The Gamecocks were able to quiet the Gator crowd which was sent into a frenzy after an electrifying 99 yard kickoff return by Andre Debose. The Gamecocks answered with a five minute drive that ended in a Spencer Lanning 49 yard field goal. From that point on, it seemed as if the Gators just dissipated.
Freshman RB Marcus Lattimore was the focal point for the South Carolina offensive attack yet again. Lattimore finished the game with 40 carries for 212 yards and three touchdowns, while QB Stephen Garcia took care of the football and finished the game 15-22 for 156 yards through the air and added another 28 yards on the ground and a touchdown. Spencer Lanning was also solid on the night, going 3-3 in field goal attempts.
The Gamecock defense had one of the best games they've played all season, giving up only seven points and forcing two turnovers, a problem they've struggled with all season. Quarterbacks John Brantley, Jordan Reed and Trey Burton finished the game a combined 20-39 for 191 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Six different Gators carried the ball and only 35 yards on 20 carries combined.
The Troy Trojans (5-4, 4-2) are coming off of a tough loss at home to FIU. The Trojans are 13th in the nation in passing yards, averaging 292.8 yards per game. This could cause problems for the Gamecocks. QB Corey Robinson has thrown for over 2,500 yards and 18 touchdowns this season with a 132.3 quarterback rating.
Look for the Trojans to exploit the secondary of South Carolina, who may be looking ahead to a rival game at Clemson next week. The Gamecocks did play one of the best defensive games of the season against Florida, but need to focus this week to beat a pretty solid Troy team.
The Gamecocks need to keep riding the Lattimore train to victory. Lattimore has proven week-in and week-out just how important he is to South Carolina's success. If Lattimore gets his numbers, the Gamecocks will win.
Key match-up:
QB Corey Robinson vs. South Carolina's secondary
Just because the Gamecock defense actually showed up for one week against a high-caliber team does not mean that they are off the proverbial hook. South Carolina's defense needs to show that they can play at a high level every single week to start getting the respect they want. Look for Robinson to find some holes in the Gamecock secondary to give Troy a shot at upsetting South Carolina this Saturday afternoon.
Key players:
RB Marcus Lattimore
I probably don't even need to say how important Lattimore has been to Steve Spurrier and the Gamecocks this season. When Lattimore runs the ball consistently, the Gamecocks win. When he is stopped, they lose. Over 200 carries, 987 yards, 14 touchdowns. I think enough has been said. Give Lattimore at least 30 carries and the Gamecocks will be in good shape.
QB Corey Robinson
It seems like the only player on Troy's team is Robinson from this blog, but he is the key player for Troy. He needs to play a near perfect game to give the Trojans a shot at the upset. His 2,500 yards this year is an impressive stat but he has thrown 12 interceptions along with his 18 touchdowns. He'll be looking to his main target WR Jerrel Jernigan, who has 58 catches for over 600 yards this year, to try to get some offense going early on in the contest.
Prediction
Troy 14 (17)South Carolina 38
No comments:
Post a Comment