[Tuck4Bama]

As he discussed his team’s warts and other unpleasantries, South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier several times reminded reporters — and himself — the Gamecocks won their season opener.

After all, things could be worse for Spurrier. He could be Lloyd Carr.

“We’re not quite like Michigan, now. We still won the game,” Spurrier said, referring to Appalachian State’s 34-32 shocker against the Wolverines. “We’re not in the dumps around here.”

But nor are the Gamecocks at the level Spurrier wants them. He wasted no time taking steps to try to elevate it.

Spurrier announced several personnel changes Tuesday that could result in as many as five new starters lining up against No. 11 Georgia on Saturday in Athens.

Spurrier and his staff waited until after the Georgia game last year — an 18-0 loss — to shuffle the lineup, a shakeup that included the suspension of quarterback Blake Mitchell.

But after his team needed two defensive stands to hold off Louisiana-Lafayette 28-14 this past weekend, Spurrier decided he had seen enough.

GoGamecocks.com | New look for USC at Athens