We're in week 5 and the contenders and pretenders are starting to be exposed here at the Post & Cocky Predictions! This week's guest predictor is Blair Wood!
Week 4 Results Overall
1. Joseph (4-1) 1. Joseph (14-7)
2. Jeremy (3-2) 2. Jeremy (13-8)
T3. (Guest) Laurel (2-3) 3. Ryan (10-11)
T3. Ryan (2-3)
Joe Ryan Jeremy Blair
Texas A&M at Arkansas A&M Ark A&M Ark
Michigan St at Ohio St MSU OSU OSU OSU
Clemson at Virginia Tech Clem VT VT VT
Alabama at Florida Bama Bama Bama UF
Auburn at USC (-9.5) Aub (+9.5) USC (-9.5) USC (-9.5) USC (-9.5)
Friday, September 30, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
South Carolina vs. Auburn Preview
Click Here for the Post & Cocky Preview Show: Auburn at South Carolina
The No. 10 South Carolina Gamecocks (4-0, 2-0) will welcome the defending national champion Auburn Tigers (3-1, 1-0) to Williams Brice Stadium Saturday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. ET for a rematch of last year's SEC Championship Game.
Auburn defeated South Carolina twice last year, 35-27 at Auburn in week four and again 56-17 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta for the SEC Championship in a game which Cam Newton torched Carolina's defense for six total touchdowns.
Unfortunately for Auburn, they've found it difficult to compete without the services of their Heisman Trophy winner.
In week one, Auburn needed a late charge, including an onside kick late in the 4th quarter, to defeat Utah State. In week two, they played their best game so far, beating then-No. 16 Mississippi State in a shootout 41-34. Week three featured Auburn's first loss since 2009 where they were defeated by the Clemson Tigers 38-24. Last week, the Tigers gave up over 300 yards of total offense to the FAU Owls in a 30-14 win.
Auburn's defense is ranked near the bottom in all defensive statistical categories in the SEC and they are ranked 92nd in the nation in scoring defense, allowing 31 points per game.
"They've struggled. There's no question about that," said Head Coach Steve Spurrier on Tuesday. "I think they returned one or two starters on defense, maybe three. They've proven they can turn it around. Our defense was struggling until last week. We were struggling, but last week we put it together. Who knows how our offense will play against them, but it's true they've not played well defensively. They know that and I'm sure they'll try to get better."
On offense, Auburn returns the running back tandem of Michael Dyer and Ontario McCalebb, who helped Auburn rush for over 130 yards last week against FAU.
"He's a good running back," Spurrier said of Dyer. "He's one of the best in the conference, in the country. They're going to run him a bunch. We know that. They'll run him a lot more than certainly they did last year with Cam Newton back there. Dyer is their main guy. We have to stop him, and stop the run game no matter who you play."
Auburn is also 10th in the nation in kick return yardage, which has helped them to give good field position to their offense that is averaging 34.3 points per game, good for 43rd nationally.
South Carolina is coming off of their best defensive game of the season, a 21-3 win over previously unbeaten Vanderbilt (3-1, 0-1).
Jadeveon Clowney forced two fumbles, one of which was returned for a touchdown. Melvin Ingram had four total tackles including two sacks and was named SEC Defensive Player of the Week. Antonio Allen had a fumble recovery and Devin Taylor also recorded a sack for the Gamecock defense, who held Vanderbilt to only 77 total yards of offense.
"Antonio, he and Melvin, balls are attracted to them right now," said Spurrier. "They have a knack of running into the balls. That play the other night was interesting. Clowney knocked it out, Antonio scoops it up, Melvin is chasing and he fumbles it to Melvin. We've got some playmakers on defense, there's no question about that. Hopefully that will continue throughout the year. Antonio is an excellent pass rusher also. We haven't used him much yet. I'm sure we'll sneak him in and use him in that occasion."
Carolina's offense, however, was a different story. QB Stephen Garcia struggled throughout the night, ending the game with four interceptions. The bulk of the offensive output came through a jump ball that was deflected to Ace Sanders on a ball thrown into coverage and a screen play that went 52 yards to Marcus Lattimore before halftime.
"When a quarterback and the offense struggles, the offensive coordinator, the quarterback coach, the offensive line coach, the receivers coach, we all struggle," said Spurrier. "We're all a big part of whatever happens with the offense. That's why I don't think many of us were very happy last week because our phase of the game didn't perform well."
South Carolina will feature their "Wounded Warrior" uniforms this Saturday against Auburn. The last time the Gamecocks wore these style of uniforms was against No. 1 Florida back in 2009 in a 24-14 loss. The jerseys will be auctioned off after the game and all proceeds will go to the Wounded Warrior Project.
Prediction:
#10 South Carolina 42 Auburn 31
The No. 10 South Carolina Gamecocks (4-0, 2-0) will welcome the defending national champion Auburn Tigers (3-1, 1-0) to Williams Brice Stadium Saturday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. ET for a rematch of last year's SEC Championship Game.
Auburn defeated South Carolina twice last year, 35-27 at Auburn in week four and again 56-17 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta for the SEC Championship in a game which Cam Newton torched Carolina's defense for six total touchdowns.
Unfortunately for Auburn, they've found it difficult to compete without the services of their Heisman Trophy winner.
