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COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) – It’s easy to tell that South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier believes this is his best chance in nine seasons to win the Southeastern Conference title: He’s upped the wisecracks and toned down the hype for the Gamecocks and All-American Jadeveon Clowney.

Spurrier has rarely missed a chance to take a jab at in-state rival Clemson this offseason. He also abruptly closed fall camp to the public after three days because of what he decided was too many cellphone snoops and autograph hounds fixated on the SEC’s reigning defensive player of the year.

The clincher was when video went viral of Clowney flipping a two-man tackling sled with Gerald Dixon at the team’s opening workout Aug. 2. Spurrier quipped it’s time to focus on all the Gamecocks and not just Clowney.