Game Preview
The story of last year’s 28-16 Tiger win was a fake field goal at the end of the first half that allowed Colt David to easily dash into the end zone after Matt Flynn’s Harlem Globetrotter over-the-head pass.
The touchdown put the Tigers up by two TDs instead of 10 points—and took the air right out of the Gamecocks. Ever Mr. Trickeration himself, Steve Spurrier, had a good laugh at the brilliantly designed and executed play.
This year, however, is much different. LSU drew what I consider the three toughest East opponents. After last week’s debacle at Florida, LSU follows the South Carolina game with Georgia (not to mention Alabama not long after). Point being that LSU will be playing with a serious sense of urgency.
Look for a number of Les Miles’ gutsy calls to take place.
Meanwhile, the Gamecocks are currently riding a four-game winning streak, so claiming a win against LSU would boost an already confident bunch—and provide a legitimate shot at a lengthy winning streak. South Carolina’s next two games are at home against uninspired Tennessee and erratic Arkansas—and that includes a bye week before playing the Vols.
Translation: Both teams should be playing as if their seasons are on the line—and rightfully so.
South Carolina will win if...
The O-line can give Stephen Garcia/Chris Smelley time to throw the ball.
Carolina’s offensive line has already given up 24 sacks this season, so it doesn’t take a genius to conclude that the Tigers will get to Garcia/Smelley every once in a while—despite the fact that the LSU defensive line has not lived up to its billing this season.
The real difference will be what those sacks cost the Gamecocks. Kentucky sacked Garcia three times in one half, but none of them were backbreakers.
In addition, LSU’s defensive backs looked overmatched last week against Florida—bad news since Garcia was on the money last week against Kentucky’s defensive backs, arguably the best secondary in the SEC. Garcia was 10-14 for 169 yards and one touchdown, not to mention 22 scramble yards—all in less than a half of football.
If Garcia stays in the game, he is always dangerous to tuck it and run—and this kid runs North and South, picking up what defenses give him instead of trying to bust the long run every play.
Turnovers are limited and/or don’t take place in Carolina territory.
Plain and simple, the Gamecocks have not protected the ball. Based on their games this year (-7 turnover margin), it’s doubtful they can win the turnover war. But allowing an LSU defensive or special teams touchdown would be devastating.
Despite four turnovers in Lexington last week, Carolina pulled out the victory—thanks in large part to Garcia’s heroics, but also to the stout Gamecock defense.
South Carolina has only allowed two touchdowns through the air, so Lee and/or Hatch will have to work to find the end zone—unless the Gamecock offense hands them a few gifts in the red zone.
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