In week one, Auburn needed a late charge, including an onside kick late in the 4th quarter, to defeat Utah State. In week two, they played their best game so far, beating then-No. 16 Mississippi State in a shootout 41-34. Week three featured Auburn's first loss since 2009 where they were defeated by the Clemson Tigers 38-24. Last week, the Tigers gave up over 300 yards of total offense to the FAU Owls in a 30-14 win.
Auburn's defense is ranked near the bottom in all defensive statistical categories in the SEC and they are ranked 92nd in the nation in scoring defense, allowing 31 points per game.
"They've struggled. There's no question about that," said Head Coach Steve Spurrier on Tuesday. "I think they returned one or two starters on defense, maybe three. They've proven they can turn it around. Our defense was struggling until last week. We were struggling, but last week we put it together. Who knows how our offense will play against them, but it's true they've not played well defensively. They know that and I'm sure they'll try to get better."
On offense, Auburn returns the running back tandem of Michael Dyer and Ontario McCalebb, who helped Auburn rush for over 130 yards last week against FAU.
"He's a good running back," Spurrier said of Dyer. "He's one of the best in the conference, in the country. They're going to run him a bunch. We know that. They'll run him a lot more than certainly they did last year with Cam Newton back there. Dyer is their main guy. We have to stop him, and stop the run game no matter who you play."
Auburn is also 10th in the nation in kick return yardage, which has helped them to give good field position to their offense that is averaging 34.3 points per game, good for 43rd nationally.
South Carolina is coming off of their best defensive game of the season, a 21-3 win over previously unbeaten Vanderbilt (3-1, 0-1).
Jadeveon Clowney forced two fumbles, one of which was returned for a touchdown. Melvin Ingram had four total tackles including two sacks and was named SEC Defensive Player of the Week. Antonio Allen had a fumble recovery and Devin Taylor also recorded a sack for the Gamecock defense, who held Vanderbilt to only 77 total yards of offense.
"Antonio, he and Melvin, balls are attracted to them right now," said Spurrier. "They have a knack of running into the balls. That play the other night was interesting. Clowney knocked it out, Antonio scoops it up, Melvin is chasing and he fumbles it to Melvin. We've got some playmakers on defense, there's no question about that. Hopefully that will continue throughout the year. Antonio is an excellent pass rusher also. We haven't used him much yet. I'm sure we'll sneak him in and use him in that occasion."
Carolina's offense, however, was a different story. QB Stephen Garcia struggled throughout the night, ending the game with four interceptions. The bulk of the offensive output came through a jump ball that was deflected to Ace Sanders on a ball thrown into coverage and a screen play that went 52 yards to Marcus Lattimore before halftime.
"When a quarterback and the offense struggles, the offensive coordinator, the quarterback coach, the offensive line coach, the receivers coach, we all struggle," said Spurrier. "We're all a big part of whatever happens with the offense. That's why I don't think many of us were very happy last week because our phase of the game didn't perform well."
South Carolina will feature their "Wounded Warrior" uniforms this Saturday against Auburn. The last time the Gamecocks wore these style of uniforms was against No. 1 Florida back in 2009 in a 24-14 loss. The jerseys will be auctioned off after the game and all proceeds will go to the Wounded Warrior Project.
Prediction:
#10 South Carolina 42 Auburn 31
Friday, September 23, 2011
The Post & Cocky Predictions: Week 4
We're in week 4 and the Post & Cocky Predictors are in full swing! This week's guest predictor is Laurel Sullivan!
T2. Jeremy (3-2) T1. Jeremy (10-6)
T2. Joseph (3-2) 3. Ryan (8-8)
3. Ryan (2-3)
Joe Ryan Jeremy Laurel
Florida St. at Clemson Clem FSU Clem Clem
Oklahoma St. at Texas A&M OSU A&M A&M A&M
LSU at West Virginia LSU LSU LSU WVU
So. Cal. at Arizona St. ASU ASU ASU So. Cal.
Vanderbilt at USC (-16) Vandy (+16) Vandy (+16) Vandy (+16) USC (-16)
Week 3 Results Overall
1. (Guest) Josh Sullivan (5-0) T1. Joseph (10-6)T2. Jeremy (3-2) T1. Jeremy (10-6)
T2. Joseph (3-2) 3. Ryan (8-8)
3. Ryan (2-3)
Joe Ryan Jeremy Laurel
Florida St. at Clemson Clem FSU Clem Clem
Oklahoma St. at Texas A&M OSU A&M A&M A&M
LSU at West Virginia LSU LSU LSU WVU
So. Cal. at Arizona St. ASU ASU ASU So. Cal.
Vanderbilt at USC (-16) Vandy (+16) Vandy (+16) Vandy (+16) USC (-16)
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
South Carolina vs. Vanderbilt Preview
Click Here for the Post & Cocky Preview Show: Vanderbilt at South Carolina
The No. 12 South Carolina Gamecocks (3-0, 1-0) will take on the Vanderbilt Commodores (3-0, 1-0) at Williams Brice Stadium Stadium on Saturday night. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:05 pm ET and the game will be televised by ESPN2.
South Carolina is coming off of a near-upset at the hands of the Navy Midshipmen (2-1) last Saturday night, winning by a slim three-point margin for the second week in a row, 24-21.
