Cock 'n Fire...and Vandy Wins?!?!

Spurrier's Gamecocks came out firing, but left frustrated. An impressive passing attack in the first half by sophomore Blake Mitchell was reminiscent of the Gators, but the lack of a running game and inability to move the ball in the second half reminded us all of the shape of the program Holtz left behind and the strange defensive fronts, alignments and calls from Ron Cooper and company on the sidelines was like a reincarnation of the MSU defense from 2001-2003 (some cross of Joe Lee Dunn and Rob Cooper's insanity). Carolina fans are hoping today that UCF isn't the same team that went 0-11 last year or it will be another long year in Columbia.

And how about those Commodores! Vandy beat Wake last night for their first season opening win in 8 years. And in the understatement of the day, Wake is in for a long season.

In another game of interest for State fans, upcoming opponent Houston looked great in the first half before getting dominated in the second. Oregon's defense also looked oddly familiar in the first half, reminding this viewer of the State secondary in 2003, when Oregon put 42 points on the board at Scott Field. But unlike that MSU squad in 2003, Oregon was able to make a couple adjustments and blow out Houston in the second half. Houston may be a tough game by the time October 22 rolls around, but hopefully State will be ready after losing at Houston in 2003.