re: The Plight of the USCe Fan -- Has the Window Closed?

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The entire offensive backfield returns, the offensive line returns, all of the wideouts come back, and Thompson steps in with plenty of big-game experience.

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This is obviously most concerning. If everybody does indeed come back on this side of the ball there is experienced talent there. I'm thankful that we return 21 of our 22 deep on D (as long as neither Ramik, Herrera, nor Swann go dumb and declared) and that we will have already played against Clemson. Further, I think Dylan Thompson's lack of mobility will be beneficial to us.

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Plus, I think Mangus is a light-years better QB coach than he gets credit for. Thompson will be just fine next year.

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No question there, he got everything he could out of from Garcia and Shaw was much better than I ever expected.

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The D-line loses Clowney, Sutton, and Quarles, but returns the Dixons, Dukes, English and Harris. The secondary will struggle losing Hampton and Williams

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I have to say that losing 2 corners and your 2 best pass rushers really works for me. I like our chances on this side of the ball.

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I think this program has earned the assumption that they will reload every year.

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It has been good times in Columbia, no doubt. I just think at same point there has to be a little regression after being so good for so long before you rally back and annually compete again. This could possibly be the year with the schedule. Especially compared to ours. We get Clemson, AU, UT, Vandy, and GT all at home w/ UF neutral. Travel to Arky (not even in their own stadium, mind you), UK, Mizzou and y'all. And, like I've stated, I just think we have the advantage on paper in that game at this point in time. Long ways away

Mark Richt: 2002-2007

Mark Richt: 2008-2010

Mark Richt: 2011-2013 (yes, we were actually very good at one point IMO)

Obviously, the elephant in the room is when will Spurrier retire? 68 is by far the oldest in the conference. Rich Brooks retired at that age if I'm not mistaken. Bowden was obviously much older, but Spurrier doesn't have the emotional ties or legacy at SC like Bowden at FSU and I don't think Spurrier wants to see his career deteriorate like Bowden's did.