<p>The two decades between USC's departure from the Atlantic Coast Conference and entry into the Southeastern Conference were a challenging time for Gamecock sports. But USC sports enthusiast Alan Piercy's new book about that era reminds us that a lot of cool things —  including a Heisman Trophy winner and a new iteration of USC's mascot — came about in the midst of those wilderness years. </p>

The two decades between USC's departure from the Atlantic Coast Conference and entry into the Southeastern Conference were a challenging time for Gamecock sports. But USC sports enthusiast Alan Piercy's new book about that era reminds us that a lot of cool things — including a Heisman Trophy winner and a new iteration of USC's mascot — came about in the midst of those wilderness years.

<p>The two decades between USC's departure from the Atlantic Coast Conference and entry into the Southeastern Conference were a challenging time for Gamecock sports. But USC sports enthusiast Alan Piercy's new book about that era reminds us that a lot of cool things —&nbsp; including a Heisman Trophy winner and a new iteration of USC's mascot — came about in the midst of those wilderness years.&nbsp;</p>

The wilderness years: USC sports in the independent era

Discover the rich and sometimes quirky history of the University of South Carolina, with entertaining stories from its more than 200 years as the Palmetto State’s flagship university.

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The wilderness years: USC sports in the independent era

The wilderness years: USC sports in the independent era