South Carolina vs. Georgia: 5 Keys to a Gamecock Victory

Georgia and South Carolina both have a great deal to prove heading into this weeks big game. 

South Carolina must prove that quarter number one of the ECU game was an aberration and not the norm, and Georgia must prove that it is a much better team than it showed against Boise State.

I may be biased, but I think Georgia may be in for a tough one against the Gamecocks. 

For Georgia to keep it close, I think a lot of things must happen.  Do I think Georgia has the potential to knock of South Carolina?  Of course... do I think it will happen? 

No.

This game reminds me of a reversal of the typical Gamecock versus Bulldogs games... with South Carolina on paper being the more dominant team, but Georgia being wiley enough to knock them out... sort of the way South Carolina used to be potentially wiley enough to knock a powerful Georgia out.

It didn't work out for the Gamecocks often, and I don't expect it to work out for the Dawgs this year.

Here are the five keys to a Gamecock victory. 

Matchup Chart

Position	South Carolina Advantage	Even	Georgia 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

While the matchup is much closer than last weeks game against ECU for South Carolina, I still don't think it is close.

Aaron Murray beats out Stephen Garcia... but it is much closer than you think.  The rest of the skill position talent is heavily on South Carolina's side line. 

Defensively, it's closer.  South Carolina has the more dominant offensive line, but the defensive backs are strong for the Bulldogs.  The linebackers are a wash. 

Special teams is not close, as Georgia wins that category running away.

Mark Richt is coaching for his life, while Steve Spurrier is coaching to cement his legacy as the best of all time.  Not close in terms of coaching, and I don't know many Georgia fans that would argue that at this point.

1. Pressure Aaron Murray

Aaron Murray is a good quarterback... however, he looked average against a Boise State defense that isn't as good as South Carolina's. 

With a more traditional drop back offense, and no real running threats (no, that long scamper by Brandon Boykin didn't change that opinion for me), Murray is the key cog. 

He will be harassed by Devin Taylor, Jadeveon Clowney, and Melvin Ingram all day. 

2. Tighten Up the Pass Defense

Equally important, South Carolina must get a better day out of the defensive backs, especially Stephon Gilmore. 

The team gets back All-SEC caliber player Devonte Holloman, so that should help.  Malcolm Mitchell is no A.J. Green, so that leaves Orson Charles, the talented tight end, as the most prolific receiving threat.

However, with the speed of South Carolina's linebackers and defensive ends, they have more than enough weapons to shut the passing game down. 

The defensive backs just have to step up to the plate, which will be easier said than done.

3. Open Up the Passing Game Early

No matter what, Marcus Lattimore, Bruce Ellington, and Shon Carson are going to get their numbers.  The key to a smooth offense is letting Stephen Garcia wing the ball around a bit.

With Alshon Jeffery being Alshon Jeffery, Ace Sanders looking like a legit number 2, and Damiere Byrd finally seeing action (probably), they have the weapons to be completely balanced. 

A few deep shots early would go a long way in opening the game up.

4. Keep Orson Charles Contained

Orson Charles is an Antonio Gates style tight end.  He can put up huge numbers, as seen in his 109 yard, 1 touchdown performance against Boise state.

He could literally rip an under-performing South Carolina defensive backfield to shreds, if given the opportunity.  South Carolina will really need to use its linebackers and defensive ends in exotic schemes that will allow rotating zone coverages to keep Orson in check. 

Covering him will be a team effort, as the wide receivers really don't scare anyone, and the defensive line can handle the Georgia running game without help.

5. Eliminate the Turnovers

Four fumbles in one half will get you killed, even against a potentially bad Georgia team (they could also be good... who knows at this point).

Lattimore, Gilmore, and Kenny Miles all fumbled, which is something that is unusual.  Connor Shaw won't play in this game, so his fumbleitis is already cured.

The special teams have to protect the ball.  They seem to get way too nervous whenever fielding punts and kicks.  This cannot happen.  

Georgia will win by double digits if the turnovers are not adjusted.   

"Expert" Picks and Final Thoughts

This week, Leftover Hot Dog and I share the same opinion as the featured columnist for Georgia for this week, Brian Jones.  Meaning all three of us (yes, even the Dawg fan) believe that South Carolina is going to win this game. After looking at Brian's grading of his team, it isn't a surprise that he feels that way.

Please check out Leftover Hot Dog's most recent article about Stephen Garcia's leadership.  It is a great piece. 

However, they see it as being a bit closer than I do.

Last week, I had the most accurate prediction, having Carolina beating ECU 42-24.  I was 14 points off for South Carolina, and 13 points off for ECU, for a  grand total of 27 points off.

LHD was 22 points off for South Carolina, and 19 points off for ECU, for a total of 41 points off. 

The guest for that week, Danny Drama, was 15 points off for South Carolina, and 22 points off of ECU.  That is 37 points off.  So as it stands:

1.  Alex Roberts (1-0) +27

2.  Guest Experts (1-0) +37

3. Leftover Hot Dog (1-0) +41

This weeks scores:

My Score Prediction:

South Carolina 28, Georgia 14

Leftover Hot Dog's Prediction:

South Carolina 20, Georgia 16

Brian Jones (Georgia Featured Columnist) Prediction:

South Carolina 24, Georgia 18

As always, it is great to be a Gamecock, and you can always fan me on Facebook!