Hi Everyone -  here's what we got this week at the University of South Carolina:

On the docket:

• Gamecock Recap: Cheez-It Citrus Bowl

• The Golden Spur Grill: A New Dining Experience Near USC

• Welcome Home, Donovan Murph: Gamecock Nation’s New Star Receiver!

Gamecock Recap: Cheez-It Citrus Bowl

The 2024 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl was a rollercoaster of emotions—kind of like when your student swears they don’t need help with something... and then calls you at midnight. South Carolina football wrapped up the season with a tough 21-17 loss to Illinois at Camping World Stadium. It was chaotic at times and slow at others, but the Gamecocks (9-4) gave it their all. Unfortunately, a late-game pass just missed the mark, and Illinois ran out the clock to secure the win.

On the bright side, freshman quarterback LaNorris Sellers ended his first season strong, completing 24 of 34 passes for 260 yards, a touchdown, and some solid rushing plays. While we didn’t hit the 10-win milestone this year, this was still the best season under Coach Shane Beamer yet. Here's to even bigger things in 2025—Go Cocks!

The Golden Spur Grill: A New Dining Experience Near USC

Hey parents, if your student’s looking for a new hangout spot on campus, let me introduce you to USC’s latest dining gem: The Golden Spur. It’s got that Gamecock pride written all over it, with a bar vibe that nods to the original Golden Spur from the 80s, but with a modern twist. Think: non-alcoholic mocktails (perfect for when your student needs to “chill” but still feels fancy) and a menu full of comfort food like fried pickles and mozzarella sticks. Oh, and if they’re trying to be healthy, there are sweet chili Brussels sprouts and grilled salmon bowls—talk about balance!

The best part? This place is perfect for watching the Gamecocks, with 13 TVs dedicated to all the sports action. It’s like a Gamecock paradise, but with fewer crowds than the dining halls (trust me, they’ll thank you for this quiet spot). Plus, there’s a shuttle that runs from Russell House to Campus Village at lunch, so they don’t have to deal with traffic—because who wants to stress about parking when there’s food to be had?

The Golden Spur is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., and it accepts Meal Plan Dollars (with Meal Swipes on the horizon). So, whether they’re watching the game or just grabbing a bite, it’s definitely a place worth checking out!

Click here, to see the new menu!

Welcome Home, Donovan Murph: Gamecock Nation’s New Star Receiver!

Big news—our family just got a little bigger! Irmo’s own Donovan Murph is coming home to USC after showing off his skills at the Under Armour All-American Game. This guy isn’t just good; he’s ridiculous. With 96 catches, 1,328 yards, and 12 touchdowns last season, he practically had opposing defenses calling time-outs just to breathe. And, lucky for us, he picked the Gamecocks over Clemson, Ole Miss, Colorado, and Tennessee. Talk about good taste!

Now, if he can handle SEC defenses as well as he handles Clemson rejection letters, we’re in for a treat. Get ready to cheer louder than ever—Murph’s about to make Williams-Brice his personal highlight reel!