Anyone who doesn't think that this weekend was full of things that should never have happened, is definitely out of their mind or didn't watch a single game.
Baylor beats Oklahoma? While it's hard to bet against Robert Griffin III, it's much harder to bet against the entire Oklahoma team. This game was back and forth for awhile, then Baylor went up, and up, and up. Oklahoma comes back to tie it up 38-38 hoping for overtime. Not this time OU, sorry guys. RG3 to the endzone, Baylor wins! 45-38.
SoCal over Oregon? Are you serious? LaMichael James has "play maker" ingrained in his DNA, but last night he wasn't even the teams leading rusher. Barkley tossed four touchdowns, while throwing an interception as well. It didn't matter as the Trojans topped Oregon 38-35.
NC State over Clemson? Yes, while I am overjoyed Clemson got destroyed by a mediocre (by ACC standards) team, it was, nonetheless, an upset. Clemson fans will say it was because they were without Sammy Watkins. While this may be true, Clemson needs to learn to win against all odds, like South Carolina has been doing. We lost our Heisman candidate running back, our star Quarterback, and we are STILL 9-2, playing in the SEC. Come on, Clemson, just stay home instead of getting embarrassed this weekend. NC State won 37-13.
Iowa St over Okie St? Brandon Weeden, are you serious? I had you picked as the Heisman winner this year. 48-of-52 for 476 yards, 3 TD's, and 3 Int's, and OSU still didn't win? Those 3 Int's killed you guys. Can't believe I'm saying this, but Iowa St over OSU with a score of 37-31.
I'm guessing everyone here is looking for the Carolina game recap though, correct?
Carolina won this 41-20 match up after a short shoot out in the first half. Citadel tried to hang in there, but once our defense got set in nicely and got used to the option again, they shut it down nicely. Shaw went 16-of-18 for 217 yards and 3 touchdowns, 1 interception, let's not leave out that 60 yard touchdown RUN he took off on, no one can deny that kid has a nice motor, I think it's a Hemi. Fairly good game, but I'd like to see the pass protection become good enough to where he has that kind of time to throw an excellent game, EVERY game. Brandon Wilds came in this game with two 100 yard games already. Let's raise that to three now that he went 109 yards on 20 carries for 2 touchdowns. Alshon had to show out in possibly one of his last games in Williams-Brice. He made an incredible one handed catch for a touchdown. I say, I say, that was beautiful! (I meant to type that twice...)
Until next time, Gamecock fans!
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Daily Thought - SEC East
Keeping it short and simple today viewers.
Would you rather go to the East and possibly get dominated worse than last season (or possibly upset the #1 team in the nation), or let UGA get tromped and us have more time to practice for our bowl game? Which, by how it's looking, is going to be either the Chik-Fil-A Bowl, Outback Bowl, or Cotton Bowl. I'm going with the Cotton Bowl, though.
I would rather let UGA get tromped and let us go into bowl season with our heads and spirits up after retiring the Tiger at that school, whose name must not be said, in upstate South Carolina. If we get tromped in the SECCG then we'd be crushed for the bowl game. 11-2 is a great season.
Would you rather go to the East and possibly get dominated worse than last season (or possibly upset the #1 team in the nation), or let UGA get tromped and us have more time to practice for our bowl game? Which, by how it's looking, is going to be either the Chik-Fil-A Bowl, Outback Bowl, or Cotton Bowl. I'm going with the Cotton Bowl, though.
I would rather let UGA get tromped and let us go into bowl season with our heads and spirits up after retiring the Tiger at that school, whose name must not be said, in upstate South Carolina. If we get tromped in the SECCG then we'd be crushed for the bowl game. 11-2 is a great season.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Daily Thought - Marcus Lattimore
Well, since the Florida game, I've been thinking a lot about our season, the injuries, what the team has been through, and I've decided that every day, I'm going to post a thought. This thought will be, like all my articles, open for discussion. Although with these, the discussion will be the primary target since I won't be writing a huge article. Just a thought, my opinion, and an open invitation.
Today's Thought
I've been thinking back to the injury to Lattimore. Thought about how fragile the knee is, and how easily it can be damaged. Then I started thinking, he really didn't have his normal pop in his running game. He was getting stuffed at the line with ease. Let's face it, that is no easy feat against a back like Lattimore. It seems to me, possibly with the extra training he put himself through in the off season, or the large workload he had, that his knee could have been bothering him for longer than we all knew. It'd be easy to write off aching joints as post game aches and pains. Could he have already mildly injured the knee and the hit he took just finished the job? Purely speculation, and we'll obviously never know, but please, respond in the comments.
Open for discussion. We'll be back tomorrow with another daily thought.
