upper limit on the monetary value of expenses before a student-athlete would be unable to repay the amount and retain his or her eligibility.”

Translation:  Only one South Carolina player has gotten to the 1,001 and up section of this rule.  Mr. Saunders, step on down. 

Most players have been behind on their payments, but according to sources, most either fall under 500 dollars, or the under 700 dollars range.  That means that in the worst case scenario, a couple of players may miss one or two games.  That's worst case scenario.

Myth #3:  The offensive line has not improved and will once again be the teams Achilles heel. 

After the last scrimmage, Steve Spurrier stated he wasn't worried about the offensive line.  They have five solid starters, and a few backups.  Spurrier is more worried about conditioning.

Also, South Carolina has yet to see how the zone blocking scheme will work.  Combine this with improved tight end and running back blocking, and this may actually turn out ok. 

That being said, this is still the most serious of the concerns.  When hasn't it been at South Carolina?

Myth #4:  The quarterback controversy shows that Steven Garcia is terrible, and there will be sub-par quarterback play all season long. 

This is more of a testament to the hard work and progress of true freshman quarterback Connor Shaw then the ineptitude of Steven Garcia. 

Steve Spurrier loves having two solid signal callers, so he can start the hot hand and pull players when they have rough outings.  Connor is Spurrier's type of QB.  A hard worker who studies video and goes the extra mile. 

Steven has worked hard as well.  However, the Ol' Ball Coach has observed so many positives from Shaw that it is difficult not to include him in the controversy. 

Is it REALLY that bad to have two quarterbacks that can play? 

Myth #5:  History tells us that South Carolina will finish fourth in the SEC East, third at best.

My personal favorite.  I wonder if Florida fans said that right before Spurrier turned that program into a monster? 

Or, maybe this year, we can all say history says that Ohio State will fall flat on its face at some point. 

History means nothing once the teams step foot on the field.  South Carolina has had some success at certain points in history... who is to say that this team doesn't follow the teams of the early 80's and early 2000's? 

This team still has potential, and can still win the east.  Spurrier seems confident.  It is time to lay off the panic button.  This team will be alright.