Georgia @ South Carolina: Game Preview

Article courtesy of SEC Sports Hub.

Overview 

The Bulldogs have steamrolled to two very lopsided victories behind the powerful running of Heisman candidate Knowshon Moreno. South Carolina’s defense has been impressive, but the offense has underperformed enough to allow Vanderbilt to upset the Gamecocks last week. 

Georgia’s high powered offense has seemed unstoppable so far, but will face its first real test of the season when they go up against a veteran Gamecock unit. Knowshon Moreno should be able to work the ground game with some success, since South Carolina’s secondary is their defensive strong point. 

How well quarterback Matthew Stafford and top targets Mohamed Massaquoi and Michael Moore are able to connect will be crucial to Georgia’s chances in this one. 

Defensively, Georgia should be able to handle anything the Gamecocks throw at them with ease. Sophomore linebacker Rennie Curran should be able to limit the South Carolina ground game along with Dannell Ellerbe and the Bulldog defensive line won’t give the South Carolina quarterback is much time. 

South Carolina has struggled to find a rhythm offensively and Gamecock fans are concerned about coach Spurrier’s ability to coach the offense. There are plenty of playmakers, with Mike Davis, Kenny McKinley and Jared Cook leading the way. 

The Gamecocks need to settle on a quarterback that can play consistently and avoid the costly interceptions that have plagued them throughout the first two games. 

Jasper Brinkley and the Gamecock defense should be able to slow the production of Knowshon Moreno, at least moreso than any team the Bulldogs have faced so far. They will force Matthew Stafford to make some plays with his arm in crucial situations and South Carolina’s ability to force turnovers will be a huge key to the game. 

Williams-Brice is no easy place to play and the Gamecocks could make it tough for Georgia to get a win, despite a slow start to the season so far. If South Carolina can get off to a good start early, keeping the crowd in the game, their defense could propel them to a huge upset, similar to last year’s defensive showdown. 

X – Factor 

South Carolina linebacker Jasper Brinkley – Brinkley is the leader of the linebacking corps that will have the undesirable task of trying to slow down sensational running back Knowshon Moreno. If Brinkley can use his vision to deliver some big hits to Moreno early and get him off rhythm, South Carolina’s chances of winning this game increase exponentially. 

The Pick 

This one should be a close, physical battle, between two very good defenses. However, Georgia’s offense is much more proven and should be able to have more success than South Carolina’s. This game will hinge on South Carolina’s ability to force turnovers and keep the crowd in the game with the momentum. 

Georgia 24 – 13 South Carolina

You can find preview for all of the SEC teams in Week 3 by visiting the SEC Sports Hub Week 3 Previews and Predictions page.