Only in Columbia, SC this weekend you will be able to hear “FU” and “Cocks” being screamed by fans and it is a positive thing. That is right; this weekend an in-state battle between the Paladins of Furman University and the University of South Carolina football team will occur.
This will be the first time these two teams have met since 1982. Furman opened its season last week with an impressive 45-15 home win against Colgate. That win landed the Paladins in this week’s FCS (Formerly 1-AA) poll at number 24. As you may have heard, the Gamecocks also are ranked in the “big boy league” at number 13 after some “dawg abuse” this past weekend in route to a 17-6 victory over Georgia.
It has been a while since these two teams have played, but there is a long history in this series. Saturday will be the 48th time these two teams have met on the gridiron. The Gamecocks hold a 26-20-1 all-time advantage in the series. The Paladins won the last meeting in 1982, which is probably why USC hasn’t put them back on the schedule since the Reagan administration. Furman is South Carolina’s oldest football foe, having whipped USC, 44-0, on Dec. 24, 1892, in Charleston in the Gamecocks’ first collegiate football game.
One thing is certain; do not expect the same result as in 1982. The Gamecocks are treating this game as business and not looking past the Paladins. As Jacksonville State and James Madison proved over the last few weeks, no games are a gimmie in college football.
For the Gamecocks to be successful, these five keys must be executed:
1. Aggressive at the Point of Attack – whether it is battling in the trenches or shedding blocks, the Gamecocks must “get after it” in this game. Furman will try and do all they can to try and upset USC so the Gamecocks have to treat this game as a big time match up. Be aggressive from start to finish.
2. Strong Defensive showing from USC — do not let the Paladins upset the apple cart. For the Ellis Johnson coached defense it is all about shutting down the mighty purple. The Paladins exploded on offense in their opening matchup against Colgate. They scored 45 and ran the ball for 377 yards and threw for 159 for a total of 536. No way can this type of effort be seen in Williams-Brice.
3. Get an early lead – Spurrier needs for Carolina to jump out to an early lead and have the ability to use some other players. Expect to see quarterback Connor Shaw and others getting touches. This will be a good thing for the season as it drags on to have some players getting confidence and game experience.
4. Eliminate Mistakes – South Carolina cannot hurt itself in this game by doing something stupid or turning the ball over. Stick to the game plan and get it done.
5. No injuries – please no wounds from this game. Auburn is next week.
So there you have the keys to the game. So what do I want to see in this game?
Here are five things:
• USC’s defense gets a pass rush going and gets a few sacks notched on their belt.
• USC qb Stephen Garcia spreads the ball around in the air.
• USC running game with 200 yards rushing and Marcus Lattimore having at least 100 yards rushing and 1 TD.
• Alshon needs to get a TD.
• A 40+ scoring effort from USC.
You’ve read the keys and the expectations; all that is left is the score prediction….USC wins 45-10.
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