Cavaliers ignore Holtz's routine
Gamecocks better than coach says
By Dave Johnson
Daily Press
Published September 6, 2003
Lou Holtz is at it again.
South Carolina's coach and quote machine has, in so many words, declared his
team the underdog of the century today against 15th-ranked Virginia. The
Gamecocks are so overmatched they might as well not show up. If they do, they
could get pounded as badly as Cumberland did in that 222-0 loss to Georgia Tech
back in 1916.
That is, of course, vintage Lou Holtz, who will never have his kids too high on
themselves. Here's a guy who, before last year's game against Georgia, told
reporters he hadn't felt this outclassed since his team at William and Mary
played Miami. USC nearly upset the Bulldogs, by the way, losing 13-7 in the
final minute.
Holtz has offered some gems this week, starting immediately after the Gamecocks'
14-7 victory over Louisiana-Lafayette. In discussing Virginia, Holtz told
reporters, "I don't think we have a chance at all. We might as well fold it up
and take the week off and get some sleep."
Later on ...
"I say this from the bottom of my heart: Sitting here right now, I don't know if
we can make this thing close. I don't know if we can make it close when I look
at what we do and I look at what they do."
The next day, again asked about his team's chances ...
"Comparable to the stripper that's running for governor in California. We
probably don't have as many supporters, but it's not good."
And finally, on Virginia quarterback Matt Schaub, who has a separated shoulder
and is not expected to play today. ...
"After he watches our film, he'll play. Even if he has to throw left-handed.
That'll be the best cure they can give him: Show him our film."
In truth, Holtz knows this game isn't quite Kansas State vs. McNeese State,
which actually play today. Virginia has its own problems, starting with Schaub's
injury. Redshirt freshman Anthony Martinez will make his first start today in
front of more than 80,000. Throw in the absence of fullback Jason Snelling and
wideout Michael McGrew, who are out for the year, and that's three starters on
the shelf.
If Holtz is really that pessimistic, it was his team's uninspired 14-7 victory
over Louisiana-Lafayette last week that did it. A three-touchdown favorite, USC
didn't take the lead for good until the third quarter. The home crowd booed, and
based on some of Holtz's comments, you have to wonder if he joined in.
But Virginia coach Al Groh sees a different team, a better team, than the one
Virginia beat 34-21 last year in Charlottesville.
"Looking at their offense, I think they're significantly improved from last
year," he said. "Both in terms of the jersey number and style of play, I think
they've got a Donovan McNabb look-alike (Dondrial Pinkins) at quarterback.
They're significantly improved at that position. I think they're much faster in
the backfield than they were last year. They've streamlined that.
"Their offensive line is more athletic than it was last year. And defensively,
they're running the same scheme Tampa runs, and that's put Tampa in the top of
the league in defense and helped them become the Super Bowl champions."
Of course, to hear Holtz tell it, USC might as well be playing the Bucs today.
The road team is ranked. The home team’s the underdog. Just like last
year, Dunta Robinson points out, when Virginia and South Carolina met at Scott
Stadium.
On that September day, the Cavaliers shocked the 18th-ranked Gamecocks, 34-21,
in what turned out to be a pivotal game for both teams. UVa, 0-2 at the time,
went on to a nine-win season and a Continental Tire Bowl victory. USC
plummeted out of the polls and eventually out of a bowl at 5-7.
Which is why Robinson, South Carolina’s senior cornerback, says it’s time for
“a big role reversal” today when No. 15 Virginia (1-0) takes on the unranked
Gamecocks (1-0) at 12:30 p.m. at Williams-Brice Stadium.
“Basically, we’re in the same situation they were in last year. Everyone
thinks we’ll get blown out of this game,” Robinson said. “They were the
spoiler for us. Now we want to spoil their season like they did to us.”
Indeed, South Carolina — a team with just nine returning starters and several
key injuries —has to be considered the underdog after an ugly, season-opening
14-7 victory at home against Louisiana-Lafayette in which its offense and
special teams struggled.
