Oct 20, 2012; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Justin Worley (14) hands the ball off to running back Devrin Young (19) during the second half of the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Neyland Stadium. Alabama won by a score of 44 to 13. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-US PRESSWIRE
After two straight defeats, Gamecock opponents may have a manual on how to beat them; Don’t throw the ball too much, don’t make mistakes, and pray South Carolina turns the ball over.
But what does USC know about beating its remaining opponents?
Well, Tennessee could be the team that wakes South Carolina’s offense up. The Vols have given up 40+ points in three straight games, and 30+ in each of their four losses. In their three wins they’ve given up 21, 13 and 26. It shouldn’t matter how much Marcus Lattimore plays against the Vols; Kenny Miles and Mike Davis could look like world beaters against their defense.
Arkansas will probably be rolling when they come to Columbia. They’ve got two straight wins, and their next two opponents are Ole Miss and Tulsa. While almost everything about the Hogs offense and defense is laughable, Tyler Wilson can still throw the football, and Arky is 12th in the nation in passing yards per game.
Wofford will be a tough opponent for about a half. We all know how much trouble triple-option teams give the Gamecocks. This game shouldn’t be close at the end, but for about a half, Wofford’s offense will fluster SC.
There’s a reason the BCS hates Clemson. The Tigers are all offense and no defense. We’ve seen what happens to teams like Clemson against opponents with any semblance of defensive integrity. WVU got exposed two games in a row, The Gamecocks embarrassed UGA and the Big 12 has a horrible record against the SEC in recent Cotton Bowl matchups. When South Carolina heads to Clemson, all the Gamecocks have to do to win is not turn the ball over.