Fisch Tank: College Football

Thanks for diving into the Fisch Tank! I am really starting to understand why fans in the Palmetto State feeling like ripping their hair out every year. Overhyped and under performing seems to go hand in hand with South Carolina college football.
I am going to take a look at the three major matchups in the state this week.

Univ. of Alabama-Birmingham vs South Carolina

We all know the Gamecocks should win by at least two touchdowns, will that happen, probably not. According to Steve Spurrier’s latest grumblings, they’re looking for the “long ball guy,” they’re looking for “playmakers.” My reply to those statements; why is this all of a sudden an issue; USC has been looking for playmakers for years. Any coach and team who aren’t looking for playmakers should get out of the business. No good head coach will tell you he has enough talent, except Pete Carroll, maybe. Back to the real USC, the Gamecocks are going to try some new ideas this week on offense against the Blazers. Even if he isn’t named the starter Stephen Garcia will get plenty of snaps, which is a positive. Also, Deion LeCorn and Moe Brown should figure into the offense a little bit more, especially with Kenny McKinley still out this week. The USC defenses job is simple, stop one guy, you don’t hear that often in college football but this week it’s true. Stop UAB Quarterback Joe Webb and the Gamecocks should spur the Blazers.

Maryland vs. Clemson

The fans gave Willy Korn a standing ovation when he entered the 47-0 South Carolina State game late in the fourth quarter last Saturday. My opinion is who cares; Cullen Harper is up for every QB award in the country and is the leader of the Tigers, so why give him garbage. I personally believe most college quarterback’s are the puppets of a coaching system. I understand IPTAYs’ are tired of Bowden and are looking to redirect their hung over rage from the Alabama game three weeks too late. But seriously get off Harper’s case and redirect it to where it belongs. Speaking of hangovers, it’s a Noon kickoff in Death Valley against the Terrapins. Its game two of the ACC schedule for Bowden’s boys in their quest for their first conference title in 17 years. Clemson has blown out their last three opponents, yet we all knew that would happen. Maryland will come into Howard Field with a 3-1 record and fresh off a 14-7 win over Delaware. Huh? Yes I said a touchdown win over Delaware, and they lost at Middle Tennessee. So what that tells me is; they’ve been hearing the snickers for two weeks and here is a chance to earn some respect. Clemson can’t afford to sleep on Maryland and has to have a little fear of the turtles. Still, if the Tigers are looking to prove a point, they need to go bombs away and beat Maryland by 17.

Coastal Carolina vs. North Carolina A&T

Somebody left the door open to the Chants locker room and let the injury bug in. Defensive standout Dominique Davenport is done for the season, which leaves a big hole in the secondary. While Quarterback Zach MacDowall is still tender from an ankle injury and so is Wide Receiver Trent Usher. So what are the Chants to do? As David Bennett loves to say,” Step up!” The Aggies are back at home where they are 2-0, yet they’ve dropped their last two. A&T allows an average of a touchdown a game in the second half, meaning Coastal Carolina will have to establish an early lead. Even if it is Will Richardson or Jamie Childers filling in for MacDowall. If Usher misses the game that will be a big blow to CCU, the Central-Pageland product leads all receivers in receptions. Eric O’neal and Arthur Sitton will have to dictate play so Richardson and Childers can feel their way through, if the quarterbacks are called upon. This should be a close game in Greensboro. Still Coastal needs this win especially with Big South Champion Liberty coming to Conway the following week.

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