But the Cavaliers, despite a convincing 27-0 rout of Duke to open the season,
have their own share of uncertainties, starting with the most important
position. Redshirt freshman quarterback Anthony Martinez will make his first
collegiate start on the road in front of more than 80,000 fans.
He also will be facing an aggressive Gamecock defense that gave up no points
in the opener (Louisiana-Lafayette’s only touchdown came on a blocked field
goal) and is sure to test Martinez’s poise and decision-making with frequent
blitzes.
“I expect them to. If I was a defensive coach, I’d do the same thing,” said
Martinez, who played most of last week’s game after starter Matt Schaub
suffered a separated shoulder on the opening drive. “That’s what I want. I’m
up to the challenge.”
UVa coach Al Groh has tried to prepare his young quarterback with what he
called an intensive week of practice. Using huge speakers, he pumped loud
music onto the field during one session to simulate crowd noise. Groh dipped
into his own CD collection, including Van Halen and AC/DC, in addition to the
players’ picks (predominantly rap).
“I figured since I listened to their music, they had to listen to mine,” Groh
said.
South Carolina coach Lou Holtz said rattling Martinez may be easier said than
done.
“You can say we’ll blitz him, we’ll do this, we’ll do that,” Holtz said. “But
Coach Groh is an excellent coach and he’s been doing this a long time. They’ll
protect him. … They have a tremendous offensive line and a super running game.
Their running game is the main thing we need to stop.”
Holtz said he expects Virginia to use maximum protection in its blocking
scheme, throw deep occasionally and give the ball to Wali Lundy frequently.
Lundy ran for 88 yards and a touchdown against Duke, while fellow tailbacks
Marquis Weeks and Alvin Pearman combined for 115 rushing yards.
UVa’s defense and special teams also can take pressure off Martinez by turning
in performances like last week. The Cavaliers continually put the Blue Devils
in terrible field position and recorded their first shutout in five years.
Marques Hagans, last year’s backup quarterback, is likely to see action behind
center for the Cavaliers. Though he switched to receiver in the spring, he
gives Virginia a more agile, experienced QB and an insurance policy in case
Martinez struggles.
Holtz complained about having to prepare for two quarterbacks this week, but
Groh wasn’t sympathetic.
“I’d prefer that they were preparing for Matt Schaub,” he said.
COLUMBIA, S.C.
The stage is set for Virginia to make a splash in the college football world
over the next several weeks. If things go the Cavaliers’ way, they could be
6-0 at midseason and hosting Florida State in what could be a showdown for the
ACC championship.
We know, we know ... Al Groh disdains such language this early in the season.
To borrow one of the coach’s favorite phrases, Whoa now, there’s a lot of
football to be played.
There is no question that Virginia is in for a dogfight today. Beating South
Carolina here might be one of the most difficult challenges of the season for
UVa. But if the Cavaliers pull it off, watch out.
While the Wahoos are ranked No. 15 in the nation heading into this afternoon’s
game at sold-out South Carolina, all their hopes and dreams of taking the
program to the next level won’t advance one step if they don’t take care of
bidness today.
This isn’t exactly the heart of SEC territory geographically, but
Williams-Brice Stadium will have that SEC feel. More than 82,000 fans will be
on hand. It’s a noisy place (fans here have a slogan about the stadium that
goes, “If it ain’t swayin’, we ain’t playin’”).
Lou Holtz, the seventh-winningest coach in college football history, adds
another big-time atmosphere to the game.
So, a win here by Virginia, a 3 1/2-point favorite, could edge the Cavaliers
closer to the top 10.
Down the road
Look at how things set up. Next week, UVa plays at Western Michigan, then have
an open date before hosting Wake Forest. The Deacons aren’t Mashed Potato
State, but with the game being in Charlottesville, the Cavaliers should be
favored.
