VEGAS INSIDER.COM TELLS IT LIKE IT IS, WITH A SURPRISE ENDING!
Top 25 Preview, No. 24 South Carolina
By Judd Hall
VegasInsider.com
2007: It was the tale of two seasons for the Gamecocks last year. The first part was terrific, South Carolina surged out to a 6-1 start with wins over Georgia and Kentucky. They even played LSU respectably in their lone defeat in the first half of the year. The Gamecocks’ success translated into a No. 6 BCS ranking in Steve Spurrier’s third year in Columbia.
The second half of the season was mired in numerous mistakes. A pair of heartbreaking defeats to Vandy and Tennessee helped get the stone rolling down the mountain as the Gamecocks lost their final five games.
Bettors weren’t big fans of South Carolina either as they went 5-6 against the spread.
Strengths: It’s not what you think of first in a Spurrier offense, but South Carolina has a formidable running game. And that is something you wouldn’t expect when you consider the Gamecocks were dead last in the Southeastern Conference last season with an average of 113.7 yards per game on the ground.
Despite the low numbers in 2007, the ‘Cocks have a solid tandem running game between senior rusher Mike Davis and sophomore Brian Maddox. Both Davis (5-9, 214) and Maddox (5-11, 220) have are good sized and can bruise the defense on a steady basis for about four yards a carry.
USC also has an offensive line that is chocked full of experience from last season, returning all five starters. And that o-line comes in at an oh so petite 310 pound average per player.
Carolina has the ability to bring the offense along slowly, thanks to the ground game. The only question is if Spurrier will actually acquiesce to keep his club competitive.
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We also can’t stop to think of the South Carolina defense, which started the year by holding its own against some of the nation’s best squads. Meanwhile, they’re going to have to find a way hold tight late in games after what we witnessed in way too many breakdowns defending in the second half of 2007.
Weaknesses: It’s hard not to harp on the Gamecocks’ rushing attack right now when the quarterback position is in such chaos for the team. And gunslingers are what Spurrier prides himself on, if nothing else.
Last year, Chris Smelley was the man under center for South Carolina and played admirably, completing 56.8 percent of his passes for 1,176 yards with nine scores. He even entered the spring as the top signal caller.
Unfortunately for Smelley, the spring game was a chance to prove he was the man for the job. Well he proved he was the right guy if you want someone to toss five picks in a scrimmage amongst the fans.
The other option to play QB is Tommy Beecher and he wasn’t much better, tossing a few interceptions of his own to make Spurrier throw his visor down.
As bad as the situation looks, both throwers have a whole summer to work on their game. And if neither can cut the mustard, Stephen Garcia will be available just before the start of the season due to suspension.
Player to Watch: Even though he’s been out with turf toe this spring, wide out Kenny McKinley is the man who’ll be the catalyst for making much of the offense work this year. The senior for Mableton, Georgia was one of the top receivers in the SEC last year, averaging 80.7 YPG on 6.4 catches per game.
While McKinley will be entrusted with making the signal callers look semi-competent to start the year. Don’t be surprised to see him lining up as a tight end or as a running back or even as the quarterback since he was one in high school.
What he provides the offense is a way to constantly keep the opposing defense off guard and mismatches the Gamecocks can exploit.
South Carolina Schedule
Date/Game
Aug. 28 North Carolina State Wolfpack
Sept. 4 @ Vanderbilt Commodores
Sept. 13 Georgia Bulldogs
Sept. 20 Wofford Terriers
Sept. 27 Alabama-Birmingham Blazers
Oct. 4 @ Mississippi Rebels
Oct. 11 @ Kentucky Wildcats
Oct. 18 Louisiana State Tigers
Nov. 1 Tennessee Volunteers
Nov. 8 Arkansas Razorbacks
Nov. 15 @ Florida Gators
Nov. 29 @ Clemson Tigers
Returning Starters: (8 on offense, 11 on defense, 1 specialist)
Schedule: Let’s be honest, the Gamecocks’ schedule features about eight games they could conceivably lose. The season opens against an improved North Carolina State squad and a road trip to face the Commodores, who beat them 17-6 last season at Williams-Brice Stadium.
South Carolina still has the Bayou Bengals on its home schedule, along with the Vols and Razorbacks. As if that weren’t enough, you’re going to close out the year with road tilts at Florida and Clemson.
Not an easy schedule at all.
Let Down: November 1 versus Tennessee. The Volunteers were able skirt by Carolina in the Smokies in overtime last season, which really helped send them on the downward spiral. Now this tilt comes fresh off the heels of a showdown with LSU that the Gamecocks will most certainly have revenge on their minds. It’s not a far out theory to think it’s a spot to back the Vols this early.
Look Ahead: November 8 versus Arkansas. No sooner than the Vols have left Columbia, the Hogs come to town. This time around South Carolina is in that rare hangover/look ahead spot against offensive guru Bobby Petrino’s Arkansas side. Provided the Gamecocks’ defense doesn’t get smacked around like what happened in the second half of last year.
Prediction: Sure, the schedule isn’t an easy one. Sure, the quarterback situation is as suspect as who wins American Idol. Yet this team returns more than enough starters to mean this is a “now or never” type of year…and perhaps will put a stamp on Spurrier’s tenure in Columbia.
This team will use that veteran experience to the fullest this season and find itself with a legit shot at winning the SEC Title after a 10-2 season.
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