The SC Gamecocks head north this week to a “battle for the border” contest with Univ. of North Carolina. LOHD spoke about this game earlier here. Now, we would like to shine some light on what the Gamecocks must do to win at UNC. Currently, the spread is +7 USC. I think we will cover that but we must do the following:
1. Smelley must be on ‘q’— USC quarterback Chris Smelley has a 3-0 record as a starter and a firm grip on the starting job. Smelley has completed 48 of 93 passes for 709 yards and five touchdowns, with two interceptions, since replacing Blake Mitchell in the second half at LSU on Sept. 22. He was 6-of-6 passing for 102 yards in the fourth quarter against Kentucky. He must continue to be productive and get the ball in the hands of the play makers.
2. SC Special Teams — This unit must not give up anything big to UNC and win the field position battle. I have faith in Succop but the UNC special teams unit is quick and helped to win the game against Miami last week…we must not let our unit be the blame for a lose.
3. SC Defense must continue the trend — When you are the best (vs. the pass) you must continue to shine. The Gamecock D must continue to play excellent against the pass and must man up on the run. We need to shut down their running game but not give up anything deep. UNC has speed and speed kills so knock down the passes and we must tackle. Norwood and Co upfront must get in the UNC qb’s face all game.
4. Boyd / Davis must run run run — These two must get involved in the game and put up high rushing yards to allow our offense to work. They have to create and let the o-line make some holes….this will allow Smelley to pass with success.
5. Gamecock TE play — Saunders/Cook/Boyd are emerging as great receivers and have been targeted a lot, which must continue since McKinley is being covered badly…need a WR/TE to step up this game.
My Prediction — USC 34 UNC 17
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