Today's Thought
I've been thinking back to the injury to Lattimore. Thought about how fragile the knee is, and how easily it can be damaged. Then I started thinking, he really didn't have his normal pop in his running game. He was getting stuffed at the line with ease. Let's face it, that is no easy feat against a back like Lattimore. It seems to me, possibly with the extra training he put himself through in the off season, or the large workload he had, that his knee could have been bothering him for longer than we all knew. It'd be easy to write off aching joints as post game aches and pains. Could he have already mildly injured the knee and the hit he took just finished the job? Purely speculation, and we'll obviously never know, but please, respond in the comments.
Open for discussion. We'll be back tomorrow with another daily thought.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
UF @ USC ; SEC East Clinched
Let me start off by talking about the SEC East. With the win against Auburn last night, Georgia has almost clinched the east. Let's face it though, Kentucky CAN'T beat Georgia. So, with that being said, congratulations to the University of Georgia, Go SEC, and Spurs Up!
Now, on to the recap from last nights game, Florida @ South Carolina.
Offensively, it was a rushing battle, neither team could throw very well. Connor went 6 of 12 for 81 yards and 1 Interception. Brantley went 13 of 21 for 119 yards, no TD's, no Interceptions. Very sad for SEC teams, especially ones with coaches known for getting the ball around. The rushing attack was exceptional for both teams though, Connor Shaw accounted for nearly 90 yards on the ground on 16 rushes for the only two touchdowns scored. Brandon Wilds went 120 yards on 29 carries. He's beginning to prove he can carry a full load as a starter. You're doing good Brandon, but you know next season you'll be back on the depth chart. You're good, but not better than Marcus.
Jeff Demps didn't shine, but he went 33 yards on 9 carries. Chris Rainey, on the other hand, did shine. He went 137 yards on 17 carries. Nice job, Chris.
Even with the nice statistics, Florida settled for four field goals thanks to our redzone defense. Thank you again, defense. The 17-12 win last night puts the Gamecocks up to 8-2, which means we have already tied last years record. Next week against Citadel we look to raise our record to 9-2, which should be fairly easy. Even with their triple option attack. Hopefully we remember what Navy did and how to shut it down.
Go Gamecocks, Spurs up!!!
Now, on to the recap from last nights game, Florida @ South Carolina.
Offensively, it was a rushing battle, neither team could throw very well. Connor went 6 of 12 for 81 yards and 1 Interception. Brantley went 13 of 21 for 119 yards, no TD's, no Interceptions. Very sad for SEC teams, especially ones with coaches known for getting the ball around. The rushing attack was exceptional for both teams though, Connor Shaw accounted for nearly 90 yards on the ground on 16 rushes for the only two touchdowns scored. Brandon Wilds went 120 yards on 29 carries. He's beginning to prove he can carry a full load as a starter. You're doing good Brandon, but you know next season you'll be back on the depth chart. You're good, but not better than Marcus.
Jeff Demps didn't shine, but he went 33 yards on 9 carries. Chris Rainey, on the other hand, did shine. He went 137 yards on 17 carries. Nice job, Chris.
Even with the nice statistics, Florida settled for four field goals thanks to our redzone defense. Thank you again, defense. The 17-12 win last night puts the Gamecocks up to 8-2, which means we have already tied last years record. Next week against Citadel we look to raise our record to 9-2, which should be fairly easy. Even with their triple option attack. Hopefully we remember what Navy did and how to shut it down.
Go Gamecocks, Spurs up!!!
Monday, November 7, 2011
USC Fans are Auburn fans for a week
Okay, I understand the purpose, if Auburn beats Georgia then, blah blah, this and that, SEC Championship Game. Okay.
I'm going to make this one short and simple.
I'm going to make this one short and simple.
If we can't win enough games to make it on our own, and are required to rely on another team to get us into the SEC Championship, then we don't deserve to be in the SEC Championship.
Now, I know that chances are, some you are going to scream and say, "Going and losing is better than NOT going!" Wrong. I'll explain why. If we go, we play LSU. LSU WILL decimate USC. When I say decimate, I mean take our loss to Auburn last year and make it worse. "It'll help with recruiting!" Wrong. If we lose that bad then the recruits will still be saying, "Wow, they are STILL a second rate team." Whereas, if Georgia loses badly, MAYBE a few of our prospects in the good ole state of Georgia decides USC is still an up-and-coming team, and they want in on it.
Some may say I'm out of my mind for saying we shouldn't be in the SECCG, but I'm a realist. LSU would dominate USC, and yeah, it would get us in a better bowl, but after a beatdown from LSU, the team morale will be low, and the chances of us winning will not be good.
Just sayin'.
Some may say I'm out of my mind for saying we shouldn't be in the SECCG, but I'm a realist. LSU would dominate USC, and yeah, it would get us in a better bowl, but after a beatdown from LSU, the team morale will be low, and the chances of us winning will not be good.
