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South Carolina Gamecocks
Sometimes we all need a little extra space to vent. ESPN profiles and stories give fans space to post their own blog entries and go toe-to-toe with commenters.
Today's story: South Carolina reinstates QB Stephen Garcia after fifth suspension.
- crowcutta: "We'll see if he's worth it, but we're not talking about a guy who has done something so heinous that he needs to be suspended for multiple games or kicked off the team. When he was suspended, Spurrier did give him the option to transfer. Instead, he decided to do the things he needed to do to regain confidence of Spurrier and the athletic director."
- XanderGroove: "On a "teach life lessons, after-school-special" type level, this is a "nice" thing to do. It's kind to take him back. But is it practical? Is this kid SO special that they need to bend the team rules and take a constant pain in the rear like this kid?"
- TheChipsky: "I understand that people need second (third? fourth? fifth?) chances. But when does it become a detriment and send the wrong message to other players? "If we're important to the team, we have more leash." You reap what you sow."
- Gamecock4LIFE9904: "He has graduauted, fifth-year senior. I believe the talk at the end of this season will be about how a kid who messed up from time to time, did all the right things to redeem himself and win the first ever SEC championship for his team."
- RobFinKY: "When you think about it, it makes total sense. The season is about to begin and South Carolina is a heavy favorite to win the East. You can't do that without your starting QB."
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1. Which coaching gig is better?
2. Would you rather rebuild with Brian Kelly or Al Golden?
3. What does Jacory Harris' future look like?
4. Is renewing this rivalry still a big deal?
5. Which team will win in El Paso, Texas?
Vote: Hyundai Sun Bowl
Vote: No. 20 South Carolina vs. No. 23 Florida State
1. Do Steve Spurrier's Florida ties matter?
2. Which quarterback is better when healthy?
3. Who is South Carolina's real offensive star?
4. Which program has a tougher life?
5. Which team will win in Atlanta?
Vote: Chick-fil-A Bowl (Dec. 31, ESPN/ESPN3, 7:30 ET)
Vote: No. 16 Alabama vs. No. 9 Michigan State
1. Which roster has more overall talent?
2. Which quarterback has the edge?
3. Just how good is Mark Ingram this season?
4. Is Alabama Nick Saban's last job?
5. Which team will win in Orlando?
Vote: Capital One Bowl (Jan. 1, ESPN/ESPN3, 1 ET)
Vote: Florida vs. Penn State
1. Will Joe Paterno be coaching in 2012?
2. How tough will replacing Paterno be?
3. Is Robert Bolden the QB of the future?
4. Will the Gators be motivated?
5. Which team will win in Tampa?
Vote: Outback Bowl (Jan. 1, ABC, 1 ET)
Vote: No. 11 LSU vs. No. 17 Texas A&M
1. Will LSU be motivated to play in a non-BCS game?
2. Is there a better job for Mike Sherman?
3. Which high-profile QB was a bigger disappointment?
4. Will LSU be able to run the ball?
5. Which team will win in Dallas?
Vote: Cotton Bowl
Vote: No. 1 Auburn vs. No. 19 South Carolina
1. Gene Chizik or Steve Spurrier?
2. Has Cam Newton locked up the Heisman?
3. Auburn's toughest test?
4. Did SC have its shot?
5. Which team will win in Atlanta?
Have your say on the SEC championship game
Vote: No. 2 Oregon at Oregon St.
1. What would OSU enjoy more?
2. LaMichael James or Jacquizz Rodgers?
3. Best Pac-10 rivalry?
4. Chip Kelly or Mike Riley?
5. Which team will win in Corvallis?
Have your say on Oregon at Oregon St.
Vote: No. 9 Nebraska vs. No. 13 Oklahoma
1. Big 8/Big 12 rivalry winner?
2. Best impact player in this game?
3. Nebraska in the Big Ten?
4. Taylor Martinez or Cody Green?
5. Which team will win in Arlington?
Have your say on the Big 12 championship game
Vote: No. 15 Virginia Tech vs. No. 21 Florida St.
