USC’s loss at Florida on Saturday was, in every sense of the word, devastating to Gamecock fans all around the nation.
After the team’s earth-shattering win against Georgia two weekends ago, we’re still nursing the wounds of the most recent loss, as well as the one at LSU the week before, that has not only tanked our national rankings but taken a toll on our Gamecock pride. But this editorial isn’t about how bad our football team is, contrary to what people have been saying about us and what we have been saying about ourselves all week. This editorial is about reminding everyone to keep things in perspective.
More than a decade ago, we were 0-11 in college football. Throughout the years, we’ve pulled ourselves up enough to be recognized nationally as a great team. The only two bad games we’ve had all year — away games against two of the most challenging teams to play in the SEC — should not, in our minds, negate all of the progress we’ve made. Our recent years of success have raised our expectations to be sky high, but it’s important to keep in mind that the higher our expectations, the greater our chance of being disappointed. However, not meeting our own expectations doesn’t qualify us as an inferior team.
So cheer up, Gamecocks, and remember we’ve come a very long way from where we were. The season’s not over, and we can still finish strong if we, as a student body and loyal fans, can be as supportive as we’ve always been through both wins and losses.
And if all else fails, at least we’re still ahead of Clemson.