(Editors Note: This blog post was written and scheduled to publish prior to the Dabo Swinney rant from yesterday. While this particular post is indeed timely, we will have more to say about the subject in the coming days.)

We get it every time we beat CTU,  the predictable “Overall Record Defense.”  I’m sure you’ve heard it multiple times:  “Sure, you guys might have won this one, but so what.   We still have a commanding [fill in series record]  lead in the overall series.”  The intent, of course, is to deflect attention from the fact that we won THIS YEAR and have bragging rights THIS YEAR.  A good friend of  TRC, let’s call him Moon Pie, was recently engaged in a spirited dialogue with a CTU supporter about the butt stomping administered last Saturday.  Said CTU supporter immediately dragged out the tired Overall Record Defense.  What follows is Moon Pie’s retort.  We are publishing  it here to expose this defense for what it is-more CTU delusionary garbage:  

After South Carolina’s 34-13 win over the Clemson Tigers last Saturday, the typical rivalry banter has been rampant. Truth be told, the Tigers made it pretty easy for the Gamecocks to talk smack. Between the “Shock the World Tour”, the head cheerleader’s rants on ESPN, Gatorade baths after taking down a 2-10 team, and even @Tahj10 taunting in the Twittersphere, the Tigers set themselves up for a tremendous fall. When they dropped 3 of their last 4, the Meltdown in Tatertown was in full gear.

In typical CTU fashion and with little else to brag about, a familiar mantra has been heard and it’s this last line of defense we’ll explore here. Unless you’ve been under a rock, I’m sure you’ve heard some young punk with no perspective of history throw out “We own the overall series record.” Don’t blame him, it’s what he’s been taught by the cheaters to the west.

Since 1896, the Tigers are 65-40-4 against the Gamecocks, but let’s get real honest about a few things and speak the truth. For starters, a whole big chunk of that 25-win advantage occurred so early in the rivalry it’s almost shameful for them to brag. I mean, it’s like Spain bragging about the Armada. I simply don’t believe you can compare a “win” before the forward pass and facemasks were invented to a win seen nationally on ESPN. And another big chunk of those wins came during a dark time in the rivalry when Clemson was cheating so hard NCAA investigators rented homes in Easley. Clemson supporters got so bent out of shape after a blowout loss in Columbia they hit the road with a sack of money.  Charley Pell and Danny ended up looking like Johnny Appleseed with $100 bills.

A little History lesson:

Like all of the farm and tractor schools a century ago, Clemson put a huge priority on athletics. USC did not. The student body of South Carolina was mostly sons of the wealthy who were at the college to learn. Sports were intramurals. In 1894, Clemson’s farm boys joined an athletics conference. South Carolina didn’t do that until 21 years later. Heck, in 1906 the Gamecocks didn’t even field a team. It just didn’t matter to them back then. At Clemson, John Heisman was the coach. Their biggest rival was Georgia Tech. Touchdowns were worth the same number of points as field goals. It was not the same game. For Clemson to brag about wins in this era would be like the Green Bay Packers celebrating wins over the Governor’s School for the Arts. I don’t understand how Carolina won the games they did! It really didn’t get competitive until 1922 when South Carolina joined Clemson in the newly formed Southern Conference.

Farmers vs. City Boys, 1896 – 1921: Clemson 13 out of 19 with one tie. Clemson advantage +8.

Clemson joined the Southern Conference in 1921 and Carolina a year later. They played in the league together until 1952. Similar opponents, similar teams. Clemson won two conference championships, USC did not. When both teams left the SoCon for the ACC, their head-to-head record was Clemson 16 –USC  13. They tied twice. It’s pertinent to mention here that the Heisman trophy was originated in this era, and leather helmets went away, too (in 1949).

