Gamecocks prepare to face Bulldogs for first time since 1990 loss
It’s safe to say that South Carolina’s most recent memory of playing The Citadel is an unpleasant one, coming in the form of a 38-35 loss in 1990. Slated to face the Bulldogs once again this Saturday, coach Steve Spurrier said he’s spoken about the upset with his players.
“I told our team about it; 1990, that wasn’t that long ago,” Spurrier said. “I mentioned to our team that it is a very big deal if an in-state school beats the state university anywhere.”
The Gamecocks have gone undefeated against FCS (Division I-AA) opponents since the defeat 21 years earlier, but that run hasn’t been without its close calls, including a pair of narrow victories over Wofford in 2006 and 2008. With those matchups serving as reminders, Spurrier doesn’t expect his players to take The Citadel lightly.
“Wofford almost beats us every time we play them,” Spurrier said. “Furman comes close too and South Carolina State has given us fits. We’ve just got to make sure we’re ready to play and I think our guys will. We’ve gotten the last game out of our system I believe. We’ll be ready to get some good practices in and be ready to go on Saturday.”
The Bulldogs enter the matchup boasting a less than stellar record, sitting at 4-6 overall and 2-6 in the Southern Conference. Five of those defeats were decided by 10 points or fewer, however, a fact Spurrier said should not be overlooked.
“They’ve had some tough luck this year. They’ve lost most of their close ones,” Spurrier said. “The Citadel will come in here, play their hearts out and give it their best shot to beat us.”
Robertson earns SEC honor: Senior defensive tackle Travian Robertson received conference recognition for his performance against Florida over the weekend, earning SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors for the first time this season.
“Travian had an excellent game,” Spurrier said. “He graded out the highest of all the guys last week against Florida. Travian’s been here five years and has already graduated. He’s one of our best representatives of a Gamecock football player.”
The honor comes after a four-tackle performance against the Gators that included a sack. In spite of the recognition, Robertson said the attention isn’t an important factor for him.
“We all work hard. Whoever makes plays or gets attention, that’s just because they’re working hard,” Robertson said. “We try not to pay too much attention to it just so no one will lose focus of the game plan. All I care about is winning. I don’t care about the attention as much.”
Swearinger healing from foot injury: Junior safety D.J. Swearinger overcame a stress fracture in his foot to lead the Gamecocks with nine tackles in Saturday’s victory over Florida. He was wearing a medical boot on Tuesday, but is expected to be available again this week against The Citadel.
“It hasn’t been painful,” Swearinger said. “I practiced a couple days on it last week and then played on it so it wasn’t painful at all.
“I’m going to do whatever I need to do to get it well. If I have to wear this boot every day then I just have to do it.”
Swearinger said the injury occurred in USC’s loss at Arkansas on Nov. 5.
“I think it was the turf down in Arkansas,” he said. “I just turned a certain direction and I felt it pop a little bit.”