South Carolina Gamecocks vs UAB Blazers: Matchup Time

September 8, 2012; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks running back Marcus Lattimore (21) celebrates a rushing touchdown against the East Carolina Pirates in the first half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-US PRESSWIRE

Just because the South Carolina Gamecocks have more talent at every position than the UAB Blaizers, it doens’t mean there aren’t some intriguing mathcups to watch during the game Saturday.

For one, there’s Marcus Lattimore vs UAB’s Entire Defense.

The Blazers gave up over 200 yards rushing to someone named Shawn Southward of Troy in their only game this year. Last Saturday, Lattimore couldn’t even muster 50 yards against a less-than-solid ECU defense. If Marcus can’t get to 100 yards on UAB’s defense, people will start to wonder what’s up.

Lattimore should really get to 100 rushing yards by halftime against this team.

Another matchup to look for is Blazer QB Jonathan Perry vs SC’s Secondary.

Perry completed 18 of his 33 passes against Troy, threw for 317 yards and two touchdowns. He did throw an interception, though. Last year, Perry completed 58 percent of his passes for 2042 yard, 10 TDs and eight INTs. If the Gamecocks can force him into some early interception trouble, we could have another blowout on our hands by halftime (it’s expected to be just 70 degrees at kickoff, so a lopsided score shouldn’t force fans out of the stadium like it did last weeek).

Finally, everyone should watch the Gamecocks return units vs UAB’s punt and kick coverage teams.

Troy averaged 23.5 yards per return against UAB in week one, but just two yards per return on punts. Blazers punter Hunter Mullens averaged 48 yards a punt against the Trojans, and if UAB has any chance of even keeping this game close, he’s going to have to see those numbers carry over to this weekend.

If Bruce Ellington has a good chance take a kickoff to the house against anyone this year, it’s probably the Blazers.

For more analysis on the upcoming game, keep your interwebs tuned into Garnet and Cocky.