"We've played similarly every game," Spurrier said Tuesday in his weekly press conference. "We keep thinking it's all going to come together. It hasn't quite yet but we're 3-0. That's a good sign that we've won a couple of games being behind in the 4th quarter. I don't think that's happened around here so we're doing some things."
Marcus Lattimore carried the Gamecock offense throughout the night, rushing for a career-high 246 yards and all three of South Carolina's touchdowns.
"We figured the best way to try to win the game was to just hand it to him and keep blocking," Spurrier said after Saturday's win.
Lattimore ran for more yards than the great George Rogers ever did in his illustrious collegiate career. Rogers' best day was against Wake Forest in 1978, when he rushed for 237 yards against the Demon Deacons.
QB Stephen Garcia finished the game 18-25 for a season-high 204 yards and one interception, spreading the ball to seven different receivers. WR Nick Jones led the receivers in yardage with 52 yards on three catches. Lattimore and WR Jason Barnes each had four receptions.
Antonio Allen closed the game with an interception on 4th down that eliminated Navy's chances to upset Carolina, while Jay Wooten's 48-yard field goal as time expired in the first half proved to be the difference.
Vanderbilt is off to a red hot start and are coming fresh off of a 30-7 beatdown of Ole Miss in their SEC opener.
QB Larry Smith threw for 103 yards and rushed for a touchdown while Zac Stacy ran for 169 yards, including a 77 yard touchdown, on 11 carries.
Vanderbilt also leads the nation in interceptions after picking off Ole Miss QB Zack Stoudt five times last week, returning one of them for a 52-yard touchdown. The Commodore defense is also top 20 in scoring defense, allowing only 14 points per game so far this season.
"We struggled with them down there last year at Vandy," said Spurrier. "They play the coverages that most teams play. They disguise well with a zone blitz. You look at them on tape and guys are in position. They play fundamentally sound. That's why they're playing well right now. It will be good challenge for us no doubt about it. They're playing with a lot of confidence and a lot of fire. We'll see if we can match it."
With Vanderbilt and South Carolina off to 3-0 starts, it is safe to say this will be a huge game early on in the SEC East divisional race. Expect Vanderbilt to come out fired up and ready to take on a divisional rival who they have had some success against in the past. I expect to see another hard fought game as the Commodores have impressed so far this season. With the first home SEC game, I like the Gamecocks to be ready and to play their best game of the season thus far and improve to 4-0 going into next week's game vs. Auburn.
Prediction:
No. 12 South Carolina 31 Vanderbilt 27
----
South Carolina's game with Vanderbilt comes in a week that the university has become the target of some scrutiny. The University of South Carolina received a letter of allegations from the NCAA on Monday afternoon. 12 student-athletes were accused of staying in The Whitney Hotel for a reduced rate of $14.95 per night. 10 of those athletes named in the letter are current football players and two are women's track and field athletes. Also, a booster was alleged to give up to $8,000 in impermissible benefits to potential recruits. The university will have until Dec. 14 to respond to the letter and is expected to be in front of the board Feb. 17-18.
The No. 12 South Carolina Gamecocks (3-0, 1-0) will take on the Vanderbilt Commodores (3-0, 1-0) at Williams Brice Stadium Stadium on Saturday night. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:05 pm ET and the game will be televised by ESPN2.
South Carolina is coming off of a near-upset at the hands of the Navy Midshipmen (2-1) last Saturday night, winning by a slim three-point margin for the second week in a row, 24-21.
"We've played similarly every game," Spurrier said Tuesday in his weekly press conference. "We keep thinking it's all going to come together. It hasn't quite yet but we're 3-0. That's a good sign that we've won a couple of games being behind in the 4th quarter. I don't think that's happened around here so we're doing some things."
Marcus Lattimore carried the Gamecock offense throughout the night, rushing for a career-high 246 yards and all three of South Carolina's touchdowns.
"We figured the best way to try to win the game was to just hand it to him and keep blocking," Spurrier said after Saturday's win.
Lattimore ran for more yards than the great George Rogers ever did in his illustrious collegiate career. Rogers' best day was against Wake Forest in 1978, when he rushed for 237 yards against the Demon Deacons.
QB Stephen Garcia finished the game 18-25 for a season-high 204 yards and one interception, spreading the ball to seven different receivers. WR Nick Jones led the receivers in yardage with 52 yards on three catches. Lattimore and WR Jason Barnes each had four receptions.
Antonio Allen closed the game with an interception on 4th down that eliminated Navy's chances to upset Carolina, while Jay Wooten's 48-yard field goal as time expired in the first half proved to be the difference.
Vanderbilt is off to a red hot start and are coming fresh off of a 30-7 beatdown of Ole Miss in their SEC opener.
QB Larry Smith threw for 103 yards and rushed for a touchdown while Zac Stacy ran for 169 yards, including a 77 yard touchdown, on 11 carries.
Vanderbilt also leads the nation in interceptions after picking off Ole Miss QB Zack Stoudt five times last week, returning one of them for a 52-yard touchdown. The Commodore defense is also top 20 in scoring defense, allowing only 14 points per game so far this season.