Just sayin'.
Until next time.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
USC - Arkansas, Prediction Record, Winners & Losers of Week 10
We're going to start this thing off with my Prediction record so far against the spread.
Florida St (-14.5) / Boston College
I Picked: Florida St
Winner: Florida St
Record: 1-0-0
Southern Cal (-21) / Colorado
I Picked: Colorado to stay within 21
Winner: Southern Cal by 25
Record: 1-1-0
Ole Miss (-2.5) / Kentucky
I Picked: Kentucky
Winner: Kentucky (covered the spread, AND won the game by a big margin)
Record: 2-1-0
Vanderbilt / Florida (-11)
I Picked: Vanderbilt
Winner: Vanderbilt
Record: 3-1-0
Michigan (-3.5) / Iowa
I Picked: Michigan
Winner: Iowa
Record: 3-2-0
Kansas St / Oklahoma St (-21.5)
I Picked: Kansas St
Winner: Kansas St
Record: 4-2-0
Houston (-24) / Baylor
I Picked: Houston
Winner: Removed due to inaccuracy of the Vegas website. Houston and Baylor did not play this week.
Record: 4-2-0
Boise St (-41) / UNLV
I Picked: Boise St
Winner: UNLV (Seriously Boise?)
Record: 4-3-0
South Carolina / Arkansas (-4.5)
I Picked: South Carolina
Winner: Arkansas
Record: 4-4-0
Alabama (-4.5) / LSU
I Picked: Alabama
Winner: LSU
Record: 4-5-0
Just to remind everyone, the winners I have listed are all with the spreads, some in game results are different.
South Carolina @ Arkansas Post Game
For South Carolina fans, this game was THE game to tell us if our beloved Gamecocks could handle a second trip to the SEC Championship. The Razorbacks proved once again, that we are in fact overrated. We saw glimpses of hope, and glimpses of brilliance. In the end, all we saw was our quarterback Connor Shaw knocked out of the game on a big time hit, our running game shut down by the 10th ranked rushing defense in the SEC, our receivers fail to get open, and our offensive line play go down the gutter. Even with all of this, our quarterback play was still fairly good. We just can not connect on a long ball. Connor went 16-25 for 128 yards and an interception. Considering how our O-Line was playing, that is pretty good.
This game was disappointing to say the least, and Arkansas took us to the woodshed yet again. In this game, the Razorbacks, led by Tyler Wilson, threw all over our defense, going 20 of 37 for 299 yards, 2 TD's, 1 INT. He completed only 4 more passes than Connor Shaw did, and had 171 more yards. Our passing game has to improve.
Great game Razorbacks. Back to the drawing board, Gamecocks.
Winners & Losers of Week 10
Winners
LSU
This game was intense, to say the least. Definitely the game of the year. Neither team was able to score a touchdown, and were held to two field goals each until Overtime. A few mental errors later, and LSU pulls out a 9-6 win over Alabama. This puts LSU in the fast track for the BCS National Championship, and Alabama looks in line for either the Sugar Bowl, or a rematch against LSU for the NC.
Matt Barkley
25 of 39 for 318 yards, SIX touchdowns, one Interception. That is all.
Oklahoma State and Stanford
With Alabama's loss, these two teams look poised to take the #2 spot. With the schedule each team has, I'd go for Stanford to be the one to take it, since OSU has to get by OU. Stanford does have to play Oregon, but I feel that is a much more manageable situation than OSU's.
Losers
South Carolina
We all saw the game. Our coaching is going to have to do a LOT better. Our QB is going to have to do a LOT better. If we don't improve, then goodbye good bowl game, hello Papajohns.com Bowl.
Alabama
With the loss to LSU, Alabama has it's first set back to championship glory. It is still possible for them to get back, but it is unlikely.
Colorado
Sucks to be the team that Matt Barkley breaks a record for Touchdown passes in a game against.
Until next time.
Florida St (-14.5) / Boston College
I Picked: Florida St
Winner: Florida St
Record: 1-0-0
Southern Cal (-21) / Colorado
I Picked: Colorado to stay within 21
Winner: Southern Cal by 25
Record: 1-1-0
Ole Miss (-2.5) / Kentucky
I Picked: Kentucky
Winner: Kentucky (covered the spread, AND won the game by a big margin)
Record: 2-1-0
Vanderbilt / Florida (-11)
I Picked: Vanderbilt
Winner: Vanderbilt
Record: 3-1-0
Michigan (-3.5) / Iowa
I Picked: Michigan
Winner: Iowa
Record: 3-2-0
Kansas St / Oklahoma St (-21.5)
I Picked: Kansas St
Winner: Kansas St
Record: 4-2-0
Houston (-24) / Baylor
I Picked: Houston
Winner: Removed due to inaccuracy of the Vegas website. Houston and Baylor did not play this week.
