South Carolina Gamecocks vs ECU Pirates: Matchup Time
The South Carolina Gamecocks did not look offensively impressive in their season opener against Vanderbilt. ECU didn’t look particularly intimidating in their first game of the year vs Appalachian State. Something’s gotta give, and which something depends largely on three key matchups in this game.
First is a player on player mathcup:
Jimmy Legree vs Justin Jones
Jones is a huge junior receiver that ECU looks for in the redzone. At 6-8, 257 lbs, he’ll be a tough cover for Legree (6-0, 189 lbs).
Against App State, Jones caught just two passes, but he turned them into 45 yards. He is the deep threat on a team that loves throwing short passes.
Legree, forced into the starting lineup because of Akeem Auguste’s preseaon injury, had about as good a game as any SC DB could have against Vandy. Aside from his seven tackles, Legree was a lock-down defender against the pass. He didn’t look intimidated by the moment at all.
When the Pirates get the ball inside the Gamecocks’ 20, Legree will have to show up big for a second week in a row to keep Jones off the scoreboard.
Next, we have a position battle:
USC Kicking Game vs ECU’s Return Game
ECU was kind of scary in this facet of the game last weekend, and South Carolina really wasn’t.
The Pirates returned just one punt and one kick, but they returned them for 43 and 90 yards respectively. If Patrick Fish averages 39 yards a punt, and Landon Ard can’t get his kickoffs into the endzone, Carolina might seriously be in for a long night.
Vanderbilt almost won the game a week ago because of field position; They started a bunch of drives in Gamecock territory and if not for a strong defensive performance, the ‘Dores would’ve won.
The Gamecocks don’t want to have to rely on that D two weeks in a row. Punt the ball more than 40 yards each time and kick the ball into the endzone. How hard is that for an SEC team to do?
Finally we have a battle of styles:
Carolina’s Multiple Defensive Sets vs The Pirates’ quick throw, Uptempo Offense
Sure, it was the first game. Sure, Carolina’s offense couldn’t stay on the field for a lot of it. But, USC’s defense looked gassed at times against Vandy.
The Pirates like to run the hurry up. They like to throw quick passes, get to the line and throw more quick passes.
Will it wear the Gamecocks out, Or will Lorenzo Ward figure out the perfect formation to guard against the Pirates’ screen, hitch, cross, stick offense? If Carolina can force ECU into some early three and outs, this game might be over by half time.