Williams-Brice Stadium, SC (WLTX) -- Head USC Football Coach Steve Spurrier told reporters Tuesday that there's no pressure on his young Gamecock offense this Saturday against the No. 17 Clemson Tigers. "We shouldn't feel pressure on our guys," Spurrier said of the State Championship, "You always try to play the best you can, and that's what we try to focus on." The Head Ball Coach says he's preparing his young players to take on an explosive Tiger squad in what he's calling the Gamecocks' "Biggest game of the year." Related Coverage: Steve Spurrier Hopes Gamecocks Play "Best Game of Year" Against Tigers So what can fans expect out of the Carolina offense? "[Quarterback] Stephen [Garcia] has improved tremendously, with much room for improvement. He has to play a good, tough game to give us a chance here Saturday," Spurrier said. Fans have criticized the redshirt sophomore, saying Garcia doesn't perform like typical "Spurrier Quarterbacks" of years past, such as Danny Wuerffel, Rex Grossman, and Shane Matthews. "I think we're a little bit better with what we're trying to do," Spurrier said of his offense that features young playmakers like freshman receiver Alshon Jefferey and redshirt freshman receiver Tori Gurley. The Head Ball Coach has also taken the brunt of some of the fan criticism and speculation when it comes to the touchy topic of play-calling. "We'll finish the year with the play calling," Spurrier said, "I'll be calling almost all of 'em." Spurrier said he didn't understand why Clemson Coach Dabo Swinney didn't see the same kind of criticism with his young quarterback, Kyle Parker. "I don't see a lot of how they [the Clemson coaching staff] call their plays. Oh, you know what? They're winning. They won their last six," Spurrier joked with himself. He said he just wants his team to finish with a win, but there's no pressure to walk away with more than their current six (6-5, 3-5 SEC). "The rivalry game is the one that fans and most people talk about. I think in the past, it used to be bigger, because in the past, there wasn't a bowl game," Spurrier said, "Now, if you win a bowl game, you can end on a win. In sports, you're about as good as your last game."
11/24/2009 5:16:25 PM
