2009 South Carolina Gamecocks football team explained

Year:2009
Team:South Carolina Gamecocks
Sport:football
Conference:Southeastern Conference
Division:Eastern Division
Short Conf:SEC
Record:7–6
Conf Record:3–5
Hc Year:5th
Off Scheme:Multiple
Dc Year:2nd
Uniform:File:SEC-Uniform-USC-2009.png

The 2009 South Carolina Gamecocks football team represented the University of South Carolina in the 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team's head coach was Steve Spurrier, who was in his fifth season at USC. The Gamecocks played their home games at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina. Carolina finished the season 7–6, winning the Palmetto Bowl over in-state rival Clemson 34–17 in their final regular season game,[1] before losing in the PapaJohns.com Bowl 20–7 against Connecticut.[2]

This season saw the introduction of "Sandstorm". The 1999 Finnish trance song was played before two decisive plays during a home game against No. 4 Ole Miss. With these plays, South Carolina sealed a historic upset, their first win against a top 5 team since 1981. After this, the song became a Gamecock anthem. By 2021, new head coach Shane Beamer had said that "you hear that song and immediately – I do, and I'm sure most people do – think of South Carolina football."[3]

The 2009 upset victory over Clemson has also been described by Spurrier and then-athletic director Eric Hyman as a “catalyst" to the program's most successful era: an SEC East Championship in 2010 and 11-win seasons in 2011, 2012 and 2013. Each of those years also saw victories over Clemson – South Carolina's longest win streak in the rivalry.[4] [5]

Preseason

On April 11, 2009, the Garnet squad defeated the Black squad, 30–14, in the annual Garnet & Black Spring Game, in front of a crowd of 25,157. Redshirt sophomore quarterback Stephen Garcia finished the game 13–20 with 144 yards and two touchdowns, while true freshman Jarvis Giles led the ground game with 114 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries.

Schedule

[6]

Schedule notes

Game summaries

NC State

See also: 2009 NC State Wolfpack football team.

Georgia

See also: 2009 Georgia Bulldogs football team.

Florida Atlantic

See also: 2009 Florida Atlantic Owls football team.

Ole Miss

See also: 2009 Ole Miss Rebels football team.

SC State

Kentucky

See also: 2009 Kentucky Wildcats football team.

Alabama

See also: 2009 Alabama Crimson Tide football team.

Vanderbilt

See also: 2009 Vanderbilt Commodores football team.

Tennessee

See also: 2009 Tennessee Volunteers football team.

Arkansas

See also: 2009 Arkansas Razorbacks football team.

Florida

See also: 2009 Florida Gators football team.

Clemson

See also: 2009 Clemson Tigers football team.

Connecticut

See also: 2009 Connecticut Huskies football team.

Players

Depth chart

Projected starters and primary backups versus Clemson on November 28, 2009.

Awards

2009 recruiting class

Rankings

See also: 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football rankings.

Statistics

Scores by quarter

Team

USC Opp
Scoring 261 245
  Points per Game 21.8 20.4
First Downs 227 188
  Rushing 86 97
  Passing 125 79
  Penalty 16 12
Total Offense 4311 3656
  Avg per Play 5.3 4.8
  Avg per Game 359.2 304.7
Fumbles-Lost 23-10 16-10
Penalties-Yards 76-654 71-586
  Avg per Game 54.5 48.8
USC Opp
Punts-Yards 62-2594 63-2460
  Avg per Punt 41.8 39.0
Time of Possession/Game 30:5429:06
3rd Down Conversions 67/173 63/172
4th Down Conversions 10/19 6/19
Touchdowns Scored 30 29
Field Goals-Attempts17-20 14-21
PAT-Attempts 28-30 27-28
Attendance 527,580 407,469
  Games/Avg per Game 7/75,369 5/81,494

Offense

Rushing

Name GP-GS Att Gain Loss Net Avg TD Long Avg/G
Kenny Miles 12-6 111 616 14 602 5.4 1 26 50.2
Brian Maddox 12-5 100 324 19305 3.0514 25.4
Jarvis Giles 9-0 52 298 21 277 5.3 1 38 30.8
Stephen Garcia 12-12 105 372 242 130 1.2 4 21 10.8
Moe Brown11-11 5 105 0 105 21.0 0 50 9.5
Bryce Sherman 11-1 7 58 4 54 7.7 0 23 4.9
Patrick DiMarco 12-8 10 31 0 31 3.1 0 7 2.6
Stephon Gilmore 12-12 5 20 0 20 4.0 0 8 1.7
Total   409 1860 360 1500 3.7 11 50 125.0
Opponents   431 1956 312 1644 3.8 15 61 137.0

Passing

Name GP-GS Effic Cmp-Att-Int Pct Yds TD Lng Avg/G
Stephen Garcia 12-12 124.5 223-394-9 56.6 2733 17 80 227.8
Reid McCollum 2-0 176.3 4-6-0 66.7 39 1 20 19.5
Total   125.8 228-402-9 56.7 2811 18 80 234.2
Opponents   114.1 183-327-6 56.0 2012 10 69 167.7

