Spurrier, Alabama trying to start new traditions

COLUMBIA, S.C. - As far as football history and tradition goes, South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier knows this one is a mismatch.

Alabama has its legacy of national champions, Southeastern Conference crowns and all-time greats such as coach Paul "Bear" Bryant; the Gamecocks have... well, nothing even close, really.

Fortunately, Spurrier said, he's only got to deal the these Crimson Tide (2-0), a team like South Carolina (1-1, 0-1 SEC) trying to work its way to the top of the conference. The teams meet Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium.

"Their trophy case is a lot fuller than ours," Spurrier said. "But as far as the game's concerned, it doesn't mean anything."

Spurrier's faced similar hurdles before. During his first season at Florida, Spurrier traveled to Tuscaloosa to play the Crimson Tide in his first SEC game as Gators coach. After falling behind 10-0, Florida rallied to a 17-13 victory that brought quick credibility to Spurrier's program.

Spurrier almost got the same boost a week ago, South Carolina battling highly ranked Georgia throughout before falling 17-15. While Alabama might not be the SEC powerhouse it once was, the Gamecocks can give themselves some momentum - and bring Spurrier his first SEC victory since his 2001 Gators season.

Not that it'll be easy.

The Crimson Tide (2-0) lead the league in defense and have allowed only 43 yards rushing - total - in two victories.

"Alabama is not a real fool'em type defense," Spurrier says. "They're solid, fundamentally sound and just play extremely well.... If you make a run or hit a pass you have to earn it. They don't give you any."

South Carolina has had trouble earning yards, particularly on the ground. Its running attack is last in the conference with 75 yards in two games. The qualities Spurrier saw in freshmen runners Mike Davis and Bobby Wallace in practice have not materialized in games. And South Carolina's offensive line has had trouble creating the holes.

The offense's bright spot is quarterback Blake Mitchell and the passing game, which has looked Spurrier-esque so far this season.

Mitchell's completed 40 of 57 passes for 566 yards. He connected on several long balls in the Gamecocks opening victory over Central Florida and played solidly against Georgia's defense.

But even Spurrier realizes his sophomore passer has much to learn.

"Hopefully, we can improve as we go and get better as the season progresses," Spurrier said. "But we've got a lot of players doing some things for the first time."

Alabama quarterback Brodie Croyle sat out this game a year ago with a knee injury and grew frustrated watching the Gamecocks' 20-3 victory.

Last season, Alabama was the team with inexperienced quarterbacks.

"It's a whole new game this year," Croyle said. "I guess we're the ones that are kind of more comfortable in our system. But anything can happen with a Steve Spurrier offense."

All you have to do is ask Georgia about that.