I think Otis spotlighted Gore long before you, so respect goes to Otis.
I'm sure many people thought Gore would be good, they just don't toot their horns like Otis does.

I watch the 'canes, too - their my favorite college team. I just wasn't about to espouse the value of Gore solely on what I know about his talent level when the other factors weren't present: the team had serious OL problems and Barlow was still expected to earn his contract.
That said, let's talk about Gore's value - trade him TODAY!!
Reasons:
-The loss of two starting OLs.
-His style of running due to those losses is a recipe for overworking a RB and getting him injured.
-They won't play the Cards every week.
-His value is unlikely to ever get higher now because you can trade on his "upside" factor - in a few weeks, that upside factor will be realized, or will have no credibility.
I would not be surprised if Gore plus a b/u WR netted you KJones, RDroughns, or some other starting RB who is more likely to have a better season.