You can argue who had the better team the past few years but outside of that it, it has been pretty clear that the team that has played better and made fewer mistakes has come out on top. South Carolina is on the bookend of the greatest run in the program's history in which it became a legitimate team in the SEC under Spurrier. While they have improved greatly since the Lou Holtz era, the reason South Carolina has been successful over Clemson has boiled down to turnovers. They have a +12 turnover margin against the Tigers the past few years. They have been opportunistic and made the Tigers pay for their mistakes. Gotta give credit to the Gamecocks but Clemson simply has not played well the past few years against South Carolina and they've paid the price. Outside of turnovers, another big reason for the streak can be accounted to Conner Shaw. His unmatched heart and will to win is rare and his ability to make big plays with his feet, especially on third down, plagued the Tigers chances at getting back on the winning side. 
Even though Dylan Thompson already has a primetime victory in Death Valley under his belt, you have to feel better knowing that Shaw is now out of the equation and your defense is also significantly better than it has been in years. From an offensive standpoint, you also have to love that you won't have to worry about blocking Clowney this year....something you struggled to do while we was wearing the garnet and black. However, there is one thing that hasn't changed. Steve Spurrier is still the head coach and always seems to bring his best effort when it comes to playing his rival. Looking ahead to this year's game there are a few things that come to mind that the Gamecocks must do in order to escape Death Valley with its 6th straight win in the series and some bowl eligibility insurance as they desperately need that 7th win of the season if they don't want to be home for the holidays. I gave you my keys to victory for the Tigers already so today its time to see what South Carolina needs to do Saturday to get the win.
Keys to Victory for South Carolina:
1. Get Cooper and Davis Involved
Both Pharoh Cooper and Mike Davis are a little banged up headed into this weekends showdown but both are expected to play and will need to step up big Saturday. Davis has rushed for 888 yards and 9 touchdowns this year averaging about 5 yards per carry. The Gamecocks will need a solid game from him both running the ball, catching it out of the backfield and likely helping in pass protection against Clemson's front seven as well. Pharoh Cooper has been one of the only bright spots when it comes to wide outs this year for Carolina. He leads the team with 58 receptions and 921 yards for 8 touchdowns this season. Cooper will be called upon early and often Saturday if he is able to play and Spurrier will find ways to get the ball in his hands. If these two have a good day at the office, you have to like South Carolina's chances. If not...who will they look to that can carry the load?
2. Quick Start
In all but two of the Tiger's games (Wake Forest, Georgia Tech) they have forced a three and out on the opponents first possession. Scoring on the opening drive would obviously be huge and help quiet down the crowd, if only for a few moments. If South Carolina can get something going early and even just pick up a few first downs on the first drive and get the defense off balance early, it could pay off later in the game. Keep those chains moving and don't give the crowd any ammunition to turn up the volume. The first few possessions of the game will be full of emotion and adrenaline and it could be the perfect time for Spurrier to catch one of Clemson's defensive backs out of position and torch them for the big play. A quick, positive start on the road could go a long way in a game where points will likely come at a premium.
3. All Gas, No Breaks
This one builds off of #2. The Gamecocks have been known this year for not only blowing leads but blowing leads late in the game. They've done it three times this year and two of those times came at home. (Missouri/Tennessee) If they get out to a lead against the Tigers they have to finish the job and keep their foot on the gas pedal. They can't afford to start playing conservative and let another game slip away from them and give the Tigers a chance to rally and put together a comeback if they jump ahead. Spurrier made it known against Auburn he isn't afraid to take chances and go for it on fourth down. The HBC rolled the dice on 4th down six times on the road at Auburn and converted on five of the attempts. I'd imagine that we might see some of that again Saturday in Death Valley. Although Clemson is at home and hasn't won in a while, the Gamecocks have their backs against the wall and their post season plans are on life support right now. Expect them to lay it all out on the line.
4. "3rd Down and Manageable"
This one also builds off of the previous key. Clemson has the nations top ranked 3rd down defense and has had that title for an impressive span throughout this season. So the key will be for Thompson and the offense to get yards on first and second down to make 3rd down much more manageable. 3rd and 3 or 4 is a lot easier than 3rd and 7 or 8. A 12pm kickoff will make it harder for fans to be as..."lively" as they've been the past few meetings in Death Valley which were at night. But trust that it will be a packed house and Clemson fans are going to make it as loud as possible, especially on third and fourth down. People that say crowd noise is overrated obviously have never been to a real stadium. It matters and can make a huge difference in the outcome of a game. Make it easy on yourself if you are the Gamecocks cause the Tiger defense and 86,000 plus aren't going to do you many favors. More productive plays on first down and second down will also help open up the playbook more.
No comments:
Post a Comment