Georgia Bulldogs Football: South Carolina Gamecocks to Know for Saturday

On Saturday, the Georgia Bulldogs take on the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second game of the 2010 college football season. 

The Bulldogs are coming off of a 55-7 dismantling of the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns, a game in which redshirt freshman Aaron Murray performed up to the lofty expectations that were eagerly thrust upon him by those who call Athens home. 

South Carolina similarly dominated its first game. Led by Steve Spurrier and veteran quarterback Stephen Garcia, the Gamecocks destroyed the Southern Miss Golden Eagles 41-13.

Now, the two SEC schools prepare to line up against each other and fight it out until the final whistle blows for the right to be 2-0. 

So, Bulldogs fans, by now you know about the best players from Georgia, but who are they from South Carolina's squad?

Stephen Garcia

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

RALEIGH, NC - SEPTEMBER 3: Quarterback Stephen Garcia #5 of the South Carolina Gamecocks drops back to pass against the North Carolina State Wolfpack during the game at Carter-Finley Stadium on September 3, 2009 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Stre

2009 Statistics: 239 for 432, 2862 yards, 17 touchdowns, 10 interceptions

2010 Statistics: 16 for 23, 193 yards, 0 touchdowns, 0 interceptions

Stephen Garcia, who was always questionable under center last season, appeared to take a massive step forward last week against Southern Miss. 

He showed absolute confidence in his abilities despite the constant questions raised about his status as the starter during the offseason. Most importantly, he was never sacked and never turned the ball over. 

Last season, Garcia was excellent in the offensive showdown against the Bulldogs, but came up just short. He hopes for a different outcome this season, but he faces an even tougher Georgia defense. 

Marcus Lattimore

2009 Statistics: Did Not Play

2010 Statistics: 14 carries, 54 yards, 2 rushing touchdowns, 2 receptions, 21 yards

The South Carolina faithful have very high hopes for this talented freshman running back. 

Lattimore in his first collegiate action impressed despite his low yards-per-carry average. He still managed to run well between the tackles, score twice, and show the occasional burst of speed for which he was known in high school. 

The running back from Brynes High School showcased all of these moves on his seven-yard touchdown run last game, especially when he made an exceptional cut to get into the end zone.

Head coach Steve Spurrier has said that Lattimore and fellow running back Kenny Miles will receive the bulk of the carries against Georgia.

Keep an eye on this kid when he's on the field. 

Alshon Jeffery

Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images

TUSCALOOSA - OCTOBER 17: Alshon Jeffery of the South Carolina Gamecocks returns a kick during the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama on October 17, 2009. The Crimson Tide beat the Gamecocks 20-6. (Phot

2009 Statistics: 46 receptions, 763 yards, 6 touchdowns

2010 Statistics: 7 receptions, 106 yards, 0 touchdowns

Even though Alshon Jeffery didn't find the endzone last Saturday, the sophomore wide receiver still had a huge day for the Gamecocks, reeling in seven catches for 106 yards. 

Jeffery is also huge. At 6' 4" and 233 pounds, he will tower over the Georgia defenders. This will be especially true if Brandon Boykin, who is a full six inches shorter, covers Jeffery as expected. 

Shutting down the sophomore is definitely going to be a top priority for the Bulldogs defense. 

Stephon Gilmore

Scott Halleran/Getty Images

COLUMBIA, SC - NOVEMBER 28: Stephon Gilmore #5 of the South Carolina Gamecocks runs off the field during the game against the Clemson Tigers at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 28, 2009 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Image

Stephon Gilmore is someone who Aaron Murray needs to try to avoid. The Gamecocks No. 1 cornerback will not be making Murray's job easy. 

Last week against Southern Miss, Gilmore's job was to shut down the Golden Eagles' highly touted junior wide receiver DeAndre Brown. Under Gilmore's coverage, the 6' 6" receiver didn't catch a single pass until just 9:48 remained in the fourth quarter. 

Gilmore has received first team All-SEC honors this season and is on the Nagurski Watch List. The Bronko Nagurski Trophy is annually awarded to the nation's best defensive player.

Don't expect to see Murray throwing to Gilmore's side of the field too often. 

Cliff Matthews

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

COLUMBIA, SC - SEPTEMBER 24: Defensive end Cliff Matthews #83 of the South Carolina Gamecocks sacks quarterback Jevan Snead #4 of the Mississippi Rebels during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on September 24, 2009 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo

Cliff Matthews, the senior defensive end for South Carolina, is another defensive standout.

Known for his tremendous quickness and athletic ability, Matthews was a unanimous Preseason First-Team All-SEC selection. 

Last season he was named a captain of the team, an honor which he retains this season for his unflinching desire to work hard on the football field. He also won Second-Team All-SEC honors last year.

Matthews hopes to put some serious pressure on Georgia's freshman quarterback. The offensive line is talented and rarely allows sacks, but Matthews will be a challenge to stop.

The senior is on the preseason watch lists for the Lott Trophy, the Nagurski Trophy, and the Lombardi Award. The Lott Trophy goes to the nation's best defensive IMPACT player (integrity, maturity, performance, academics, community, tenacity), the Nagurski Trophy to the nation's best defensive player, and the Lombardi Award to the top offensive or defensive lineman.