Spurrier: "More Hope That Good Things are On the Way"
(Columbia) - USC football coach Steve Spurrier spoke to the media Thursday, giving fans an update on his team's preparations for the season.
Spurrier says so far, most of the incoming freshman have qualified, although there are some academic concerns about a few of them.
Spurrier says what he sees right now is a better attitude at the school. "You have more hope that good things are on the way," he said.
This is Spurrier's third season at Carolina. He's said in the past that winning an SEC title is the goal, and that more players seem to be buying into that dream.
Quarterback, of course, is always going to be the position that will draw a lot of attention. Blake Mitchell is still the starter, with Chris Smelley and Tommy Beecher as the two backups. Spurrier wouldn't speculate on what heralded freshman Stephen Garcia might do for the team.
The Head Ball Coach says he expects the defense to play better this fall. "We couldn't stop third and 15 if we wanted to(last year)," he said.
He admits that last season, his team lost a couple of heartbreaking games, and he's hoping mental toughness will help them close the gap this year. "You have to win the close ones," he said.
The first practice of the season will be August 4.
News and Notes: Spurrier says preparations are still underway for his annual Ladies' day clinic on July 28....The coach says Clemson game balls have been a big hit in the off-season. He says that game may be looked upon as the one where the Carolina program turned the corner....Spurrier is starting a personal website: www.spurrierhbc.com. 'HBC' stands for 'Head Ball Coach.' He says it'll have information about his radio and tv show, and the team in general.
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