Record: 4-2-0
Boise St (-41) / UNLV
I Picked: Boise St
Winner: UNLV (Seriously Boise?)
Record: 4-3-0
South Carolina / Arkansas (-4.5)
I Picked: South Carolina
Winner: Arkansas
Record: 4-4-0
Alabama (-4.5) / LSU
I Picked: Alabama
Winner: LSU
Record: 4-5-0
Just to remind everyone, the winners I have listed are all with the spreads, some in game results are different.
South Carolina @ Arkansas Post Game
For South Carolina fans, this game was THE game to tell us if our beloved Gamecocks could handle a second trip to the SEC Championship. The Razorbacks proved once again, that we are in fact overrated. We saw glimpses of hope, and glimpses of brilliance. In the end, all we saw was our quarterback Connor Shaw knocked out of the game on a big time hit, our running game shut down by the 10th ranked rushing defense in the SEC, our receivers fail to get open, and our offensive line play go down the gutter. Even with all of this, our quarterback play was still fairly good. We just can not connect on a long ball. Connor went 16-25 for 128 yards and an interception. Considering how our O-Line was playing, that is pretty good.
This game was disappointing to say the least, and Arkansas took us to the woodshed yet again. In this game, the Razorbacks, led by Tyler Wilson, threw all over our defense, going 20 of 37 for 299 yards, 2 TD's, 1 INT. He completed only 4 more passes than Connor Shaw did, and had 171 more yards. Our passing game has to improve.
Great game Razorbacks. Back to the drawing board, Gamecocks.
Winners & Losers of Week 10
Winners
LSU
This game was intense, to say the least. Definitely the game of the year. Neither team was able to score a touchdown, and were held to two field goals each until Overtime. A few mental errors later, and LSU pulls out a 9-6 win over Alabama. This puts LSU in the fast track for the BCS National Championship, and Alabama looks in line for either the Sugar Bowl, or a rematch against LSU for the NC.
Matt Barkley
25 of 39 for 318 yards, SIX touchdowns, one Interception. That is all.
Oklahoma State and Stanford
With Alabama's loss, these two teams look poised to take the #2 spot. With the schedule each team has, I'd go for Stanford to be the one to take it, since OSU has to get by OU. Stanford does have to play Oregon, but I feel that is a much more manageable situation than OSU's.
Losers
South Carolina
We all saw the game. Our coaching is going to have to do a LOT better. Our QB is going to have to do a LOT better. If we don't improve, then goodbye good bowl game, hello Papajohns.com Bowl.
Alabama
With the loss to LSU, Alabama has it's first set back to championship glory. It is still possible for them to get back, but it is unlikely.
Colorado
Sucks to be the team that Matt Barkley breaks a record for Touchdown passes in a game against.
Until next time.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Week 10 College Football Pick'ems
Alright folks, it's time for another article. With the weekend closing quickly, it's only right that I post my picks against the Vegas lines. What I'll be doing is picking 10 games each week including the Carolina game that week, and a Game of the Week. The Carolina game, and the Game of the Week will get an informational breakdown, while the other eight picks will just have my pick. Every Sunday, I'll post a new article updating the viewers on my W/L/T record throughout the season. So let's get it going!
Florida St (-14.5) / Boston College
My Vote: Florida St covers the spread
Southern Cal (-21) / Colorado
My Vote: Colorado loses, but stays in the 21 point spread
Mississippi (-2.5) / Kentucky
My Vote: Tough to predict, but I'm taking Kentucky.
Vanderbilt / Florida (-11)
My Vote: Vanderbilt is going to be looking for blood after the Arkansas game, they get my vote in this game.
Michigan (-3.5) / Iowa
My Vote: Michigan by much more than 3.5
Kansas St / Oklahoma St (-21.5)
My Vote: Kansas St loses, but keeps it within the spread.
Houston (-24) / Baylor
My Vote: Another tough one, it's hard to go against RG3, but I'm going with Houston to cover this spread.
Boise St (-41) / UNLV
My Vote: Boise St SHOULD cover 41 points on UNLV.
South Carolina / Arkansas (-4.5)
My Analysis:
Arkansas nearly lost to Vanderbilt, yes, but a win is a win. They come in with a high powered passing offense (9th nationally) against the 3rd in the nation pass defense of South Carolina, who will win that battle? I have no idea. When Arkansas is clicking on offense they are hard to stop, my vote for this game is an offensive shootout, which apparently Arkansas would win, right? Wrong. Arkansas comes into this game ranked 43rd in passing defense and 84th in rushing defense. Look for Connor Shaw and Brandon Wilds to have a huge game.