Then comes the real test when Virginia hits the road again for back-to-back
games at North Carolina and at Clemson. The Wahoos traditionally don’t play
well at either place, but both the Tar Heels and Tigers were shutout last week
and didn’t exactly look good in the process.
In the meantime, UNC faces Syracuse, Wisconsin (on the road) and N.C. State.
Clemson’s road is much easier with Furman, Middle Tennessee State and Georgia
Tech before going to Maryland the week for the UVa game. Wake has N.C. State,
Purdue and ECU.
If Virginia can escape unscathed, the Cavaliers would likely be ranked in the
top 10 and catching Florida State the week after the Seminoles play Miami.
Too early?
Sure that’s thinking big, but that’s what Groh was brought here for. Maybe
it’s premature to mention lofty rankings, a shot at the ACC title and such.
Even after the FSU game, the Wahoos still have to face Maryland and N.C. State
on the road.
Still, there’s no denying that if UVa can get by Holtz’s Gamecocks today,
there is a possibility of doing something big.
Beating South Carolina won’t be easy. The Gamecocks are convinced that they
beat themselves in Charlottesville last year because of seven USC
turnovers. Now, they have UVa in their own coop.
Holtz, who did his usual whining about how bad his team looked in last
Saturday’s 14-7 win over Louisiana-Lafayette, is now starting to talk up his
team. He said after Thursday’s practice that for the first time this season,
his guys began to look like a team.
Today’s game is HUGE for Virginia. A win could give the Cavs momentum to get
on a run. But there are two things that have to happen. UVa’s defense must
contain the Gamecocks and Cavalier freshman quarterback Anthony Martinez must
not self-destruct. Obviously, the Hoos will try to control the ball on the
ground, but Holtz is no dummy. His 4-3 defense will jam the box with bodies,
daring Martinez to pass.
Meanwhile, the Cavs’ defense must come through in order to pull out the
win. Carolina has only two starters back on offense from a year ago and the
two-deep is dotted with several freshmen, redshirt freshmen and sophomores
from back-to-back top 10 recruiting classes.
There is speed in the backfield and at wide receiver and a more athletic
quarterback to contend with, something the Cavs didn’t have to face in last
week’s pasting of Duke.
“Coach [Al] Golden [UVa’s defensive coordinator] is always talking about
suffocating the opponents’ offense and that’s what we did last week,” said
Cavalier defensive end Chris Canty. “We made [Duke] one dimensional. They
couldn’t run the ball effectively and when they went to the air, we just pass
rushed.”
That is what UVa would like to do again today but it won’t be as easy. South
Carolina is a more talented team than Duke and coached by a legend.
While Groh was almost giddy with his defense’s performance last Saturday
night, he needs to see a repeat before he’s convinced his squad has arrived.
“The challenge is out there every week,” Groh said. “Until you meet that
challenge on a week-to-week basis, you’re just a pretender and not an
arriver.”
Today, he would settle for survivor.
UVa's QB options confuse Holtz
USC coach is certain the Gamecocks will face Marques Hagans since "Straub" is
hurt.
By DOUG DOUGHTY
THE ROANOKE TIMES
To hear South Carolina football coach Lou Holtz wrestle with the identity and
pronunciation of Virginia's quarterback candidates for the teams' game today, it
was clear that the Cavaliers have the confusion element on their side.
"If you're talking in terms of advantage," UVa coach Al Groh said. "I'd prefer
that [the Gamecocks] were preparing for Matt Schaub."
Schaub, the ACC Player of the Year in 2002, was off to a torrid start this past
Saturday against Duke before he suffered a separated shoulder on the Cavaliers'
first series.
Redshirt freshman Anthony Martinez replaced Schaub and helped guide the
Cavaliers to a 27-0 triumph over the Blue Devils, but Groh has held open the
possibility of using ex-quarterback Marques Hagans at his old spot. Hagans
played wide receiver and returned punts against the Blue Devils.
"If they're two different-style guys, you've got to proportion what you do [in
practice] for both guys," Groh said. "We're certainly not doing that to cause
them problems. We're just trying to give ourselves as many options as we need."
