South Carolina Football: Gamecock Bye Week Reflections

The South Carolina Gamecocks get a bye week and it could not have come at a better time.  The Gamecocks are trying to get over the loss of running back Marcus Lattimore and determine depth at that position going forward.  On top of this, the Gamecocks have lost Kyle Nunn on the offensive line, fullback Matt Coffee due to a ACL tear, defensive back Akeem Auguste due to a foot injury and not to mention quarterback Stephen Garcia.  Lots to stomach yet the team must regroup and focus on completing the mission they started seven weeks ago.

No need to talk about the “what if’s” as this team, as a team, has to man up going forward as there is plenty of football to be played and the goal of a SEC East crown is still reachable.

The next game will be against the Tennessee Volunteers but before that game gets discussed, let’s look at where the Gamecocks are sitting as a team statistically.

USC has a record of 6-1, 4-1 in the SEC.  The Gamecocks are ranked 14^th in the BCS rankings which is good given the distractions and some ‘so-so’ offensive showings.

When you look at the three core units on the team, you get a mixed bag of peanuts –

The Gamecocks are tenth in the Southeastern Conference in kickoff returns averaging 20.47 yards per return. South Carolina is sixth in the league in punt returns averaging 7.88 yards, which is spearheaded by sophomore Ace Sanders. Joey Scribner-Howard is eighth in the league in punting at 36.77 yards per kick with only two touchbacks this season. The Gamecocks are tenth in kickoff coverage this season ahead of only LSU and Alabama.

Here are the key stats –

On offense, the Gamecocks are averaging roughly 32 points per game.  They have scored 227 points but 110 of the points came in two games -East Carolina and Kentucky.  In the other games, they have averaged 23 points per game.  The Gamecocks are last in the SEC in red zone offense scoring on 73.9 percent of their visits (17 touchdowns in 23 trips, no field goals and four turnovers).

Here are some other stats –

The Gamecocks defensive numbers remain good.  They lead the SEC in pass defense allowing 133.71 yards per game, and they are fourth in total defense at 277.57 yards per game.  USC is fourth in scoring defense at 19.14 points per game.  The Gamecocks’ 14 interceptions rank them second in the league.

Here are the stats –

So as you can see, much to improve upon going forward.  The Gamecocks control their destiny as far as the SEC East crown but they have to overcome the injuries and answer the bell.