Published September 26, 2012 - 4:30pm
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Fair warning…The following predictions are made by a SDS contributor and do not necessarily reflect the predictions of Saturday Down South. He may or may not be a fan of South Carolina. Disagree with his predictions? Let him hear it in the comments. He can take it.
Everyone likes predictions. We all make them, some a bit more accurate than others. Here’s my stab at how things will shake out in a talent-heavy Eastern division at the top.
No. 6 SOUTH CAROLINA (4-0, 2-0 now) = (11-1, 7-1 finish)
Sept. 29, at Kentucky: W
Oct. 6, vs. Georgia: W
Oct. 13, at LSU: L
Oct. 20, at Florida: W
Oct. 27, vs. Tennessee: W
Nov. 10, vs. Arkansas: W
Nov. 17, vs. Wofford: W
Nov. 24, at Clemson: W
Bottom line: Win the Georgia and LSU games, and South Carolina should seize the SEC East. Lose both, there’s no shot at capturing the division. Separation Saturday begins Oct. 6 when the Bulldogs come to Columbia, a team South Carolina has beaten consecutive seasons. A hiccup against Auburn in 2011 eventually squandered an opportunity at an East championship. This year’s team is different, one that won’t overlook an opponent and should be favored in every game here on out except at LSU.
No. 11 FLORIDA (4-0, 3-0) = (9-3, 6-2)
Oct. 6, vs. LSU: W
Oct. 13, at Vanderbilt: W
Oct. 20, vs. South Carolina: L
Oct. 27, vs. Georgia: L
Nov. 3, vs. Missouri: W
Nov. 10, Vs. La. Lafayette: W
Nov. 17, vs. J’Ville State: W
Nov. 24, at Florida State: L
Bottom line: The Gators will be sitting pretty during South Carolina week, likely 5-0 and front-runners in the East. I think Florida will beat LSU in Gainesville Oct. 6 given that Will Muschamp will have an extra week to prepare for LSU’s less-than-stellar offense. It’ll be a close game, but I think the Gators will get it. If Florida ends a two-game losing streak to South Carolina the following week, Muschamp’s group can clinch a trip to Atlanta (that’s right, they won’t lose to Mizzou) with a victory against Georgia. But those are two big if’s for Florida this season. The Gators could get a chance to dethrone Florida State’s BCS title game hopes in the regular-season finale.
No. 5 GEORGIA (4-0, 2-0) = (11-1, 7-1)
Sept. 29, vs. Tennessee: W
Oct. 6, at South Carolina: L
Oct. 20, at Kentucky: W
Oct. 27, vs. Florida: W
Nov. 3, vs. Ole Miss: W
Nov. 10, at Auburn: W
Nov. 17, vs. Ga. Southern: W
Nov. 24, vs. Georgia Tech: W
Bottom line: Those pesky Gamecocks. Georgia’s SEC title game and possible BCS national championship hopes can be derailed on national television in two weeks if the Bulldogs don’t bring their A-game — and rush defense — to Williams-Brice Stadium. The Gamecocks have won 23 of their last 26 games at home and that game is setting up to be one of the biggest in the Steve Spurrier era. On the other hand, it’s just as important for Georgia. A loss to the Gamecocks puts Mark Richt’s squad behind the eight ball so to speak, no longer in control of its own destiny. I’d be sweating the trip to Columbia — this season’s toughest game for UGA — if I was a Bulldog.
SEC East Champ: SOUTH CAROLINA. As talented as the Bulldogs are — the East’s best shot at beating Alabama in my opinion — it won’t be enough to win the East thanks to a head-to-head, tiebreaking loss to South Carolina in two weeks. The Bulldogs will have a shot at an at-large BCS berth even without making the trip to Atlanta, similar to what happened last season with the Gamecocks. Outside of Georgia’s road game in Columbia and the Jacksonville bout with the Gators, Georgia’s schedule is favorable from here on out, but South Carolina can also run the table if it can beat Florida on the road, even with a loss at LSU. Ultimately, the East has two huge games remaining and both involve the Gamecocks. A win in Baton Rouge and one over the Bulldogs would create an almost lock for South Carolina’s stamp to Atlanta.