1. Christian Ponder or Tyrod Taylor?
2. Is Fisher the coach of the future?
3. ACC's premier program?
4. ACC title game location?
5. Which team will win in Charlotte?
Have your say on the ACC championship game
- Vote: GameDay Pick 'Em | Heisman Watch
Game 1: SportsNation's burning questions for No. 1 Oregon at California
- Is Oregon's offense more exciting than Steve Nash's best Suns teams?
- Would it have mattered if Cal QB Kevin Riley didn't get hurt?
- Vote on those and other questions about Oregon at Cal!
Jonathan (NYC)
Mel, what do you think of LaMichael James' NFL draft prospects if he were to decide to leave early this year? Is he a first-round talent in this year's draft? And If he were to come back to Oregon, what does he need to work on to improve his position?
Mel Kiper
He's a third-year sophomore. Second highest rated running back that is draft eligible behind Ingram. Great quickness and power for his size. His main thing right now is staying healthy so he can prove his durability. He has to show he can be more than a situational performer at the next level. He only has eight receptions this year out of the backfield, so that is something to watch. At the pro level he will need to be more of a factor in the passing game. He will also need to factor into the return game which he hasn't done in college. But he is a big-time talent. Full transcript
Game 2: SportsNation's burning questions for Georgia at No. 2 Auburn
- Is this too much of a rivalry to be a trap game for Auburn?
- Is it fair for Heisman voters to consider more than Cam Newton's performance?
- Vote on those and other questions about Georgia at Auburn!
Alex (Columbia, SC)
I saw that Auburn almost overtook Oregon in the BCS. Do you see them taking the Number 1 position back?
Brad Edwards
No, I don't. This was a result of TCU's big win jumping them over Oregon in several computers, thus causing the Ducks to weaken in the computer element. Oregon has a much stronger schedule than TCU the rest of the way and should regain that ground in the computers. The only way Oregon falls from No. 1 in the BCS is if it loses a lot of its first-place votes in the polls. Full transcript
Game 3: SportsNation's burning questions for No. 19 Mississippi State at No. 12 Alabama
- Which team are you more surprised to find at 7-2?
- Has Dan Mullen outcoached Nick Saban this year?
- Vote on those and other questions about Mississippi State at Alabama!
Jamie (Provo, UT)
Do you believe Miss. State will beat Alabama this Saturday?
Ivan Maisel
Yes. I think this will be a real gut check for Alabama. The Tide isn't going to win the national championship. They're playing a team with a lot of emotion after the death of Nick Bell. Full transcript
Game 4: SportsNation's burning questions for No. 23 South Carolina at No. 22 Florida
- Would Boise State finish ahead of both in SEC East?
- Which coach will have a greater legacy?
- Vote on those and other questions about South Carolina at Florida!
Mike (Pageland, SC)
The Gamecocks travel to Gainesville this weekend to try and win their first SEC East title. How do you like their chances after the beat down from Arkansas last weekend?
Beano Cook
Number one, that game meant nothing. I agree that South Carolina should have played a little better. I am rooting for South Carolina and Steve Spurrier, but I think Florida will win. It would be ironic if Florida and Auburn met for the SEC title! Full transcript
- Vote: GameDay Pick 'Em | Heisman Watch
Game 1: SportsNation's burning questions for No. 3 TCU at No. 5 Utah
- Is TCU's defense really that much better than Utah's defense?
- Will Boise State be better off in the MWC than Utah in the Pac-10?
- Vote on those and other questions about TCU at Utah!
Jake (Honolulu, HI)
Utah seems to be coming in under the radar.. do you give them any chance this weekend? Do they hop Boise with a W?
Pat Forde
Jake: I give Utah a chance, playing at home. But I haven't seen any weaknesses yet in TCU. Frogs have handled all comers with ease. I believe TCU will win -- but if Utah does win I still question whether it would be enough to jump Boise. I don't know. Not a computer expert. Full transcript
Game 2: SportsNation's burning questions for No. 6 Alabama at No. 10 LSU
- Is playing LSU on the road tougher than playing Auburn at home?
