SEC East Previews: Q&A with Garnet and Cocky

Apr 12, 2014; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Steve Spurrier during half time of the South Carolina spring game at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

Ronne Boisevich from our sister site on the FanSided network, Garnet and Cocky, was kind enough to answer a few of our questions..

1. South Carolina has had four straight very good seasons with a SEC East championship and three consecutive 11-win seasons. Is there any feeling around the fanbase that the 2014 team needs to strike while the iron is hot, and before Steve Spurrier decides to retire from coaching?

"With the big losses on offense and defense, I’m not sure a “need” to strike a hot iron is necessary, but with the expectations of this season and predictions we win the east, it is expected. Spurrier has already done more than expected with this team and far exceeded any real “analysts” predictions, another trip to an SEC championship or CFB Playoff would be icing on the Spurrier cake."

2. The last few years it seems the South Carolina teams have been built on defense. Despite Conner Shaw graduating it appears the offense may carry more of the load this year. Would you say that is accurate?

"If you base it on what we’ve lost on defense and the few we’ve lost on offense, you would think the offense has the heavier load. you have Dylan Thompson, a veteran QB that’s proved himself multiple times, a third year running back in Mike Davis who is a potential Heisman candidate and a receiving core that’s loaded with speed even with losing Ellington to the draft, but don’t sleep on the defense. the young linebackers came on strong at the end of last season and with the recruits coming in at defensive back, the secondary will be all over the place. the offense may have a slightly heavier load, but watch the for the defense to come on midway through the season."

3. Is there anyone on the roster that fans outside of the Palmetto state should know but don’t…someone poised for a breakout season?

"I think the most dangerous player that not a whole lot of people know about may be Shaq Roland. Carolina already has a loaded core with Byrd, Jones and Jeffery, Roland could be an under the radar slot machine. missing a few games last season to injury and other reasons, the kid has breakout potential. speed, agility and ability to get open, he has every tool there to become an elite SEC receiver and with a QB like Dylan Thompson who likes to throw a deep ball, speed and hands has this kids name all over it."

4. The Gamecocks have had Clemson’s number the last five years. They have a good program, is this just a fortunate streak or is South Carolina just that much better?

"Any South Carolina fan would believe its that we are that much better. it’s a good streak of course, but with the whole SEC vs ACC rivalry, one could argue that the players drafted for Carolina would be better fit competition wise and strength wise after a full season in the SEC compared to a full season in the ACC. not knocking the ACC, but it’s pretty simple to state which is more competitive and which prepares you more and more against the “good” teams in other conferences. this applies to playing against Clemson, the schedule they play is far less competitive than what Carolina sees, and it shows at the end of the year."

5. South Carolina was tripped up by a 5-7 Tennessee team last year. Do you see any potential pitfalls or are you expecting a focused team that has a great chance to go undefeated?

"Don’t get me wrong, we are all expecting a focused squad and would love to see undefeated. but there are a couple tricky spots in the way. one obviously being played at Auburn. but maybe the “hidden” game would be at Kentucky or at Florida. both teams sub par, but we always seem to have issues playing in both stadiums."