South Carolina vs. Georgia: Five Keys for a USC Victory

South Carolina has the talent and ability to come to Athens and steal a victory from a Georgia team that will be hard-pressed to find yards against a great defense. 

However, the offense needs to be productive, and the defense needs to be well-rested. 

Last week, South Carolina squeezed out a victory over N.C. State, a team that was supposedly on the rise, while Georgia looked offensively hapless against a good Oklahoma State team.

After these two teams play each other, we will certainly have a better idea of where they stand.  Carolina MUST do these five things to win.

1.  Establish the running game.

South Carolina must run the ball.  Steve Spurrier does not like the conservative offense, but if they can run between the tackles against Georgia, it should open up more shots downfield.

2.  Take more chances downfield.

I understand the team is worried about Garcia winging it downfield and throwing a pic, but the truth remains that you have to try to get results.  The playcalling against N.C. State was brutally conservative, and Garcia needs a chance to "be the man."

If he struggles, he struggles.  We will at least know what he is all about. 

C'mon, Spurrier. 

3.  Continue the defensive pressure.

USC's defense is the fastest defense I have seen from week one, and I have watched a great deal of football.  Cliff Mathews and Eric Norwood can run down any passer, the linebackers and defensive backs were excellent in coverage, and all the players really put forth maximum effort.  

If USC can put the pressure on Georgia without the use of heavy blitzing, it will be an easy win for Carolina.  Mark that down.

4.  Get Tori Gurley at least five catches in this game. 

The two starting corners for Georgia are smaller than 5'11" (Brandon Boykin is listed at 5'10" and Prince Miller is listed at 5'8").  Gurley could end up with matchups against Miller, and at 6'5", is nine inches bigger than him.  This could be the breakout game of the season.

5.  Stephon Gilmore must play the game of his life. 

Covering 6'5" A.J. Green is difficult for even the best CBs in the league.  Stephon Gilmore must prove immediately that he is an elite corner, or one of the other young defensive backs must step up. 

South Carolina cannot affort to rotate the coverage toward A.J. Green.  If everyone can stay at home, then the Georgia offense will sputter agin.

South Carolina can win this game.  The offense needs to be much better than it was, but the smothering defense will lead Carolina to its second big win of the season.  Call it an upset special, but USC matches up favorably with this team, even though most analysts would not say so. 

Prediction:

USC 24, GA 21.