Published October 10, 2012 - 9:42am
NEW: Discuss this topic in the Google+ community for SEC fans.
The Matchup: #3 South Carolina (6-0, 4-0) at #9 LSU (5-1, 1-1)
When: Saturday, October 13th
Where: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Game Time: 8:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN
Recent History: LSU has dominated this series at 16-2-1 with four straight wins by 17 points per game. The Tigers are also 10-1 when hosting the Gamecocks, with the only loss coming back in 1994. Bottom line: South Carolina hasn’t fared well in this series in recent history.
South Carolina Will Win If: They can take advantage of a weaker LSU offensive line and get to the quarterback. We saw Florida get to the quarterback often last week, and Carolina has much better pass rushers than Florida has on the roster. Jadeveon Clowney, Devin Taylor and the underrated Chaz Sutton will need to create havoc in the Tigers’ backfield. LSU’s offensive line has been suspect since tackle Chris Faulk went down earlier in the season. Combined with a weaker offensive line and Zach Mettenberger holding onto the football too long, Carolina should be able to alter the football game. The Gamecocks lead the league in sacks with 25, and the closest team is Ole Miss with 17.
LSU Will Win If: They stop Connor Shaw and get Zach Mettenberger comfortable in the passing game. No one has been able to stop Shaw yet. He is the lifeblood of the entire offense. He’s the silent assassin. I’m a believer now. The passing numbers or rushing numbers don’t stand out. They never really did. However, Shaw is the son of a coach, and he’s a gamer. If LSU can shut down Shaw’s zone read game with Marcus Lattimore, it will force Carolina to do work through the air. I’m not saying they can’t, but the whole offensive attack revolves around Shaw and the zone read. Also, Mettenberger must get better in the passing game. He’s not a mobile quarterback but a pocket passer, and he has to find ways to find open receivers and gain some confidence down the field. He hasn’t looked comfortable in five games.
Storyline(s): Carolina is coming off arguably the biggest win in program history for a regular season game over #5 ranked Georgia. Emotions are running high still, and the Gamecocks will need to bottle that up and save a little for LSU. If South Carolina wins this football game, how can you not rank them #2 in the country? And on the flip side, LSU must win this game – and win out – to still be in the national championship picture. Back-to-back losses against the SEC East could be devastating for the West powerhouse.
Player(s) To Watch: For LSU, make sure you watch linebacker Kevin Minter. Minter was sensational in the loss to Florida last week. He had a career-high 20 tackles, including 17 solo tackles and recorded two sacks and a forced fumble. He was all over the field and stood out in a lineup of future NFL players. He’ll be key in making sure Connor Shaw doesn’t have his way with the Tigers’ defense.
For South Carolina, you have to watch Jadeveon Clowney. His ability to rush the passer proves he is a freak of nature, with his speed, size and agility for such a massive human being. He’s second in the SEC in tackles for loss (11.5) and second in sacks (6.5). I have a feeling he’ll be getting after Mettenberger quite often on passing plays that take too long to develop.
No doubt, it’s going to be a great game!! Hope those Gamecocks can keep making their magic and get a win!
Mettenberger at times has been a liability for LSU and I think this week he will be again. USC’s defense can produce turnovers through him and those turnovers should produce on the scoreboard.
If LSU shuts down Marcus Lattimore, Kenny Miles, or even Mike Davis then South Carolina goes to the air and I think Shaw could shine on the passing game on this one.
*Note: If someone could tell me how to change my profile picture and team affiliation that would be much appreciated.
http://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/2012/sds-week-7-pick-ten-challenge/ That should help you out William.
USC is a great team. They have been for the last few years. However, they are their own worst enemy. In 2010 they played the Cam Newtonified Auburn team and barely lost, and then beat Alabama. The conversation was that South Carolina was back after that Alabama win. Well, then they went out and laid an egg against Kentucky. Same thing last year – they handle Georgia and are rolling along until they lose to an Auburn game. Granted, South Carolina no longer has to deal with a QB who will remain nameless, but still they have to prove they can go out and stay consistent.
The main reasons for South Carolina’s past inconsitancy has been quarterback play. Shaw is the perfect remedy for this, he is a game manager that doesnt try to be superman. As long as he keeps the turnover margin inour favor we can play with anybody in the SEC. If he starts fumbling on scrambles and throwing INT’s then we can be upset by anbody in the SEC. Just keep the chains moving, feed Lattimore, and let the defense work with favorable field position, and we beat LSU and Florida.
>Well, then they went out and laid an egg against Kentucky<
Well, kind of, sort of… SC was cruising 28 to 10 at the half in that game and Latti got hurt… evidently the coaches forgot that we had other running backs on the roster…
But your overall point is taken… the Auburn game last year HAD to happen… without it… Garcia would have still been around and the QB/team leader situation would have remained a SNAFU for the rest of the year… No, the best thing for the team happened and it's been Connor's team ever since… Even this years Vandy game was a positive… in a tight game that we went playing all that well in, Connor gets hurt, picks himself up and refuses to quit or sit out… and gets the win AND the respect of his teammates…
USC a "great team"?? in terms of history and tradition? no… in terms of being a player in the SEC and on the national scene? I think we're getting there… Top to bottom, talent, discipline and team work wise, this is as good of Gamecock team as I have ever seen…
I’ve had those same concerns, but I hope that those were lessons learned by USC. The team seems to have matured quite a bit. I have no doubt they can beat LSU if they play like they did last week. Go Cocks!
South Carolina hasn’t played a team like LSU yet this season, and they’re about to play two in a row (LSU and Florida are very similar). I think it’s going to be difficult for the Gamecocks. The pass rush is insane w/ the SC ends, but can they withstand a power ground game for 4 quarters? I’m not sure yet. I do like the Gamecock offense more than I did a few weeks ago. The Shaw and Lattimore combination is working well, and Spurrier has that offense playing well. This game will be low scoring and very close.
I think our “D” will be alright… we are 2 deep with talent and experience across the DL…
It’s our OL that I’m worried about… VERY young at both tackles.. and they have not faced anywhere near the front seven yet, as the one that they’ll see at LSU…
Personally, I think there will be two offenses beating their heads against two brick walls of opposing defenses… agree with you on the low scoring and close…