Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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sports Grantz stymies Changes ill 0 4D in victory < By GEORGE MORRIS Asst. Sports Editor Carolina fans knew there would be a new look to USC football this - season; but the changes illustrated in Carolina's 23-17 victory over Georgia Tech had to exceed everyone's wildest dreams. Everyone knew about the new coaching 'staff, and the new uniforms were well publicized also. But the change fans came to see--a rejuvenated USC football team was an uncertainty before the game began. It took only one series of downs to eliminate fears that this would be the same type football team that disappointed the crowds last year. After receiving the opening kickoff, Georgia Tech wasted no time testing Carolina's defensive interior, the soft underbelly of what was purported to be a defense in 1974. Three running plays up the middle netted the Yellow Jackets six yards, and Tech was forced to punt, something Carolina's op. ponents rarely did last year. Defense? Folks hadn't seen that here in years, but they saw it Saturday night. The defense didn't shut down the Yellow Jacket offense completely, of course, as Tech finished the game with 281 yards rushing and 80 passing--a good total for any team. But Tech returned largely the same offense that finished 8th in the nation in rushing arnd had rushed for 483 yards against USC last year. The defensive show was commendable if not statistically impressive. Another change, not so sur prising to those who remember the 1973 season, was the play of snnio.. Gamecock Staff Photo by Jim Trumpp ellow Jackets ustrated over Tech quarterback Jeff Grantz. The subject of ridicule after a disap pointing junior year, Grantz displayed the talents of the amazing athlete he is. But Grantz's play was different from that of even his sophomore season, when he set several school and one national rushing record. Instead of the spectacular, game breaking runnei , fans saw a poised and polished field general. Grantz didn't beat Tech with daring runs, but with heady leadership that accentuated his physical skills. Grantz's execution, his ability to read Tech's defense, added ai tistry to an offense that had for merly depended on his wild scrambles. His passes weren't pretty spirals, they wobbled, but they hit their targets. One can't ask any more than that. A change spectators couldn't see was in the victors locker room after the game. Even the celebration seemed different from those few they participated in last year. Following victories against Mississippi and North Carolina last season, players acted almost like kids at a birthday party, with the win being everyone's present. They had discovered ability they didn't know they had. This post-game locker room had a more mature air to it. Everyone was happy, even exultant, but they acted like men that had proved they could dp what nobody thought they could. And that's exactly what they had done. Grantz said after the game he was forgetting about last year, forgetting about the defeats and frustrations. If Carolina continues playing like they did Saturday, USC fans might just do the same. USC upsets Ge team effort pr By MARK LEARY Sports Editor The echo of teamwork, pride and a will to win was the theme bouncing around the walls of the South Carolina dressing room after USC's opening-game victory over Georgia Tech Saturday night. Center Mike McCabe said after the thrilling 23-17 win over a highly touted yellow Jackets team, "We weren't worried about how we did individually. It was a team effort." It was the same from everybody else. From your lineman to your backs they all had the same reason for Carolina's victory. Team play. Defensive tackle Joe McGregor who was in on key tackles throughout the game said, "We all were ready for the game. We wanted to win." How more simply could it be stated. The team wanted to win and they went out and did it. Head coach Jim Carlen talked about enthusiasm, a positive attitude and most importantly confidence. Carlen said, "Our enthusiasm was a big factor and I 'hope it carries through for the rest of the season." Before the season began one big question mark was the defense. The defense was the difference in the opener as they made the "big play" throughout the game. "We took a defensive team that wasn't sure of themselves and gave them confidence," Carlen said. "I'm still not sure of them. They will have to prove themselves to me game by game." Even though Jeff Grantz said after the game that he did not like the idea that quarterbacks were always in the spotlight, that's exactly where Grantz - was Saturday night. Everybody was waiting to see which Grantz would emerge onto the field. Would it be the Grantz of last year or the Grantz of his sensational sophomore season? It did not take long to figure out which Grantz it was. Grantz went on to have a brilliant night. He passed for 223 yards hitting on 14 of 19 attempts. Also, the senior quarterback rushed for an additional 38 yards and punted for an average of 39.8. Possibly the night's best looking play was the 53 yard scoring strike from Grantz to Randy Chastain. "The touchdown pass was a designed route but Carolina defns orgia Tech, oduces win Randy (Castain) wasn't my primary receiver," Grantz said. "Clarence Williams made the play go when he threw a key block on their defensive end." A new twist from last year was that the coaches called most of the plays during the game. "Bob Gatling and Dick Rader called 85 per cent of the plays from the sidelines and Jeff (Grantz) called the rest of plays from the line of scrimmage," Carlen said. Grantz did not mind this new change, "What ever works, works. It really doesn't matter who calls the plays." After the game Carlen had nothing but praise for the Gamecocks quarterback. "Jeff Grantz had a super game but this was a team victory and I think Jeff would be the first to say that," he said. Carlen added, "He's the third outstanding quar terback I've had in my coaching career along with Mike Sherwood (West Virginia) and Joe Barnes (Texas Tech). Georgia Tech coach Pepper Rodgers had praise for both the Carolina team and Grantz. Rodgers said, "Give South Carolina credit, they were well prepared. The big play for Carolina was the long pass in the second half. Grantz made a great throw on the run, he did a nice job." Everybody now must turn their thoughts away from memories of the impressive first victory and begin concentrating on next week's game with Duke. Maybe Carlen was thinking ahead to the rest of the testing schedule when he said, "We have to get better. One game does not make a season." The Gamecock has compiled a panel of alleged experts to forecast the remaining football games in what could turn into a long season for all. Not only do we have our regular sport writers predicting the college games of the week but also we will have a new addition to the sports staff, Sally Wilson, selecting from the women's side of the ledger. Bill Outlaw of Grantz cartoon fame will also be selecting, much to the glee of the many Carolina football players looking over his shoulder. Also two guest selecters will be Bill Grant, managing editor of The Gamecock and Billy Baker sports editor of the Garnet and Black. Ga eoc fafPot y i4Tup nienaan ana.n