Receiving

Name GP-GS No. Yds Avg TD Long Avg/G
Alshon Jeffery 12-6 43 735 17.1 6 80 61.2
Moe Brown 11-11 32 479 15.0 3 69 43.5
Weslye Saunders 11-9 30360 12.0 3 30 32.7
Tori Gurley 12-5 28 426 15.2 2 44 35.5
Jason Barnes12-6 24 266 11.1 0 22 22.2
Brian Maddox12-5 17 135 7.9 2 24 11.2
Kenny Miles12-6 17 114 6.7 0 20 9.5
Patrick DiMarco 12-8 14 78 5.6 1 15 6.5
D.L. Moore12-0 6 61 10.2 1 35 5.1
Jarvis Giles9-0 5 26 5.2 0 12 2.9
Dion Lecorn6-0 4 27 6.8 0 13 4.5
Total   228 2811 12.3 18 80 234.2
Opponents   183 2012 11.0 10 69 167.7

Defense

NameGPTacklesSacksPass DefenseInterceptionsFumblesBlkd
Kick
Solo Ast Total TFL-Yds No-Yds BrUp QBH No.-Yds Avg TD Long Rcv-Yds FF
GP Solo Tackles Ast Total Tackes TFL-Yds Sacks:No.-Yds Pass BrUp QBH No. Int-Yds Int Avg Int for TD Long Int Fumbles:Rcv-Yds FF Blkd Kick -->
Total 505 264 769 77-269 27-172 44 29 6-113 18.8 15410-23 13 4

Special teams

NamePuntingKickoffs
No. Yds Avg Long TB FC I20 BlkdNo. Yds Avg TB OB
Spencer Lanning 62 2594 41.8 56 8 18 150 9 43748.601
Adam Yates 48 2963 61.7 1 2
Total 622594 41.856 8 1815 0 57 3400 59.6 1 3
NamePunt ReturnsKick Returns
No. Yds Avg TD Long No. Yds Avg TD Long
Chris Culliver 26 585 22.5 0 61
Bryce Sherman 19 409 21.5 0 35
Stephon Gilmore 13 148 11.4 0 35
Akeem Auguste 6 17 2.8 0 13 1 15 15.0 0 15
Total 21 177 8.40 35 49 1056 21.6 0 61