My Vote: South Carolina
GAME OF THE WEEK
Alabama (-4.5) / LSU
My Analysis:
Forget the BCS, THIS is the National Championship right here. The Tide rolls in with the #1 defense in the nation, allowing only 44.9 ypg on the ground and 135.6 ypg through the air. That is completely incredible. LSU brings it's own top 5 defense into the game, ranking 4th in the nation allowing only 76.6 ypg on the ground, and 174.8 ypg through the air. Despite being one of the top teams in the country, LSU boasts a 96th ranked passing attack and 32nd ranked rushing attack. This is where their problem will come, they will NOT be able to run against the Tide, which will make them rely on their passing game which, while already horrible, is now going up against the #1 defense in the NATION. I think this game is going to cause some major riots in the streets.
My Vote: Alabama
That's all for now, folks. Enjoy this weekend and check back Saturday for a halftime report of the Carolina game, and again on Sunday for the full recap, winners/loser of week 10, and the results of my 10 picks against the spread for this week.
Florida St (-14.5) / Boston College
My Vote: Florida St covers the spread
Southern Cal (-21) / Colorado
My Vote: Colorado loses, but stays in the 21 point spread
Mississippi (-2.5) / Kentucky
My Vote: Tough to predict, but I'm taking Kentucky.
Vanderbilt / Florida (-11)
My Vote: Vanderbilt is going to be looking for blood after the Arkansas game, they get my vote in this game.
Michigan (-3.5) / Iowa
My Vote: Michigan by much more than 3.5
Kansas St / Oklahoma St (-21.5)
My Vote: Kansas St loses, but keeps it within the spread.
Houston (-24) / Baylor
My Vote: Another tough one, it's hard to go against RG3, but I'm going with Houston to cover this spread.
Boise St (-41) / UNLV
My Vote: Boise St SHOULD cover 41 points on UNLV.
South Carolina / Arkansas (-4.5)
My Analysis:
Arkansas nearly lost to Vanderbilt, yes, but a win is a win. They come in with a high powered passing offense (9th nationally) against the 3rd in the nation pass defense of South Carolina, who will win that battle? I have no idea. When Arkansas is clicking on offense they are hard to stop, my vote for this game is an offensive shootout, which apparently Arkansas would win, right? Wrong. Arkansas comes into this game ranked 43rd in passing defense and 84th in rushing defense. Look for Connor Shaw and Brandon Wilds to have a huge game.
My Vote: South Carolina
GAME OF THE WEEK
Alabama (-4.5) / LSU
My Analysis:
Forget the BCS, THIS is the National Championship right here. The Tide rolls in with the #1 defense in the nation, allowing only 44.9 ypg on the ground and 135.6 ypg through the air. That is completely incredible. LSU brings it's own top 5 defense into the game, ranking 4th in the nation allowing only 76.6 ypg on the ground, and 174.8 ypg through the air. Despite being one of the top teams in the country, LSU boasts a 96th ranked passing attack and 32nd ranked rushing attack. This is where their problem will come, they will NOT be able to run against the Tide, which will make them rely on their passing game which, while already horrible, is now going up against the #1 defense in the NATION. I think this game is going to cause some major riots in the streets.
My Vote: Alabama
That's all for now, folks. Enjoy this weekend and check back Saturday for a halftime report of the Carolina game, and again on Sunday for the full recap, winners/loser of week 10, and the results of my 10 picks against the spread for this week.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
USC - UT game and Winners & Losers of Week 9
My prediction for this game was far from correct, except that Brandon Wilds would handle the starting job, and handle it well. This, he accomplished in the first half in my opinion, but through the course of the game he went 137 yards on 28 attempts. He did have a fumble, but he stayed composed and came out on the next drive and kept pounding it in there.
Connor Shaw had an okay game, I predicted he'd throw for 195 yards on 22 completions / 32 attempts, he didn't even throw the ball 22 times. He went 10 of 18 for 87 yards, 1 TD, 1 Int. He also had 16 rushes for 64 yards. He did okay running, but would have had better stats if he had thrown the ball away on a few attempt where he ran out of bounds well behind the line of scrimmage.
Alshon Jeffery was held to 3 catches for 17 yards. To be fair he was double and triple covered until they realized they had to stop Connor and Brandon from running wild (get it?).
As for Tennessee they should have high hopes for the future. Their young team will improve, and they'll be back Gamecocks, be sure of it, and next time we may have a much bigger fight on our hands. Worley went 10 of 26 for 105 yards, no TD's, 2 Int. Not incredible, not even fair, but for a freshman making his first collegiate start, he showed promise. He needs to learn to put more touch on his throws and not rifle it in everywhere. He certainly has a cannon for an arm.
Tauren Poole had 18 attempts for 38 yards. We successfully held a runningback, and that is where our success started. If Tauren Poole was allowed to run rampant like Michael Dyer did, this game would be a little different now.
