Steve Spurrier and Kevin Sumlin wager $10 on the most improved defense
South Carolina and Texas A&M were among the worst defensive teams in the SEC a year ago.
So, when coaches Steve Spurrier and Kevin Sumlin crossed paths while doing interviews with ESPN in Bristol, Conn., on Tuesday, Spurrier decided to issue a friendly wager.
“Us and them were sort of at the bottom of the SEC in most defensive categories, and I bet him $10 a few minutes ago that our defense would be more improved than his defense,” Spurrier told the Russillo Show. “So we’ve got a little bet going this year. I hope that’s legal.”
Sumlin confirmed the $10 wager.
And yes, this probably is illegal by NCAA standards. Don't we all remember the NCAA slogan, "Don't Bet On It," when it comes to sports gambling?
South Carolina ranked 13th in the SEC in total defense allowing 432.7 yards per game and 12th in scoring defense allowing 30.4 points per game. A&M was equally as bad ranking 14th in total defense allowing 450.8 yards per game and 11th in scoring defense allowing 28.1 points per game.
Both teams invested in new defensive coordinators in the offseason. A&M poached veteran defensive mastermind John Chavis from LSU, and South Carolina will use Lorenzo Ward and former NFL defensive backs coach Jon Hoke as co-coordinators.
Spurrier said that bet wasn’t about one of the two programs finishing at the top of the SEC defensive heap, but rather the $10 would go to the program whose defense is most improved.
This was pretty much a sucker bet since four of the SEC’s top seven scoring offenses (not including A&M) are in the SEC West.
Well played, Spurrier. Well played.
For more South Carolina news, visit GamecockCentral.com.
For more Texas A&M news, visit AggieYell.com.
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Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter! Follow @YahooDrSaturday
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