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September 30, 2013

Win a garnet and black infinity scarf from Fashion Savvy Fans!

Happy Monday Gamecock Girls!

Happy Monday indeed....it was a close one, but our Gamecocks pulled out another 'W' against Central Florida.

Phew!

Online gameday boutique Fashion Savvy Fans would like to celebrate the Gamecock win and the upcoming Homecoming game this weekend with a fabulous giveaway just for you!!

Fashion Savvy Fans is your go-to online boutique for all of your garnet and black gameday needs. They have an amazing selection of gameday dresses and accessories for you to choose from.

One very lucky Gamecock Girl reader will win this super cute and chic, garnet and black infinity scarf! The weather is starting to cool down, and this scarf would be gorgeous paired with your Gamecock gameday outfit. It's great for gameday or any day!


Use the widget below to enter...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Deadline for entries is 11:59 PM EST on Tuesday, Oct. 1. The winner will be drawn at random from the entries and contacted by email. The winner will have 72 hours to reply or we will draw a new winner.

Special thanks to Fashion Savvy Fans for sponsoring today's giveaway!

Go Cocks!!


September 27, 2013

Gamecock Sports: Gameday Prediction - Gamecocks vs. UCF

Can the Gamecocks Derail the Knights Undefeated Season?
Coming off the Gamecocks' first bye week this season, it appears that everyone will be healthy for the game this weekend against the University of Central Florida Knights in Orlando. This will be the second road test for Carolina in a loud stadium full of fans that are excited about the potential of their team. The Knights are expected to win every game on their schedule this year except for this weekend, so they are looking for the big upset to set themselves up to achieve the perfect season.

UCF
Led by former Georgia Tech coach George O’Leary in his 10th year at Central Florida, the Knights had their first signature win of the season over Penn State two weeks ago at Penn State. To open the season they also beat an Akron team 38-7, a team who had just almost beat Michigan. The perfect way to really make the excitement explode around this football team would be to beat a team like South Carolina, at home, in front of their fans, which would set them up for stardom for the rest of the year.

In their first three games this season, the Knights are averaging over 450 yards a game. Along with the huge offensive output, led by quarterback Blake Bortles, this team is also extremely disciplined as they have only compiled 3 penalties all year and only 3 fumbles, none of which has been lost. With this discipline, the Knights will force the Gamecocks to stop them and not hurt themselves. Due to the defensive issues the Gamecocks have had, this could spell riches for the Knights offense that averages over 36 points per game.

USC
The bye week coming into this game will be a huge help to the Gamecocks, who have been a little beaten up with the injury bug this season so far. It appears that the defense will be back up to full speed this weekend and well conditioned for the expected high temperatures in Orlando. In Carolina’s last game, the defense played much better than they did against Georgia, but there is still room for improvement in the secondary. With the balanced attack that the Knights will throw at them this weekend, the Gamecocks must be able to stop the run without giving up the long ball. Central Florida has the potential to put big numbers on the board, so the defense must be prepared for the big play potential.

Carolina’s offense looked great for most of the game two weeks ago, but they must find a way to be more consistent throughout. As we have seen so far this year, the Gamecocks offense can be extremely explosive, but it can also be completely shutdown at the drop of a hat. Consistency will be the key moving forward into the middle of our SEC slate in the coming weeks. That being said, with both Mike Davis and Brandon Wilds healthy and strong, they have potential to be the 1-2 punch that the Gamecocks need to pound the ball on every play.

This week's rankings of the SEC quarterbacks was released by an ESPN blogger and he listed Connor Shaw as number 7. I was appalled upon reading this number, so I did a little more research, because despite not being Shaw’s biggest fan I still think he is a great quarterback and leader for this team. My further investigation revealed that the blogger agreed that Connor is a great quarterback, but that because he has such a capable replacement in Dylan Thompson he is not so valuable to his team. This is what caused him to slip down the list all the way to 7. As a Carolina girl, this made me step back and be thankful for what a perfect storm we currently have on our team -- two top tier quarterbacks and two top tier running backs. That’s not to mention the best offensive line the Gamecocks have had in years, and a guy by the name of Jadeveon Clowney that you may or may not have heard about a few times!

