Many SEC observers are likely taking glee in the tough times of Steve Spurrier and Bobby Petrino, who face lo-o-o-o-ng seasons without a reversal of fortunes.
Spurrier has dropped seven of eight games at South Carolina. The culprit this year is offense, where his influence is greatest, given that the accomplished strategist calls three-fourths of the plays. For the most part, he turns over the defense to his coordinator.
"Blocking and throwing and catching has been our biggest problem," says Spurrier, whose wisecracks and occasional jabs at others suggests he enjoys wearing the black hat. "We haven't had a consistent running attack or a consistent passing attack. How's that?"
Not good, especially since he views the roster as his most talented yet at the school.
Worse, the Gamecocks have shelved receiver Kenny McKinley, their main threat, for at least another week with an injury. As consolation, the next opponent is Wofford.
Then there is Arkansas, which could face four straight Top 10 teams for the first time in NCAA history in a single season. The Razorbacks confront No. 9 Alabama this week, followed by a makeup with No. 7 Texas, then No. 4 Florida and No. 10 Auburn.
Under new coach Bobby Petrino, who fled the scorned Atlanta Falcons in the middle of last season and probably shut the door on future head jobs in the NFL, the Razorbacks had hoped to rev up for the scary run with blowout wins. But they eked past Western Illinois and Lousiana-Monroe by a combined five points.
"Change is hard on everybody, and particularly seniors," said Petrino, explaining the slow start. "They've got to work on buying in."
Outside of their own communities, few tears are being shed for Spurrier and Petrino. Perhaps the pair should look forward to Nov. 8, when one is sure to win. It's Arkansas vs. S.C. in Columbia.
What are your feelings toward the two coaches? Love to see 'em suffer?
2 comments:
Yep! These are two coaches that deserve some suffering. What happened to Carolina's highly regarded recruiting classes? Arkansas knew what they were getting into when they hired Petrino. While he had meteoric success at Louisville, seems he left behind a number of players with some nasty baggage.
steve nor bobby is suffering as much as your blog is. wow - you say you were a sports editor? of what your school paper?
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