The Southern Conference years, 1922 – 1952: Clemson Advantage +3

Both teams were members of the ACC from 1953 to 1970. Clemson had a better program under Frank Howard. They won 6 ACC titles to Carolina’s 1. The teams played 18 times as ACC opponents. Each won 9. Clemson won the next two, then the ‘Cocks in ‘73 and right back to Clemson in ‘74, and that brought us to a Gamecock win in 1975 – The Year the Whole Thing Changed.

The ACC Years (plus a few), 1953 – 1975: Clemson 12 wins, USC 11 wins. Clemson Advantage +1

The 1975 Gamecocks behind QB Jeff Grantz scored 8 touchdowns in 8 possessions in a lopsided 56-20 win. The last TD was a pass with about a minute left. Clemson was mad and vowed:  “This will never happen again.” Their solution?  They amassed the best talent money could buy, and did it very well. Under Coaches Charley Pell and Danny Ford, Clemson won 4 of the next 5 before going undefeated in 1981, beating Nebraska in the Orange Bowl, and buying a National Championship. The NCAA came snooping. No matter – they used their newly-minted national prominence to attract some great talent. They paid these guys so much they didn’t mind being on probation when the NCAA slapped Clemson with the worst penalties ever handed down by the infractions committee (prior to the SMU Death Penalty). And just when you thought they were done, they got caught again. Danny Ford couldn’t survive this time and he was forced out after 11 years. But he left one heck of a legacy – 11 wins in 15 tries over USC, A National Title, and a new name for the booster club: IPTAY —  It’s Probation Time Again, Y’all. Clemson spent more years on probation in the 80’s than Michael Jackson had hit records.

The Cheaters Era, 1976 – 1990: Clemson 11 out of 15 (one tie)

There is no way to quantify the unfair advantage Clemson gained in the overall series by cheating. There’s no doubt the games during these 15 years were tainted, but just how far can you carry the taint? In the 50 years prior to selling their soul for a handful of wins, Clemson held just a 4-game edge in the series. After abandoning morals, legalities, and decency, they won 24 of the next 37. Both schools had very bad coaching hires (Sparky Woods, Brad Scott, Tommy West) and Clemson was simply better in the ‘90s. After suffering through some very bad teams and 8 years in the SEC with inferior talent and coaching, the Gamecocks finally hired Lou Holtz and then Steve Spurrier and now have some SEC-caliber talent. The last three years have proved it.

The next time they start spouting off about the series record, ask if they know what happened in 1975. Remind them of Jeff Grantz and Charley Pell. Acknowledge they’ve won more conference titles, and congratulate them for that. Ask  if they had electricity on the farms when they scored about 20 of those wins. Then ask  if they are proud to tout Danny Ford’s record. When they wear that solid orange, does it make them feel like an inmate from the Pickens County Jail? Yes, you’ve got the overall record to hang your hat on, but is it worth your dignity? Are you proud your school built their program by severely cheating? Go ahead and crow about 65-40. Enjoy the Hokies on Saturday. Reflect on nearly 1100 days since you beat the Gamecocks. Jump up and down with your cheerleader coach. We’ll see you next year.  Oh, and get ready for 65-41 (that’s FOUR IN A ROW).

The Good News.  Obviously, it was a win.  And win #9 to be exact.  Even better, CTU lost.  Any Saturday where we win and CTU loses qualifies as a good day.  Putting things in perspective, 9 wins for this football team, and this program, is quite an accomplishment.  It’s only the 4th time in our history this has been achieved.  As much as we want the Auburn game back, we should all be realistic and realize that we could easily be 7-4 or 8-3.  This team gutted out some tough wins (Navy, MSU) and reached into the bags of tricks for others (UGA, ECU).

The Bad News.   We played down to the competition, again.  Other than the Kentucky game, it seems as if we always have to sweat a little bit.  Don’t tell me you weren’t concerned when El Cid kicked the field goal to make it 20-13, knowing that they got the ball to start the 2nd half.  Another huge concern when looking at this game are the injuries.  While only the one to D. Jeffrey seems serious at the moment, several starters, particularly on defense, are nicked up.  This is not the condition we need to be in with Tajh and Sammy coming to town.  Here’s hoping that we heal up fast and that most of the walking wounded can suit up on Saturday night.  Finally, some words about our special teams:  THEY SUCK.

