Media goes to strange measures to dispute Spurrier

Wow: The State newspaper is running a monster, top-of-the-page headline on its Website declaring:

"The Tape: Gamecocks’ D-line better at affecting QB; pass coverage struggles again"
It refers to Saturday's game vesus East Carolina. And the headline has since been removed.

The State's Josh Kendall has been adamant that USC Head Coach Steve Spurrier triggered unrealistic expectations by telling fans the team would be good in 2014.

Stae's Josh Kendall badgers Spurrier for an admiission

Spurrier also specifically cited the D-Line, impugning the 3-4 defense after an ugly defensive performance versus Texas A&M, Aug 28.

Spurrier is specific about defense problem after A&M loss

Despite Spurrier's acknowledgment, the media has been steadfast in promoting the defensive line coaching, and defending it as competent.

In the article proclaiming a cured D-line, The State, or Kendall, says: “South Carolina was credited with seven quarterback hurries in Saturday’s game against East Carolina. The stats book might not have been giving the Gamecocks enough credit.”

The secondary has two INTs, but the D-line did not have a sack.

Kendall, in the Tuesday article defending the D-line also goes after the USC secondary and the linebackers.

Kendall says: “The linebackers, believed to be the team’s strength entering the season, missed too many tackles.”

Kendall criticizes QB Dylan Thompson, too, but admitted Thompson settled down and played better in the second half. He said: "The offensive line was hit or miss again."
After the ECU game, Spurrier was full of praise for the blocking of the WRs. Kendall mentions that. Near the end of his article he begrudgingly agrees that Spurrier was accurate, and says: "South Carolina’s wide receivers blocked much better than they did against Texas A&M."

It's getting to the level of Kooky, the lengths The State is going to, to prove itself right and Head Football Coach Steve Spurrier wrong.
If so, it's a battle The State, and Kendall, will eventually lose. Just ask Ron Morris.