To get our readers prepped for this year’s Independence Bowl matchup between South Carolina and Miami, Saturday Down South goes inside the numbers to see where each team has the advantage on-the-field.
Here’s the good and bad numbers for the Gamecocks and Hurricanes.
The Good
3,280: South Carolina quarterback Dylan Thompson has been one of the few bright spots for the Gamecocks. His 3,280 passing yards in 2014 not only leads the SEC but also set a school record for most passing yards in a season.
6.97: Miami’s Duke Johnson is the clear offensive leader for the Canes. He averages 6.97 yards per carry, which is tops in the ACC and he accumulated the second-most rushing yards in the ACC (1,520 yards). It’s no secret that Miami’s offense begins and ends with him.
9: Phillip Dorsett is a legitimate deep threat at wide receiver. His nine receiving touchdowns leads the ACC and he also holds the highest yards per reception mark at 26.65. He’ll be Miami’s home run threat against the Gamecocks’ questionable pass defense.
The Bad
12: South Carolina has struggled to apply any pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The Gamecocks recorded just 12 sacks in 12 games, good for last in the SEC and 121st nationally. With a deep threat like Dorsett that can burn defenders, any lack of pressure on the quarterback will make USC more vulnerable to the big passing play.
214.4: Another area where South Carolina has struggled is against the run. Allowing 214.4 yards per game on the ground, the Gamecocks could be in for a long day against Miami and running back Duke Johnson, who is one of the most explosive backs in college football.
36.2: The Hurricanes haven’t been very good on third-down this season, averaging just a 36.2 conversion rate. Miami will have to extend drives against the Gamecocks if it wants to come out with a win.
Drew Laing will be providing analysis and insight on Florida, Georgia, Missouri and South Carolina.
