South Carolina vs. Mississippi State: 5 Half Time Adjustments for the Bulldogs

The Bulldogs haven't looked great in the first half of this SEC showdown, but thanks to their two first-half end-zone INTs, it's still anybody's game.  Here is what Dan Mullen and Mississippi State will need to do in the second half to get their first SEC win of 2011. 

Dealing With USC’s Pass Defense:

Who has the best pass defense in the SEC? Alabama or LSU, right?  Wrong. It’s South Carolina.

So far, the Bulldogs have declined to challenge the vaunted Gamecocks pass defense, attacking almost exclusively with draws, option and counters. 

The Gamecocks' D is good, no doubt, but also very young.  If the Bulldogs open up their offense in the second half, I’m not convinced the Gamecocks will be ready for it 

Energy on Offense:

Tyler Russell got the start today because he gave the Bulldogs offense a spark in the second half of last week’s game against UAB.  That spark has been absent so far today. 

The lack of energy on offense isn’t all Russell’s fault.  The coaching staff isn’t doing him any favors by calling a hyper-conservative game.  If Mississippi State is going to have a chance at the end of this game, the coaches are going to have to give him a chance to hit on a big play.

Keep the Blanket on Alshon Jeffery:

The Bulldogs did a great job of shutting down the Gamecocks' All-SEC WR in the first half.  They will need to keep it up in the second half, because we know Spurrier and Shaw are going to keep throwing it his way.

Don't Let Connor Shaw Get Out of the Pocket:

Shaw has already converted two 3rd-and-long situations with his legs. We know the kid has wheels.  His arm (two INTs in the first half) is still somewhat questionable.  The Bulldogs need to make him beat them from the pocket.  

Clutch Factor

Dan Mullen hasn’t asked first-time starter Tyler Russell to do too much so far, but if this game stays close into the fourth quarter, there will inevitably come a time when he will have to make a play.  Time to find out if the youngster has what it takes to win SEC games.