Navy vs. South Carolina: 7 Things We Learned from Saturday's Final Score

Coming off a big victory in Athens over Georgia, many suspected a close game, but not this close against a less-talented Navy team.

South Carolina played an average game at best on both sides of the ball, but good teams find ways to win, and that was exactly what South Carolina did with their 24-21 victory.

Steve Spurrier cannot be pleased, but at the moment, he is the leader in the clubhouse in the SEC East.

Marcus Lattimore Is the Best in America

Marcus Lattimore was my preseason Heisman pick, and quite frankly, this kid is a man among boys. He is just a phsyical specimen that can do it all!

He is the top pass catcher out of the backfield among any back in America, and the way he just bounces off tackles is impressive. He is built like a truck at 6'1", 232 pounds-plus. His nasty stiff arm is fierce, and he might just be the best downhill runner we have seen in the BCS era. He is just a sophomore folks!

I honestly believe he could play in the NFL this day since he picks up blitzes, catches the ball out of the backfield, and runs between and outside the tackles.

So the biggest that remains on whether he can continue to dominate the competition every weekend?

Is there any doubt? 37 carries for 246 yards and three touchdowns is nothing short of a once in a lifetime performance. 

The only problem is that he continues to do this nearly every single week. If he can continue this, he may be the top dog for that stiff arm trophy.

Heisman?

Speaking of that stiff arm trophy, Lattimore is easily my top choice for the Heisman at the moment.

There are a half dozen candidates that have the same argument, but if South Carolina reaches that 10 to 11-win plateau and could sneak into a BCS at-large bid, there is no doubting that Lattimore would be hoisting the trophy.

His stats for the season are beyond bonkers right now87 carries for 534 yards with a yard per carry at 6.1! His nine catches for 66 yards only pads his stats.

The biggest question he will be asked in regards to his team is whether or not the Gamecocks can keep him healthy and continue to pull off victories for Spurrier.

Defensively Challenged?

I have given huge props to this defensive line, but they did not play their best game by any means. The linebackers did an awful job on their pursuit of the ball of the devastating option that the Navy Midshipmen bring to the table every weekend.

Spurrier and the Gamecocks could not have been looking ahead to Vanderbilt (no offense) since they have pretty much owned them. Now don't get me wrong, this Spurrier squad can still go a long way leading the way in the SEC East, but I wonder if they can reach the 11-win plateau that I pegged them at early in the spring. 

The defense is so young and is still developing in time that you have to pleased, but there are positive things to take out of this near defeat.

Stephen Garcia Still Needs To Prove Himself

Garcia did not have one of his better games completing just 18-of-25 passes for 204 yards with no touchdowns and a pick.

He ran the rock six times for 10 yards, but that is not good enough in my m opinion. Now, I am not saying Garcia had an awful game by any means, but surely, improvement needs to be made.

They did not open up the playbook much since Navy had no answer for Lattimore, but how Alshon Jeffrey was not involved more is beyond me. I understand he was targeted a few times, but only hauling in two passes for 35 yards is pitiful for a so-called All-American.

Getting your star players involved and producing in a game is something that is vital. Without it, your team will struggle mightily unless your other options are going bonkers.

Pass Defense Very Opportunistic Still

The pass defense did not see a ton of work, but there is no doubting that they have answered the call thus far in the season. Kriss Proctor only completed 5-of-9 passes for 61 yards and no touchdowns. 

However, Antonio Allen came away with the game-winning interception sealing the victory for the opportunistic Gamecocks.

Can South Carolina learn to live dangerously by pulling away with late heroic performances? 

The Offense Is Fine

Everybody needs to just take a deep breath and understand that the offense is just fine and dandy. At least at the moment, they are fine.

Marcus Lattimore is leading the way and is easily the main part of this offense. South Carolina lives and dies by the production from Lattimore, so it is key that Garcia continues to develop a solid rapport with his entire receiving corps.

Things Will Be Getting Easier

With Vanderbilt, Auburn and Kentucky on the horizon, things should not get much tougher after close victories over Georgia and Navy.

Auburn may be the only team that possesses a good enough offense to hang around, but luckily, South Carolina's defense continues to come away with a key turnover towards the end of a game.

Lattimore, Jeffrey and Garcia seemingly always have one big play in their back pocket to use in the final quarter of play.

South Carolina should be 6-0 before they have three road tilts in a row with Mississippi State, Tennessee and Arkansas all on the horizon.

They then close the final three games at home against Florida, The Citadel and Clemson. There is a great chance SC will be favored in every single game outside of the game at Arkansas, which would be one sensational season for the Gamecocks.

If Lattimore and this opportunistic defense can continue their winning ways for Spurrier, brand new and improved heights will be on the horizon.