- Which team would win if they swapped coaches?
- Vote on those and other questions about Alabama at LSU!
Mike (Dallas, TX)
What do you expect in the matchup between Patrick Peterson and Julio Jones? If my memory serves, Julio didn't have any catches on Peterson last year. Will scouts be watching this one closely?
Mel Kiper
It was a different mindset of Alabama last year. They were a brutally tough defense to move the ball on. They didn't have to score a lot of points. Their defense last year was talent laden, with some studs who are playing in the NFL right now. Last year, they didn't give up over 24 points in any game last year. They held 10 opponents to 15 points or less last year. They've held six opponents this year to 13 points or less. Nick Saban is a defensive guru. He's probably one of the best defensive strategists at any level. He's tried to reload that defensive side. They have to attack a little more. Jones is coming off that career game. Peterson is a shut down corner as well as a great return man. Alabama will attack a lot more, because their defense isn't what it was from a personnel standpoint. Full transcript
Game 3: SportsNation's burning questions for No. 18 Arkansas at No. 19 South Carolina
- Which coach was a bigger flop in the NFL?
- Which quarterback would you rather have against Alabama?
- Vote on those and other questions about Arkansas at South Carolina!
Dave (Virginia)
Pat, love the column and your chats...People keep looking at the South Carolina-Florida clash on Nov 13 in the Swamp as the decider. My question to you is, doesn't Arkansas look like Carolina's worst nightmare right now with the way the Gamecocks have defended the pass lately?
Pat Forde
Dave: Thank you. By my read of the situation, South Carolina can lose to Arkansas and still control its own destiny. At 4-3, if the Gamecocks beat Florida they win the East. Full transcript
Game 4: SportsNation's burning questions for No. 21 Baylor at No. 17 Oklahoma State
- How many points will it take to win this game?
- Is Robert Griffin III more exciting than Justin Blackmon?
- Vote on those and other questions about Baylor at Oklahoma State!
James (Stillwater)
Do you see Robert Griffin III having a big day passing like Taylor Martinez did against the OSU secondary?
Big 12 blogger David Ubben
I do, but Oklahoma State's going to put big points up, too. I didn't really get why everyone thought K-State and Oklahoma State were going to play a high-scoring game. I think I picked it like 34-17 OSU. This week could get out of hand, though. Make sure that scoreboard has room for triple digits. Full transcript
Game 1: SportsNation's burning questions for No. 1 Alabama at No. 19 South Carolina
- Will Nick Saban have a greater gridiron legacy than Steve Spurrier?
- Is Alabama's defense even better than last season?
- Vote on those and other questions about Alabama at South Carolina!
BB (Carolina)
How do you see Bama/SC playing out?
Pat Forde
BB: Nick Saban is the best coach I've seen at getting his teams to play at a consistent level regardless of opponent -- but I still expect a little letdown from the Tide after that Florida game. And South Carolina has had an extra week to prepare. Bottom line: Think that game will be close for a while. Maybe even a long while. But Bama will win. Full transcript
Game 2: SportsNation's burning questions for No. 17 Michigan State at No. 18 Michigan
- How many yards will Denard Robinson gain on the ground?
- How hot is the "Paul Bunyan's Axe" rivalry?
- Vote on those and other questions about Michigan State at Michigan!
Greg Jones (East Lansing)
I keep hearing all this talk about about D-Rob and how good the Michigan offense is, but I'm the best linebacker in the big ten. What do I gotta do to shut everybody up?
Adam Rittenberg
Prevent the explosion plays, Greg. Robinson is going to get his yards, but he can't get the runs of 50 yards or more where no one can catch him. You need to continue to take great angles to the football and wrap up. You're fast enough to keep Robinson in check near the line. But if he gets in the open field, no one is catching him. Full transcript
Game 3: SportsNation's burning questions for No. 12 LSU at No. 14 Florida
- Would LSU be better off without Les Miles?
