Shane Beamer addresses ‘challenge’ of containing Alabama QB Keelon Russell
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The South Carolina Gamecocks faced talented Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor in Week 3. This Saturday, head coach Shane Beamer‘s squad travels to Tuscaloosa for a matchup with the Alabama Crimson Tide. There, Beamer’s defense will oppose a passer he believes provides a similar but different threat to Taylor.
Speaking on Wednesday’s SEC teleconference, Beamer touted Keelon Russell’s dual-threat ability. He thinks Russell will be even tougher for his defense to wrangle than Taylor was because of his explosiveness as a runner.
“There’s plays on tape in these first three games where the defense probably feels like they’ve got him corralled and bottled up. And the next thing you know, it turns into an explosive run,” Beamer said. “It’s a challenge. We faced a really, really, really good quarterback last week in Mississippi State. But this week is different just because of the ability in the open field.”
Russell played the best game of his young career in Week 3, posting 376 total yards and four touchdowns (three passing, one rushing) vs. the Florida State Seminoles. The second-year quarterback will have the home crowd at his back again when the Gamecocks come to town. Kickoff between South Carolina and Alabama kick off at 7:00 p.m. E.T. on Saturday night (ESPN).
