2010 SEC Championship Preview: Cam Newton, Auburn Look to Topple South Carolina

This Saturday Auburn and South Carolina meet again for the SEC title inside the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. Much of the focus has been on Cameron Newton for Auburn, outside of his NCAA eligibility issues, and South Carolina's Stephen Garcia, Alshon Jeffery and Marcus Lattimore. But there is much more to look at besides these fine football players at both schools.

Auburn's Offense vs. South Carolina's Defense

Newton is the catalyst for the Tiger offense. There isn't an argument in that aspect. What is being overlooked by many is the play makers that surround Newton, and it starts up front with the offensive line.

Four seniors (Lee Ziemba, Byron Isom, Mike Berry and Ryan Pugh) along with JUCO transfer Brandon Mosley anchor what is possibly one of the best offensive lines in the country. 

In the backfield with Newton on most snaps is either Onterio McCalebb or Michael Dyer, both with explosive speed when left in the open field.  Wide receivers Darvin Adams, Terrell Zachery, Kodi Burns and Emory Blake, along with H-back Phillip Lutzenkirchen have become the main targets for Newton's passes. 

South Carolina's defensive line is arguably one of the best in the country as well, led by tackle Melvin Ingram and end Devin Taylor, who have combined for 15.5 sacks.  The Gamecocks lead the SEC with 39 sacks. 

Linebacker Josh Dickerson had a big game with nine tackles versus Auburn at Jordan-Hare Stadium.  Look for Dickerson to be the main man to put it on his shoulders to stop the running game. 

The secondary for the Gamecocks hasn't been stellar, ranking 99th in the country in pass defense. 

Look for South Carolina to apply pressure to Auburn's backfield to disrupt the timing of the plays. The main purpose of the defensive line will be to stop the play before it starts, much like Alabama was able to do in the first half of the Iron Bowl. 

South Carolina's Offense vs. Auburn's Defense

Many people have tried to simplify the Carolina offense, but it's not always the case.  Sure, the Stephen Garcia-to-Alshon Jeffery connection is as important as the Marcus Lattimore effect, but it doesn't end there. 

Lattimore along with Tori Gurley can add extra targets to Garcia's arsenal, along with Garcia's ability to scramble when necessary.  The key for Carolina is to quickly get the ball away from Auburn's defensive front, led by Nick Fairley. 

Garcia will also look to beat Auburn deep, as the Tiger secondary ranks 106th in pass defense.  Again, Garcia will look for Jeffery and Gurley as the Gamecock's main threats.  The big question will be can Auburn's opportunistic defense get turnovers like it did back on September 25th? 

Look for Auburn's T'Sharvan Bell to play more minutes this time against Jeffery since Auburn corner Neiko Thorpe was picked on early in the first meeting.

Another help to the Tigers will be Linebacker Eltoro Freeman.  He was unable to play the first time, but he has come on strong since his return.  Freeman had nine tackles against Alabama and was very much needed to a already thin linebacker corps. 

Carolina will have to make sure Lattimore gets going early in order to deter the linebackers from dropping into coverage. 

Auburn's Special Teams vs. South Carolina's Special Teams

Both special teams are about equal in productivity.  Auburn's Demond Washington and Onterio McCalebb have had success getting decent field position for the Tiger offense.  Washington has a kickoff return for a TD at Ole Miss. 

South Carolina's returns, led by Bryce Sherman, have given the Gamecocks a chance to play without their goalposts over their shoulders. 

Auburn's Wes Byrum and South Carolina's Spencer Lanning both have been consistent in their field goals and kickoffs. 

The only major change between both should be the punt returner, as Auburn may elect to go with Darvin Adams instead of Quindarious Carr. 

Final Analysis

When you look at both these teams and what it will take to be successful, you tend to lean on your big play makers.  Garcia has Lattimore and Jeffery.  The key will be to have Lattimore run more effectively than the last time these two teams met.  If Lattimore gets going, that will open the play action game to hit targets like Jeffery and Gurley deep. 

However, look for Auburn's defensive front to apply pressure in the backfield that it has in each game.  Consistency and a fast start is the key for the Tigers.  Newton himself is a phenomenal athlete, but the guys around him are equally as dangerous if left unattended.  Look for a heavy dose of Newton, McCalebb and Dyer as in the first meeting, with throws to a plethora of targets. 

In the end, Auburn simply has more options to run its offense.  It will be close for three quarters, then look for the Tigers to pull away in the fourth quarter (as the Tigers have done all season long.)

Auburn 38 - South Carolina 24