South Carolina football: week two preview and prediction
By Jacob Elsey
KEYS TO VICTORY
The South Carolina football team has its work cut out for them trying to stop the Florida offensive attack.
Get pressure on Trask
The Gamecocks were able to make Tennessee quarterback Jarrett Guarantano uncomfortable a good portion of the night. The Carolina defensive unit tallied a couple of sacks, both by lineman JJ Enagbare, as well five tackles for loss. They also held the Tennessee offense to just one third down conversion in 12 tries.
Kyle Trask. 30-for-42, 416 yds, 6 tds. QB. University of Florida. 11. player. 840. Pick Analysis
Coach Muschamp has already stated that the Gamecocks are going to have to get consistent pressure rushing just four players, as they need all the help they can get containing the Florida pass catchers. If the defensive line can make Trask think twice about sitting back in the pocket, they may be able to disrupt a potent Gator passing attack.
Match up with Pitts
Gator tight end Kyle Pitts is going to be a major problem for opponents this season, and that’ll be no different for the Gamecocks. The junior hauled in eight passes for a total of 170 yards and four scores in his season opener. The Carolina coaching staff will certainly focus on trying to slow the Trask-to-Pitts connection.
8 rec, 170 yds, 4 tds. TE. University of Florida. Kyle Pitts. 84. player. 840.
"“Kyle Pitts probably the best tight end in the country, certainly the best one we’ll see. He’s long, athletic, has speed and is a difficult matchup guy. He has a knack for getting open and finding space and he and Trask have a good rapport."
It will be interesting to see who lines up on Pitts throughout the day. Israel Mukuamu may be the best option, as he can match Pitts athleticism and size, standing 6-foot-5-inches tall. For the Gamecock secondary to do that, it’ll require one of its reserve cornerbacks to step up, which didn’t happen last Saturday night.
Step up in the run game
The Gamecocks did an okay job in the run game last weekend, with three Carolina tailbacks rushing for 105 yards and a score on 26 carries. Kevin Harris earned the opening day start, and looks to be in line to get the nod against Florida after leading the Gamecocks in rushing last Saturday.
Deshaun Fenwick and ZaQuandre White will also see playing time, but the Gamecocks need to find their top option at the running back position. Will Muschamp likes to stick with the hot hand when it comes to the running back rotation, so we may have to wait and see how it plays out on the field this weekend.
Either way, the Carolina run game needs to be productive so that the offense can control the clock, create positive field position, and keep Kyle Trask on the sidelines.
Find continuity on the offensive line
The offensive line didn’t play its best game Saturday, allowing four sacks and nine tackles for loss against Tennessee. They struggled to open up holes for the running backs and had a hard time protecting quarterback Collin Hill. That pressure resulted in stalled drives, as well as a game-changing pick six that gave the Vols their first lead in the game.
Don’t expect the Florida defense to be any less talented than what the Gamecocks saw in its opener. The line will need to provide running room for tailbacks and keep Hill off the dirt if the offense wants to be successful moving the chains.
Help out Shi Smith
The Gamecocks desperately need some help at wideout if they hope to keep pace with Florida’s passing attack. Shi Smith balled out in the opener, tallying 10 catches for 140 yards and a touchdown. Behind him, though, no one really stood out.
There are candidates that can step up. Xavier Legette had a solid performance in just his fourth career start as he caught four passes for 61 yards. Tight end Nick Muse and tailback Deshaun Fenwick also hauled in four receptions a piece, and should be utilized again versus Florida.
Two gamechangers could be Dakereon Joyner and Rico Powers. Joyner is still learning the receiver position after playing quarterback last year, but he’s a versatile player that’s electric with the ball in his hands. He played a lot on Saturday, but didn’t record a catch. Hopefully he can find some space this weekend.
Powers garnered a lot of praise this offseason from Gamecock coaches. The true freshman has a similar build to former wideout Deebo Samuel, and the Gamecocks are hoping that he can become more productive with experience.
Transfer Jalen Brooks has yet to get word on his NCAA appeal, meaning he’ll likely be unavailable against the Gators.