"We struggled with them down there last year at Vandy," said Spurrier. "They play the coverages that most teams play. They disguise well with a zone blitz. You look at them on tape and guys are in position. They play fundamentally sound. That's why they're playing well right now. It will be good challenge for us no doubt about it. They're playing with a lot of confidence and a lot of fire. We'll see if we can match it."
With Vanderbilt and South Carolina off to 3-0 starts, it is safe to say this will be a huge game early on in the SEC East divisional race. Expect Vanderbilt to come out fired up and ready to take on a divisional rival who they have had some success against in the past. I expect to see another hard fought game as the Commodores have impressed so far this season. With the first home SEC game, I like the Gamecocks to be ready and to play their best game of the season thus far and improve to 4-0 going into next week's game vs. Auburn.
Prediction:
No. 12 South Carolina 31 Vanderbilt 27
----
South Carolina's game with Vanderbilt comes in a week that the university has become the target of some scrutiny. The University of South Carolina received a letter of allegations from the NCAA on Monday afternoon. 12 student-athletes were accused of staying in The Whitney Hotel for a reduced rate of $14.95 per night. 10 of those athletes named in the letter are current football players and two are women's track and field athletes. Also, a booster was alleged to give up to $8,000 in impermissible benefits to potential recruits. The university will have until Dec. 14 to respond to the letter and is expected to be in front of the board Feb. 17-18.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
The Post & Cocky Predictions: Week 3
We're in week 3 and the Post & Cocky Predictors are starting to find their mid-season form. This week's guest predictor is Josh Sullivan!
T2. Ryan (3-2) T1. Jeremy (7-4)
T2. Joseph (3-2) 3. Ryan (6-5)
T2. (Guest) Patrick Mace (3-2)
Joe Ryan Jeremy Josh
LSU at Mississippi St. LSU LSU LSU LSU
Auburn at Clemson Aub Aub Clem Clem
Ohio St. at Miami (FL) OSU OSU Miami Miami
Oklahoma at Florida St. OU OU FSU OU
Navy at USC (-17) Navy (+17) USC (-17) USC (-17) Navy (+17)
Week 3 Results Overall
1. Jeremy (4-1) T1. Joseph (7-4)T2. Ryan (3-2) T1. Jeremy (7-4)
T2. Joseph (3-2) 3. Ryan (6-5)
T2. (Guest) Patrick Mace (3-2)
Joe Ryan Jeremy Josh
LSU at Mississippi St. LSU LSU LSU LSU
Auburn at Clemson Aub Aub Clem Clem
Ohio St. at Miami (FL) OSU OSU Miami Miami
Oklahoma at Florida St. OU OU FSU OU
Navy at USC (-17) Navy (+17) USC (-17) USC (-17) Navy (+17)
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
South Carolina vs. Navy Preview
Click Here for The Post & Cocky Preview Show: Navy at South Carolina
The No. 10 South Carolina Gamecocks (2-0) (1-0) will face the Navy Midshipmen (2-0) in their 2011 home opener Saturday night at Williams Brice Stadium in Columbia, SC.
The Gamecocks are coming off of a thrilling 45-42 win at rival Georgia to put themselves in first place in the SEC Eastern Division. This is the first time since the 2000-01 seasons that South Carolina has defeated Georgia in back-to-back seasons.
South Carolina will be looking to use the momentum that they've built with consecutive wins away from home to start the season to open their 2011 home schedule with a win against a Navy team that runs a very efficient triple option offense.
Head Coach Steve Spurrier knows what Navy is capable of and was quick to point out that they are one of the best independent football programs in the country in his weekly press conference on Tuesday.
"Navy might be as good an independent school as there is in the country," Spurrier said. "They won 10, nine and eight games the last three years. I think they beat Notre Dame a couple of times. They're leading the nation in rushing offense right now. They run the triple option with fullback, quarterback and pitch guys so we'll have our hands full slowing down these guys."
The Gamecocks will be looking to stop a Navy rushing attack that has totaled 801 yards on the ground in their first two games, including 410 yards last week at Western Kentucky. South Carolina allowed over 100 yards rushing last week to freshman RB Isaiah Crowell and will need to improve this week if they hope to stop Navy's attack.
"We've been watching these other teams that run (the triple option) and how they defend a team (with the same offense) when they play," Spurrier said in Tuesday's press conference. "The Army-Navy (game) is our best game because both teams play the same offense and know how to defend each other. We know how to do it, and Coach Johnson has played against this style in his career. We just have to play fast, play assignment ball and get after them."
On the offensive side of the ball for Carolina, Marcus Lattimore has once again proven to be the staple of the Gamecock attack that ranks fourth in the country in points per game (50.5). He carried the ball 27 times for 176 yards and a late touchdown last week against Georgia to seal the Gamecocks' 45-42 win. He has totaled 288 yards on 50 carries and has scored four times so far this season.
"We finally started calling some different runs that got him freed up," said Spurrier. "Marcus is an excellent runner and at the end of the game I didn't realize he had 176 yards. I thought he had about 110 or 120. It didn't seem like he had many. He was getting yards as we went; we just weren't finishing drives at the time. We don't forget about Marcus running the ball. That's what gives us a chance."
Stephen Garcia struggled to find his rhythm early in last week's game at Georgia, but settled down and led the Gamecocks from behind late in the game. He finished the game with 142 yards through the air, one touchdown and two interceptions. His favorite target, Alshon Jeffery, caught five balls for 85 yards and a score.