Prediction
This game is going to be a shootout. High scoring on both sides, but I think it will come down to a late defensive stop by the Gamecocks. Despite their inexperience, the linebackers will play strong this week against a smaller UCF front and not allow their running backs to break through the second level.

Final Score: South Carolina 42, UCF 30

Post written by Gamecock Girl Sports Bloggess, Lauren Rippy.

September 24, 2013

Win a garnet gameday sash from Gameday Bows!

The LBD (little black dress) is a staple among Gamecock Girls' gameday wardrobes. The LBD is always a flattering and popular option for a Gamecock football game.

However, a little black dress with pops or garnet is an even better option. So, how does a Gamecock Girl add that 'pop!' of garnet to their already owned little black gameday dress?

Well, last week we were contacted by a brand new online store, Gameday Bows. And lo and behold Gamecock Girls, we have found just the solution to making your little black gameday dresses into a new gameday styles for you to wear this football season!


Gameday Bows sells colorful, handcrafted gameday sashes that you tie into a bow. Don't worry, there are easy to follow instructions on how to tie the perfect bow! The gameday bows are available in a variety of colors and can be the perfect pop of an accent color to your outfit for gameday or any occasion (think weddings, church, etc.). Follow Gameday Bows on Instagram to see more creative ways to wear the gameday bow!


Of course Gameday Bows comes in garnet, black, and these adorable garnet and black chevron patterns! You can even place custom orders if you know exactly what color or pattern you need.


** Gameday Bows has generously offered to give all Gamecock Girls a 20% discount plus FREE shipping by using the discount code GAMECOCKBOWS. Code is valid until October 8, 2013, so don't miss out on this special deal! **

But wait.....there's more! :)

Gameday Bows is also giving away one of their garnet gameday bows to a very lucky Gamecock Girl! The perfect Gamecock Girl accessory for your gameday dress, skirt, or for whatever your gameday fashionista heart sees fit!


Use the widget below to enter...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Deadline for all entries is 11:59 p.m. EST, Wednesday, September 25. We will draw a winner at random soon after and contact the winner by email. The winner will have 72 hours to respond or we will draw a new winner.

A big speacial thanks to Gameday Bows for sponsoring today's amazing giveaway! We cannot wait to see the many versatile ways you can style these gameday bows with your Gamecock gameday outfits!


September 18, 2013

Win a custom Gamecocks gameday clutch from Sew Sarah R!

Happy Wednesday Gamecock Girls!

It's depressing not to have a home game until the first weekend in October. I guess that gives us plenty of time to plan out our gameday outfits for the Kentucky game at Williams-Brice.

Speaking of Gamecock gameday outfits, how adorable is this garnet chevron clutch from Sew Sarah R? This clutch would be the perfect accessory to compliment your Gamecock gameday look.


Sew Sarah R allows shoppers to design their own clutch by choosing from a variety of fabrics and adding custom touches to the design. These clutches are great for gifts, weddings, and gameday!

Well, we are excited that Sew Sarah R loves Gamecock Girls and wants to give away one of their super cute, custom gameday clutches to one very lucky Gamecock Girl!


The giveaway winner will receive a customized clutch in the fabrics of their choice -- Sew Sarah R has over 100 gameday fabrics to choose from! The dimensions of the clutch are 9 1/2" at widest point, 9" across bottom, 4 1/2" high and 2" deep. These garnet patterns are just some of the many fabric choices you can choose from for your custom gameday clutch!


Use the widget below to enter in the giveaway...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Deadline for all entries is 11:59 pm EST, Thursday, September 19. We will draw a winner at random soon after and contact the winner by email. The winner will have 72 hours to reply or we will draw a new winner.

Special thanks to Sew Sarah R for sponsoring today's fabulous giveaway!

Good luck Gamecock Girls! We can't wait to see what clutch the winner designs.


September 16, 2013

Win a Gamecock tank from Queen of the Tailgate

Happy Monday Gamecock Girls!

