South Carolina Gamecocks Update and Kentucky Wildcats Game Preview

Written by James Gray II

Last Thursday wasn’t pretty, but it was a step in the right direction for the South Carolina Gamecocks. The Gamecocks were able to win a tight game against the North Carolina Tarheels 17-13.

After struggling mightily last season on defense, it was the defense that won the game for the Gamecocks in their season opener. The defense only allowed 13 points, which was the fewest allowed points by a team in a major conference matchup in over a season.

Last season the defense had a total of 11 interceptions, on Thursday junior linebacker Skai Moore had two and junior safety Jordan Diggs had one. A season ago the defense had a pathetic 13 sacks in total, on Thursday the defense had four.

Along with the two interceptions Skai Moore had 10 tackles, and was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Week.

Some of the best surprises came from guys that were highly recruited but haven’t made much noise at South Carolina. Junior Kelsey Griffin was the Gamecocks top recruit out of the Class of 2013 and was rated the No. 6 DT by 247sports. The junior is listed as third string, and saw limited action last season. On Thursday, Griffin weighing 316 pounds, recorded 1.5 sacks.

Redshirt Senior Phillip Dukes was a 4-star recruit listed as the No. 13 DT in the country in the class of 2011. The former Manning great also recorded his first career sack, who is listed as Gerald Dixon’s backup at NT. Transfer DT Dante Sawyer backed up his words and had a key sack on a third down that forced a field goal.

As a unit the defense did bend, but never broke. North Carolina was able to move the ball effectively but threw two interceptions in the end zone.

Offensively the Gamecocks struggled under new starting quarterback Connor Mitch. Spurrier was quoted at halftime saying, “Well, we gotta force a punt before the game is over.”

I have the upmost respect for the Hall of Fame coach but, honestly the HBC needed to be more concerned with his offense. Spurrier did almost cost USC the game with his 4th down try, in field goal range with a backup quarterback under center.

The North Carolina defense was even worse than the Gamecock’s defense a season ago. Many will try to put the blame on Connor Mitch, but the kid hasn’t played a real game since November 9, 2012. So undoubtable there is going to be some rust, and not to forget the amount of drops by his receivers.

Mitch was a modest 9-of-22 for 122 yards and one touchdown but with no interceptions and 47 rushing yards. Mitch noticeably looked new to the starting role. Connor had missed throws, lacked chemistry with his receivers, and had a few delay of game penalties. All three of those faults will decline with the reps and should be improved upon heading into this weekend’s matchup with Kentucky.

The Gamecocks received average production on the ground from Brandon Wilds and David Williams combining for 93 rushing yards. However, Wilds made up for the night with his four catches for 44 yards.

It was senior Shon Carson who stole the show on offense and saved the Gamecocks by giving them the lead for good with a 48-yard touchdown and leading the backs with only four carries for 75 yards.

Carson has always had the ability to break free but his size has limited his carries and Spurrier has not given him much of a shot. After Thursday Spurrier does not have much choice to give the Lake City native more carries.

Unfortunately, senior tight end Jerrell Adams along with Deebo Samuels were disappointments. Adams only caught two passes for 18 yards and had two drops, while Deebo was held catch-less before getting injured.

Credit is due to Adams on a very nice block that helped Carson find the end zone.

The Gamecocks stud wide receiver, Pharoh Cooper, had a fairly quiet but effective night catching three passes for 45 yards, a touchdown, and had 20 rushing yards.

One of the true stars of the night was punter Sean Kelley who averaged 46.2 yards on five punts and with two downed inside the 20 yard line. His best punt that looked to be downed on the goal line was ruined by a special teams coverage mistake.

Also keep an eye on quarterback Perry Orth as he completed both of his passes for 24 yards filling in briefly for and injured Mitch.

What we learned in the opening week, the defense is greatly upgraded and guys really took the embarrassment of last season to heart. The players that kinda just moved in the system before, worked harder this offseason and have realized it’s all or nothing at this point.

Picking Skai Moore as one of the most underrated guys in the league, obviously played out in Week 1.

Spurrier’s offense was out of sync and was bailed out by the defense and Shon Carson. The suspect offensive line actually had a solid night and quarterback Connor Mitch will have a better control of the game against Kentucky.

Week 2 vs. Kentucky Preview

The Gamecocks enter this week’s matchup with revenge on their mind. A year ago USC blew a double digit fourth quarter lead in Lexington.

This Kentucky team looks to improve on their 6-6 record where they lost their final five games of the season. The offense is loaded with returning starters behind senior quarterback Patrick Towles who threw for 257 yards and three touchdowns last week against Louisiana Lafayette.

Sophomore running back Boom Williams was able to shred the Rajun Cajun’s defense for 131 yards with a touchdown on only 10 carries.

However Gamecock fans should not forget about junior JoJo Kemp who destroyed the Carolina defense for 131 yards, and 3 touchdowns last year. The backs should be well protected behind four returning starting lineman.

Kentucky lost their top two receivers but Towles has found a new target in sophomore Garrett Johnson who had 5 catches for 85 yards, and a touchdown. Look for their leading returning receiver junior Ryan Timmons to have a bounce back game after a disappointing opening week.

Kentucky’s defensive line did lose one NFL first-rounder Bud Dupree and DE Za’Darius Smith, both combined for 12 sacks last season. Though Dupree and Smith are gone, the Wildcats are stacked with seniors on the line with NG Melvin Lewis, DE Farrington Huguenin, and DT Corey Johnson. The most talented of lineman might be sophomore DT Regie Meant.

The linebacker position is led by senior MLB Josh Forrest, who had 87 tackles, 8.5 TFL, 2 interceptions last season, and recorded an interception last game. Forrest along with two other senior linebackers will try their best to slow down Wilds, Williams, and Carson.

The experience continues in the secondary led by senior safety AJ Stamps, who led the team with four interceptions a season ago. Fellow senior safety Marcus McWilson is one to reckon with. The cornerback position also starts two seniors in Cody Quinn and Fred Tiller.

People might expect a weaker Kentucky team because of their letdown win against Louisiana Lafayette, in which they blew a 23 point lead. However, see the returning starters and the amount of seniors on this team.

Kentucky is in a new era of football under Stoops and they plan on making some more noise this season.

Louisiana Lafayette was able to put 479 total yards on Kentucky with 247 rushing yards. Spurrier should run the ball, let Connor settle in when they stack the box, and let this new starter roll in the passing game.

Prediction

Expect South Carolina to avenge last season’s meltdown. The Kentucky defense might have age but they do allow points.

Spurrier gets the offense going, and the defense makes enough stops.

Final Score

South Carolina 31, Kentucky 24

Game Time

7:30 ET, Columbia, SC

 

Photo credit: Chuck Burton; Pharoh Cooper finds the end zone against North Carolina in Week 1.