"I just think he was a little pumped up," Spurrier said of Garcia's performance at Georgia. "He actually sort of said he felt like he needed to throw over that guy. He was a little high early and settled down a bit later. Our two best plays of the game were scramble plays where he rolled out the pocket and hit Alshon and hit Ace (Sanders). That may be our best play at this time."
South Carolina will be playing at home for the first time since they defeated Troy 69-24 last November.
Key Match-up:
South Carolina front seven vs. Navy option
If Carolina wants to win this game, they will need a gameplan to stop Navy's triple option. The Navy rushing attack has proven difficult to stop in previous years and this year is no exception. QB Kriss Proctor has rushed for 199 yards and three touchdowns in his first two appearances this year, while RB Alexander Teich has rushed for 167. Carolina's front seven needs to have a plan of attack that will neutralize Navy's running game, and force them to throw the ball, which they rarely do.
Prediction:
#10 South Carolina 42 Navy 24
The No. 10 South Carolina Gamecocks (2-0) (1-0) will face the Navy Midshipmen (2-0) in their 2011 home opener Saturday night at Williams Brice Stadium in Columbia, SC.
The Gamecocks are coming off of a thrilling 45-42 win at rival Georgia to put themselves in first place in the SEC Eastern Division. This is the first time since the 2000-01 seasons that South Carolina has defeated Georgia in back-to-back seasons.
South Carolina will be looking to use the momentum that they've built with consecutive wins away from home to start the season to open their 2011 home schedule with a win against a Navy team that runs a very efficient triple option offense.
Head Coach Steve Spurrier knows what Navy is capable of and was quick to point out that they are one of the best independent football programs in the country in his weekly press conference on Tuesday.
"Navy might be as good an independent school as there is in the country," Spurrier said. "They won 10, nine and eight games the last three years. I think they beat Notre Dame a couple of times. They're leading the nation in rushing offense right now. They run the triple option with fullback, quarterback and pitch guys so we'll have our hands full slowing down these guys."
The Gamecocks will be looking to stop a Navy rushing attack that has totaled 801 yards on the ground in their first two games, including 410 yards last week at Western Kentucky. South Carolina allowed over 100 yards rushing last week to freshman RB Isaiah Crowell and will need to improve this week if they hope to stop Navy's attack.
"We've been watching these other teams that run (the triple option) and how they defend a team (with the same offense) when they play," Spurrier said in Tuesday's press conference. "The Army-Navy (game) is our best game because both teams play the same offense and know how to defend each other. We know how to do it, and Coach Johnson has played against this style in his career. We just have to play fast, play assignment ball and get after them."
On the offensive side of the ball for Carolina, Marcus Lattimore has once again proven to be the staple of the Gamecock attack that ranks fourth in the country in points per game (50.5). He carried the ball 27 times for 176 yards and a late touchdown last week against Georgia to seal the Gamecocks' 45-42 win. He has totaled 288 yards on 50 carries and has scored four times so far this season.
"We finally started calling some different runs that got him freed up," said Spurrier. "Marcus is an excellent runner and at the end of the game I didn't realize he had 176 yards. I thought he had about 110 or 120. It didn't seem like he had many. He was getting yards as we went; we just weren't finishing drives at the time. We don't forget about Marcus running the ball. That's what gives us a chance."
Stephen Garcia struggled to find his rhythm early in last week's game at Georgia, but settled down and led the Gamecocks from behind late in the game. He finished the game with 142 yards through the air, one touchdown and two interceptions. His favorite target, Alshon Jeffery, caught five balls for 85 yards and a score.
"I just think he was a little pumped up," Spurrier said of Garcia's performance at Georgia. "He actually sort of said he felt like he needed to throw over that guy. He was a little high early and settled down a bit later. Our two best plays of the game were scramble plays where he rolled out the pocket and hit Alshon and hit Ace (Sanders). That may be our best play at this time."
South Carolina will be playing at home for the first time since they defeated Troy 69-24 last November.
Key Match-up:
South Carolina front seven vs. Navy option
If Carolina wants to win this game, they will need a gameplan to stop Navy's triple option. The Navy rushing attack has proven difficult to stop in previous years and this year is no exception. QB Kriss Proctor has rushed for 199 yards and three touchdowns in his first two appearances this year, while RB Alexander Teich has rushed for 167. Carolina's front seven needs to have a plan of attack that will neutralize Navy's running game, and force them to throw the ball, which they rarely do.
Prediction:
#10 South Carolina 42 Navy 24
Monday, September 12, 2011
South Carolina tops Georgia in SEC Opener
Melvin Ingram had never scored a touchdown in his career as a Gamecock.
Saturday, he found the end zone two different times.
The No. 12 South Carolina Gamecocks (2-0) (1-0) defeated the Georgia Bulldogs (0-2) (0-1) 45-42 in a classic SEC thriller in Athens, Ga.
After Carolina punted on their first two possessions, Georgia was able to draw first blood against the Gamecocks.
Freshman RB Isiah Crowell, who finished his SEC debut with 16 carries for 118 yards and a touchdown, busted off 15 and 28 yard gains in consecutive runs to start the Bulldog drive. Two Richard Samuels runs and an incomplete pass later, the Georgia offense was forced to settle for a 37-yard FG from PK Blair Walsh to make it 3-0.
