WE MEET AGAIN: South Carolina, led by former Florida coach Steve Spurrier (middle), will cover vs. the Gators Saturday. (AP)
On the list of “People You Don’t Want to be This Week,” we humbly offer Jerri Spurrier, the wife of South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier.
The Gamecocks are coming off a 23-21 loss at LSU, and now they head into The Swamp, where Spurrier’s brilliant career began with him winning the Heisman Trophy in 1966.
The only thing Spurrier hates more than losing is losing to Florida — especially now.
Because now, when Spurrier looks at the Gators, he doesn’t see a highly accomplished coach with a sharp offensive mind, such as Urban Meyer, he sees Will Muschamp.
Muschamp came up on the defensive side of the ball, which automatically makes him a sworn enemy of Spurrier’s. And before Muschamp got the Florida job he never had been a head coach.
He hadn’t paid his dues. He isn’t, well, Steve Spurrier.
Ask Meyer about his most bitter loss at Florida and, if he comes clean, he will tell you it was the 30-22 loss to Spurrier’s Gamecocks in 2005. Now Spurrier has a chance to kick the Gators in the teeth.
“I hope the Gators finish second in the [SEC] East this year, that would be a good finish for them,’’ he said. “Hope we finish first.’’
The Gamecocks can’t expect to win the SEC East with two league losses. Their defense is as good as Florida’s, but South Carolina has a potent offense.
Muschamp is putting his stamp on Florida as a tough, physical, defensive team. The Gators need more points. Instead, they’re giving three. We will take Spurrier (+3), and hope he’s kind to Jerri this week.
Oregon (-8 1/2) over ASU
The Sun Devils are a statistical masterpiece on paper courtesy of a soft schedule. Reality bites tonight in the form of Chip Kelly, who has had 12 days to prepare.
SYRACUSE (-4 1/2) over UConn
The Orange are 115th in turnover margin. The Huskies are 104th. Is this minus -4 line the over/under on turnovers?
Lsu (-3 1/2) over TEXAS A&M
If you haven’t seen Aggies freshman QB Johnny Manziel, you should. Unfortunately for him, he will see the best defense of his life.
CLEMSON (-8 1/2) over Va. Tech.
The Hokies don’t have the weapons on offense, which we considered when making them our preseason No.1 pick, but we didn’t expect the defense to underperform.
Rutgers (-5 1/2) over TEMPLE
The Turnpike Tussle goes to the Scarlet Knights’ defense, the 2013 version of Garden State Brickfacing.
Stanford (-2 1/2) over CAL.
Taking the more physical team that has played the more physical opponents.
NOTRE DAME (-13 1/2) over Byu
Two good defenses — just one decent offense.
LOUISVILLE (-6 1/2) over S. Fla
Coaching pick. Take Cardinals Charlie Strong over the Bulls’ Skip Holtz.
Mich. St. (+10) over MICH.
The nation’s seventh-best defense is getting 10 points in a rivalry game.
Alabama (-20 1/2) over TENN.
Nick Saban vs. Derek Dooley. Enough said.
Kansas St. (+2 1/2) over WEST VA.
The most focused team west of Alabama doesn’t care where or whom they play.
Fla. St. (-20 1/2) over MIAMI
Never thought I would see the day when the Hurricanes defense was so porous.
IOWA (-3) over Penn State
The Hawkeyes will beat the Nittany Lions at their own game.
OREGON ST. (-10 1/2) over Utah
Utah is in a freefall.
Best bets: Notre Dame, LSU, Alabama
Last week: 8-7; Overall: 55-49-1
Best bets: 2-1; Overall 9-12.