COLUMBIA -- Steve Spurrier won't walk out on that limb, not this year and certainly not before South Carolina shows him something on the field.

Like most years, the Gamecocks' schedule is back-loaded, with most of the toughest tests coming down the stretch. A year after limping to the finish line, USC needs to find a way to survive its five-game gauntlet that begins at home against LSU.

COLUMBIA -- If Steve Spurrier believes South Carolina can contend for a Southeastern Conference championship this season, the outspoken Gamecocks coach is not saying.

COLUMBIA -- If USC's various special teams units didn't know what was in store for them in the Ray Rychleski era, the night of Aug. 7 filled in the blanks.

COLUMBIA -- South Carolina tailback Mike Davis was the forgotten man at the end of last season.

COLUMBIA -- On Thursday afternoon at USC's practice field, coach Steve Spurrier stood surrounded by the media and offered up this proclamation about freshman receiver and former Chester standout C.C. Whitlock:

COLUMBIA -- The knock on Tommy Beecher has been his lack of experience.

COLUMBIA -- Jamon Meredith's talent is such that he might be a pro this time next year. When NFL scouts come to South Carolina, they ask the coaches about the big offensive linemen.

COLUMBIA -- Dustin Lindsey has been through a lot at South Carolina.

COLUMBIA -- Since Steve Spurrier is always his offense's harsh critic, his reaction to Saturday's scrimmage qualified as glowing.