Palmetto Power
Posted November 13, 2005, 5:25 PM ET

Those poor folks from Florida have nothing on the good people of the Palmetto State. After watching the Tigers and Gamecocks wear out the Noles and Gators, what else can you say other than "scoreboard"?

Steve Spurrier has the "Garnet and Black" faithful thinking about holiday plans in Atlanta or even somewhere in Florida. That would be a good thing if the Gamecocks or even the Tigers can get back down to the Sunshine state during the bowl season...that way those Floridians can watch some quality football.

I was in Columbia for the showdown between Spurrier and the Gators' Urban Meyer....afterwards, I'm wondering what the big deal is about Urban? Steve Spurrier took him to the coaching woodshed. The Gamecocks played smart and executed all day long and the Gators were in no position do anything about it...on or off the field.

South Carolina fans have been waiting for the day that they can play with anybody in the SEC....and right now, they are playing as well as anybody in the SEC East...and that includes Georgia, Tennessee and Florida. Of course, the SEC West might be a different story with Auburn and Bama already registering big wins over the Cocks and LSU in control of the division.

But, forget the West; USC and their loyal fans are feeling good about life and they should. After defeating the Vols for the first time ever in Knoxville a few weeks ago, now the Cocks have smacked the Gators for the first time since 1939.....that's right, 1939.

While the Gamecocks were taking care of business in Columbia, the Tigers were doing the same thing in the Upstate. Clemson embarrassed Florida State, 35-14. The once-mighty Noles' only TD was on a blocked punt...other than that miscue, the Tigers made Bobby Bowden pay all game long.

Going into the game, Florida State had won 12 of the last 13 against Clemson....well, now the Tigers have won two of the last three. This one wasn't close. Tommy Bowden's crew played their most complete game of the season and he even admitted that the gap is closing between the Noles and the Tigers. After watching that game, it looks like Tommy could give "Pops" a few pointers.

The state of South Carolina should feel great about the play of their two major institutions....Clemson and South Carolina put on a clinic Saturday against two foes that have had ownership for life. Prior to Saturday, FSU was 15-3 against Clemson and Florida was ...well, when you haven't lost to somebody since 1939....you know what I'm talking about.

Times seem to be changing, and it is refreshing. Now this week, Clemson and South Carolina renew their bitter feud. And if you don't have a ticket, you're out of luck...the game isn't being televised by CBS, ESPN, ABC, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN U, JP Sports....it is pay-per-view only. And you can take it from me...it will be worth every penny.