- Is Florida freshman Trey Burton the real deal?
- Vote on those and other questions about LSU at Florida!
Don (Sugar Land)
Heard everybody input on LSU win vs Tenn except you. What do you think of Les Miles and what to do if he finishes 8-4 or 9-3 agian?
Ivan Maisel
I came up with the right analogy yesterday talking to Beano Cook on the phone (By the way, our newest podcast is up and awaiting your download). Les Miles should be called Coach Clouseau. He does everything wrong, and gets the right result. I'm just not sure if Steve Martin could master Miles' accent. Full transcript
Game 4: SportsNation's burning questions for No. 23 Florida State at No. 13 Miami
- Is Jacory Harris a better QB than Christian Ponder?
- Which team looked worse in a big game earlier this season?
- Vote on those and other questions about Florida State at Miami!
Chris (Boulder, CO)
Heather, Miami is reporting that there are less than 2000 tickets left for the big game on Saturday. Miami fans clearly think this is a bigger game than usual. Do you see this as the biggest game in Randy Shannon's tenure as head coach?
ACC blogger Heather Dinich
Hadn't thought of it like that, but now that you mention it, it probably is. He said the win at Clemson was one of the biggest for the program since he's been there. With each win, the next game only gets bigger. Full transcript
Game 5: SportsNation's burning questions for USC at No. 16 Stanford
- Is Matt Barkley a better NFL prospect than Andrew Luck?
- Was it better to be a USC fan or a Stanford fan over the last decade?
- Vote on those and other questions about USC at Stanford!
Matt (DC)
How long will JH stay at Stanford? Despite the loss he has clearly changed the culture in a very short time and I know UGA or LSU will be begging him to come
Mark Schlabach
I think Harbaugh is a future NFL coach if he leaves Stanford. I think he's there for a couple of years, but given his brother's success in NFL, I wouldn't be surprised to see him follow that career path. Full transcript
Game 1: SportsNation's burning questions for No. 1 Alabama at No. 10 Arkansas
- Would you want Ryan Mallet or Greg McElroy as your QB in a tight situation?
- Who is the best NFL prospect in this game?
- Vote on those and other questions about Alabama at Arkansas!
Cash (Arkansas)
Joe Adams is having a great season for the hogs this year. If he has a big game against Bama can he make his way into the heisman watch?
SEC blogger Chris Low
I think Adams is one of the best players in the SEC after the catch. He's terrific in space and making people miss. But it's just so hard for receivers to make a legitimate run in the Heisman race no matter how special they are. Full transcript
Game 2: SportsNation's burning questions for No. 24 Oregon State at No. 3 Boise State
- Is Boise State in Oregon State's head?
- Will Boise State run the table if it beats Oregon State?
- Vote on those and other questions about Oregon State at Boise State!
Adam (NV)
Who do you think will win this wknd between OSU vs Boise? Any chance the Beavers keep it close, or even pull the upset?
Pat Forde
Adam: Wouldn't be surprised if Oregon State keeps it close. Would be surprised if Oregon State wins. Like Boise to win. Full transcript
Game 3: SportsNation's burning questions for No. 22 West Virginia at No. 15 LSU
- Is Les Miles' job secure?
- How would a West Virginia win shake things up?
- Vote on those and other questions about West Virginia at LSU!
Walt (DC)
What will WVU do to compensate for lack of size going up against LSU's offense and defense lines?
Big East blogger Brian Bennett
I think the Mountaineers will be OK defensively. Offensive line is an issue. They need to get a push up front against what is always a talented defensive line. Perhaps some screens, the shotgun and a little old-fashioned zone read can slow that down. Full transcript
Game 4: SportsNation's burning questions for No. 16 Stanford at Notre Dame
- Which school is stronger academically?
- How well does Brian Kelly need to do this season?
- Vote on those and other questions about Stanford at Notre Dame!
