GAINESVILLE, Fla. - The Head Ball Coach produced the best football season South Carolina has ever seen.

However, Steve Spurrier couldn't get his Gamecocks to a second straight SEC title game.

South Carolina earned 11 wins, went undefeated in their division, but the lone two losses against western foes put them in the backseat as they watched Georgia represent the East.

Spurrier is only 10 wins shy from taking the top spot in the school's all-time football wins list.

South Carolina returns quarterback Connor Shaw and Heisman hopeful running back Marcus Lattimore in 2012.

Defensively, the 2011 squad ranked third in the country in total defense, but will have to replace three of four cornerbacks from a year ago.

Freshman all-american Jadaveon Clowney is stepping into a starters role, and looks to build on a great season that saw him earn SEC Freshman of the Year.

The Gamecocks open the season on Thursday, August 30th as they travel to Nashville and face SEC rival Vanderbilt.