Preview: #6 Georgia at #24 South Carolina
Date: 9/13/14
Time: 3:30 PM EST
Television: CBS
Spread: Georgia (-5)
Players to Watch
Todd Gurley, Running Back (Georgia)
At this point, what else is there left to say about Mr.Gurley? He has dominated the college football circuit from day one and has only gotten better. Whether he be running straight at you on a “dive” or catching passes out of the backfield, Gurley will make you pay for simply suiting up against him. Until he leaves or has been clearly dethroned by a superior talent, “TG3” will continue to be considered the best running back in the nation.
Leonard Floyd, Outside Linebacker (Georgia)
Though this is his first year eligible for the NFL Draft, Floyd has already received attention as a premier pass rusher, and deservedly so. His athleticism and bend around the edge allow him to beat the offensive tackle to the arch and get around him. South Carolina’s Corey Robinson will be a good test for Floyd.
Mike Davis, Running Back (South Carolina)
If anyone in the conference can compare to Gurley, it is Davis. Davis is a lower, slightly more nimble runner, but displays the same physicality that Gurley does. Davis has struggled with minor injuries early on this year, but he will be ready to bring everything he has against Georgia.
Shaq Roland, Wide Receiver (South Carolina)
It is tough to believe that a skill player in the SEC can be grossly underrated, but to that I say: meet Shaq Roland. Few receivers in the conference can make the acrobatic plays that Roland can. His speed makes him a stunning deep threat, but his agility, his most treasured trait, allows him to contort his body to the position of the ball, much like now Miami Dolphin Jarvis Landry.
Georgia’s Offense vs South Carolina’s Defense
Although they run an entirely different offense than Georgia, Texas A&M routed South Carolina’s defense just two weeks ago. The Gamecocks defense is struggling to adjust to having to play without playmakers such as Jadeveon Clowney and Vic Hampton. Clowney included, South Carolina lost their entire defensive front and that will cause them a handful of issues against a brutal rushing attack such as Georgia’s. The key for South Carolina will be to be able to load the box and stop the run, but at the same time, make sure that Hutson Mason does not throw freely and easily.
South Carolina’s Offense vs Georgia’s Defense
Much like Georgia’s offense, South Carolina’s offense is much more efficient when the running game is thriving. With a back like Davis (and even his backup Brandon Wilds), getting the running game going is not too difficult and will most certainly open up the skies for the Gamecocks. Dylan Thompson is a step down from the previous starting quarterback Connor Shaw, but he has a knack for hitting deep throws and South Carolina’s receiving corps compliments that trait well. If South Carolina can force Georgia to respect the run, they may be able to run away with the game.
Game Preview
Rankings aside, neither team has a clear advantage over the other, yet both have strong cases for being able to win this game. Much of each team’s success rests on the shoulders of their running back corps because they are the gateway to success through the air. Due to that, each team’s defensive front has the hefty responsibility of keeping these plethora of running backs contained. In that regard, Georgia has a slight edge, but if neither team can contain the running backs, South Carolina has the advantage in the passing game. This game will come down to the wire.
Implications
Prior to this game, only South Carolina will have had a conference game played, but they lost that game to Texas A&M. Georgia has yet to play a conference game, so this game is more of a “wake up call” for them than it is for South Carolina. Of course, that is not to say Georgia is not up to the task, but the situation is a bit different for them. The two are not in the same division, so the game does not hold quite as much weight, but a conference match up is important nonetheless.
Final Prediction: Georgia wins: Georgia- 34 vs South Carolina- 30