Connor Can Throw.   Yes, there was the one bad pick, but otherwise Shaw chunked it around pretty well.  This was good to see given that our passing game has been viturally non-existent the last few weeks.  While he still pulled the ball down a bunch, at times he hung in the pocket and delivered some pretty good throws.  The screen game to Wilds was impressive as were the deep out and the pump and go passes he threw to Sanders.  Plus, it was nice to see Alshon back in the game plan.  Speaking of Alshon…….

Alshon Can Catch.  While we all pretty much know that big #1 will likey be playing on Sundays next year, it was awesome to see him make another highlight reel catch in a USC uniform.   Most of us could feel a pass to Alshon coming on that drive.  Heck, it appeared that the big guy actually called it at the line.  The catch was vintage Alshon-one handed with defenders draped all over him.  Gonna miss the big fella.  Hope more monster catches are in store this year now that the drought has been snapped.

Fumble!  Glad we didn’t need the turnovers as every loose ball seemed to avoid the garnet and find the blue on Saturday.

No More Triple Option.  Unless we somehow find ourselved matched up with Georgia Tech in the post season, it appears that we survived the triple option.  While I love watching that offense being executed properly, I hate it when we have to face a team that runs it.  Our D is obviously better suited for the more conventional offenses being run in college today.  Our defense pursues well and can get after the quarterback.  Those things don’t help much when the opposition runs the belly play well and hardly ever passes.  Oh, and thanks to El Cid for running that stupid throw back to their offensive lineman on 3rd and five from our thirty.  Two dives from the fullback would have resulted in a first down.  One of the plays of the game.

Kudos to The Citadel and the Military.  The Cadets played tough and disciplined football.  Their quarterback looked no taller than 5-6, but that dude could play.  Gotta give their players credit for playing hard and taking it to us.  They gave us all we wanted and more.  The salute to the armed forces at halftime was well done and well received by the fans.  The figher jet flyover always gives me chills.

Wacky Saturday.  Those who stayed up late were treated to some fantasitic finishes.  The Oregon-So Cal and Baylor-Oklahoma games, and the finishes in particular, were pretty darn amazing.  I missed TN-Vandy and FSU-Virginia but understand that those games were great ones as well.   I was able to catch some of the CTU beatdown.  Damn, that had to hurt.

Historically, we have had some special moments, and some moments that were, shall we say, not so special.� When recounting days of yesteryear, we often forget that this underappreciated part of the game can have a HUGE impact.� First some positive memories:� Squeaky Watson�s two blocked punts in one game, Daniel Weaver�s Outback Bowl game winner, and Josh Brown�s bleeder over the crossbar at UT.� Negatives?� Oh, we�ve got plenty.� How about the multiple blocked kicks by Florida (perhaps my most painful moment as a Gamecock fan, right up there with the Push Off), the blocked extra point at Arkansas, and the blocked kick last year (and all the kick returns) at Georgia.� Here�s the best case/worst case for the special teams in 2010.

Placekicking

Best Case:� Spencer Lanning picks up where he left off last year and continues to drill the ball through the uprights.� Not only does Spencer maintain his consistency, but he adds range to his arsenal and booms some 50+ yarders that would make Ryan Succop proud.� Even our Tar Hole transfer gets to kick a few when Spencer�s leg gets tired.

Worst Case:� Most of Lanning�s kicks look like his first field goal attempt last year at NC State.� Putrid.� On top of that, Strickland has butterfingers as the new holder and we have to resort to going for it on fourth down.� We finally get a good hold and a straight kick in the Florida game, and some 7 foot walk on from the basketball team blocks the potential game winning kick-with his armpit.

