South Carolina-Florida: 5 Keys To a Gamecocks SEC East Championship

This is it, boys and girls.  The moment Carolina fans have been waiting for.  The thing I have been thinking could happen since March of this year (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/370908-the-2010-south-carolina-gamecocks-the-wait-for-an-sec-contender-is-over). 

The South Carolina Gamecocks are in the playoffs!

Sort of...

Consider this game against Florida a one and done playoff. 

After a huge explosion of offense for Florida against Vanderbilt, and a major lopsided loss to Arkansas for Carolina, Florida has all the momentum, and the home field advantage. 

However, this is the way it should be.  To be the best, you have to unseat the team that has owned the east for the last few years. 

All is right.  It comes down to this.

Position	South Carolina Advantage	Even	Florida Advantage
Quarterback	X
Running Backs/Fullbacks	X
Wide Receivers		X
Offensive Line			X
Defensive Line	X
Linebackers		X
Defensive Backs			X
Special Teams			X
Coaching			X

South Carolina is better on offense and Florida is better on defense.  This should really be a good game, if Carolina doesn't continue its end of the year slide.

South Carolina hasn't played a really good game since the stunning win against Alabama.  It lost to Kentucky, got by on sheer talent against a bad Vandy and Tennessee team. 

Last week, it laid an egg against a very good Arkansas team.  Some players said that they had their mind on Florida, but that can't be good.  South Carolina needs to play their best game since Alabama, if they really want to get their talons on the east and earn their first ever trip to Atlanta.  

Here are the keys to a Carolina victory.

1.  Stay focused on defense, don't be fooled by Florida's many looks.

Florida coach Urban Myer has really outdone himself this year.  Without Tim Tebow, the Gators struggled on offense.  With the return of Rainey and the coaches decision to mix up the offense with three different quarterbacks, the offense has turned around.

Defensively, Carolina must be prepared for anything and everything.  You better believe that Florida will pull out all of the stops for this game.  They are at home, and they have been in this situation before.

Carolina must come focused, or it will be a long day in "The Swamp."

2.  Garcia must get backed to his mistake free and efficient ways.

Last week, against a pretty bad Arkansas defense, Stephen Garcia looked like Garcia circa 2009.  Which was a frantic, bad Brett Favre gunslinger, erratic type of play.

Florida's defense is much better, and if Garcia loses his head again, this game will be a trouncing.

3.  Hope to God that Marcus Lattimore is 100 percent, and that he can be used to control the pace of the game. 

Marcus Lattimore was less that 100 percent against Arkansas, with another pesky ankle injury.  These injuries have spoiled an otherwise spectacular freshman campaign. 

If he isn't at full strength Brian Maddox needs to be utilized, and the running game still needs to click. 

4.  Rest up and be healthy during practice this week.

Yes, it seems strange, but the Gamecocks need rest in a bad way.  Chris Culliver is out for the year, C.C. Whitlock is hurting, Connor Shaw is banged up, Jarriel King has a concussion, and T.J. Johnson is hurting, and iffy for the game.

That is right... two starting corners, the back up quarterback, and two starting linemen.  That is truly bad for a team with little depth at those positions.  Especially the line. 

The team needs to watch film, study, and learn some focus techniques.  They need to practice the gameplan, but the team needs rest.

5.  Figure out some sort of scheme that will cover the incredibly fast Chris Rainey, and will allow the defense to be flexible.

The defense must be prepared for anything for this game.  They have running quarterbacks, and an accurate pocket passer in John Brantley.  They have weapons that can be used as runners or receivers.  It is literally one of the most versatile and confusing offenses in the SEC.

It has also come together, which is a dangerous thought for Carolina fans.

Carolina must cover, but be weary of reverses, sneaks, and trick plays.  Look for a flea-flicker to happen once.

Carolina defenders must do their jobs and tackle well.  No one needs to play hero.  If that happens, look for big plays and a big loss.

Prediction:  I will not predict this game.  As a fan, I just can't.  My head says that Florida wins this one, but the fan in me says it is time for a Gameock title. 

Good luck Gamecocks, bring it home for the fans.