We’ve all heard the story of the “Ugly Duckling.” Some of you might have even see that show “Ugly Betty.”

And if you watched ESPN last Thursday night, you undoubtedly saw a different variety of ugly when the South Carolina Gamecocks beat N.C. State, 34-0.

Look, there’s nothing wrong with ugly. That little duck and America Ferrera have taught us a fine lesson. Sometimes, not being pretty still works. Ask Steve Spurrier.

Starting quarterback Tommy Beecher looked a bit shell-shocked and threw four picks against the Wolfpack. The offense sputtered its way to 161 total yards through three quarters. But, Chris Smelley came in for Beecher, provided a spark and the Gamecocks finished the game with 369 total yards, 21 more points and, most importantly, a victory.

After the game, Spurrier looked like he was glad it was over. He voiced his concerns about the offense, praised the defense for pitching the shutout and said he looked for the team to get better.

Spurrier has said since the summer that the 2008 team is much better than last year, and he’s right. The offensive line, despite having trouble with false starts, is more experienced and now more talented with freshman Jarriel King in the starting rotation. Mike Davis is stronger and faster this year, just like Spurrier said.

And the defense is much more fundamentally sound under new defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson, who’s more like a head coach than an assistant.

So, why are the Gamecocks destined for a season of weird wins?

Basically, it’s history. Look at Spurrier’s biggest victories at USC.

The first ever over the Vols in Knoxville came on a long field goal to win 16-15 in 2005. The following week, some of the worst quarterbacking I’ve ever seen between two teams still resulted in a 14-10 road win over Arkansas. The next week, Spurrier forced his former Gator squad to play extremely ugly in a 30-22 victory.

In the 2006 opener against Mississippi State, a Cory Boyd reception from then-receiver Syvelle Newton resulted in the only offensive score or noteworthy play in a 15-0 win. Later that season, the Gamecocks edged Clemson, 31-28, after Tiger kicker Jad Dean forgot he was supposed to kick it between the goal posts.

And who can forget last year’s upset between the hedges that basically kept Georgia from playing for the SEC title and possibly the national championship? Some might hope that next week UGA doesn’t remember that 16-12 USC win.

I could write another page full of close, ugly losses. But this is how the Gamecocks are under Spurrier. They aren’t going to do it with razzle and dazzle or smoke and mirrors. It’s pretty simple. If they make fewer mistakes than the other team, the Gamecocks will likely win, no matter the opponent.

Remember that tonight if Vanderbilt holds a slight edge at halftime but USC still pulls out the ugly victory.