Overall, defense won this game for the South Carolina Gamecocks. The question remains though, can we continue to rely on our stout defense?
Winners and Losers - Week 9
Winners
Stephon Gilmore-
He hasn't shown his ability to play at the level he has been expected to in quite some time. He HAS played okay, but he showed yesterday his ability to get on the ball and get interceptions as well as shut down the coverage on his assignment. I like Stephon Gilmore, and if he keeps playing the way he did last night, I expect a first or second round draft pick for him, but his performance last night shows that we as fans, still have something to be happy about for him.
Brandon Wilds-
He came in and performed better than expected, 28 carries for 137 yards. Those are Marcus Lattimore stats. Another positive is that he did this at an opposing stadium. He is ready to fill the shoes of Lattimore, but he'll still be #2 or #3 on the depth chart next season. Since he is only a freshman though, being behind Lattimore another year or two (I predict Lattimore will stay his senior season now that he hurt his knee) can only help him, and expect him to have a huge season when it's finally his turn.
Andrew Luck-
When isn't this guy a winner? Oh yeah, Oregon last season.... Oh well, he is still the #1 QB in the league this season. Trailing closely to him would be Russell Wilson and Robert Griffin III. Last night though, it was the Andrew Luck show, a show in which he threw 29 of 40 for 330 yards, 3 TD's, and 1 Int. Right now he is 174 of 242 for 2218 yards, 23 TD's, 4 Int's, on the year. Let's go ahead and give him the Heisman.
Sammy Watkins-
*GASP!* CockyJ how could you do this? You are saying Sammy Watkins is a WINNER? BUT HE'S A TIGGER!!! Sorry Gamecocks, but he is a baller, and this week he is a winner. While his team lost (we'll get to that later), Sammy Watkins had 10 catches for 159 yards, and a touchdown. Yes, I know, he's a Clemson Tiger, but if we can't appreciate our competition and rivals, then what good is the rivalry?
Justin Worley-
Yes yes, I know, his team lost, too. The simple fact is, that while he had a poor game, it was his first collegiate start and he showed a lot of promise as a QB of the future, they should have kept him on redshirt status, but they didn't. He'll still be a great QB when Bray leaves.
Losers
Clemson Tigers-
You knew it was coming, even if I claimed Sammy Watkins as a winner for this week. Clemson got its first loss of the season last night against Georgia Tech in a stunning 31-17 outcome. Tajh Boyd had a good game, despite only having 1 TD and 2 INT's. Oh well, it was bound to happen, I suppose the sting when they lose to USC in Williams Brice on November 26th won't be quite as bad now.
Matt Simms-
Matt Simms had a chance to lead his Volunteers to a win late in the game, but he could not get it done against the outstanding South Carolina defense. Had he won this game, he would have been a hero in a new verse of Rocky Top. Sorry Matt, but not this year.
USC Offensive Line-
The offensive line for USC has always been our Achilles Heel. If you can't give our quarterback a decent amount of time to get Alshon Jeffery or one of our other receivers the ball, we WILL NOT WIN. I would suggest a short passing game with quick routes instead of trying to go for a first down every single play. Alas, I am not a coach, nor am I in good enough with Steve Spurrier to suggest it. Although the play calling from him was borderline genius last night.
Sure there are plenty more that can make these lists, but come on folks, I need to be able to open and close my hands.
Until next time.
Thanks for reading, check back soon!
Connor Shaw had an okay game, I predicted he'd throw for 195 yards on 22 completions / 32 attempts, he didn't even throw the ball 22 times. He went 10 of 18 for 87 yards, 1 TD, 1 Int. He also had 16 rushes for 64 yards. He did okay running, but would have had better stats if he had thrown the ball away on a few attempt where he ran out of bounds well behind the line of scrimmage.
Alshon Jeffery was held to 3 catches for 17 yards. To be fair he was double and triple covered until they realized they had to stop Connor and Brandon from running wild (get it?).
As for Tennessee they should have high hopes for the future. Their young team will improve, and they'll be back Gamecocks, be sure of it, and next time we may have a much bigger fight on our hands. Worley went 10 of 26 for 105 yards, no TD's, 2 Int. Not incredible, not even fair, but for a freshman making his first collegiate start, he showed promise. He needs to learn to put more touch on his throws and not rifle it in everywhere. He certainly has a cannon for an arm.
Tauren Poole had 18 attempts for 38 yards. We successfully held a runningback, and that is where our success started. If Tauren Poole was allowed to run rampant like Michael Dyer did, this game would be a little different now.
Overall, defense won this game for the South Carolina Gamecocks. The question remains though, can we continue to rely on our stout defense?
