Gamecock defensive coaches should still be on the hot seat

The Gamecocks have played four games against some good teams. 

Spurrier was fuming with two special
teams breakdowns versus Vandy.
A late score by the 'Dores also
triggered some anger from the coach.  

The team is 3-1, with a chance to win the SEC-East.

But here's what The State newspaper's Josh Kendall says about SC: “A defense and a special teams unit that rank among the nation’s worst.”

And he's right and wrong. Statistically the Gamecocks do have some ugly numbers. But the team has played three ranked opponents, two top 10, and beaten one of them.

It's not as bad as all the attention. And the results are not those of the nation's "Worst." 

Kendall is just being sensational in the negative. That is common for him when it comes to South Carolina. 

But South Carolina's D could, and should be much better.

In the Texas A&M 52-28 loss, the Gamecocks D looked out of place and out to lunch.

The Gamecocks D now is in better position and the players are playing hard. There are not a lot of missed tackles or arm tackling going on. The new players are growing into their roles and playing hard.

The SC scoring defense (36 points per game is ranked 109 in nation) and total defense (480 yards per game) is ranked 114 in the nation.

The Gamecock have recorded only four sacks and rank No. 101 in the nation in that category. SC is last in sacks in the SEC. And opponents are averaging 25.5 first downs per game, which ranks No. 118 in the nation.

Spurrier is infuriated about the poor defense, despite the wins.

He knows the Gamecocks can be VERY good if the defensive coaches can take it up a notch or two. As it is, the Gamecocks have a lot of pieces in place. It will be a shame if poor coaching lets all the talent be squandered.

But if that is the case, expect some to answer with their jobs.