Dave (NC)
I've had a bad weekend Andrea. I only care about UNC and Notre Dame sports when it comes to college and I'm from MA so the Pats let me down as well...... give me something to look forward to for UNC and or ND this week.
Andrea Adelson
Oh, Dave. I hope you are staying away from sharp objects ;) Both teams have been competitive, so there is that. Notre Dame is a few plays away from being 3-0, so there is that. I am not sure the Irish can beat Stanford -- the Cardinal have looked awfully good. But UNC can definitely beat Rutgers. From what I have seen of the Scarlet Knights, they haven't looked overly impressive and probably should have lost to FIU. Full transcript
Game 5: SportsNation's burning questions for South Carolina at Auburn
- Which is a tougher place to win on the road?
- Will South Carolina ever play in a BCS game under Steve Spurrier?
- Vote on those and other questions about South Carolina at Auburn!
Sanders Colson (Atlanta)
Auburn won one they probably should have lost to Clemson. How do think they will do against S Carolina?
Mark Schlabach
I think it should be a really good game. Clemson had some success running the ball, so I'd expect to see a heavy dose of Marcus Lattimore. Clemson did a nice job shutting down AU's offense in the first half, too. That's happened twice in the last two games, but give AU credit for coming back. Newton threw the ball well at the end. Full transcript
Game 1: SportsNation's burning questions for No. 18 Penn State at No. 1 Alabama
- Will Alabama miss Marcel Dareus more than Mark Ingram if the latter can't play?
- Who is the best coach out of Bear Bryant, Joe Paterno and Nick Saban?
- Vote on those and other questions about Penn State at Alabama!
Matt (Allentown, PA)
JoePa sounds more down on his team than he ever has when they were actually not that good. Do you think he might be bluffing and really think that Penn State has chance to be pretty good this year? I just do not believe when he says he does not have good leadership on the line. Wisniewski wasn't voted a captain, but he has to be leading those lineman.
Big Ten blogger Adam Rittenberg
Joe always sandbags a bit, especially before big games. He has done this for decades. I was pretty stunned that Stefen Wisniewski wasn't elected a captain, but I'm sure he's a good leader along that O-line. The group has to perform better, but leadership doesn't seem to be an issue. Full transcript
Game 2: SportsNation's burning questions for Michigan at Notre Dame
- Would you rather have Denard Robinson or Dayne Crist?
- Which program would you rather see regain gridiron prominence?
- Vote on those and other questions about Michigan at Notre Dame!
Curt (Indiana)
Mel, I think we'll get a better sense of both Notre Dame and Michigan this weekend. What do you think?
Mel Kiper
I think we got an indication of both teams being very improved. Notre Dame looking spirited. Better QB play from Crist. More sound fundamentally. For Michigan, Denard is the real deal. They are banged up. I liked the way Notre Dame played on paper, this is an evenly matched football game. This win will springboard the winner to an 8-9 win season. If Michigan can find a way to be 5-0 when they host Michigan State. Notre Dame plays at Michigan State and then Stanford. If they lose this game, they could be below .500 going into October. Full transcript
Game 3: SportsNation's burning questions for No. 17 Florida State at No. 10 Oklahoma
- Is Landry Jones as good as Christian Ponder at quarterback?
- Just how good a running back is Oklahoma's DeMarco Murray?
- Vote on those and other questions about Florida State at Oklahoma!
Chris J (Oklahoma City, Ok.)
Do you think Landry Jones just had an off game, or is he really not all he is hyped up to be?
Big 12 blogger David Ubben
I really think it was just an off game. He showed plenty of times last year that he's way, way more than competent. The two games he struggled were against some of the best defenses in America--and away from home. What would you expect from a freshman who's been starting for a month or two? Full transcript
Game 4: SportsNation's burning questions for No. 12 Miami at No. 2 Ohio State
- Is talk of the 2003 Fiesta Bowl really fueling the Hurricanes?
- Is Heisman hopeful Terrelle Pryor really that much better than Jacory Harris?
- Vote on those and other questions about Miami at Ohio State!