Carolina's 3rd drive ended abruptly after an ill-advised throw for 5th-year senior QB Stephen Garcia was intercepted by UGA defensive standout Bacarri Rambo, leaving the Bulldogs with great field position, and an opportunity to widen their lead.
Again, Isiah Crowell would lead Georgia into Gamecock territory where the drive would eventually stall and Walsh connected on a 39-yard kick to increase the lead to 6-0.
After another Carolina punt, the Bulldogs moved the ball back into field goal range for Walsh, where he missed a 33-yard kick that could have put Georgia up 9-0.
The Gamecocks were able to get on the board after the two teams traded punts once again.
Stephen Garcia hit Junior wide-out Alshon Jeffery on a 34-yard touchdown connection after a broken play forced Garcia to roll out, putting the Gamecocks up 7-6.
"It was just a scramble play," said Jeffery about the Gamecocks' first score. "When the quarterback rolls out, coach Spurrier just tells up 'go deep'."
Georgia answered back with a big play of their own when QB Aaron Murray hooked up with a wide-open Rantavious Wooten to put the Bulldogs back on top 13-7.
Melvin Ingram then made his entrance.
After the Gamecocks stalled yet again, they lined up to punt from their own 32-yard line. The snap went directly to Ingram who rumbled 68-yards to pay dirt to put the Gamecocks on top 14-13, where the lead would hold until halftime.
"We had it in the playbook all year," Ingram said. "We called it a couple times earlier in the game but it wasn't on so we didn't run it. This is another stepping stone. We're trying to get better every week."
The Bulldogs climbed back on top 20-14 when Isiah Crowell caught a 23-yard pass and later a 17-yard pass from Aaron Murray for a touchdown.
Carolina was able to use a couple big defensive plays to turn the momentum in their favor. On the Bulldogs' next possession, Isiah Crowell fumbled at the South Carolina 39-yard line where CB Stephon Gilmore picked it up and weaved his way 56 yards inside the Georgia 10 to the 5-yard line. Two plays later, Garcia scrambled into the end zone to make it 21-20 Carolina.
On the next possession, Antonio Allen picked off Aaron Murray and returned it 25 yards for a touchdown to widen the gap to 28-20. Allen has scored a defensive touchdown in his last three games (at Clemson, vs. ECU, at Georgia).
Aaron Murray connected with Michael Bennett for a touchdown and then tied the game with a two-point conversion pass to Tavarres King, but a Jay Wooten 49-yard FG put the Gamecocks up 31-28.
Georgia continued to answer back, this time with Crowell's 15-yard touchdown to give the 'Dogs a 35-31 advantage, but Marcus Lattimore, who finished the game with 27 carries for 176 yards, scored his only touchdown with 3:28 left to give Carolina the lead for good.
Freshman defensive lineman Jadeveon Clowney put the proverbial "nail in the coffin" when he sacked Aaron Murray and knocked the ball loose giving Melvin Ingram the opportunity to scoop and score his second touchdown of the afternoon.
A late Aaron Murray touchdown pass to King made the score 45-42 where it would become final.
The now No. 11 South Carolina Gamecocks will face the option attack of the Navy Midshipmen this Saturday in USC's 2011 home opener at 6 p.m. The game will be televised nationally on ESPN2.
Saturday, he found the end zone two different times.
The No. 12 South Carolina Gamecocks (2-0) (1-0) defeated the Georgia Bulldogs (0-2) (0-1) 45-42 in a classic SEC thriller in Athens, Ga.
After Carolina punted on their first two possessions, Georgia was able to draw first blood against the Gamecocks.
Freshman RB Isiah Crowell, who finished his SEC debut with 16 carries for 118 yards and a touchdown, busted off 15 and 28 yard gains in consecutive runs to start the Bulldog drive. Two Richard Samuels runs and an incomplete pass later, the Georgia offense was forced to settle for a 37-yard FG from PK Blair Walsh to make it 3-0.
Carolina's 3rd drive ended abruptly after an ill-advised throw for 5th-year senior QB Stephen Garcia was intercepted by UGA defensive standout Bacarri Rambo, leaving the Bulldogs with great field position, and an opportunity to widen their lead.
Again, Isiah Crowell would lead Georgia into Gamecock territory where the drive would eventually stall and Walsh connected on a 39-yard kick to increase the lead to 6-0.
After another Carolina punt, the Bulldogs moved the ball back into field goal range for Walsh, where he missed a 33-yard kick that could have put Georgia up 9-0.
The Gamecocks were able to get on the board after the two teams traded punts once again.
Stephen Garcia hit Junior wide-out Alshon Jeffery on a 34-yard touchdown connection after a broken play forced Garcia to roll out, putting the Gamecocks up 7-6.
"It was just a scramble play," said Jeffery about the Gamecocks' first score. "When the quarterback rolls out, coach Spurrier just tells up 'go deep'."
Georgia answered back with a big play of their own when QB Aaron Murray hooked up with a wide-open Rantavious Wooten to put the Bulldogs back on top 13-7.
Melvin Ingram then made his entrance.
