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Size: 6 x 9
Pages: 224
Illustrations: 16 color plates

Memoir & Biography
ebook
hardcover
Forthcoming
Books
South Carolina History & Culture
Education Policy & History
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The Spurrier Effect

How One Coach Transformed Gamecock Football

Brent Silvia and Kevin Miller

Paperback

Published:

Hardcover
978-1-64336-697-5
Published: Aug 18 2026

$26.99

Spiral Bound

Published:

Ebook
978-1-64336-698-2
Published: Aug 18 2026

OA Ebook
978-1-64336-698-2
Published: Aug 18 2026

$0.00

The inclusion of this book in the Open Carolina collection is made possible by the generous funding of

Everyone said it couldn't be done. Steve Spurrier decided to prove them wrong.

Why Not Us? chronicles Steve Spurrier's transformative tenure as head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks, marking the most successful era in the program's history. Beginning with his unlikely decision to take over a team long seen as underachieving, the book follows Spurrier's drive to change the culture of South Carolina football, detailing his battles against SEC powerhouses, strategic approach, and ability to instill belief in a program hungry for respect.Through vivid storytelling, exclusive interviews, and firsthand perspectives—including a foreword by former Gamecock quarterback Connor Shaw—the book provides insider access to Spurrier's journey from his 2004 hiring to his historic seasons that included three straight 11-win campaigns, landmark victories over rivals, and the development of future NFL stars like Jadeveon Clowney, Alshon Jeffery, and Stephon Gilmore.Beyond the gridiron, the story reveals the human side of Spurrier's leadership: his deep partnership with his wife, Jerri; his fierce competitiveness; his humor; and his unique ability to make a once-embattled fan base believe in greatness.Why Not Us? is not just a sports story—it's a tale of transformation, perseverance, and pride. It captures how one man's vision and willpower lifted an entire university and redefined what was possible in Columbia, South Carolina.




Brent Silvia is a teacher at Blythewood High School, where he is also the head boys golf coach and assistant football coach. He is the author of Section 2 Row 1 Seats 9 and 10, which explores his long history as a Gamecock fan and how it shaped his relationship with his father. Kevin Miller is a staff writer for GamecockCentral where his reporting covers South Carolina football, men's basketball, women's basketball, baseball, and recruiting.

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