Looking for Options (Limbo)
Should ACC fans root for Miami and have to listen to their incessant arrogance but get a "stronger" conference? Or should we root against them and hopefully they will shut up about the U being back?
ACC blogger Heather Dinich
Hmm. Forget being a Miami fan or an ACC fan -- just being a college football fan I'd think you'd want the former national powerhouses -- Michigan and Notre Dame included -- to be "back" again for the sake of the sport. Full transcript
Game 5: SportsNation's burning questions for No. 7 Oregon at Tennessee
- Should Kenjon Barner get more carries than LaMichael James?
- Did Lane Kiffin or Jeremiah Masoli leave a program in a bigger lurch?
- Vote on those and other questions about Oregon at Tennessee!
Virginia (Charlotte)
How do you rate Oregon's senior Line Backers? Will the Duck's lack of beef on the D-line be a problem this weekend?
Mel Kiper
No, I don't think it will be. I like their defensive talent. They're challenge is replacing Ward in that secondary. He was arguably their best defensive player. I like their linebackers. This is a nice trip for them to go to SEC country and playing Tennessee. They have a developing star in Kenjon Barner, a sophomore do-it-all in the backfield. Great return man. He'll be one of the best players on the field. Full transcript
Game 6: SportsNation's burning questions for No. 22 Georgia at No. 24 South Carolina
- Did the NCAA go overboard on A.J. Green's suspension?
- Is the loser of this game effectively out of the SEC East race?
- Vote on those and other questions about Georgia at South Carolina!
Jon (Jacksonville, FL)
Ivan, with all the great games on this weekend, do you think the UGA - USC game might be the best when taking into account the stakes, the relative strength of both teams, and the recent history of the contest?
Ivan Maisel
Great point, Jon. They always play a close game. they are two of the top three teams in the SEC East -- and may be the top two, based on last week. I am thrilled that it's the noon game. Full transcript
- Vote: How many games would Boise State win against LSU's schedule?
- Rank 'Em: How do Kellen Moore and Mark Ingram fare as Heisman candidates?
- More from ESPN.com: Get all the latest on the SEC from Chris Low's blog
This is one of the few moves we didn't hear rumored at some point during the conference realignment frenzy of the spring and early summer. But putting aside the brutal travel schedule, how would Boise State fare as a football-playing member of the SEC?
Why do we ask? Well, it's July and we're having a hard time getting worked up about the Tour de France. But also because you asked. Specifically, Aaron from Fort Benning, Ga. asked (sort of) when ESPN.com SEC blogger Chris Low stopped by to chat Monday.
Aaron (Ft. Benning, Ga)
If Boise State goes undefeated this year and plays in the NC Game, creates a bunch of noise by winning 2 games against BCS teams, Do they need to play an SEC team for the nation to agree with a title for Boise State, (if they won)?
SEC blogger Chris Low
My stance on Boise State hasn't changed. Chris Petersen has done a terrific job and proven that Boise State can stand toe-to-toe with just about anybody in the country in a one-game situation. But if Boise State were in the SEC, I think they would be an 8-4 or 9-3 type team most years. That doesn't diminish what they've accomplished, but is something to think about when we start throwing national championship scenarios out there. Full transcript
- Vote: GameDay Pick 'Em | Heisman Watch | SportsNation Top 25
- Vote on big topics: Charlie Weis' future | Auburn at Georgia
- Blogger chat wraps: ACC | Big 12 | Big East | Big Ten | Pac-10 | SEC | Others
- More wraps: Mark Schlabach | Pat Forde | Mel Kiper | Ivan Maisel | Bruce Feldman
- Special guests: Brad Edwards | Boise State cornerback Kyle Wilson
It won't be an easy weekend for BCS Cinderellas, even though they're all playing at home. Cincinnati faces No. 25 West Virginia, TCU gets the pressure of GameDay and No. 16 Utah, and Boise State deals with a surprising 7-3 Idaho (and a visiting AD who doesn't like to fly on planes with Broncos markings).
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