What's so happy about a Monday you ask? How about another Gamecocks win and a giveaway from Queen of the Tailgate!

Queen of the Tailgate is one of our fave go-to boutiques for gameday fashion. The online gameday boutique always has the best selection of all things garnet and black, including the perfect Gamecock gameday dresses!

Queen of the Tailgate has generously offered to help us celebrate another South Carolina Gamecocks win with a giveaway of this super cute Gamecocks state love tank! One lucky Gamecock Girl will win this tank in a size of her choice!


Use the widget below to enter...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Deadline for all entries will be Midnight EST, Tuesday, September 17. We will draw a winner at random soon after and contact the winner by email. The winner will have 72 hours to reply to our email or we will draw a new winner.

Special thanks to Queen of the Tailgate for celebrating with us! Not a bad way to start the week, right?

Good luck ladies and GO COCKS!


September 13, 2013

Gamecock Sports: Gameday Prediction - Gamecocks vs. Vanderbilt


Can South Carolina get Back on Track?
This week the Gamecocks try to right the ship against the Vanderbilt Commodores after last week’s loss to the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium. The Gamecocks are hoping to come home and get a big win that will set them up for the rest of the season against the Commodores, who have given the Gamecocks trouble in the past. Carolina's defense will have a big test against Jordan Matthews who is one of the greatest receivers in the country this year.

Vanderbilt
Despite their opening lose to Ole Miss this year, the Vanderbilt Commodores look to be an SEC competitor unlike in years past. In his time at Vanderbilt, Coach James Franklin has built a great team with competitive power in the SEC. While it doesn't appear that they will contend for the SEC East crown this year it does look like they could upset somebody else's run to the Title game.

Jordan Matthews' ability to run after catch will be a big test for South Carolina's secondary that showed great gaps in coverage in the game last week. Also look for true freshman, wide receiver Jordan Cunningham to continue to get looks on offense as teams try to double cover Matthews. If Vanderbilt’s defense can hold the Gamecocks to a low-scoring game, their offense has the big-play ability to pull the big upset this weekend in Columbia.

South Carolina
To put it mildly, South Carolina's defense looked rough last week. Georgia was able to run right down the middle and exploit South Carolina's young defensive front. Many defensive players for South Carolina have vowed that they will play better, both as a unit and individually, to stop the run for the rest of the season. If the Gamecocks can find a way to stop the run and keep the ball out of Jordan Matthews’ hands, they should win the game easily given that both Connor Shaw and Dylan Thompson are expected to play quarterback this weekend.

Connor played well last weekend, but he still is too eager to run the ball when he should sit in the pocket and throw down field to his open receivers. South Carolina's offensive line looks to be the strongest Spurrier has had under his direction in Columbia, which should allow both Mike Davis and Brandon Wilds to run the ball effectively this weekend against the Commodores. At Spurrier's press conference this week, he mentioned that Dylan Thompson will get playing time, which means we can look for the big passing plays downfield that we don't often see with Connor Shaw.

Prediction
Jordan Matthews will exploit the young defense, especially the secondary, and South Carolina will have a battle on their hands in Columbia on Saturday night. Despite this big play ability, South Carolina will win the game due to the efforts of both quarterbacks Connor Shaw and Dylan Thompson. And as I mentioned last week, keep looking for Brandon Wilds to make big plays when he gets the opportunity.

Final Score: South Carolina 31, Vanderbilt 27

Post written by Gamecock Girl Sports Bloggess, Lauren Rippy.

September 11, 2013

Remembering 9/11

Photo and excerpt source:
visitcolumbia.blogspot.com
Today is the day we all look back and remember exactly where we were when we heard about that first plane. Today is the day we remember how we all came together united as a nation. And today is the day we remember the lives that were lost on that horrible day, and the lives lost in the years to follow in our quest to rid the world of such evil.

If you haven't already, next time you're in Columbia, take a moment to visit the First Responders Remembrance Memorial, located directly outside of the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.

