The South Carolina Gamecocks and the Auburn Tigers are set to clash on Saturday in what is one of the most important games of the season for both programs. Both teams need this win to stay on track as they march towards the SEC Championship. A loss creates some difficulty to compete for the conference crown or a good postseason bowl game.
The Gamecocks need this win more so than Auburn. Carolina needs to make its presence known in the SEC Hunt and by beating the Tigers it will certainly justify the top twelve ranking.
When you analyze these two teams you see lots of similarities from the QBs to the Special Teams. There are also some good match-ups to watch with Dyer and Lattimore on the same field and how will Cam Newton do running against the stingy Carolina ‘D’.
This game will come down to which team makes a couple big plays and has some luck. Auburn is going to have trouble on offense as you could see it in the Clemson game but they did find a way to win. South Carolina needs to be consistent on offense, especially on third downs, like they were in the Georgia game. Expect a medium/low scoring game with both teams in the high teens/low 20’s in points thanks to a good defensive battle.
There are three things USC must do to win at Auburn:
1. Get vertical in the passing game – it has been refreshing to see USC be a good running team but for USC to win this game they have to not be afraid to air it out. The WR’s for Spurrier’s offense must step up big time.
2. Aggressive at Point of Attack – no matter what the situation the Gamecocks must match the toughness of Auburn and be aggressive. This game will be won in the trenches. USC has to win on both sides of the ball.
3. Win the “Mini Games” – USC must win the TO game, field position and time of possession.
Key Match-up to Watch –
USC O-Line v Auburn D-Line – USC’s big nasty’s have to man up. Depth is an issue for Carolina and they will be tested on every snap to create a hole or protect Garcia. If the offensive line can control the surge then victory is within reach.
Score Prediction –
As I noted the score in my view will be low. This has classic SEC game written all over it and who ever slips up and makes a mistake or does not execute when given the opportunity will lose. The Gamecocks will be playing for Kenny McKinley and this will factor in on the performance. USC wins this game 24-20.
Win it for K Mac – RIP#11
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