Winners and Losers - Week 9
Winners
Stephon Gilmore-
He hasn't shown his ability to play at the level he has been expected to in quite some time. He HAS played okay, but he showed yesterday his ability to get on the ball and get interceptions as well as shut down the coverage on his assignment. I like Stephon Gilmore, and if he keeps playing the way he did last night, I expect a first or second round draft pick for him, but his performance last night shows that we as fans, still have something to be happy about for him.
Brandon Wilds-
He came in and performed better than expected, 28 carries for 137 yards. Those are Marcus Lattimore stats. Another positive is that he did this at an opposing stadium. He is ready to fill the shoes of Lattimore, but he'll still be #2 or #3 on the depth chart next season. Since he is only a freshman though, being behind Lattimore another year or two (I predict Lattimore will stay his senior season now that he hurt his knee) can only help him, and expect him to have a huge season when it's finally his turn.
Andrew Luck-
When isn't this guy a winner? Oh yeah, Oregon last season.... Oh well, he is still the #1 QB in the league this season. Trailing closely to him would be Russell Wilson and Robert Griffin III. Last night though, it was the Andrew Luck show, a show in which he threw 29 of 40 for 330 yards, 3 TD's, and 1 Int. Right now he is 174 of 242 for 2218 yards, 23 TD's, 4 Int's, on the year. Let's go ahead and give him the Heisman.
Sammy Watkins-
*GASP!* CockyJ how could you do this? You are saying Sammy Watkins is a WINNER? BUT HE'S A TIGGER!!! Sorry Gamecocks, but he is a baller, and this week he is a winner. While his team lost (we'll get to that later), Sammy Watkins had 10 catches for 159 yards, and a touchdown. Yes, I know, he's a Clemson Tiger, but if we can't appreciate our competition and rivals, then what good is the rivalry?
Justin Worley-
Yes yes, I know, his team lost, too. The simple fact is, that while he had a poor game, it was his first collegiate start and he showed a lot of promise as a QB of the future, they should have kept him on redshirt status, but they didn't. He'll still be a great QB when Bray leaves.
Losers
Clemson Tigers-
You knew it was coming, even if I claimed Sammy Watkins as a winner for this week. Clemson got its first loss of the season last night against Georgia Tech in a stunning 31-17 outcome. Tajh Boyd had a good game, despite only having 1 TD and 2 INT's. Oh well, it was bound to happen, I suppose the sting when they lose to USC in Williams Brice on November 26th won't be quite as bad now.
Matt Simms-
Matt Simms had a chance to lead his Volunteers to a win late in the game, but he could not get it done against the outstanding South Carolina defense. Had he won this game, he would have been a hero in a new verse of Rocky Top. Sorry Matt, but not this year.
USC Offensive Line-
The offensive line for USC has always been our Achilles Heel. If you can't give our quarterback a decent amount of time to get Alshon Jeffery or one of our other receivers the ball, we WILL NOT WIN. I would suggest a short passing game with quick routes instead of trying to go for a first down every single play. Alas, I am not a coach, nor am I in good enough with Steve Spurrier to suggest it. Although the play calling from him was borderline genius last night.
Sure there are plenty more that can make these lists, but come on folks, I need to be able to open and close my hands.
Until next time.
Thanks for reading, check back soon!
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Halftime report - USC @ UT
Just updating the fans here at half time.
So far Connor Shaw is not looking incredible, but he does have a touchdown pass that has put the Gamecocks up 7-3 at the half. Brandon Wilds is looking excellent with the ball, though. He's broken a couple nice runs, and he's been catching the ball and breaking tackles for nice gains as well.
Bruce Ellington hasn't been used this game yet, but I expect he'll be in a few plays in the next half, but this is a good decision to nurse the hamstring and not put a lot of pressure on Bruce. Marcus as always is in high spirits and is keeping his team morale up.
Alshon has a minimal influence so far, but had a nice gain on a screen thanks to a nice block by Ace Sanders. Speaking of Ace Sanders, the only 3 points by Tennessee so far came off a muffed punt by Sanders.
As for Tennessee, as expected, their freshman QB Worley came out struggling but has found a nice groove, and he has been showing his cannon of arm. He's impressed me some today, and should continue slinging it around, hopefully we can utilize the LG's inexperience and get Clowney and Ingram on him.
Also expected, RB Poole for UT is trying to run everywhere, but what was in doubt, is the fact that we have contained him relatively good considering our rushing defense over the past 7 games.
New article coming after the game with more information.
Thanks for Reading!
So far Connor Shaw is not looking incredible, but he does have a touchdown pass that has put the Gamecocks up 7-3 at the half. Brandon Wilds is looking excellent with the ball, though. He's broken a couple nice runs, and he's been catching the ball and breaking tackles for nice gains as well.