After the Gamecocks stalled yet again, they lined up to punt from their own 32-yard line. The snap went directly to Ingram who rumbled 68-yards to pay dirt to put the Gamecocks on top 14-13, where the lead would hold until halftime.
"We had it in the playbook all year," Ingram said. "We called it a couple times earlier in the game but it wasn't on so we didn't run it. This is another stepping stone. We're trying to get better every week."
The Bulldogs climbed back on top 20-14 when Isiah Crowell caught a 23-yard pass and later a 17-yard pass from Aaron Murray for a touchdown.
Carolina was able to use a couple big defensive plays to turn the momentum in their favor. On the Bulldogs' next possession, Isiah Crowell fumbled at the South Carolina 39-yard line where CB Stephon Gilmore picked it up and weaved his way 56 yards inside the Georgia 10 to the 5-yard line. Two plays later, Garcia scrambled into the end zone to make it 21-20 Carolina.
On the next possession, Antonio Allen picked off Aaron Murray and returned it 25 yards for a touchdown to widen the gap to 28-20. Allen has scored a defensive touchdown in his last three games (at Clemson, vs. ECU, at Georgia).
Aaron Murray connected with Michael Bennett for a touchdown and then tied the game with a two-point conversion pass to Tavarres King, but a Jay Wooten 49-yard FG put the Gamecocks up 31-28.
Georgia continued to answer back, this time with Crowell's 15-yard touchdown to give the 'Dogs a 35-31 advantage, but Marcus Lattimore, who finished the game with 27 carries for 176 yards, scored his only touchdown with 3:28 left to give Carolina the lead for good.
Freshman defensive lineman Jadeveon Clowney put the proverbial "nail in the coffin" when he sacked Aaron Murray and knocked the ball loose giving Melvin Ingram the opportunity to scoop and score his second touchdown of the afternoon.
A late Aaron Murray touchdown pass to King made the score 45-42 where it would become final.
The now No. 11 South Carolina Gamecocks will face the option attack of the Navy Midshipmen this Saturday in USC's 2011 home opener at 6 p.m. The game will be televised nationally on ESPN2.
Friday, September 9, 2011
The Post & Cocky Predictions: Week 2
It's Week 2 of the 2011 college football season and the Post & Cocky Predictions are back at it again. This week we feature special guest predictor Patrick Mace! Let us know what you think!
Week 1 Results
1. Joseph (4-2)
T2. Ryan (3-3)
T2. Jeremy (3-3)
Joe Ryan Jeremy Pat
Mizzou at Arizona St. ASU ASU ASU ASU
Miss St. at Auburn MSU MSU MSU MSU
Cincinnati at Tennessee Tenn Tenn Tenn Cincy
Notre Dame at Michigan Mich ND Mich Mich
South Carolina at UGA UGA USC USC USC
Week 1 Results
1. Joseph (4-2)
T2. Ryan (3-3)
T2. Jeremy (3-3)
Joe Ryan Jeremy Pat
Mizzou at Arizona St. ASU ASU ASU ASU
Miss St. at Auburn MSU MSU MSU MSU
Cincinnati at Tennessee Tenn Tenn Tenn Cincy
Notre Dame at Michigan Mich ND Mich Mich
South Carolina at UGA UGA USC USC USC
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
South Carolina at Georgia Preview
Click Here for The Post & Cocky Preview Show: South Carolina at Georgia
It seems like just yesterday that freshman phenom Marcus Lattimore was bursting onto the SEC scene with 37 carries for 182 yards and two touchdowns in the Gamecocks 17-6 win over Georgia last September.
It seems like just yesterday that freshman phenom Marcus Lattimore was bursting onto the SEC scene with 37 carries for 182 yards and two touchdowns in the Gamecocks 17-6 win over Georgia last September.
Now, with both #12 South Carolina (1-0) and Georgia (0-1) eying the SEC Eastern Division Crown once again, the 'Dogs will look for revenge this Saturday "between the hedges" in Athens.
South Carolina and Georgia will kickoff their annual border showdown at 4:30 pm ET on ESPN and ESPN3.com.
South Carolina started off the season with a controversy at the quarterback position. Both 5th year senior Stephen Garcia and sophomore Connor Shaw had played well throughout the preseason and had competed vigorously for the right to lead the defending SEC East Champions into their most anticipated season ever. Spurrier eventually decided to let both quarterbacks show what they had to offer against ECU, but gave the starting edge to Shaw.
"Both of them have done well but Connor has very much, statistically and everything else, played a little bit better than Stephen has," Spurrier said on his call-in radio show last week.
Well, what a difference a week makes.
After an atrocious first quarter and a half for the Gamecocks, Shaw and South Carolina found themselves in a 17-0 hole against ECU.
When Garcia entered the game in the 2nd quarter, things turned around for Carolina.
The 5th year senior led his team back from an early deficit to eventually win the game 56-37, with the help of two rushing touchdowns and one more through the air. After his performance in the season opener, it was clear who the leader of this team was.
"I don't know if this was my best game as a Gamecock, but we needed this win, for sure," Garcia said after the victory, "especially for us to come back and win after that first quarter."
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Garcia Ignites Offense in Carolina's Win Over ECU
The 12th-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks (1-0, 0-0) beat the East Carolina Pirates (0-1) Saturday night, 56-37, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC.
Things did not start off smoothly however for Carolina.
