Sep 22, 2012; Auburn, AL, USA; LSU Tigers fans cheer after beating the Auburn Tigers 12-10 at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-US PRESSWIRE
With just three days left until the South Carolina Gamecocks play the LSU Tigers, it’s time to look at three key matchups that very well could decide the game in Death Valley.
Jadeveon Clowney vs LSU Left Tackle Alex Hurst (or Josh Dworaczyk)
LSU’s offensive line certainly couldn’t contend with Florida’s front seven, and now they have to face a defense that is second in the nation in sacks. If Hurst or Dworaczyk can’t handle Clowney on their own, double teams will come, which will open up one-on-one opportunities for South Carolina’s “other” defensive linemen.
I hate making “if” predictions, but if Clowney has more than two sacks, Carolina wins this game comfortably.
Marcus Lattimore vs Kenny Hilliard and Alfred Blue
Sure, there are some other pieces involved in this matchup, like two top ten defenses, but if Marcus Lattimore can out-run another talented rb tandem for the second straight week, it’ll be hard for LSU to win this game.
On the season Hilliard and Blue have rushed for 652 yards and eight touchdowns combined.
Lattimore has rushed for 549 yards and nine touchdowns.
Special Teams
I’ve said it all year. SC’s special teams could define the Gamecocks season. Last week Ace Sanders turned the game on its head running back that punt in the first quarter.
LSU’s kicking game is head and shoulders above SC’s, but Carolina’s return game is at least as good (maybe better) than the Tigers’.
I’m not saying that if this game comes down to field goals LSU will win or that if it comes down to punt and kick returns SC will win. I’m saying that with two great defenses facing off, the team that starts closest to the 50 yard line each drive will win the game.
Hopefully for the Gamecocks, Ace Sanders and Bruce Ellington can even out that field position battle.