South Carolina vs. Navy: 5 Keys to a Gamecock Victory
Navy.
Why Navy?
The very name of the team brings shivers down the spines of longtime Carolina fans. I wasn't even born for that game, and the outcome is legendary among South Carolina fans my own age.
It's 1984. South Carolina is closing in on a national championship berth. They have one of the most talented teams in college football and all they have to do is get by a terrible Navy team and roll their bitter rivals, the Clemson Tigers.
Easy enough, right?
Wrong.
Navy rolled the greatest team that South Carolina has ever fielded.
Enter this year.
South Carolina supposedly has it's "greatest team ever," and is 2-0 (albeit a lucky 2-0). Navy is coming off of a 9-3 year and enters this game 2-0.
Everyone thinks South Carolina should destroy this team. However, South Carolina needs to play at its best to win this game. Navy isn't a pushover.
Could this be the game that completes a perfect circle? Could this become a symbolic win that shows the chicken curse has truly been smitten by the NCAA championship baseball team?
Or is history destined to repeat itself?
Matchup Chart
1 of 7| Position | South Carolina Advantage | Even | Navy 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 |
1. Play Disciplined Defense Against a Disciplined Navy Offense
2 of 7Navy is renowned for its discipline and execution.
The military background works very well with the football training to create one of the most disciplined teams in college football. This is why their complicated offense works so well.
South Carolina has one of the most undisciplined defenses (and teams, really) in college football. This is the recipe for disaster against a team like Navy.
2. Follow the Ball, but Stay at Home
3 of 7Football is based on instinct a great deal. A defensive player needs to read offenses and react early.
Not so with Navy.
If you rely on reaction, the Midshipmen will burn you with their multitude of switches and fakes. This ties in with the discipline factor stated as key No. 1. Watch the ball, and see where it goes. Don't try to anticipate the offense, because it will be next to impossible to do so.
Just keep your eye on the ball, and stay in your assigned area. Don't give chase, because next thing you know, the ball will be moving in the opposite direction.
Use the team's superior athleticism to react to where the ball is.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
3. Stephen Garcia Must Step Up
4 of 7Stephen Garcia is putting together his worst season...in his fifth year.
How often that happens, I am not sure. My guess? Not often.
If Garcia continues on this path, the team will lose more games than the lofty hype predicted. This is the game to get it all turned around. If you can't pass on this defense, good luck against the rest of schedule.
4. Use Jadeveon Clowney, Melvin Ingram and Devin Taylor in "Run Mode"
5 of 7Pass rushing will not be a factor in this game because, frankly, Navy won't pass often.
The three stud defensive linemen need to put aside their biggest strength, as difficult as it may be, and play run support. Some zone work would go a long way in keeping the running game contained and the Navy offense frustrated.
5. Play with Passion
6 of 7Without a doubt, the Gamecocks must bring their most passionate game to this stage. This matchup has all the makings of a severe upset...
A ranked team coming off a huge win.
A good underdog team with a disciplined and unique offense.
A night game on national TV.
If South Carolina comes out flat, you will be looking at the headline for all of the papers and Internet sites that relate to sports.
Don't let that happen, Gamecocks.
"Expert Picks" and Final Thoughts
7 of 7Last week, no one saw the shootout that the UGA/SC game became. I was 17 points off for South Carolina and a whopping 28 points off for Georgia, for a grand total of 45 points off.
LHD was 25 points off for South Carolina and 36 points off for Georgia, for a total of 61 points off.
The guest for that week, Bryan Jones (Georgia Featured Columnist), was 21 points off for South Carolina and 24 points off for Georgia. That is 45 points off. So as it stands:
1. Alex Roberts (2-0) +72
2. Guest Experts (2-0) +82
3. Leftover Hot Dog (2-0) +102
This week's guest is none other than Danny Drama, the multi-team master, who is here for the second time.
This week's scores:
My Score Prediction:
South Carolina 38, Navy 24
Leftover Hot Dog's Prediction:
South Carolina 30, Navy 16
Danny Drama Prediction:
South Carolina 38, Navy 17
As always, it is great to be a Gamecock, and you can always fan me on Facebook!
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
