Spurrier enjoys a milestone win for his program
Sunday, November 13, 2011 | Scott Carter
It was a tough day for the Gators on Saturday but a good day for one of the greatest Gators of all.
South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier is in his seventh season. The Gamecocks' 17-12 win over Florida on Saturday was the 52nd win for Spurrier in his time in Columbia.
By the time Spurrier finished his seventh season at Florida, he had a 73-14 record, five official SEC titles, and one national championship. The success hasn't come as quickly for Spurrier in Columbia, but Saturday marked the first time since 1939 – and only second time in school history – that South Carolina has defeated the Gators in back-to-back meetings.
The victory also gave South Carolina a 5-0 record against the SEC East, the first time in school history the Gamecocks have gone undefeated in the division.
Spurrier was in classic form as he talked about what Saturday's victory means for his program. He is now 52-35 at South Carolina.
“This was a special one,'' Spurrier said. “I don't mind telling you. I told the team that win I took this job seven years ago some of my buddies in Florida said, 'Steve, you're crazy. You'll get your butt beat like every South Carolina coach has. You can't beat Florida, Georgia and Tennessee. Why do you want to get in that?'
“It's special to know that we're 6-0 against Tennessee, Georgia and Florida.”
However, the Gamecocks' bid to represent the SEC East in the conference championship game for the second consecutive season didn't come to fruition – at least not Saturday. South Carolina did its part by beating the Gators, but Georgia rolled over Auburn in a 45-7 win.
If Georgia beats Kentucky next weekend, the Bulldogs earn the SEC East title. If they lose, South Carolina will be going back to Atlanta.
