The Cock and Fire Offense

by:Shawn Bridwell10/04/07

The cock and fire offense has been somewhat low on ammunition so far this season, but that doesn't mean the potential isn't there to produce some fireworks. After benching senior Blake Mitchell, red shirt freshman Chris Smelley started his first game as a Cock last week going 19-37 for 279 yards and two touchdowns in a 38-21 victory over Mississippi State.

 

Coach Steve Spurrier, who is well known for his fun and gun passing offenses during his duration at Florida, has struggled to form the same success in Columbia. Thankful for him, the gamecocks have two great tailbacks in Cory Boyd and Mike Davis. Both offer speed and the ability to get the extra yards in traffic. Smelley is inexperienced, so it helps having two solid backs to take the pressure off of the young gun.

 

Kenny Mckinley has taken over the top Wide receiver spot after the early departure of phenom Sidney Rice to the NFL. Mckinley caught both of Smelley’s touchdown passes a week ago and can really stretch the field with his speed and precise route running. Across the field from him stands true freshman Dion Lecorn who is oozing with talent. Spurrier is known for giving young players the chance to prove themselves, and Lecorn is going to be special once he learns the ropes of the SEC conference. Sixth year senior Andy Boyd holds down the tight end spot, however the position doesn’t play a major factor in the Gamecock offense.

 

Across the offensive line the Cock’s are featuring four offensive linemen who are seeing their first action as starters in 2007. Massive Jamon Meredith is the core of the unit who returns after starting all thirteen games in 2006.

 

A Look at the offensive Numbers:

 

 

Points per game:                       27.2

Passing yards per game:          224.0

Rushing yards per game:         139.6

Total yards per game:              363.6

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