South Carolina vs. Arkansas: Five Keys To a Gamecock Victory

I know that this is later then usual.  I had to take time off to digest a heartbreaking loss to the Tennessee Volunteers...I had the urge to jump on the Bleacher Report and write some things I know now I would have regretted.  More on that on an article to come....

South Carolina would have matched up VERY well with Arkansas...however, injuries and the disappearance of some of our key personal brings this game a lot closer.  Look for a high scoring contest that will possibly determine the outlook of the South Carolina season.

Here are the keys to victory. 

1. Back up players to Cliff Matthews, Travarien Robertson, and Chris Culliver must step up their play.

This means that Devin Taylor, DeVonte Holloman, and a host of DT's must play well.  Arkansas offense is awfully good.  They have weapons all over the field, and three of South Carolina's better players are going to be out. 

That does not bode well.  The backups are capable, and need to play well to win. 

I didn't even mention the injury to Jarriel King on offense, which makes the already anemic offensive line worse.  He is easily the most consistent player, and the lines vocal leader.

2. Pass protect, pass protect, pass protect!

To maintain the pace with Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett and co., Stephen Garcia must be able to stand comfortably in the pocket.  Mr. Escape Artist does a nice job of evading tacklers with his feet, but he must be able to look downfield. 

I will always expect Garcia to have a good to spectacular game.  It is the offensive line that is woeful, and the loss of King will make this week difficult.

3. Bring back the running by committee approach.

I appreciate the great job that Kenny Miles has done with a weak offensive line.  I really do.  However, South Carolina needs for Jarvis Giles and Brian Maddox to complete the package.  Miles needs to start because he is the complete back. 

Giles should be used as the speed man, and Maddox should be the power back.  It seems as though we have seen Miles try to do just about everything.

I am hoping that South Carolina can run for a solid 3-4 yard per carry average.  If you see that in the stat sheet, you will see a Carolina W at the end of the day.

4. Throw out the fade, draw, and bubble screen.

I know I am no coach.  However, it is truly sad when during the course of the game amateur fans can call the play South Carolina runs before it happens.  The offense is so predictable; I cannot imagine how any defense does not stop it.

Luckily, there is enough talent at the skill positions to make up for that.  I know...the fade works sometimes, and so does the draw...heck, even the bubble screen looks better when Alshon Jeffrey is involved...

Just mix it up a bit. 

5. Players...ignore the outside media.  Play to win.  Play because you love the game. 

Coach Spurrier does know what he is doing.  He is building a program, and if you would have told me at the beginning of the year South Carolina was a 6 win team, I would have laughed and said something about the sheer amount of underclassmen playing MAJOR roles on the team.

The fans are behind you, Carolina.  The frustrations of seasons of mediocrity have been worn well...and the fans see the potential in this team. 

Give Arkansas hell, and prevail...for yourselves.

South Carolina's offense matches up pretty well to Arkansas defense.  Probably better than Arkansas offense does to our defense.  I see it in mathematical terms...

Carolina's strong passing defense negates that super strong passing offense, and the weaker passing defense of Arkansas will make South Carolina's No. 2 ranked SEC passing offense look better. 

Carolina wins this close matchup on heart. 

Final Score: Carolina 28 - Arkansas 24.