Holtz should be somewhat familiar with Hagans because Hagans started the second
game of the 2002 season, one week before the Gamecocks went to Charlottesville.
"It's amazing," Holtz said. "Last week, when we were talking, I said, 'The good
thing is, we won't have to prepare for two quarterbacks, like we did last year
when we played Virginia. At least we know what we'll be seeing.'
"Lord knows, here we go again. I don't think there's any question they'll play
Hagans exclusively at quarterback this week. If people will remember, Florida
State dominated Virginia last year, but, in the second half, Hagans came in and
moved them to two touchdowns and performed very, very well.
"If you go back, you'll see Hagans started our game, I think, then Straub came
in. Then, the rest of the year was history and he went on and became the ACC
player."
ACC player? Clearly, he meant player of the year. Straub? Obviously, he meant
Schaub. However, it was Schaub who led the comeback at Florida State and Schaub
who started against South Carolina. Hagans hardly played.
"The only reason Hagans is not the starting quarterback for a Division I, good,
solid, bowl-bound football team is Straub was player of the year in the ACC,"
Holtz said. "They didn't move him away from quarterback because he couldn't play
quarterback. Let's keep that in mind.
"I definitely think we'll see both of them, but we definitely know we'll see
Hagans."
Presumably, Holtz thinks he'll see Martinez, although he never mentioned him by
name. If somebody had asked about Kevin McCabe, listed as co-No.2 on the UVa
depth chart, Holtz might have freaked out.
Holtz already had delivered the line of the week when he said South Carolina's
chances of beating UVa are "comparable to the stripper running for governor of
California."
Groh has heard Holtz talk before.
"To put the credibility of those statements in perspective, I also read where we
have a mammoth offensive line," Groh said. "We have two guys starting on our
offensive line [D'Brickashaw Ferguson and Zac Yarbrough] who weigh less than 275
pounds, so that puts a new definition on mammoth."
All Groh knows is that the Cavaliers are heading into a venue - 80,000-plus
Williams-Brice Stadium - that will be preying on a first-time starting
quarterback who has difficulty being heard under the best of circumstances.
Groh had his support staff set up speakers in practice prior to the Duke game
and played loud music, including several CDs from his personal collection.
"We had Van Halen out there; we had a little AC/DC out there," Groh said. "Those
two were mine. We had a quite a bit of rap in there, too. If I had to listen to
their music, I figured they had to listen to mine."
Opportunity knocks for Martinez, Dukes
Ex-Patrick Henry quarterback to handle snaps for Cavaliers
BY JEFF WHITE
TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER Sep 06, 2003
Twenty-one months have passed since quarterback Anthony Martinez last started a
football game, and that was against Phoebus High in the state Group AAA,
Division 5 final.
Martinez is no longer a schoolboy, and the Patrick Henry High graduate will
perform on a larger stage today in Columbia, S.C. He'll start for 15th-ranked
Virginia (1-0) before some 82,000 fans, the large majority of whom will be
rooting for South Carolina (1-0) and hoping to see Martinez crumble under the
pressure.
That's not an ideal situation for a first-time starter, and the Gamecocks'
defenders figure to do everything they can to rattle Martinez at sold-out
Williams-Brice Stadium.
"I expect them to," said Martinez, a redshirt freshman who made his college
debut against Duke last weekend. "If I was a defensive coach, I would do the
same thing, because I'm a new guy and haven't played many games.
"But that's what I want. I'm ready for the competition. I'm up to the challenge.
I'm ready to go out there and lead my team."
USC plays host to its former ACC rival at 12:30 p.m. The Cavaliers won't have
star quarterback Matt Schaub, who's sidelined indefinitely after separating his
throwing shoulder against Duke. That didn't stop Gamecocks coach Lou Holtz from
trotting out his woe-is-me routine.
