Checking in on South Carolina’s temperature heading into Saturday’s challenging battle at fifth-ranked Auburn, a team the Gamecocks haven’t beaten since 1933 …

SCORCHING

Junior tailback Mike Davis is beginning to produce at a rapid pace and looks the part of an early exit to the NFL Draft after the season. He’s rushed for more than 100 yards in three straight games and has scored eight touchdowns this season. Davis has taken advantage of Brandon Wilds’ time on the sideline with an added workload. He’s on pace to hit 1,000 yards for the second consecutive fall and is South Carolina’s best hope at finishing with a respectable record and an acceptable bowl destination.

COULD USE ANOTHER MINUTE

South Carolina’s offensive line’s been inconsistent throughout, but received good news during last week’s game against Furman when guard Mike Matulis returned from a preseason knee sprain that sidelined him nearly two months. It was his first appearance since Nov. 2012 after redshirting with a shoulder issue last season. Matulis adds much-needed girth to a wall of blockers who haven’t protected quarterback Dylan Thompson well at times. In recent weeks, zone read blocking schemes have successfully opened holes for Davis and have provided South Carolina with consistency in the red zone. Shawn Elliott’s position group hasn’t yet reached its ceiling however and a solid performance Saturday night at Jordan-Hare Stadium’s essential to the Gamecocks’ upset bid.

BURNT TO A CRISP

There’s no coming back this season for South Carolina’s defensive front four, the worst-performing collection of pass rushers in Steve Spurrier’s tenure. No matter the rotation, the lack of push is noticeable from the opening possession onward as Gamecocks appear to sink where they stand. Sifting through the highlight tape thus far, it’s nearly impossible to find a noteworthy play in the opposing backfield caused by a player in a three-stance at the snap. South Carolina’s managed an SEC-low eight sacks through seven games, the lowest average per game in more than a decade. Help is on the way on National Signing Day when the Gamecocks are expected to sign four defensive ends at least four stars or better. A couple could be instant starters up front.