The "First Responders Memorial honors all the South Carolina first responders (police officers, firefighters, EMS and military members) who have lost their lives since September 11, 2001. Engraved with the names of these individuals on the two 25-foot granite pillars, the memorial also demonstrates the unity of the United States after 9/11 through two crossed steel beams recovered from the World Trade Center in New York City."


September 9, 2013

Happy Hour - Blackberry Tequila Tackle

I realize it's only Monday, but I sure could use a Cock-tail after this past weekend. :(

No use moping over a game that our team fought hard at until the end, right Gamecock Girls?? We need to pick ourselves up, learn from the mistakes, and focus on the future.

But a fruity Cock-tail to kick off the week couldn't hurt, right?

Blackberry Tequila Tackle


Ingredients:
5 blackberries
3/4 oz fresh lime juice
Crushed ice
1/2 oz agave nectar
1/2 oz crème de mure (blackberry-flavored liqueur)
1 1/2 oz blanco tequila

Directions: In a glass, muddle blackberries with the lime juice. Next, fill rest of glass with crushed ice. Add remaining ingredients....stir and serve. Please drink responsibly...

Recipe & Photo Source: fitsugar.com


September 6, 2013

Gamecock Sports: Gameday Prediction - Gamecocks vs. Georgia

{photo source: thegamecockreport.com}
Georgia v. South Carolina: Clash of Potential

As it is every year, this Saturday's game between Georgia and South Carolina is getting a lot of hype. It also has huge postseason implications. If Georgia loses, they can give up any hopes of playing in the National Championship short of a miracle. For South Carolina to reach their dream of the SEC championship and then the National Championship, they cannot afford to lose a game at any point this year, much less in the second week of the season to a one loss team.

Georgia
Aaron Murray. While I will be the first to admit that Murray is a great quarterback, he has not shown up in many of the big games Georgia has played during his career. He consistently has made huge mental errors in these big games which has played a major role in the Gamecocks winning the matchup the last three years. (Well, that and a guy named Lattimore, but we all know that story!) Despite his mental gaffes, Murray has a tremendous running back in Todd Gurley who could expose the young, rather inexperienced linebackers for South Carolina. He's a quick, versatile, powerful back who has a huge upside. He will be the key to Georgia's game plan after the loss of Malcolm Mitchell, to a torn ACL, for the season.

Georgia's very young defense will have to find a way to slow down Carolina's offense and not allow their offense to get in an early hole. While they struggled against Clemson's fast-paced offense last week, they should be able to keep up a little better with the more methodical offense the Gamecocks run. If the Gamecocks are able to get them on their heels it could be a long night for the Bulldogs defensive front.

South Carolina
Connor Shaw must play with authority this weekend in Athens. If he manages the game like he is capable of doing and doesn’t turn the ball over, the Gamecocks will come home with a 2-0 record and with their goals still intact. Last week the offense ran like a fine tuned machine for much of the game. The receivers were running great routes, and both Connor and Dylan Thompson were hitting their marks in stride. This will be even more critical this week against a tough defensive secondary. Mike Davis will need to find the holes in the defensive line created by their inexperience and the Gamecocks offensive line who is much improved. The Gamecocks will also get tight end Busta Anderson back from injury which will allow for more options for the offense in both blocking schemes and pass plays.

I still think that Jadeveon Clowney is the best player in college football, and anyone who disagrees can come run wind sprints with him at Williams Brice on a typical summer day in Columbia. That being said, the rest of the defensive front, particularly Chaz Sutton, played lights out and proved that Clowney isn’t a one man show on defense. If they can find the holes and get pressure on Aaron Murray he will make mistakes and give the Gamecocks the upper hand.

Prediction
Aaron Murray will not be able to overcome his demons in the big game and will make too many mistakes for the Bulldogs to leave victorious. Jadeveon will shine in the national spotlight along with the rest of the Gamecock defense. My surprise player of the weekend will be Brandon Wilds, who came in late last week with some great runs at the end of the game. Look for him to break through in one of the biggest games the Gamecocks will play all year!

Final Score: Gamecocks 24, Bulldogs 20

Post written by Gamecock Girl Sports Bloggess, Lauren Rippy.