SEC Kickoff: Everything fans need to know about South Carolina vs. Auburn
Published:
Here’s everything you need to know about Saturday’s Steve Spurrier vs. Gus Malzahn battle between South Carolina and Auburn from Jordan-Hare Stadium:
When: Tonight
Where: Auburn, Alabama
Game Time: 7:30 ET
TV: SEC Network
Current Line: Auburn (-18.5)
SATURDAY DOWN SOUTH PREVIEWS
- Auburn’s punishing running game a concern for South Carolina
- Spurrier responds to potential move to Florida
- Gamecocks feel no pressure heading into Jordan-Hare
- Tigers very much alive in Playoff race
- Spurrier underutilizing Mike Davis? Think again
- Auburn’s rush defense vs. South Carolina’s ground attack
SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS
Players to watch:
- QB Dylan Thompson
- RB Mike Davis
- WR Pharoh Cooper
- TE Jerell Adams
- LB Skai Moore
- DB Brison Williams
Keys for South Carolina:
- Establish an offensive identity: In hopes of beating Auburn for the first time since joining the SEC, South Carolina must impose its will from the start against the nation’s fifth-ranked team and avoid early disaster. The Gamecocks aren’t equipped to win a shootout on the Plains, so keeping the ball away from Gus Malzahn’s offense and dominating the line of scrimmage must happen for the upset.
- Provide pressure up front on defense: Nothing’s happened in the trenches this season, a mixture of bad technique and lack of talent for the Gamecocks. South Carolina’s last in the SEC in sacks, tackles for losses and the rushing lanes have been gaping. Allowing Auburn to find a rhythm on the ground could lead to a long night for Lorenzo Ward’s group.
Gamecocks’ glaring weakness to watch: South Carolina’s defense. Coming into last week’s win over Furman, the Gamecocks had picked an SEC-low five takeaways all season, but managed three against the Paladins. Turnover margin’s a key factor in tonight’s contest.
Most interesting part of this game: The Gamecocks’ ability to play without pressure, focusing instead on a strong finish and quality bowl placement.
AUBURN TIGERS
Players to watch:
- QB Nick Marshall
- RB Cameron Artis-Payne
- RB Corey Grant
- RB Roc Thomas
- WR Duke Williams
- LB Justin Garrett
- DT Montravius Adams
Keys for Auburn:
- Do what you do. Gus Malzahn and company has been so focused on being balanced on offense that the Tigers have struggled through most of its first six games. Auburn needs to establish its run game and get its talented stable of backs going early.
- Improve the pass rush. This was a big focus during the bye week, and it resulted in defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson shifting some pieces around. Auburn’s defense has been much improved this season, but a productive pass rush will take a lot of pressure off its secondary.
Tigers’ glaring weakness to watch: That aforementioned pass rush. Most of Auburn’s ability to create pressure has come from the linebacking corps and on the inside part of the front four. Auburn desperately needs an edge rusher. Look for Johnson to blitz early and often.
Most interesting part of this game: Auburn’s ability to bounce back from a tough road loss, and be improved. We all know the Tigers’ remaining schedule and they must win out to stay in the national conversation.
