Kiffin finalizes Vols contract

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(21) South Carolina (6-2) at Tennessee (3-4)

GAME NOTES: The 21st-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks invade Knoxville this weekend for an SEC clash with the Tennessee Volunteers.

South Carolina is 6-2 overall this season, including 3-2 in conference, and the team is coming off a 14-10 victory over Vanderbilt last weekend. Coach Steve Spurrier and his team are already eligible for a bowl game, so improving postseason prospects now becomes the goal. The fact is that the SEC title seems like an impossibility for any team in the conference other than Florida and Alabama, two undefeated squads destined for a meeting in Atlanta.

As for Tennessee, it put forth a tremendous fight against 'Bama last weekend and lined up for a last-second field goal that could have handed the Crimson Tide their first loss of the season. Unfortunately for coach Lane Kiffin and his troops, the field goal was blocked and the Vols lost by a 12-10 final. They are now 3-4 overall, including 1-3 in SEC action, disappointing to say the least.

Gamecocks bring act to Rocky Top for clash with Volunteers

The 21st-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks invade Knoxville this weekend for an SEC clash with the Tennessee Volunteers.

South Carolina is 6-2 overall this season, including 3-2 in conference, and the team is coming off a 14-10 victory over Vanderbilt last weekend. Coach Steve Spurrier and his team are already eligible for a bowl game, so improving postseason prospects now becomes the goal. The fact is that the SEC title seems like an impossibility for any team in the conference other than Florida and Alabama, two undefeated squads destined for a meeting in Atlanta.

As for Tennessee, it put forth a tremendous fight against 'Bama last weekend and lined up for a last-second field goal that could have handed the Crimson Tide their first loss of the season. Unfortunately for coach Lane Kiffin and his troops, the field goal was blocked and the Vols lost by a 12-10 final. They are now 3-4 overall, including 1-3 in SEC action, disappointing to say the least.

Would UNC call Spurrier?

North Carolina would have to consider Steve Spurrier if the Tar Heels are looking for a new football coach next November.

It may not come to that. With a little better fundamental execution in close games and a lot of improvement by the defense, John Bunting will survive.

For one thing, Bunting has the administration's support. Chancellor James Moeser and athletics director Dick Baddour proved their dedication to Bunting's coaching ability by retaining him for a fourth season after 2-10 and 3-9 records the past two seasons.

Spurrier driven to succeed

The question swirling around Steve Spurrier at last week's SEC Media Days was not so much about his voting record as it was about his future as South Carolina's football coach.

Has the frustration of attempting to overcome USC's century of mediocrity finally overcome Spurrier? Will that frustration cause Spurrier to retire and concede it cannot be done at a place where championship trophies number only one?

Spurrier acknowledges being disappointed that, as he enters his fifth season at USC, his program is still not in position to challenge for a Southeastern Conference championship. He admits to being discouraged at times by not being able to get the most out of himself, his coaching staff and his players over four seasons.

Spurrier wants to return

Steve Spurrier says he'll be back in the middle of South Carolina's playcalling and back on the Gamecocks' sidelines next season.

Spurrier said Tuesday that he'll increase his playing-calling role down the stretch and won't let the potential of another frustrating finish - the Gamecocks (6-4, 3-4 Southeastern Conference) have lost two straight with No. 1 Florida and No. 23 Clemson left - lead him to leave the Gamecocks after the season.

"Obviously, the president and the AD and all that decides on who coaches," Spurrier said. "But hopefully we've got some guys that are really going to help us on the way. We have a good coaching staff here."