The South Carolina Gamecocks return to Williams-Brice Stadium to defend the home turf against the visiting Alabama Crimson Tide. Kickoff is set for 3:30pm on CBS and ESPN GameDay will be in town to showcase the number one team versus the number 19/20 Gamecocks.
By now, hope you read the offical LOHD preview, reasons for ESPN GameDay, conversaton with the enemy and plan to have your “11’s up for KMac.”
Here are our final thoughts as we head out the door to go to the game ( follow us at @LOHDgamecocks) and see the ESPN GameDay crew…
The Gamecocks are 3-1 (1-1 SEC) after falling in their last contest, a 35-27 loss on the road at Auburn. Alabama looks to continue their roll as they are coming off a thrashing of the Florida Gators and are currently riding a 19-game win streak.
This will be the 15th game in the series between USC and ‘Bama with the Tide leading the series 12-2. The Tide are also 3-1 in games played in Columbia. This game will mark the fifth time that USC has taken on the number one team in the land and in those games they are winless. Can something never done get done in Columbia?
What is important to note is this game in at home for Carolina, a venue that they have a 12-1 record in the last 13 home games. So beating SC, in their house, is a tall task. But this is Alabama and a Saban lead team. Saban is 1-0 versus USC and 1-2 versus Spurrier.
For the Gamecocks to be giant-killers it will take a near flawless performance combined with some luck. The Alabama rushing attack and their toughness on both sides of the ball is to be feared by many. The Gamecocks have to match that toughness and raise them one.
Certainly, the Gamecocks will make a game of it that will prove worthy of watching. Last year, South Carolina gave Alabama its first real scare of the season, losing 20-6 to Alabama in Tuscaloosa but not after a fight.
This year, it will be just as close.
There are three keys to this game for Carolina to have a chance –
1. Slow the ‘Bama run game – for Carolina to even have a sniff at a win they must limit the damage of Richardson and Ingram. In last year’s game, Ingram rushed for 246 yards. Those two cannot run up and down the field freely as they please. The SC defensive line must play their best game ever and win the trench battle up front.
2. Carolina must have a balanced offensive showing – the Garcia lead attack must find success in both running the ball and passing. It can be done as seen in the Georgia game. But this is no UGa as it will take more…a lot more. The Carolina offensive line has to play the game of their life in slowing the Bama pass rush and opening holes. If it gets done look for a good showing by Spurrier’s boys. Another issue associated with this is no mistakes on offense. No penalties and no INTs.
3. Carolina must keep it close — For South Carolina to win this game, they will need to hold Alabama to under 17 points, which seems like an impossible task. Carolina has talented defenders all around and will be tested. The second string when in must play better than they have. If Carolina gets an upset, look for the score to be somewhere in the ballpark of 17-14 or 14-10. Any higher, and my guess is Alabama wins.
The City of Columbia is hyped for this game and the crowd will be in it for sure. Will it last? Will the team last? South Carolina must play a complete game from start to finish as it will take a borderline miracle to defend the Tide. It can be done as stranger things have happened. Being at home for this is on the Carolina side but it will take the execution of those three keys above combined with mistakes by Saban’s team. To be honest, the Tide has to play their worst game of the season.
The Carolina fan in me says that SC can do it. They can limit the mistakes and play their best. They can win this game in a stunner by 10+ points.
But then the reality of watching Alabama each week sits in and I know that SC has to play perfect and match the ‘Bama talent all-around the ball. Thus the chance for a Gamecocks loss is strong in a heartbreaker much like last year that will leave SC fans saying “what if.”
Prove me Wrong USC! I believe in you! I believe!
Should ‘Bama be on Upset Alert? Can Carolina take the next step?
Please football gods, smile on USC today.
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