Dr. Rebecca Phillips, USC’s new band director, is a self-proclaimed “band geek” from Washington, DC, has had an illustrious music career, having worked at Louisiana State University and the University of South Florida before coming to Gamecock country. Dr. Phillips not only wants to increase the marching band’s size, but also generate greater excitement among fans.

Stephen Garcia has been dismissed from the football team. Many, like myself, are happy to see him off the field, yet others are saddened by his departure. Regardless of your opinion, one fact remains, and it’s that Connor Shaw has now officially become our starting quarterback.

 

So the big question is: What will our football team look like from here on out? Gamecock fans have had high expectations for this year’s football season and after the abysmal performance against Auburn, our hopes at another title seemed dashed. But we were rallied one week later in a win over Kentucky led, for the first time, by Connor Shaw.

 

Now I hear people warn, “It was only Kentucky,” and that Shaw will have to prove himself. This is true; Kentucky is not a team the Gamecocks should have feared, but we lost to Kentucky last year with Garcia. Yes, I know, I wince just typing that sentence, let alone remembering that performance. While we were reeling off an astounding win over No. 1 Alabama (a game none of us will ever forget) everyone was asking themselves— how could we lose?

 

Again, it’s just Kentucky, but look at the way Shaw played this game. In my opinion he delivered a great performance regardless of our opponent. He seemed to take his time, concentrating on throwing the ball and always knew where his teammates were. He didn’t just make wild passes and hope someone (preferably our team) caught the ball like Garcia did. Shaw was also very good at dodging rival players when he had the ball. He kept his cool where Garcia always seemed to panic.

 

Overall, I have confidence in Connor Shaw. These next couple of away games will test his skills and abilities while deciding our fate. I think he is very capable of leading us to another championship title and perhaps beyond.

Focus on Connor Shaw and rest of Garcia's backups in Spring Game

Well, we are at the end of another national championship. Finally. Honestly, this year’s lead-up was perhaps THE most annoying of all time. Besides the fact that my bracket was more embarrassing than Kentucky’s loss (ha-ha), the whole tournament created pissed-off friends and clueless non-basketball fans. Don’t take this the wrong way — I obviously love basketball. But there are a few things I could do without for the next tournament:

But seriously, that’s all we do. Oh yeah, and we beat No. 1 teams. It’s a great day to be a Gamecock.

Screw that — it’s a great year to be a G-cock.

I’m referencing the recent baseball win over Florida, in case you didn’t know … but you should. Again, I honestly wondered if beating a No. 1 team made us No. 1, as we rightfully should be, but it does not.

With the conclusion of football in December and the season’s euphoria wearing off, spring semester can become monotonous for students, but there are plenty of events that can keep you busy. The big question is: Do you watch from home or go to these events?
 

Should you save, or should you splurge?

 

The paparazzi-stalked, social media-using “celebrity.”

Since athletes became “famous” many years ago, we have worshipped their every move. You may be saying, “Speak for yourself,” but consider this.

To be honest, my sporting knowledge falls short when it comes to baseball. Don’t get me wrong. I love the sport. I've just never understood the game.

It’s the anticipated day. The day of all days. The day that could potentially determine our fate. So … does he love us or love us not?

No, I’m not talking about Valentine’s Day.

I’m talking about Jadeveon Clowney’s birthday … and the day he picks the school he will grace with his talented presence. His official visits are passed and gone, and his decision is probably already made.

Don’t get me wrong — I do love the Super Bowl. But after stuffing my face and cheering for teams that I never care about (except when the Panthers went — ha!), it gets kind of old.

So unless Reggie Bush runs his beautiful body onto the field or Janet Jackson loses her top (both of which will not happen this year), then I’m not invested. And if you’re participating in Super Bowl activities that don’t include watching the game, then I assume you aren’t either.

So if you’re not a Packers, Steelers or Super Bowl fan in general, here are a few ways to pretend you watched (and enjoyed) the misery they call the biggest game of the year.