As a Gamecock its just nice to be in the conversation.
If you play the tape of UGA’s D versus South Carolina’s O, UGA’s D wins. South Carolina has yet to pay a defense that will be as fast and physical as Georgia’s complete unit (which includes AT LEAST 3 All-SEC, if not All-America, in Jarvis Jones, Bacarri Rambo, and John Jenkins). I love the physicality of Conner Shaw, but he CANNOT put himself on the line like he did with Vanderbilt, or he will walk away with more than just a bruised shoulder. Outside of those top three guys, Alec Ogletree, Kwame Geathers, Abry Jones, Sanders Cummings, Chase Vasser, and Shawn Williams all have star potential and will help to keep Marcus Lattimore under 110 yards. Shaw will be picked off twice I think.
One the offensive side of the ball, Aaron Murray will struggle early, as he has in years past in big games. But he will soon find a groove after the combined efforts of Todd Gurley, Keith Marshall, and Ken Malcome establish a run game that will rush for over 200 yards with at least 2 scores. Murray will finish his day with a 55% completion rating, 240 yards, 2 TD and a INT. The offensive line will finally get a true test to see just how good they can really be, but keep Murray from getting sacked, but not from getting pressured. A bunch.
While I still want to see Georgia take care of Tennessee handily, and see if South Carolina will be able to be better at Kentucky than they were at Vanderbilt, if South Carolina is able to win this game, they will come away bruised and battered, just to have go and play LSU and get more bruised and batter and lose, and finally lose to Florida. In my opinion, winning against Georgia destroys South Carolina’s chances at winning against LSU and Florida because I see them getting away with no less than 4 key injures (one to Conner Shaw, and three to key defenders).
I guess we will know in a couple weeks. Agreed it wont be easy, UGA is a good team but dont count us out. It will be one of UGA’s harder games to or we wouldnt be talking about it.
Oh, I haven’t counted out a loss. What I am pointing out, is that for South Carolina to win they would have to surrender a lot in the process just to have to play LSU and Florida. Then there is that other Tiger team at the end of the schedule who could cause some trouble for the Cocks. The Cocks clearly have a tough schedule, and this is in my opinion the toughest game, even with the road game at Death Valley. We will see in three weeks, I believe though the outcome will be a decisive Dawg victory, but who really knows.
Yeah all good points. It will be a good game
I know you are saying that Georgia has great running game, but I dont know if you have studied South Carolina’s front seven. They are arguably the best D-Line unit in the country and they have experience at linebackers. They also have D.J. Swearinger and Akeem Aguste returning for the secondary. South Carolina aslo held Missouri to 10 points with 7 of those coming in the final seconds of the game. If you compare the two defenses South Carolina has the better one. The offense isn’t as bad people think. They have an explosive dual-threat QB and Marcus Lattimore has a history of a lot of yards against Georgia and he had 110 yards and 2 TD’s against Vandy with a knee brace and wasn’t at a 100%. Now without the knee brace and back to 100% he will now get more of the workload, which opens up the passing with very explosive WR’s. If you dont read news about the South Carolina then I will inform you of some. The doctors checked on Connor Shaw and they have said that he cant injure his shoulder anymore than it already is and if you saw his performance saturday then you know he is a good quarterback going 20-21 with 249yds and 2TD’s along with 40 yards rushing and one 81yd TD run that was called back for a bogus clipping call. I’m just saying that it will be a closer game than you think.