Punting and Punt Coverage

Best Case:� Spencer improves his hang time and average, and drops about twenty kicks inside the five yard line.� The punt coverage team is so quick and hits so hard that the opposing coaches hardly ever put return guys back there.� In one rare case a punt return is attempted against us, DJ Swearinger pops the guy in the ear hole and knocks him into next week.� This conjures up memories of Shannon �Bodybag� Wadley and DJ becomes a legend.

Worst Case:� Last year happens again and we can�t cover a kick.� Shane Beamer is seen foaming at the mouth and ripping helmets (and heads) off on the sidelines.� We resort to the Lou Holtz soccer style punting method and the first punt hits the long snapper in the back resulting in a net punt of negative eight yards.� Based on our inability to punt or cover a punt, SOS starts going for it on 4^th down regardless of our field position.

Kickoffs and Kickoff Coverage

Best Case:� Joey Scribner-Howard is the second coming of Succop and launches kick-offs into the Student Section with regularity.� When Joey feels charitable, he kicks it short and lets the coverage team annihilate the return guy.� The kickoff team actually becomes a strength.�

Worst Case:� See above-last year happens.� The kicks are short and the returns are long.� Adam �Yikes� Yates gets another shot, but kicking it out of bounds to eliminate the risk of a big return becomes the preferred strategy.

Punt and Kickoff Return Teams

Best Case:� Culliver gets his mojo back and does what we all know he can do.� He pays back Georgia by returning a kickoff for a TD-our first since 2002.� He does it again against CTU, erasing all memories of a certain return against us last November.� Gilmore provides steady hands as the punt returner and channels his inner Deion on occasion.� Oh, and we actually block a punt.� Imagine that for a moment.� Let it sink in real good.

Worst Case:� Culliver’s shoulder acts up again and Sherm is left as the primary kick returner.� We’re lucky if we get it back to the twenty, and eventually start letting the ball bounce into the end zone in hopes of getting a touch back.

Overall

Best Case:� Lanning wins the Lou Groza award and kicks the winning field goal in the Sugar Bowl.

Worst Case:� We set the NCAA record for allowing the most kicks returned for TDs in a season.

Why let facts get in the way of a good story?� That�s evidently what every crackerjack�reporter covering Whitneygate must be thinking.� Or maybe I�m giving them too much credit.� They may not be thinking at all.� In various stories we�ve read, the outstanding room balances could be deemed an �extra benefit� by the NCAA. What exactly is an extra benefit?� Well, here�s the definition, which frankly, was very easy to find (ever heard of Google?):

An extra benefit is any special arrangement by an institutional employee or a representative of the institution’s athletics interests�to provide a student-athlete or the student-athlete’s relative or friend a benefit not expressly authorized by NCAA legislation. Receipt of a benefit by student-athletes or their relatives or friends is not a violation of NCAA legislation if it is demonstrated that the same benefit is generally available to the institution’s students or their relatives or friends or to a particular segment of the student body (e.g., foreign students, minority students) determined on a basis unrelated to athletics ability (NCAA Bylaw 16.02.3)

A student-athlete may not receive a special discount, payment arrangement or credit on a purchase (e.g., airline tickets, clothing) or a service (e.g., laundry, dry cleaning) from an institutional employee or a representative of its athletics interests.

So, it turns out that the institution or an individual connected to the athletic interests of an institution must provide the benefit in order for it to be considered an �extra benefit.�� That�s interesting, as we at�TRC�don�t recall one instance where a reporter covering Whitneygate�made the effort to actually match the facts to the definition.� Maybe the Whitney is owned or operated by a bunch of Gamecock Club members, or maybe not.� No one has made that connection.� By now, you would think that such a connection would have been uncovered and plastered all over the front page.� The fact that it has not is a pretty good indication that there is no connection, or that the reporters covering Whitneygate have no clue.