Asked Monday to rate South Carolina's chances of beating Virginia, Holtz said,
"Comparable to the stripper that's running for governor in California. I say
this from the bottom of my heart: Sitting here right now, I don't know if we can
make this thing close."
Holtz, of course, is known for poor-mouthing his teams, whether at Notre Dame or
South Carolina. His counterpart doesn't expect a blowout today. Al Groh said
before the Duke game that he'd be pleased if the Cavaliers won by a point, and
the same undoubtedly would be true again today.
Groh likes Martinez's potential, but the third-year coach is realistic about the
challenge facing the Cavaliers, who are looking to start 2-0 for the first time
since 1998.
"This is different from putting another right guard in there," Groh said. "The
right guard doesn't have to call the plays. The right guard doesn't become a
symbol for the team."
A year ago, in Charlottesville, Schaub passed for 170 yards and three touchdowns
in a 34-21 upset of No. 22 South Carolina, but Marques Hagans also played
quarterback for the Cavaliers. Hagans moved to wide receiver after the season
and sparkled there last weekend. Still, with Schaub out, the elusive sophomore
from Hampton is likely to line up behind center at some point today.
"We were talking," said Holtz, and "I said, 'The good thing is we won't have to
prepare for two quarterbacks like we did last year. . . . This year, they've got
[Hagans] at wide receiver. So at least we'll know what we're seeing.'
"Lord knows, here we are again. I don't think there's any doubt they will play
Hagans at quarterback exclusively this week. "
Asked about using Hagans at QB, Groh didn't tip his hand. "We hold out that
option," he said, "and we might just do that."
Groh also said, however, that Martinez has looked comfortable leading the first
team in practice this week. "He's very confident in what he's doing. It looks
like he's having fun with this opportunity, and that's projected very well."
U.Va. threw 32 passes against USC last season. The Cavaliers would probably
prefer to win today with a dominant defense and a powerful running game, a mix
that would lighten Martinez's burden. In 3½ quarters against Duke, Martinez
attempted only 15 passes - he completed six, for 76 yards and one touchdown -
but U.Va. totaled 204 yards rushing to win going away.
"It's a statement when you can do that," junior tailback Alvin Pearman said.
QB: Dondrial Pinkins threw for only 185 yards, but USC coaches say he did not miss a read in opening win. Anthony Martinez gets his first career start in place of the injured Matt Schaub.
Edge: USC.
RB: After only three carries last week, USC has to get freshman Demetris Summers more involved. Virginia's three-headed tailback (Wali Lundy, Alvin Pearman, Marquis Weeks) combined for 203 yards vs. Duke.
Edge: UVA.
WR: USC receivers had 10 drops last week, including two certain touchdowns. Virginia's Art Thomas and Ottowa Anderson trying to overcome loss of Michael McGrew.
Edge: EVEN
OL: Gamecocks gave uninspired effort and failed to control the line against Ragin' Cajuns. Three starters return for Cavaliers, who have no seniors up front.
Edge: UVA
Pass defense: Secondary played well in opener, but USC needs a more consistent pass rush. Cavs held Duke to 120 passing yards in last week's shutout.
Edge: UVA
Run defense: Middle linebacker Marcus Lawrence had 12 tackles, two for a loss, and a sack in USC debut. Virginia was next to last in ACC last year, allowing 208 rushing yards a game.
Edge: USC
Special teams: USC missed two field goals and had a long punt return negated by penalty vs. Louisiana-Lafayette. Virginia K Connor Hughes was 2-for-2 on field goals vs. Duke; Cavs also blocked a field goal.
Edge: UVA
About Blackstock: The 6-foot-4 sophomore led the nation's freshmen with 10 sacks and 14 tackles for loss last year. His 10 sacks set an ACC freshman record and his 21 pressures led the Cavaliers.
How he's featured: Virginia puts Blackstock in the best position to get to the quarterback, using him on either side of the field and even lining him up at nose tackle. Blackstock does not have much coverage responsibility.