Also when you play the tape of last year you’ll see the S. Carolina’s defense ALSO handled Georgia’s offense. I hope Erin Murray hasn’t forgotten about his good friend Mr. Clowney. South Carolina is top 5 in the country in sacks, a healthy 7 more than Georgia’s little line. We’ve got players making plays right now. I cannot wait for next weekend. CANNOT WAIT
I’m a little confused as to which year you are referring to. In last year’s game, UGA had 18 more first downs, 42% third down conversion efficiency (compared to SC’s 29%), 436 total yards (188 rush, 248 pass), and Aaron Murray threw for 4 TD’s and only 1 INT (compared to Garcia’s 1 TD and 2 INT). I guess I just find it hard to argue that SC’s defense “HANDLED” georgia’s offense that scored 42 points on them, but hey, that’s just me…
Word…glad ya beat me to the punch…evidentally he wasnt watching the same game we were
sounds like you don’t really need to watch the game.
This article is a satire right? Meant to subtly criticize the delusion of Gamecock fans?
Haha …now that was funny!
I don’t know what is funnier. Arkansas fans that think they are going to get Jon Gruden or Chip Kelly as their coach or South Carolina fans that think they have a good program. Geez, at least Tennessee fans are willing to face reality these days.
South Carolina has a better defense than UGA? Hows that crack? UGA has the best defensive player in the nation, best interior lineman in the nation, and the best safety in the nation. Rambo and Jones were 1st team All-Americans last year, and Jon Jenkins might be one this year. We also get back All-Sec linebacker Alec Ogletree. Aaron Murray is way better than Connor Shaw and he has a multitude of good wrs to throw to. Don’t forget about Malcolm Mitchell on the offensive side of the ball. Todd Gurley looks like the next great runningback in the SEC. Keith Marshall and Ken Malcolme are 2 other very solid backs. UGA wins 20-7
You need to check Murray’s game log and tell me what GOOD DEFENSE he has stepped up against. The guy throws way too many INTs and generally they don’t win against a team with a pulse. Their schedule this year and last have been absolutely hilarious. Nobody said Shaw was better than Murray, but while we’re on the topic, Shaw is a very capable QB. He’s generally efficient as a passer and obviously does very well running the ball. As far as Marshall goes, he’s unproven too. They haven’t played anybody this season and his ability to BLOCK will be tested against USC. USC’s front 7 is very experienced (3 RS Senior LBs, 2 seniors on the DL, and the other 2 are Clowney and Quarles. That front 7 is nasty. Georgia’s front 7 is good too and I don’t think there will be nearly as many points scored this year as there were last year. But 20-7 is a pretty bold prediction. This game will be decided by less than a TD and honestly could go either way. Home field advantage combined with the amount of turnovers Murray has, I like the Gamecocks’ chances.
Murray has fizzled in some big games in the past, but despite their being freshmen, Gurley and Marshall still compose what is probably the most established run game Murray has ever had at his disposal. You really can’t understate the impact that a consistent run game has on a team’s passing game. We’ll see what happens when these guys get a chance to face a good D like South Carolina’s. I’m looking forward to the game, they’re both very solid teams. The SC defense is playing better than UGA, but we still haven’t seen UGA’s at full strength. Personally, I think there is a much larger margin in the quality of play and depth of UGA’s offense versus Carolina’s. Big picture: I just think UGA has a more balanced team overall, but I’m extremely biased. Either way, I am very impressed with what Spurrier has done to the Gamecock program and I can’t wait to head up to Columbia next week!
If UGAs schedule is hilarious then so is USCs! The only difference is LSU.
Brad, opinions are like buttholes…everyone has one and they all stink. Yes, USCe has beaten UGA two season in a row. They have NEVER beaten them three years in a row. USCe seems to have that middle-child syndrome “look at me, look at me”. As they say the East will be determined on the field where it should be. Now that UGA has ALL of it’s Defensive players back we will see how good they can really be. Last years game has no impact on this years game. It should be a rocking rowdy crowd in Columbia with a 7pm start. But I think the Dawgs win the game and the East that night.
Really? Another one of these “but they’ve never done that in the past” idiots? Geez. This sickness just spreads like wildfire these days. How many things did USC do last year that had never been done? I love when people use 100+ years of history to make a game prediction rather than looking at the present. Are George Rogers and Herschel Walker playing? Are we gonna see Tanneyhill vs. Stafford? Gimme a break. You say last year’s game has no impact on this years yet you use the “they’ve NEVER beaten them 3 years in a row” line. I like how that works.
