Wednesday, October 12, 2011
South Carolina at Mississippi State Preview
The South Carolina Gamecocks (5-1, 3-1) will travel to Starkville, Miss. this Saturday to take on the Mississippi State Bulldogs (3-3, 0-3) for a 12:20 pm ET kickoff.
The Gamecocks are coming off of their best offensive outing of the season and their best game against a SEC opponent in school history. South Carolina destroyed Kentucky last Saturday, 54-3, to move to 3-1 in the conference.
New starting quarterback Connor Shaw led the offense with 311 yards through the air and four touchdowns as the Gamecocks racked up 639 yards of total offense on the Wildcats.
“It was just time to call some plays and see what happened,” Spurrier said after the game. “I didn’t know if we could move it like this or not, but I knew we had to try.”
Shaw also showed an ability to scramble away from pressure when the pocket collapsed. He carried the ball 15 times for 42 yards.
"We had a very good game plan as far as different formations, different strategies," Shaw said. "I wasn't as nervous as last time. I'd been there, done that. My offensive line came to me and told me they had my back."
One player who had to be happy to see Shaw throwing the ball around was Alshon Jeffery. He was finally able to make a few plays on Saturday with the improved quarterback play. He finished the game with six catches for 95 yards and two touchdowns.
"When the week started, (Spurrier) told us we were going to throw the ball a lot, we were going to air it out," said Jeffery post-game. "So that's what I expected."
Marcus Lattimore was able to reach the 100-yard mark, despite not seeming to be a main part of the initial gameplan for Coach Spurrier. He carried the ball 22 times for 102 yards.
Bruce Ellington was able to break open a big play, taking a direct snap 61 yards down the Kentucky sideline for a touchdown in the 3rd quarter. This is the kind of versatility that Spurrier and the coaching staff knew Ellington could bring to the table.
"It was a great run," Ellington said after the win. "The line did a great job blocking and when I got into the endzone Alshon met me and the crowd was screaming, it was exciting."
The defense played another great game, holding Kentucky to just 96 yards of offense and three points. It was the second time this season that the defense held a team to just three points.
"I know what we are and I know how we practiced this week," said Ellis Johnson after the game. "I know some things we do well and some things we don't do well and it's about their attitude. I think they stepped up today."
Mississippi State is coming off of a 21-3 road win over non-conference opponent UAB, in a game which they trailed 3-0 at halftime.
Bulldog starting quarterback Chris Relf was replaced by Tyler Russell in the second half of Saturday's game and Russell threw for three touchdowns. Russell finished the game 11-13 for 166 yards through the air.
RB Vic Ballard, the SEC's fifth leading rusher, was able to remain effective for Mississippi State, carrying the ball 19 times for 101 yards on the ground.
If the Bulldogs are going to be successful against South Carolina, they will need Ballard to have a strong game on the ground. Carolina's defense has moved up into the top 10 defensively in the nation, so the Mississippi State offense may find it difficult to score points against the Gamecocks this weekend. A balanced attack is what the Bulldogs will need and Vic Ballard will be the key to that.
I see the Gamecocks playing a hard fought road game this weekend, Marcus Lattimore getting more of a workload this Saturday, Connor Shaw managing the game well, and South Carolina winning a close one.
Prediction:
#15 South Carolina 24 Mississippi State 20
---
The Gamecocks dismissed former QB Stephen Garcia from the team on Tuesday after he failed to meet requirements of his reinstatement with the program. A mix of alcohol and marijuana was found in his system after a drug test, and the oft-suspended fifth year senior is now gone for good. Garcia finished his career with over 7,500 passing yards, 47 touchdowns and 41 interceptions. He was 20-14 as a starter and finishes as the third best statistical quarterback in school history.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
The Post & Cocky Predictions: Week 6
We're in week 6 of the Post & Cocky Predictions! This week's guest predictor is Kevin Hoskins.