Coaching staff

Notes and References

  1. http://gamecocksonline.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/112809aaa.html South Carolina Dominates Clemson, 34-17
  2. http://www.thestate.com/gogamecocks/story/1093086.html?pageNum=7&&&&&&mi_pluck_action=page_nav#Comments_Container Dixon runs UConn past Gamecocks
  3. Web site: 2021-08-28 . How a Finnish DJ created a 'Sandstorm' in the SEC and across the sports world . 2022-12-24 . ESPN.com . en.
  4. Web site: How 2009 USC win over Clemson served as a springboard to program’s glory years .
  5. Web site: Winsipedia - South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Clemson Tigers football series history . 2023-12-17 . Winsipedia . en.
  6. Web site: 2009-2010 Football Schedule. University of South Carolina Athletic Media Relations. February 12, 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20090206233439/http://gamecocksonline.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/sched/scar-m-footbl-sched.html. February 6, 2009. live.
  7. Web site: Phil Steele’s 2009 College Football Strength of Schedule Rankings . https://web.archive.org/web/20110715074859/http://www.philsteele.com/Blogs/June09/DBJune9.html . July 15, 2011 . live . September 28, 2009 .
  8. Web site: Gamecock Sports Radio Network . 2008-12-10 . https://web.archive.org/web/20071217032745/http://www.learfield.com/gestalt/go.cfm?objectid=0D23B21E-3317-45C9-AAD20C387E684C1E . 2007-12-17 . dead .
  9. Web site: Carolina – Ole Miss Game Moved to Thursday Night. University of South Carolina Athletic Media Relations. February 12, 2009. February 12, 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20090219234041/http://gamecocksonline.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/021209aaa.html. February 19, 2009. live.
  10. Web site: Under Armour & WWP to Unveil Customized Camo Football Uniforms & Sideline Gear . 2009-11-06 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100707042005/https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/content/view/1014/921/ . 2010-07-07 . dead .
  11. http://gamecocksonline.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/090709aaa.html Taylor Named Defensive Lineman of the Week
  12. http://gamecocksonline.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120909aaa.html Jeffery, Gilmore Named Freshmen All-Americans
  13. http://gamecocksonline.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121009aaa.html Four Gamecocks Named to SEC All-Freshman Team
  14. Web site: Rivals.com 2009 All-SEC freshman team . 2009-12-18 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120225134327/http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1029496 . 2012-02-25 . dead .
  15. http://gamecocksonline.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/092109aab.html Giles Named SEC Freshman of the Week
  16. Web site: SEC Football Players of the Week . https://web.archive.org/web/20091001162313/http://www.secsports.com/news/football-players-of-the-week-928.aspx . 2009-10-01 . live . 2009-09-28 .
  17. http://gamecocksonline.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112009aaa.html Norwood Named Butkus Finalist
  18. http://www.secsports.com/news/all-sec-football-team-announced.aspx All-SEC Football Team Announced
  19. http://gamecocksonline.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120709aab.html Norwood Earns First-Team AP All-SEC Honors
  20. https://www.espn.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/15484/espn-coms-all-sec-team ESPN.com's All-SEC team
  21. https://archive.today/20120709131901/http://gamecocksonline.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121009aab.html Norwood Named First-Team All-American
  22. https://archive.today/20120710022254/http://gamecocksonline.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121509aab.html Norwood Named A.P. First-Team All-American
  23. Web site: SEC Football Players of the Week . 2009-10-12 . https://web.archive.org/web/20091015104053/http://www.secsports.com/news/default.aspx?ArticleId=14107 . 2009-10-15 . dead .
  24. http://gamecocksonline.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120909aaa.html Jeffery, Gilmore Named Freshmen All-Americans
  25. http://gamecocksonline.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121009aaa.html Four Gamecocks Named to SEC All-Freshman Team
  26. Web site: Rivals.com 2009 All-SEC freshman team . 2009-12-18 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120225134327/http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1029496 . 2012-02-25 . dead .
  27. http://gamecocksonline.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121509aac.html Jeffery, Gilmore Named to Scout.com Freshman All-America Squad
  28. Web site: Jeffery Named FWAA Freshman All-American . 2010-01-16 . 2010-03-04 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100304080526/http://gamecocksonline.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/010710aaa.html . dead .
  29. http://gamecocksonline.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/113009aaa.html Ajiboye Honored by SEC
  30. http://www.secsports.com/news/all-sec-football-team-announced.aspx All-SEC Football Team Announced
  31. http://gamecocksonline.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120709aab.html Norwood Earns First-Team AP All-SEC Honors
  32. http://gamecocksonline.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120709aab.html Norwood Earns First-Team AP All-SEC Honors
  33. http://gamecocksonline.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120909aaa.html Jeffery, Gilmore Named Freshmen All-Americans
  34. http://gamecocksonline.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121009aaa.html Four Gamecocks Named to SEC All-Freshman Team
  35. Web site: Rivals.com 2009 All-SEC freshman team . 2009-12-18 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120225134327/http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1029496 . 2012-02-25 . dead .
  36. http://gamecocksonline.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121509aac.html Jeffery, Gilmore Named to Scout.com Freshman All-America Squad
  37. http://gamecocksonline.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121009aaa.html Four Gamecocks Named to SEC All-Freshman Team
  38. Web site: Rivals.com 2009 All-SEC freshman team . 2009-12-18 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120225134327/http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1029496 . 2012-02-25 . dead .
  39. Web site: Bio: Steve Spurrier . 2008-12-10 . 2008-12-23 . https://web.archive.org/web/20081223125835/http://gamecocksonline.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/spurrier_steve00.html . dead .
  40. Web site: Bio: Ellis Johnson . 2008-12-10 . 2008-12-23 . https://web.archive.org/web/20081223160728/http://gamecocksonline.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/johnson_ellis00.html . dead .
  41. Web site: Bio: Lorenzo Ward . 2009-10-04 . 2009-10-08 . https://web.archive.org/web/20091008025820/http://gamecocksonline.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/ward_lorenzo00.html . dead .
  42. http://gamecocksonline.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/beamer_shane00.html Bio: Shane Beamer
  43. Web site: Bio: Jay Graham . 2009-10-04 . 2009-10-08 . https://web.archive.org/web/20091008025732/http://gamecocksonline.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/graham_jay00.html . dead .
  44. http://gamecocksonline.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/hunter_johnsonjeep00.html Bio: Johnson Hunter
  45. Web site: Bio: Brad Lawing . 2008-12-10 . 2008-12-25 . https://web.archive.org/web/20081225112623/http://gamecocksonline.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/lawing_brad00.html . dead .
  46. Web site: Bio: G.A. Mangus . 2009-10-04 . 2009-10-08 . https://web.archive.org/web/20091008025800/http://gamecocksonline.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/mangus_ga00.html . dead .
  47. Web site: Bio: Steve Spurrier, Jr. . 2008-12-10 . 2011-10-01 . https://web.archive.org/web/20111001224045/http://gamecocksonline.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/spurrierjr_steve00.html . dead .
  48. http://gamecocksonline.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/wolford_eric00.html Bio: Eric Wolford
  49. Web site: Bio: Craig Fitzgerald . 2009-10-04 . 2009-10-08 . https://web.archive.org/web/20091008025722/http://gamecocksonline.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/fitzgerald_craig00.html . dead .