Five Games the South Carolina Gamecocks Can Still Win
Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Missouri Tigers
I know what most people are thinking when they see Missouri Tigers on this list. “How in the world can the Gamecocks ever beat the currently ranked #25 team in the nation, if they couldn’t even beat Kentucky?” Just bear with me, and I’ll explain why I listed Missouri.
The first reason is that I think Missouri is the 5th worst team out of the 9 games the Gamecocks have left to play. That’s not an insult to Missouri at all, I just think LSU, Texas A&M, Tennessee, and (I really hate writing this) Clemson are better.
The second reason is that Missouri really has looked unimpressive so far this season. They barely beat an average at best UCONN team last weekend and showed very little ability to score winning 9-6. Missouri beat Arkansas State by a touchdown at Arkansas State. That’s two teams that top 25 SEC teams should be able to beat pretty convincingly.
Currently, Mizzou’s offense has been pretty bad. Maty Mauk has completed only 52.5% of his passes for 474 yards, 5 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. To be fair, Russell Hansbrough has been missing from the line up and will be returning against Kentucky. He should provide a spark to a Missouri offense that failed to score a touchdown against Connecticut.
The third reason is the scheduling. This week the Gamecocks will have a game that could allow them to rest some starters and get healthy if they can build up a sizable lead quickly. It could also help them figure out some things out and gain a little confidence on both sides of the ball. Missouri will face Kentucky who is a better opponent. Furthermore, they won’t be looking ahead at South Carolina with the recent troubles.
Missouri and South Carolina will face each other the following Saturday, and if the Gamecocks can ride the momentum of a win against Central Florida right into Columbia, Missouri they could pull of an upset along with create some confusion in the SEC East.
Next: Vanderbilt Commodores