The University of South Carolina opens its 19th season as a member of the SEC as it welcomes longtime rival Georgia to Williams-Brice Stadium for a noon kickoff Saturday. The game is set for a national television broadcast on ESPN2.
The Gamecocks are 1-0 after an impressive 41-13 victory over Southern Miss in week one. The ‘Dawgs also enter with a record of 1-0 after a dominating 55-7 victory over Louisiana-Lafayette last Saturday.
This game is huge for both programs and has been circled as a “must win” by both Mark Richt and Steve Spurrier if success in 2010 is going to occur for their programs.
Georgia holds the lead all-time in the series 46-14-2. But one thing is certain, throw out the record books and stats as this game is for the driver’s seat in the SEC East. With Florida and others looking vulnerable the winner of this game will be in the running for the SEC East crown.
Let’s provide a synopsis of 10 things you need to look for by the Gamecocks if they are to be successful against the Bulldogs…
1. USC Needs to Score First
In this game, USC needs to score first and send the message to the Bulldogs that USC is ready to play. By this happening, it will set the tone early and force UGa to battle. This is a home game…man up Carolina.
2. South Carolina Slowing the Georgia Run Game
The Bulldogs will try to run and run some more against the Gamecocks. With UGa running back Washaun Ealey returning following a 1 game suspension. Ealey, UGa’s leading rusher last season, will be looking to make an impact in this USC game.
For the Gamecocks to be the winners on Saturday, they must put a leash on the Georgia running game and keep it under control.
3. Garcia Being a Smart QB
USC’s starting quarterback Stephen Garcia must play smart in the game. Georgia runs a 3-4 defense that is not often seen by USC so he has to make the right reads and know where the blitz is coming from. If he can play smart and not put USC in a bad position then the outcome could be in USC’s favor.
4. USC’s Offensive Line Picking up the ‘Dawgs Blitz
The beauty of an effective 3-4 defense is that the blitz can come from any direction. The South Carolina offensive line with their newly installed zone blocking scheme must be effective in recognizing where the Georgia assault is coming. If USC’s O Line can protect Garcia and create running lanes it could cause headaches for Coach Richt.
5. USC’s “Other” Receivers Must Step Up
Georgia is without their AJ but USC has their AJ – Alshon Jeffery that is. No doubt Alshon will be a factor in this game but it is assumed UGa will be trying to contain him. This means the other guys have to step up big. Garcia cannot force throws and has to look for other targets.
Spreading the ball is going to be a factor in this game for USC.
6. The Gamecocks must be successful running the ball
The Gamecocks must commit to running the ball the entire game. It will open up the passing attack. The success of the USM game was due to the established running of the ball for USC early and often.
An effective run attack is crucial for SC success. Lattimore and Miles must shine for Spurrier’s offense.
7. USC Special Teams Must be Mistake Free
For the love of God, please USC do not give up a kickoff return this year like last year. Boykin’s impact for the UGa special teams last year was the deciding factor. This cannot happen again. And whenever a crucial kick or punt is needed, simply do your job.
8. Gamecocks Defense Showing Why They are the Best in the SEC
The Gamecocks must get pressure on the opposing qb, they must be aggressive in the trenches, the linebackers have to play smart, no arm tackling, wrap up the ball carrier, play the proper angles and be aggressive.
The USC defense with their abilities must force the young redshirt Georgia quarterback to make a mistake.
9. USC must win the Turnover Battle
Coach Spurrier does not want to see the Gamecocks give this game away due to stupidity and nor do the fans. Play smart and capitalize off the Georgia mistakes.
10. Expecting to see a close USC win
Seven of the last nine meetings between these two schools have been decided by seven points or less. In addition, the winning team has failed to eclipse the 20-point plateau in five of the last six games.
Expectation is a low scoring match with key second half play from the Gamecocks providing a 20-17 win for SC.
[[This article was written for Bleacher Report earlier today.]]
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