Steve Spurrier met with the media on Saturday afternoon following a morning practice at Jefferson High School in Tampa. Here are some of the things discussed in the media session and can be heard by Spurrier in the video link above:
Two Quarterbacks
Dylan Thompson started two games for South Carolina in 2012 when Connor Shaw wasn't at 100 percent and he was impressive in both wins against East Carolina. Connor Shaw is still the starter, but Spurrier is committed to getting Thompson on the field as well. The hope for Spurrier is that Shaw goes most of the way, but in the end, the Gamecocks have a good problem with two signal callers who are capable of running the offense and winning games.
Michigan has a two quarterback dilemma as well. Denard Robinson suffered nerve damage to his elbow on October 27th. He didn't throw a pass in the final two games for the Maize and Blue. Because of that, wide receiver Devin Gardner will also play quarterback in the Outback Bowl with Robinson lining up at QB, RB and WR
Spurrier's Future
At age 67, Steve Spurrier says he feels like he did 20 years ago and with 30 wins in the last three years, it's safe to say he has plenty of job security. He said that his ultimate goal is to not retire and that he'll resign if things ever get bad and not accept a buyout if he had years left on his contract. He also spoke of having his two sons working on his staff and that he's comfortable with so much family around him in the Columbia area.
No Troubles "Knock on Wood"
Spurrier calls his group "mature" and doesn't have too many concerns about troubles off the field leading up to New Year's Day.
Number Changes
Spurrier was amused by the fact that players can change numbers at any time and that a Gamecock receiver has a new number and that it's a secret. He also joked that both of his punters wear #13. He also took the time to take a jab at Notre Dame when they had two players with the same number on the field against Pitt.
The Rest of the Week
The Gamecocks have one more practice on Sunday, followed by a walkthrough at Raymond James Stadium on New Year's Eve. We'll post extended sound here on CarolinaLive.com leading up to the game as well as extended post-game reaction.