USC's strategy: Gamecocks offensive coordinator Skip Holtz said it will take a team effort to negate Blackstock. So expect USC's tackles to get some help from the tight ends and fullbacks.
Man on the spot: Left tackle Travelle Wharton is the Gamecocks' best lineman, an Outland Trophy candidate whose forte is pass blocking.
Wharton may not face Blackstock on every play. But when he does he'll have to establish position and keep Blackstock out of the backfield.
Bring the heat, bring the noise
For the second week in a row, USC faces a redshirt freshman quarterback making his first career start. The Gamecocks never rattled Louisiana-Lafayette's Jerry Babb. But if USC hopes to get the crowd (which booed the home team last week) involved, the defense better come after Anthony Martinez.
Escape from fumble island
USC backs were banished to "Fumble Island" last year after losing six fumbles in a 34-21 loss at Virginia. The Gamecocks cured their fumble-itis later in the season and protected the ball well last week against Louisiana-Lafayette. Quarterback Dondrial Pinkins fumbled twice, losing one of them.
Kick the bad habits
Place-kicker Daniel Weaver returns after being held out of last week's game for an undisclosed eligibility issue. Weaver went only 4 of 10 on field goals longer than 29 yards in 2002 and has been inconsistent during the preseason. Josh Brown, his replacement last week, wasn't any better, going 0-for-2 with one attempt blocked and returned 89 yards for a touchdown.
The Cavaliers (1-0) come into the 12:30 regionally-televised game without their best player, quarterback Matt Schaub, whose face graces the cover of the school's football media guide along with the words "Heisman Trophy Candidate."
But Schaub, the Atlantic Coast Conference offensive player of the year in 2002, will watch from the sidelines to-day, after suffering a shoulder injury in last week's 27-0 win against Duke.
Holtz watched his team slip past lightly regarded Louisiana-Lafay-ette 14-7 in a performance that drew a smattering of boos from the sellout crowd in Williams-Brice.
"The way we played, the way Virginia is playing. They beat us last year," Holtz said. "Now are we going to show up? Yeah, but I'd tell our fans, don't come here with a lot of expectations."
But clearly, the Gamecocks do have a better chance today with Schaub on the sidelines. Redshirt freshman Anthony Martinez will make his first collegiate start for the Cavaliers. He came on in relief of Schaub last week and did enough to get the Cavaliers through their opener.
Virginia coach Al Groh says Martinez has something to prove. Right now, he's just another quarterback.
"He's a big, strong quarterback with a live arm," Groh said. "Outside of that, until he has something on his resume, that's all just potential."
Groh added the 6-3, 237-pound Martinez is "very confident in that he's going to be a very good quarterback."
The Gamecocks have switched to a 4-3 defensive alignment this season and many of the kinks have yet to be worked out. If Holtz felt more comfortable with his defense, he might be able to throw all kinds of looks at Martinez today. And if Schaub were playing, he'd know more about exactly what to expect.
Holtz even said they would prepare for the option just in case Marques Hagans, who has been moved to wide receiver, comes in at quarterback. Hagans played the spot last year and gave the Cavaliers a change of pace with his ability to run.
"We'll blitz," Holtz said, "but they're going to protect the quarterback, and I think they'll try and go deep much more often. They have great protection and a super running game.
"The running game is the number one thing I think we have to defend. I think they'll try to ram the ball down our throats."
Holtz was lavish in his praise of Virginia running backs Wali Lundy, Alvin Pearman and Marquis Smith. Lundy is a quick, talented 6-1, 212-pounder.
And they run behind a young, but experienced offense line led by 6-6, 333-pound Elton Brown.
While Holtz worries about stopping Virginia, he has an equally worrisome task in trying to jumpstart his own offense. What was supposed to be a wide-open attack looked like the same old, same old in last week's struggle. Quarterback Dondrial Pinkins didn't move the team consistently, the wide receivers dropped 10 passes and the running game was ineffective.
