3 bold predictions for South Carolina football
Gamecocks finally get the rushing attack on track (175+ yards)
The Gamecocks rushing attack was bad last weekend up until the fourth quarter. The offensive line failed to open up running lanes and South Carolina ball carriers rarely found the second level of the Pirates’ defense.
In all, the Gamecocks totaled just 2.7 yards per carry. They combined for 106 rushing yards as a team and that was against a unit that’s struggled to defend the run for the last two seasons. How can South Carolina expect better results when facing maybe the top defense in the nation?
There’s reason for optimism. The offense finally got things figured out in the second half against the Pirates, rushing for 114 yards after finishing the first half with a negative output.
Juju McDowell came on strong to lead the team in rushing with 71 yards and an average of 6.5 yards per carry. Kevin Harris returned for his first game of the year after being sidelined for game one. The Gamecocks eased him into action with only seven carries, but he did run for 4.7 yards a pop. ZaQuandre White had a 100-yard game in the opener, and MarShawn Lloyd is capable, too.
The talent is there, but the offensive line is going to need to open up a few holes. If the run game can be successful, it could open up some opportunities in play action. We’re thinking the Gamecocks shore things up and play much better in the rushing attack even against Georgia’s stout front. Getting quarterback Luke Doty back could help, too, as he adds a running element to the position.