What the Gamecocks learned about their opponents: Week 1

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You can’t really tell much about a team after week one of any season, especially football. But, some trends started to develop in the SEC that the Gamecocks can watch and exploit when they get their chance to play certain teams.

For instance:

Florida’s secondary looked worse than Carolina’s. Sure, Bowling Green had a third-year starter at QB, but UF’s overall defense is supposed to be one of the best in the SEC. The Gators gave up 226 yards through the air and couldn’t keep the Falcons off the field on many third downs. South Carolina’s passing game looked bad on Thursday, but if it can come along faster than the Gators secondary, that trip to Gainesville  might not be as tough as it looks right now.

For much of its game against Buffalo, Georgia looked like the team South Carolina has beat the past two years. They used a running back by committee approach, had a small army of defensive players suspended and Aaron Murray had to put the team on his back. If this game was next weekend instead of week five, Gamecock fans would probably feel great about their chances. If this Todd Gurley kid can’t build on his 100 yard weekend and become the Dawg’s every down back, the Gamecocks will have a much easier time defending Murray.

Missouri didn’t look like we thought they’d look. Their defense was just as good as their offense and their rushing attack was better than their passing game. We can’t be sure what to make of this one, because they played a team I’ve never heard of, but Carolina’s SEC East opener might not be as easy as some fans think it will be.

Other things Carolina learned:

Clemson receivers still like to drop passes and you have to wrap Taj Boyd up before you try to bring him down.

Tyler Bray might be the best QB in the SEC.

You still have to defend the pass extremely well to beat Arkansas.

East Carolina is about as good as it was last season and UAB is awful.