X-Nico

2 unusual facts about South Carolina Gamecocks football


University of South Carolina steroid scandal

The article, titled "The Nightmare of Steroids" and written by University of South Carolina football player Tommy Chaikin in collaboration with Sports Illustrated's Rick Telander, alleged the widespread use of steroids in the football program at the school.

The article begins with Tommy Chaikin, a defensive lineman on the University of South Carolina football team, vividly narrating his steroid-induced experiences the day before the annual South Carolina-Clemson football game in 1987.


Jon Tenuta

Other speculation at the time was that Tenuta may join Steve Spurrier at South Carolina, to replace former defensive coordinator Tyrone Nix (who left for Ole Miss), but South Carolina decided to hire former University of Georgia defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder for the job, VanGorder left that position without coaching a game to become the Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator.

Platooning quarterbacks

The name is derived from University of South Carolina quarterbacks Chris Smelley and Stephen Garcia who were platooned by the Gamecocks despite largely being the same player.


see also

Flowery Branch High School

Connor Shaw, starting quarterback for the University of South Carolina Gamecocks football team