Definately worried about the trip to columbia BUT:
Lattimore wont get 200+ on this D
We will get 200+ rushing
Connor Shaw will get picked twice
Lets not forget that we lost last year by gift wrapping & handing SC 20+ POINTS
and this year we have a rushing game and better pass protection
i signed up for this site simply so I could reply to you JPDawgFan1. I am one of the biggest carolina fans around. I’m a realist and I consider UGA’s team to be very good. I agree they have a stacked defense and a great stud in Gurley back there. It’s going to be a fight and I am very excited for the game.
I am apologize for coming off rude her but lets be honest. If you think UGA is rushing for 200+ yards against our defense. YOU ARE HIGH. I can agree with almost everything in your post except that and you handing up 20+ points. Sure lattimore wont get 200+ yards. He wont need to. Connor getting picked twice? I can see that. You have a better rushing game and o line this year? I agree on that too. you want to say you have a better team this year? I’ll even go that far. But show me the 20 gift wrapped points and tell me how you expect to run for 200 yards. If UGA runs for 200 yards against us I’ll never go to another game and I’ll sell all of carolina attire on ebay. Great day, you are drunk
my god, the georgia fans on here are absolutely delusional. YES, usc has a better defense than the dawgs. Yes, you don’t think the gamecocks offense is very good, but then again you haven’t seen all of it. Yes, you don’t think shaw holds a candle to murray, but has murray ever completed 20 passes in a row against live action? yeah, i didn’t think so. murray shrivels up and goes into his shell in big games, and this will be the biggest. also, last years game DOES have an effect on this years game. murray will immediately remember how clowney tossed him around like a rag doll, and those memories will effect him all night long. our defensive line is better than it was last year, and our senior laden lb corps is much, much better than it was last year. this year, with a much deeper and more talented ol in front of him, lattimore is getting stronger and stronger every game, kenny miles has several starts and 100 yard games and mike davis is as good a freshman rb as ANY i’ve seen. last year uga’s defense had to double cover alshon jeffery, and that pretty much shut down the passing game. this year shaw and thompson have completed passes to 11 different receivers. one last thing, last year the dawgs could depend on garcia screwing things up for the gamecocks, but shaw is not only much better at taking care of the ball, he can throw and run much better than garcia could.
I love the passion of the Dawg fans responding to this post. This will be the BEST SEC game all season long for sure! Having said that, I still maintain that the Dawg fans, while passionate, are extremely delusional if they think that USC will be a pushover. History (e.g. previous year’s games) are not indicative of current situations. However, history IS important when you take into consideration the return of certain returning athletes. Case in point: Lattimore HAS run all over you guys for two years in a row … that is undebatable. Sure, your defense may have improved, but has it improved enough to stop a triple threat? After all, we beat you with basically nothing BUT Lattimore for the last two years. This year we won’t give you an all-rushing offense. Yes, you will see Marcus running down your throats, but what about a QB that can (and has) outclassed Murray all year (with the exception of Vandy). I know that the Vandy comparison will be your crutch, but how did you do against Mizzou? Yea. That’s what I thought. How does that less than stellar performance strike you? Shaw threw 20 for 21 against Mizzou. Weren’t the Dawgs behind at one point? So you feverishly taunt your incredible defense against SC while you seemingly forget the fact that you couldn’t even stop an unranked team from scoring on you. SC allowed 3 points in the game before the HBC put in the 2nd and 3rd stringers who allowed the only Mizzou TD of the game. Yea … keep barking Dawgs. After this game, you will be in the dog house! Gamecocks are going to bring the pain … their names are Taylor and Clowney, and they are coming for you, Murray!
I love this stuff right here! It’s good to see South Carolina has some passionate fans! I think this is a pretty evenly matched game. As a Georgia fan I think we have the edge as I’m. Sure most South Carolina fans believe they do! October 6th is going to be a great day for college football! Go Dawgs!!