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As an aspiring sports journalist, I make it a point to read what other people in my field have written to incorporate a number of different styles in my writing to keep it interesting.
At this point in the summer, I am completely ready for college football season. So, accordingly, I read a lot of material about college football. While reading, I stumbled across a column by a columnist at the University of Florida who shall remain nameless.
A few weeks ago, he decided he would write a column lovingly entitled "Spurrier deserved better than South Carolina." The title alone conveys the bitterness with which this column was obviously written. On further research, I discovered that last fall this very same columnist blasted his own administration for not hiring Spurrier. But, as we enter August, I promise you, Steve Spurrier does not need your pity.
Let's not forget that in 1990, Spurrier's first Florida team was unable to be crowned SEC Champions for what reason? They were on probation. The columnist then went on to talk about how a 60-year-old Spurrier is not the same intimidating figure he was on the sidelines at the helm of the offensive explosion that was the Florida Gators. Don't you think we should wait until his team has played a game before we decide that?
Many Florida fans will tell you that Florida didn't want Spurrier back. Right. That's like saying the Bulls didn't want Jordan back after he decided to exit his comfort zone and go play baseball.
The aforementioned columnist seems to think Spurrier would rather be coaching at the talent-rich Florida than at USC. From all indications, Spurrier was asked by Florida officials to submit a resume and apply like any other coach. Can you imagine what he must have said to that?
"Hey Foley (UF's athletics director), why don't you take a look at that big shiny ring on your right hand, or go look at all those trophies in the hallway outside your office. That's my resume you uppity..." You get the point.
Here's why Spurrier is at USC. It's a challenge. My counterpart's response to that is "Well, so was the NFL." Touché. But there is a big difference between the NFL and the SEC.
Another thing, is South Carolina really that big of a project? We are talking about a team that two years ago went 5-6 and came a fake punt away from beating the aforementioned Florida Gators in Williams-Brice Stadium. We are talking about a bowl-bound South Carolina team before a little incident we won't mention in 2004. The most recent recruiting class - pieced together mostly by Spurrier - had eight players from the columnist's self-proclaimed recruiting gold mine state of Florida.
And let's pretend that none of that really matters for a second. Do you really want to bet against Steve Spurrier on a college sideline? Yeah, he had a lot of talent at Florida, but does a lot of talent single-handedly boost you to the highest-winning percentage in SEC history? I have my doubts about an immediate turnaround for the Gamecocks. I, unlike many others, do not think that USC will win the SEC in Spurrier-year one.
But, I'll let our 20-year-old columnist friend make all the bets against this living legend he wants.
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