Holtz said this week freshmen Demetris Summers and Syvelle Newton could expect to get the ball more today.
"Virginia's good," Holtz said, "but we need to get this thing on track as well."
The Gamecocks did get some good news this week.
Linebacker Lance Laury, who has struggled throughout preseason while recovering from knee surgery, is expected to start. Linebacker Ricardo Hurley, slowed by a severe ankle sprain, is almost healthy and should see more playing time. And place kicker Daniel Weaver, sidelined by eligibility issues last week, will be back.
But the key figure today is likely to be Martinez.
Groh said the most significant thing about Martinez last week was "he brought his team home."
"When he went into the game" Groh said, "it was 3-0, and when the game ended it was 27-0. He was the pilot when 24 of those points were scored, and that's a significant thing for a guy in his first game."
On Tuesday, he cranked up the VCR and played back much of last year's 34-21 loss in Charlottesville in the second game of the season.
He probably hit the replay button a few times just to reinforce what happened. The Gamecocks committed seven turnovers, a stunning number for a Holtz coached team.
He later remarked he'd had teams that didn't commit that many in a season.
It's a scenario he knows his team can't repeat Saturday afternoon when the 15th-ranked Cavaliers come to Williams-Brice Stadium for a 12:30 regionally televised game. Winning the game will be difficult enough, even if the Gamecocks hang on to the ball.
The Cavaliers were impressive in a 27-0 win over Duke last week, while the Game- cocks struggled to get past Louisiana-Lafayette 14-7 at home.
"We're really going to be tested," Holtz said.
For the Gamecocks, the scenario is similar to last season.
A year ago, the Cavaliers were 0-2, having lost 35-29 to Colorado State and 40-19 to Florida State. South Carolina was 1-0, having played well enough to slip past New Mexico State, 34-24.
The game was a turning point for both teams.
Virginia won, went on to an 8-5 regular season and beat West Virginia in the Continental Tire Bowl. The Gamecocks lost, and although they jumped to a 5-2 start, dropped their last five and fell one win shy of reaching a bowl for the third straight year.
That's why Dunta Robinson and other Gamecocks remember the Virginia game so well.
"That was the game that broke our season," Robinson said. "It hurt us a lot, because we thought it was a game we could have easily won even with the seven turnovers. We still only lost by 13. If we hold on, I think last season would have been totally different."
Of the Gamecocks' seven turnovers, six were fumbles, including two inside Virginia's 20. Two more came inside South Carolina's 20, both leading to Virginia TDs.
The following week, the Gamecocks played Georgia at home and fumbled three times, the last one inside the Bulldogs' five in the closing seconds. Georgia, scoring one TD on a miraculous interception by defensive end David Pollack in the end zone when he stripped the ball from quarterback Corey Jenkins, won 13-7.
That game, too, could have changed two seasons. The Bulldogs went on to win the SEC title and the Sugar Bowl. Had the Gamecocks hung on, they would have at least reached a bowl game. Who knows what kind of confidence boost it would have provided to have beaten what was at the time the country's ninth-ranked team.
"We kind of got off track in the Virginia game, because we had seven turnovers, and that carried into the Georgia game," Robinson said. "The way we played last year against Virginia had a lot to do with the way our season ended."
Holtz isn't totally sold on the idea last year's Virginia loss set the tone for the season.
"We lost a heartbreaker at Virginia and then come back and really lose a heartbreaker to Georgia," Holtz said. "And yet we come back and win our next four. We lost two heartbreakers, and that would have broken most teams."
While there will be plenty of football left to play after Saturday, the Gamecocks, going on last season's memories, understand beating Virginia this time could help make a season.
They go to Georgia next week and Tennessee in two weeks. They need to get through the first five weeks with at least a winning record.
"Last year that game (Virginia) and the Georgia game cost us a bowl game," defensive back Jamacia Jackson said. "We don't want to not make a bowl because of us. If we don't make it, it'll be because other teams beat us, not because we beat ourselves."