With the Chick-Fil-A Bowl around the corner, we traded some questions with ACC Rivals concerning the Florida State Seminoles. Our beloved South Carolina Gamecocks will be gunning for their 10th win and FSU will be a great match-up.
Many of you recall, we did this same format with ACC Rivals during the Clemson-South Carolina game. I highly recommend our pals over at ACC Rivals as your go-to-resource for your ACC sports news and opinions.
Here is our answers to the questions they proposed to us –
1. How are most Gamecock fans looking at this game?
Gamecock fans are very much looking forward to this game to get back on the winning side of things after suffering a defeat in the SEC Championship Game to Auburn by the score of 56-17. Getting the win would boost fan morale going into the offseason, aid in recruiting and most importantly get the 10th win for USC in 2010. The Gamecocks have not had a 10 win season since 1984 so notching one more victory would do wonders for continuing to improve the Gamecocks football program.
2. FSU has struggled against the run this year. Should this make me absolutely scared to death about Marcus Lattimore?
Heading into the Chick-fil-A Bowl, Marcus Lattimore has carried 248 times for 1,198 yards and has the third highest single-season rushing yards at Carolina. Lattimore’s 99.8 yards rushing per game is the highest by a running back in the SEC and second highest in the league among all offensive players. He is also second in the SEC in scoring with his 19 touchdowns. So I would say yes to the question.
FSU allows 127 yards on the ground so the chances for a big game are in the favor of Lattimore, not so much based on the stat side but more so for the desire. Lattimore has talked several times about how disappointed he was in his efforts in the SEC Championship game and the team’s performance. Marcus is a leader and leads by example. Knowing this and knowing he has the heart of a champion means look out FSU defense as he is coming to play.
3. Who will hurt us more, Alshon Jeffery or Stephen Garcia?
Stephen Garcia will in the FSU game as the FSU secondary is ripe for giving up some yards and Spurrier will exploit this in the pass attack once he establishes the run. Garcia will manage the offense effectively with making the right calls at the line, making the right pass and not making a mistake. I expect Garcia to have around 225 yards passing with at least 1 TD as Carolina has to win this game with an effective run game.
4. How has the South Carolina defense done this year? Will FSU succeed more in the air or on the ground?
USC’s defense has done well this year on the ground as they rank 9th in rush defense and for getting pressure on the opposing quarterbacks – USC ranks 10th in sacks and 17th in tackles for loss. Where USC has been vulnerable is in the pass attack, especially in giving up the big play. The Gamecocks rank 107th in pass defense. If FSU is going to be effective on offense it will be seen in the air.
5. What is your predicted outcome for this game?
I predict USC to win this game as they are really trying to move past the Auburn loss and get the 10th win. FSU is a great match-up as they too bring a balanced attack much like USC. I feel USC comes ready to play and if they can get a run game going like they did against Florida or Alabama where they controlled the ball and ran effectively….USC wins. Besides the run game being a key, on defense, the Gamecocks must play great in the secondary. When USC loses it is because of lackluster play by the secondary. I feel Lattimore’s play will be crucial to success and USC’s secondary steps up with two interceptions. Look for the final score to be USC 30 – FSU 20.
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Many thanks to ACC Rivals for their questions…what do you think of our responses?
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Chick-Fil-A Bowl Preview with ACC Rivals: Insight on FSU
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