The Gamecocks finished the season ranked among the nation's Top-10 teams for the first time in school history.
/ FILE
COLUMBIA (WACH) - For the first time in school history, the University of South Carolina football team finished the season ranked among the nation's Top-10 teams.
South Carolina is ranked ninth in the final Associated Press poll and eighth in the final USA TODAY/Coaches poll, which were both released today. The previous high-water mark was 11th in the AP poll following the 1984 season. The Gamecocks have finished ranked among the nation’s Top-25 in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2000 and 2001.
“This is another “first” that we’re proud of – another goal reached,” said head coach Steve Spurrier. “There’s still some room higher than that, and we’ll shoot for that next year.”
“I was excited when I heard about it,” said senior defensive tackle Travian Robertson. “I was hoping we would be a little higher, but it’s something that’s never been done before.”
The Gamecocks made history last week by winning their school record 11th game with a 30-13 win over Nebraska in the Capital One Bowl.
“It’s an incredible feeling to be known as the best team in South Carolina history,” added junior center T.J. Johnson. “That’s what we came here to do and it shows that all of our hard work is paying off.”
Alabama, a 21-0 winner over LSU in the BCS National Championship Game, garnered the top spot in both polls. LSU finished second, ahead of Oklahoma State, Oregon and Arkansas.
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