This Saturday in front of more than 87,000 screaming Tiger fans in Jordan-Hare Stadium, the battle of #12 South Carolina and #17 Auburn will take place. What a match up it figures to be, with both teams coming in undefeated and each trying to prove it belongs in the top of its half of the conference. Both teams play a very physical game offensively and defensively. This will not be a game for the faint-hearted – rather a physical all-out war on the field. Here are a few things you need to know about South Carolina vs Auburn:

1. Auburn’s three-headed rushing monster is #1 in the SEC in yards on the ground. The Auburn rushing attack features quarterback Cameron Newton and running backs Michael Dyer and Onterio McCalebb. The Tigers are averaging 260 yards a game on the ground. Newton is the general, Dyer the bowling ball and McCalebb the speedster. Each has its own strengths that are combined to be a force on the ground.

2. On the other hand, South Carolina has the #1 rushing defense in the conference. Defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson has his defensive front ready for the rushing attack of the opposition. The Gamecocks are allowing a mere 44 rushing yards a game. Granted, they have only played one conference opponent in Georgia, but held Georgia to 61 yards rushing, and Georgia figures to have one of the best offensive lines in the conference.

3. South Carolina’s secondary plays with a “bend but don’t break” mentality. They are ranked as the 9th best passing defense in the conference. Stephon Gilmore is the leader of the secondary as a true sophomore. Gilmore will likely be matched up against Auburn wide receiver Darvin Adams. Against Furman last week, South Carolina gave up 274 yards through the air. Late in the game, Gilmore had an 80-yard pick-6 that sealed the deal. The South Carolina secondary better be flexible because Newton is not afraid to wing it.

4. South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore will have to carry the load for the offense. Auburn has the #6 rushing defense in the conference, so South Carolina will be able to run the ball. I just don’t think that a Stephen Garcia passing attack can win a big game for the Gamecocks. However, if South Carolina can establish a running game early and shorten the game, this is the best chance for the Gamecocks to come out with a W. This will be another 37-carry game for the freshman Lattimore. Hope the kid stays hydrated this week.

This game figures to be a battle for four quarters. The key match-up has to be Auburn’s rushing attack against South Carolina’s #1 rushing defense. It will be tough, it will be physical, but in the end the team that establishes the running game will come out on top. Both teams are middle-of-the-pack in passing offense, but if Newton is on his game passing the football, it will be a huge boost for Auburn.

Get your popcorn ready because this one will be great.