On one hand, South Carolina has an easier matchup this week after facing Alabama this past Saturday, but that’s not necessarily true in all areas.

The Gamecocks will be on the road this weekend against Missouri, who possesses the top pass defense in the SEC through three weeks. South Carolina coach Will Muschamp was complimentary of that unit for the Tigers during Wednesday’s press conference, saying “they mix up their coverages” and are “very good in man coverage.”

Muschamp added Missouri probably plays more man coverage than what they’ve seen in the past, but he also said they’re a good Cover 2 team as well.

Missouri has allowed only 95.7 passing yards per game in its first three contests. The Tigers have only played one Power 5 team (West Virginia), but they’ve also held opponents to 3.8 yards per attempt, which is No. 1 in the SEC, with one touchdown and four interceptions.

Here’s what else Muschamp said during his press conference:

  • On Alabama’s Wildcat package: It always makes you adjust, No. 1 it makes you prepare for it… just preparation wise, you have to rep it, have to get your players ready for it. We actually played it pretty well… you just have to get your players to prepare for it.
  • More on Missouri’s secondary: Holmes is really good, he is long, Acy is a veteran, both guys are 6’1″… they are a long secondary, all 6-foot plus.
  • On playing Kelly Bryant’s passing: I think he is throwing the deep ball well… he is completing around 70% of his passes, which is outstanding… I think he has been very efficient throwing the football.
  • Is Wyatt Campbell in the transfer portal? Not that I know of.