COLUMBIA – Steve Spurrier still loves to beat North Carolina. He’ll get another chance when the sixth-ranked Gamecocks will get another chance Thursday night when they open the season against the Tar Heels.

Spurrier got his college football coaching start at Duke in 1987 and won all three meetings with rival North Carolina before moving on to become Florida’s head coach. Spurrier has always been grateful that Duke gave him the chance to coach and said Sunday that it’s still special when he faces the Tar Heels.

Spurrier has won 20 straight openers, including all eight since joining the Gamecocks. If Spurrier continues the streak, count on All-American defensive end Jadeveon Clowney to play a big role.

Spurrier says Clowney has had a strong camp and is ready to go.