South Carolina Football: 5 Keys to a Gamecock Victory over East Carolina
It feels GREAT to be back in season form.
This is the third year I have written my five keys pieces, and it is my favorite piece to write because I get to research and learn about so many teams, while really piecing together my opinion.
I really hope you guys enjoy these as much as I enjoy writing them.
South Carolina is going to have their hands full with this ECU team. They should win, but it won't be the blow out people are anticipating.
With so many injuries and suspensions in the secondary, South Carolina has to do the following five things in order to beat these Pirates.
It's great to be a Gamecock.
Make 'em say Aaaargh this week, 'Cocks! (Subtle pirate humor...for my classy readers.)
As always, you can keep up with my writings when you fan me on Facebook.
Matchup Chart
1 of 7| Position | South Carolina Advantage | Even | ECU 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 |
East Carolina isn't a bad team by any stretch. They have some good talent across the board.
However, South Carolina has more, even though the injuries and suspensions to the defensive backs have evened up that category.
East Carolina does get the edge in special teams. South Carolina is breaking in a new kicker and is still trying to find a return man.
Key No. 1: Score Early
2 of 7With all the weight and pressure of almost unheard of preseason hype, South Carolina needs to get going quickly to alleviate some of this pressure. Imagine what would happen to South Carolina's psyche if they struggle to get on the board.
ECU may have a chance, especially with their incredibly effective passing offense.
The Gamecocks need to be up 14-0 by the end of the first quarter. If they do that, the mindset of the team could really set themselves up for a great year.
Key No. 2: Apply a Ton of Pressure
3 of 7A great deal of South Carolina fans are putting the over/under on sacks for this game at around five.
Well, I hate to be a downer, but the team will be lucky to get two.
East Carolina's team is a three-step drop team. They get rid of the ball quickly, and that type of offense keeps teams from getting after the quarterback.
However, Jadeveon Clowney, Devin Taylor, Melvin Ingram and Travian Robertson need to be constantly pushing back the offensive line in order to panic the quarterback.
Pressure doesn't always equal sacks.
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Key No. 3: Injury-Depleted Secondary Must Step Up
4 of 7The defensive secondary is looking a bit thin.
Victor Hampton is out. Devonte Hollowman is out. Marty Market is out.
Akeem Aguste may play, but he is coming off of an injury.
Brison Williams is out.
That is five of SC's top guys all across the secondary.
For that reason alone, this game against the Pirates scares me. It is up to Stephon Gilmore and a cast of backups to improve a pass-defense that was pathetic last year.
C.C. Whitlock and, hopefully, Aguste will have big games, but Aguste's injury may limit him.
Key No. 4: Maintain Offensive Balance
5 of 7There is a severe possibility that this game could become a shootout. ECU has the weapons on offense to attack a depleted secondary with great success.
However, South Carolina must not try to become a pass-happy offense.
Marcus Lattimore must be a factor this entire game, wearing down the defense. If it does become a shootout, this will allow Stephen Garcia and company to be more effective in the fourth quarter if need be.
Key No. 5: Use Team Depth to Whittle ECU Down
6 of 7South Carolina has depth to spare this year (minus the defensive backfield), which I believe will be the difference in many games this season.
The Gamecocks can throw at least six good wide receivers out. They have four solid runners. They have a solid line with a couple bench guys who can really play. They have a ton of depth in the defensive front.
If they can rotate the players they have in and out effectively, they will have a rested, healthy and dominant team on the field for the entire game.
"Expert" Picks and Final Thoughts
7 of 7I am adding a new slide to the show for this year: "Expert" Picks.
While we aren't truly experts, we will see how we do for you.
Of course, I will be giving you my score predictions and final thoughts, but I will also add the perspective of Leftover Hot Dog, my colleague and excellent Gamecock blogger, plus a rotating featured columnist from the opposition.
Leftover Hot Dog is my main competitor for No. 1 South Carolina writer. While he hasn't overtaken me yet (subtle jab), he will eventually. He is an incredibly talented writer whose more serious style works nicely with my (sometimes) sarcastic and joke-making pieces.
His last article on the Ten Most Important Gamecocks has reached 3,000 reads and is an excellent piece. I highly recommend him and his blog to Carolina fans.
This week, my representative for East Carolina is Danny Drama, a North Carolina sports fan. He writes about a great deal of many teams, so check him out for loads of information.
Anyway, to me, this game has danger written all over it. With South Carolina's depleted secondary, the game of the year coming next and ECU's good offense, it could be closer than anticipated.
But I doubt it. ECU has injury issues of their own, and it shouldn't be close.
My Score Prediction
South Carolina 42, ECU 24
Leftover Hot Dog's Prediction
South Carolina 34, ECU 17
Danny Drama's Prediction
South Carolina 41, ECU 14
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