After a disappointing loss to start SEC play, the Gamecocks head to Alabama for the first road game of the year. The vibe has shifted in Gamecock Nation as the fanbase goes through the seven stages of grief after blowing a lead at home.
In his postgame press conference, Shane Beamer said "this moment won't define this football team." So, as the Gamecocks prepare to take on the Crimson Tide, the team looks to make good on that and find a way to get back in the win column as underdogs on the road.
On my podcast Cox Talking Gamecocks I outline the "crows to the game" every week. Why crows? Because everyone does keys to the game and we have our rooster crow, so why not. Let's get into it.
Offensive Crows
1. Convert in the redzone: In their first three trips to the red zone against Mississippi State in the first quarter, the Gamecocks had to settle for a field goal twice. If South Carolina converts even just one of those chances to a touchdown, the result of the game is likely different. As 12-point underdogs to the Tide, the Gamecocks can't leave any points on the table and have to find the end zone more consistently.
2. Protect the football: LaNorris Sellers has three interceptions through three games, and running back Matt Fuller has fumbled several times. There have also been dropped passes that could have resulted in turnovers. There should be no more growing pains in this new system, and there can't be any excuses.
The recipe for an upset this Saturday includes being on the right side of the turnover margin. Sellers has to throw to his receivers with conviction, or tuck and run if the read isn't there. If a running back puts the ball on the ground, then rotate someone in who won't. You simply can't gift the Crimson Tide anything.
Defensive Crows
1. Get off the field on third down: Last week, Mississippi State converted three separate times on third down with at least 10 yards to go, including one touchdown. Keelon Russell is an athletic quarterback who can extend drives. It will be paramount to not allow those type of backbreaking plays that keeps the Gamecocks' offense off the field, and wears the defense down.
2. Contain Keelon Russell: Speaking of the young quarterback, Russell presents similar challenges to what the Gamecocks faced last weekend in Kamario Taylor. Russell has shown the ability to make strong throws all across the field and maintaining a legitimate threat with his legs. He ran for 56 yards and a touchdown against FSU. If the Gamecocks defense can contain Russell to force throws into tight windows, and limit his big plays on the ground then they can give themselves a chance.
Although the Gamecocks are double digit underdogs, recent history would tell you otherwise. Each of the previous two seasons featured this matchup and each time the final score was within one possesion, in favor of the Tide.
In some ways, it feels like South Carolina is owed a win in this series. Yet, we know that in the SEC nothing is given. And if the Gamecocks are to find a win Saturday night, it will certainly be hard earned.
LaNorris Sellers can upset Alabama by taking care of the football
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