Sophomore QB Connor Shaw made his first career start and began the game with a decent drive. The Gamecocks gained four first downs in their first drive, including a 4th down conversion, and looked like they were ready to take control of the game early, but a 3rd down fumble by Shaw turned things around for ECU.
After the Pirates and Gamecocks traded punts on the next three possessions, a Marcus Lattimore fumble set up ECU's first score.
QB Dominique Davis, who finished with 260 yards four touchdowns and one interception, led the Pirates five plays 43 yards to give ECU a 7-0 lead, which they wouldn't surrender again until the 3rd quarter.
ECU added to their lead early in the 2nd when Davis hit Lance Lewis for a 19 yard score. Then made it 17-0 on a Michael Barbour 24 yard FG.
QB Stephen Garcia, after being reinstated for the 5th time in his career at South Carolina, entered the game in the beginning of the 2nd quarter and turned things around for the Gamecocks.
Garcia led the Gamecocks 59 yards in five plays on his first drive of the game, which ended with his 32 yard TD run, making it 17-7.
From that point on, the Gamecocks never looked back.
Garcia finished the game 7-15 for 110 yards, one passing and two rushing touchdowns.
"I don't know if this was my best game as a Gamecock, but we needed this win, for sure," Garcia said after the game, "especially for us to come back and win after that first quarter."
His performance didn't earn him any praise from Head Coach Steve Spurrier.
"I said, 'Wait a minute. When he throws for about 300 yards and brings us down the field scoring at the end of the game,'" Spurrier said. "He played well. But hopefully, he'll have a big, big game."
South Carolina dominated ECU 42-13 in the 2nd half to end the game with a 19-point victory, making Steve Spurrier 42-0 against teams outside the BCS automatic qualifying conferences.
RB Marcus Lattimore finished the game with 23 carries for a quiet 113 yards and three touchdowns.
The Gamecocks will square off against the Georgia Bulldogs (0-1, 0-0) this Saturday in Athens, GA. This will open Carolina's SEC schedule and could very well decide the SEC Eastern Division champion. The game will be televised nationally on ESPN and will kickoff at 4:30 ET.
Things did not start off smoothly however for Carolina.
Sophomore QB Connor Shaw made his first career start and began the game with a decent drive. The Gamecocks gained four first downs in their first drive, including a 4th down conversion, and looked like they were ready to take control of the game early, but a 3rd down fumble by Shaw turned things around for ECU.
After the Pirates and Gamecocks traded punts on the next three possessions, a Marcus Lattimore fumble set up ECU's first score.
QB Dominique Davis, who finished with 260 yards four touchdowns and one interception, led the Pirates five plays 43 yards to give ECU a 7-0 lead, which they wouldn't surrender again until the 3rd quarter.
ECU added to their lead early in the 2nd when Davis hit Lance Lewis for a 19 yard score. Then made it 17-0 on a Michael Barbour 24 yard FG.
QB Stephen Garcia, after being reinstated for the 5th time in his career at South Carolina, entered the game in the beginning of the 2nd quarter and turned things around for the Gamecocks.
Garcia led the Gamecocks 59 yards in five plays on his first drive of the game, which ended with his 32 yard TD run, making it 17-7.
From that point on, the Gamecocks never looked back.
Garcia finished the game 7-15 for 110 yards, one passing and two rushing touchdowns.
"I don't know if this was my best game as a Gamecock, but we needed this win, for sure," Garcia said after the game, "especially for us to come back and win after that first quarter."
His performance didn't earn him any praise from Head Coach Steve Spurrier.
"I said, 'Wait a minute. When he throws for about 300 yards and brings us down the field scoring at the end of the game,'" Spurrier said. "He played well. But hopefully, he'll have a big, big game."
South Carolina dominated ECU 42-13 in the 2nd half to end the game with a 19-point victory, making Steve Spurrier 42-0 against teams outside the BCS automatic qualifying conferences.
RB Marcus Lattimore finished the game with 23 carries for a quiet 113 yards and three touchdowns.
The Gamecocks will square off against the Georgia Bulldogs (0-1, 0-0) this Saturday in Athens, GA. This will open Carolina's SEC schedule and could very well decide the SEC Eastern Division champion. The game will be televised nationally on ESPN and will kickoff at 4:30 ET.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Post & Cocky Predictions: Week 1
The Post & Cocky Predictions are back, featuring our new Football Forecaster, Joseph Finnerty! Let us know what you think!
Ryan Jeremy Joseph
#14 TCU at Baylor TCU TCU Baylor
BYU at Ole Miss BYU BYU BYU
#5 Boise State vs. #19 Georgia Boise Boise Georgia
#4 LSU vs. #3 Oregon Oregon Oregon LSU
Miami at Maryland Maryland Maryland Maryland
ECU vs. #12 USC (-21) USC (-21) USC (-21) USC (-21)
Ryan Jeremy Joseph
#14 TCU at Baylor TCU TCU Baylor
BYU at Ole Miss BYU BYU BYU
#5 Boise State vs. #19 Georgia Boise Boise Georgia
#4 LSU vs. #3 Oregon Oregon Oregon LSU
Miami at Maryland Maryland Maryland Maryland
ECU vs. #12 USC (-21) USC (-21) USC (-21) USC (-21)
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