Week 5 Results Overall
1. Joseph (4-1) 1. Joseph (18-8)
T2. Jeremy (2-3) 2. Jeremy (15-11)
T2. Ryan (2-3) 3. Ryan (12-13)
4. (Guest) Blair (1-4)
Joe Ryan Jeremy Kevin
Arizona at Oregon St Zona Zona Zona Zona
Iowa at Penn State Iowa PSU PSU PSU
Mizzouri at Kansas St KSU Mizzou Mizzou KSU
Georgia at Tennessee UGA UGA UGA Tenn
Kentucky at USC (-21) UK (+21) UK (+21) UK (+21) UK (+21)
Week 5 Results Overall
1. Joseph (4-1) 1. Joseph (18-8)
T2. Jeremy (2-3) 2. Jeremy (15-11)
T2. Ryan (2-3) 3. Ryan (12-13)
4. (Guest) Blair (1-4)
Joe Ryan Jeremy Kevin
Arizona at Oregon St Zona Zona Zona Zona
Iowa at Penn State Iowa PSU PSU PSU
Mizzouri at Kansas St KSU Mizzou Mizzou KSU
Georgia at Tennessee UGA UGA UGA Tenn
Kentucky at USC (-21) UK (+21) UK (+21) UK (+21) UK (+21)
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
South Carolina vs. Kentucky Preview
Click Here for the Post & Cocky Preview Show: South Carolina vs. Kentucky
The No. 18 South Carolina Gamecocks (4-1, 2-1) will host the Kentucky Wildcats (2-3, 0-2) in a SEC Eastern Division game this Saturday afternoon at Williams Brice Stadium. Kickoff is set for 12:21 ET and the game will be televised by SEC Network.
Kentucky should have fond memories of the Gamecocks as they came from behind to defeat South Carolina last season 31-28 in Lexington, a week after the Gamecocks knocked off No. 1 Alabama.
"Kentucky is a team that beat us last year," said Head Coach Steve Spurrier. "In fact they beat us very similarly to the game we lost last week. They scored on their last play when they had it. We had a defensive play there. We sort of got in field goal range, but something happened each time and we didn't get an attempt each time."
This season, however, the Gamecocks are coming off of an unexpected loss rather than an unexpected win.
The Wildcats have struggled so far this season and they have yet to play competitively against an SEC opponent. They've lost 48-10 at home to then-No. 15 Florida and are coming off of a 35-7 beat down at the hands of the No. 1 LSU Tigers in a game which they only totaled 155 yards of offense. Kentucky has lost their last three games.
Kentucky features a variety of defensive looks which could pose a problem for Connor Shaw, who is making his second start of the season in place of a struggling Stephen Garcia.
"They (Kentucky) have a lot of stuff," Spurrier said of Kentucky's defense. "They blitz from everywhere - zone blitzes and man blitzes. They have a lot of defenses, which is unusual for Kentucky. These guys are all over the place. LSU had 14 at halftime but they didn't really go up and down the field against Kentucky's defense last week at all."
Kentucky's offense has struggled throughout the season, ranking 113th in both passing yards per game and points per game and also rank 96th in rushing yards per game.
If the Wildcats are going to be successful against Carolina, they must get their play makers involved early and often. WR La'Rod King is the most dangerous weapon that Kentucky has and their offense is at its best whenever he is playing well. With the possibility of Melvin Ingram missing this contest, Kentucky's offensive line has one less thing to worry about and may have a little more success against the Gamecock defense.
The Gamecocks are coming off of a tough 16-13 home loss to the defending national champion Auburn Tigers (4-1, 2-0), in another dismal offensive performance by Stephen Garcia and the entire offense.
Garcia finished the game with 160 yards passing and two interceptions to his one touchdown. The two picks that he threw against Auburn brings his total to nine on the year, which is the most in the nation. Yet another poor performance from the fifth-year senior has cost him the starting job as Spurrier announced Monday night that sophomore Connor Shaw would start this Saturday against Kentucky and try to give this offense a spark as the passing game is ranked 101st in the country in yards per game.
"We're making some changes on offense," said Spurrier at his weekly press conference. "We're going to give Connor Shaw his chance to replace Stephen. I know our offense looks pretty sorry. We're still seventh in the conference in offense like we were last year. We've moved up to sixth in defense. We're obviously not peaking as well as we'd hoped, but again we feel like Connor deserves a shot to see if he can perform at a higher level and get our offense going a little bit."
