South Carolina vs. Geogia: 10 Things We Learned in Gamecocks' Loss

South Carolina couldn't make it four in a row over Georgia as the Bulldogs pulled away in second half for a 41-30 victory over South Carolina.

The game was back and forth throughout the first half, with both teams answering each other, usually in quick fashion. However, it was Gamecocks' inability to stop Georgia's rushing attack that likely cost them the game.

After such a dominant win over North Carolina in Week 1, the Gamecocks have to be disappointed in the performance of their defense, which allowed 535 total yards.

Here are 10 things we learned in South Carolina's loss to Georgia. 

Run Defense an Issue

The Gamecocks' defense was excellent against North Carolina in Week 1. On Saturday, things were much different.

Georgia's outstanding pair of tailbacks, Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall, took turns running through the Gamecocks. Late in the game, with Gurley getting a breather and Marshall hurt, freshman Brendan Douglas had several big runs to wind down the clock.

The Bulldogs will likely be able to run on anyone in 2013, but this could be a problem for South Carolina. They need to be able to stop the run and force teams to throw more so they can get after the passer. 

Fortunately for the Gamecocks, they aren't likely to face a backfield this good the rest of the season.

Pass Defense Not Much Better

When it was announced last week that top cornerback, Victor Hampton, would be suspended for the first half, there was some concern from the Gamecocks.

Hampton is South Carolina's top cornerback and Georgia has one of the better offensive units in the nation. 

Hampton's absence didn't play too much of a role in the Gamecocks' loss, though. Two of Murray's touchdown passes were to his running backs and Hampton was on the field in the second half when Justin Scott-Wesley got behind the secondary for an 85-yard touchdown reception.

In defense of the secondary, the pass rush wasn't exactly outstanding vs. the Bulldogs. 

Mike Davis Is a Stud

Sophomore running back Mike Davis was good in Week 1. He was outstanding against Georgia on Saturday.

Davis rushed for 151 yards on just 16 carries, including a 75-yard run that set up his lone touchdown. Davis also had four receptions for 50 yards. 

His backup, Brandon Wilds, is also good, however, it appears that Davis is slowly separating himself as USC's top back with each passing week.

Connor Shaw Was Very Good

Senior quarterback Connor Shaw was good enough to win this game. He was 16-of-25 for 228 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 75 yards. 

Shaw may not have the strongest arm, but he is fairly accurate, especially down the field. He had one pass dropped in the first half that would have been a touchdown. 

If Shaw continues to play like he has in the first two weeks, the Gamecocks are in good shape. Shaw has the athleticism for some of the option plays that most teams like to incorporate into their offense, but he can still run Spurrier's trademark offense. 

Shaw Does Have a Tendency to Run Too Soon

As good of a runner that Shaw is, he does have a tendency to pull the ball down and run instead of waiting to see what develops down the field.

This could be a problem against better teams.

There were several times against Georgia where Shaw would see his first read covered and then he'd take off and run. In Shaw's defense, we don't actually know what he marching orders are. Spurrier could be telling him to run if he doesn't see anything open initially.

However, this is something worth watching as the season progresses. Spurrier loves his passing game and if he feels Shaw is not making enough big plays throwing the ball, he will turn to Dylan Thompson.

Jadeveon Clowney Made Little Impact

Yes, Clowney had his first sack of the season, the 22nd of his career, but he was mostly a non-factor for the Gamecocks.

Clowney finished with two tackles, but was often out of position against the run. Georgia deserves credit for this, however, as they would let him inside of the offensive tackle only to run the ball to Clowney's side. At that point, Clowney would be out of the play.

It wasn't an embarrassing performance for Clowney. He wasn't gasping for air the way he was against North Carolina and he did come close to Murray on at least three other occasions.

Unfortunately for Clowney, the hype surrounding him (through no fault of his) has lead fans to watch him on every snap. Defensive linemen aren't going to make a play on every snap, regardless of how good they are. 

It was a improvement for Clowney from his Week 1 performance. 

Are the Linebackers a Concern?

South Carolina is very young at linebacker. They start sophomores at all three spots. However, age isn't as much of a concern as size is.

The Gamecocks run a traditional 4-3 scheme, with a weakside linebacker, middle linebacker and "spur" linebacker. The spur 'backer is, in essence, an extra safety to help in coverage.

Will teams watch USC against Georgia and start to exploit this?

All three players, Marcquis Roberts, Kaiwan Lewis and Sharrod Golightly, are terrific athletes, yet they each weigh between 195 and 225 pounds.

It is tough to tackle 230-pound running backs coming right at you 25-30 times per game when they outweigh each one of your linebackers.

Where's Bruce Ellington?

In two games this year, junior receiver, Bruce Ellington, has two receptions for 30 yards. That is unacceptable.

Arguably the Gamecocks' top playmaker, Ellington needs to be more involved in the offense.

Spurrier needs to find a way to get Ellington the ball, whether in the slot, out of the backfield or down the field.

He is capable of taking it the distance every time he touches the ball.

Defense Struggling to Force Turnovers

In two games, the Gamecocks have only forced one turnover. That is not acceptable.

Why are they not forcing turnovers? Perhaps this team is too dependent on Clowney getting to the quarterback and forcing fumbles. That is not going to happen regularly, even when he gets going.

South Carolina needs someone in the secondary to make a play. They have the talent, led by Victor Hampton, Jimmy Legree and T.J. Gurley, but have yet to get their first interception in 67 pass attempts.

If they are going to be a complete defense, they need to help create points.

The Loss Doesn't End the Gamecocks' Season

In college football, fans often think that when their teams lose a game, the season is automatically over. Not true.

The Gamecocks will unfortunately be behind Georgia in the SEC East for the time being. However, the Bulldogs have the much tougher schedule moving forward. South Carolina doesn't have to play LSU or Alabama unless they get to the SEC title game.

Outside of three straight road games in October, the Gamecocks should fare well until late November when they play Florida and Clemson in two of the last three weeks.

Vanderbilt could give the Gamecocks fits this week and then USC has a week off before traveling to Central Florida.