South Carolina football: Gamecocks preparing for trip to Death Valley

KEY MATCHUPS

Derek Stingley, Jr. v. Shi Smith

Stingley missed the first game against Mississippi State, a game where the Bulldogs broke an SEC record for passing. Since his return, the secondary has improved, though Missouri was still able to find some room to throw on the LSU defense.

Shi Smith will likely be matched up across from Stingley, as he’s the team’s leading receiver. Over four games, Smith has totaled 34 catches, and ranks third in the SEC in receptions. He struggled early last week as the Gamecock offense seemed to force a few throws his way, but eventually he got it going in the second half on his way to an eight-catch, 76-yard performance.

If Stingley has his way with Smith, it could be a long day for the Gamecocks as the rest of the receiving corps has been average at best.

Jaycee Horn v. Terrace Marshall, Jr.

Horn is coming off of his best performance of the season, hauling in two interceptions and breaking up four passes. That coming against Auburn’s Seth Williams, who’s one of the league’s top 10 receivers.

Marshall has been one of the nation’s best pass catchers, tallying 21 catches for 424 yards and seven scores over three games. The touchdown total is more than the entire Gamecock team to this point.

Keeping Marshall in check may be the biggest key to the Gamecocks’ success on defense. If he’s able to run free, South Carolina’s offense may not be able to keep pace.

Israel Mukuamu v. Arik Gilbert

An underrated matchup compared to the Horn v. Marshall battle, South Carolina’s Israel Mukuamu may be tasked with covering uber talented tight end Arik Gilbert. Gilbert, standing 6-foot-5, is coming off of the best performance of his freshman season, bringing in six passes for 97 yards and a score.

Mukuamu is returning from a groin injury, and it’s a good time for the Gamecocks to get the defender back in the lineup. He is probably the best option in the South Carolina secondary to shadow Gilbert, as he, too, stands 6-foot-5, and should be athletic enough to stick close in coverage. He was used in a similar role against Florida’s Kyle Pitts.

If Horn and Mukuamu can limit the production of these LSU receivers, it could shape up to be another Gamecock upset.

GAMECOCK TO WATCH

Jalen Brooks

The Gamecocks are looking desperately for a second option in the passing game. Shi Smith has been effective, but not much has happened beyond that. South Carolina is hoping that transfer receiver Jalen Brooks can provide a spark.

Brooks has been ineligible for the first four games, as he awaited NCAA approval on his eligibility request. Earlier this week, he got that approval, and will now suit up for the first time in a Gamecock uniform.

As a sophomore at Wingate University last season, Brooks averaged more than 21 yards a grab on his way to all-conference honors. He was penciled in as a starter during preseason camp, impressing coaches and teammates alike. The Gamecocks will need a big play threat against LSU in what could be a high scoring contest.

Outlook: 4 catches, 50 yds, 1 TD

PREDICTION

Entering the season, no one would’ve picked the Gamecocks to win this game. LSU was coming off of a national title. The Gamecocks went 4-8.

Now, though, it legitimately feels like South Carolina is the better team, particularly with the fact that the Tigers will be starting a quarterback who’s not yet seen the field. LSU is still extremely talented, but they haven’t been able to put it all together, especially on defense.

Look for the Gamecocks to try to expose a questionable LSU secondary early, and then close it out with Kevin Harris and the run game. A few costly mistakes from the Tigers’ freshman signal caller end up being the difference.