This will be Shaw's second start of the season as he was benched in week one against ECU and never returned to the field as Garcia led the Gamecocks to a 56-37 win.
The No. 18 South Carolina Gamecocks (4-1, 2-1) will host the Kentucky Wildcats (2-3, 0-2) in a SEC Eastern Division game this Saturday afternoon at Williams Brice Stadium. Kickoff is set for 12:21 ET and the game will be televised by SEC Network.
Kentucky should have fond memories of the Gamecocks as they came from behind to defeat South Carolina last season 31-28 in Lexington, a week after the Gamecocks knocked off No. 1 Alabama.
"Kentucky is a team that beat us last year," said Head Coach Steve Spurrier. "In fact they beat us very similarly to the game we lost last week. They scored on their last play when they had it. We had a defensive play there. We sort of got in field goal range, but something happened each time and we didn't get an attempt each time."
This season, however, the Gamecocks are coming off of an unexpected loss rather than an unexpected win.
The Wildcats have struggled so far this season and they have yet to play competitively against an SEC opponent. They've lost 48-10 at home to then-No. 15 Florida and are coming off of a 35-7 beat down at the hands of the No. 1 LSU Tigers in a game which they only totaled 155 yards of offense. Kentucky has lost their last three games.
Kentucky features a variety of defensive looks which could pose a problem for Connor Shaw, who is making his second start of the season in place of a struggling Stephen Garcia.
"They (Kentucky) have a lot of stuff," Spurrier said of Kentucky's defense. "They blitz from everywhere - zone blitzes and man blitzes. They have a lot of defenses, which is unusual for Kentucky. These guys are all over the place. LSU had 14 at halftime but they didn't really go up and down the field against Kentucky's defense last week at all."
Kentucky's offense has struggled throughout the season, ranking 113th in both passing yards per game and points per game and also rank 96th in rushing yards per game.
If the Wildcats are going to be successful against Carolina, they must get their play makers involved early and often. WR La'Rod King is the most dangerous weapon that Kentucky has and their offense is at its best whenever he is playing well. With the possibility of Melvin Ingram missing this contest, Kentucky's offensive line has one less thing to worry about and may have a little more success against the Gamecock defense.
The Gamecocks are coming off of a tough 16-13 home loss to the defending national champion Auburn Tigers (4-1, 2-0), in another dismal offensive performance by Stephen Garcia and the entire offense.
Garcia finished the game with 160 yards passing and two interceptions to his one touchdown. The two picks that he threw against Auburn brings his total to nine on the year, which is the most in the nation. Yet another poor performance from the fifth-year senior has cost him the starting job as Spurrier announced Monday night that sophomore Connor Shaw would start this Saturday against Kentucky and try to give this offense a spark as the passing game is ranked 101st in the country in yards per game.
"We're making some changes on offense," said Spurrier at his weekly press conference. "We're going to give Connor Shaw his chance to replace Stephen. I know our offense looks pretty sorry. We're still seventh in the conference in offense like we were last year. We've moved up to sixth in defense. We're obviously not peaking as well as we'd hoped, but again we feel like Connor deserves a shot to see if he can perform at a higher level and get our offense going a little bit."
This will be Shaw's second start of the season as he was benched in week one against ECU and never returned to the field as Garcia led the Gamecocks to a 56-37 win.
South Carolina's defense played well against Auburn allowing only 16 points despite being on the field for 92 plays. Melvin Ingram finished the game with 11 tackles, 3.5 sacks and one interception and was named SEC Defensive Player of the Week for the second consecutive week. The defense also forced four interceptions, two by C.C. Whitlock, and held Auburn's offense on several third down situations.
If the Gamecocks can get Connor Shaw comfortable with the offense this week, give Lattimore more carries, and forget the loss last week, I believe they can get right back into the win column against this struggling Kentucky team.
Prediction:
#18 South Carolina 24 Kentucky 10
Friday, September 30, 2011
The Post & Cocky Predictions: Week 5
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)
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)
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)