Bruce Ellington hasn't been used this game yet, but I expect he'll be in a few plays in the next half, but this is a good decision to nurse the hamstring and not put a lot of pressure on Bruce. Marcus as always is in high spirits and is keeping his team morale up.
Alshon has a minimal influence so far, but had a nice gain on a screen thanks to a nice block by Ace Sanders. Speaking of Ace Sanders, the only 3 points by Tennessee so far came off a muffed punt by Sanders.
As for Tennessee, as expected, their freshman QB Worley came out struggling but has found a nice groove, and he has been showing his cannon of arm. He's impressed me some today, and should continue slinging it around, hopefully we can utilize the LG's inexperience and get Clowney and Ingram on him.
Also expected, RB Poole for UT is trying to run everywhere, but what was in doubt, is the fact that we have contained him relatively good considering our rushing defense over the past 7 games.
New article coming after the game with more information.
Thanks for Reading!
Happy birthday, Marcus Lattimore!
Happy birthday to our injured Heisman hopeful!
He turned 20 years old today, and tonight his Gamecocks look to make their record 7-1. He is also travelling with the team, that would be a great birthday present for the heart of this team!
Good luck Gamecocks, and again, Happy birthday Marcus from GamecockNet!
He turned 20 years old today, and tonight his Gamecocks look to make their record 7-1. He is also travelling with the team, that would be a great birthday present for the heart of this team!
Good luck Gamecocks, and again, Happy birthday Marcus from GamecockNet!
Friday, October 28, 2011
Gamecocks at Volunteers
Point Spread: USC -6.5
For Carolina, this game is the second of three away games, all three are conference games. Coming off a bye week, the Gamecocks should prove to be ready for whatever the Volunteers can throw at them. Needless to say, neither team is firing on all cylinders, though.
Let's break it down...
Offense
South Carolina's offense is hurting with the loss of Marcus Lattimore to a season ending knee injury, but with a back up like Brandon Wilds, we should be able to pull through. Let me say this, Brandon Wilds is certainly no Marcus Lattimore, but is he a capable runningback? Yes. Will he carry the ball 30 times? Doubtful. What can he do then, you ask? He can find the holes, and he can haul ass through them, he can get open, and he can hold on to the ball. Currently, he has 13 carries for 75 yards which comes to a 5.8 yard per touch average. He also has 3 catches for 21 yards. Reason to be happy right? Maybe.
Out of those 13 carries, 3 were against Vandy for 22 yards, 5 were against Kentucky for 45 yards, and 5 were against Miss St for 8 yards. While the 5.8 ypc average is good, most were gained against weak defenses. Look at the Mississippi St carries, 5 rushes for 8 yards. Tennessee and Miss St are just about even in rush defense, (MSU ranked 55th nationally against the run, UT ranked 56th). So what can we expect, should be the next question. Wilds has a burst of speed that can get him into the open, expect us to utilize that speed as well as options to keep Tennessee guessing. He also won't be carrying the whole load since Eric Baker and Kenny Miles are back in the line up. Time will tell, but I don't see him going over 45-60 yards tomorrow. Between the three, and Ellington in the wildcat, though, the passing game should open up a little.
Offensively for Tennessee, they start a new QB in freshman Justin Worley, a Rock Hill native that USC failed to recruit in the numerous trips to recruit Clowney and the Dixons. Are we, as fans, complaining? Nope. We're happy with our recruits performance so far. Justin Worley is without the top receiving target in Justin Hunter, but he still has Da'Rick Rodgers to toss the ball up to, are they hurting without Hunter? Sure. Can they still put up points on South Carolina? Most definitely. I'm a realist, this game could be very close in the end, as it usually is between USC and UT. The key to the UT offense this week will be Tauren Poole. If he can run well enough to keep the USC defense honest, then Justin Worley should be able to settle in and give the USC pass defense a run for its money. If the USC defensive line shuts down Tauren Poole, then look for Worley to be pressured A LOT.
Defense
The Gamecocks enter this game ranked 47th in rushing defense, and as we noted above, they are going to have to shut down Tauren Poole, because when he gets the ball he is going to come right at them, just like Michael Dyer did.
The upside, is that our pass defense is ranked #1 in the nation, allowing only 133.7 yards per game. So when Worley does look to complete a pass, they will be all over him like white on rice on a paper plate in a snow storm. The defense also leads the nation in takeaways, sitting at twenty four. Fourteen of which are interceptions.
Coming into this game, UT is 40th against the pass, and 56th against the rush, 47th in overall defense. Against Alabama, they kept the game close until the second half, entering that half the game tied, 6-6. In the second half they got torched by another 31 points, in a 37-6 loss. Tennessee is not used to being shut down like that, and look for them to try and redeem themselves against the Gamecocks. I expect them to play lights out, and on good ole Rocky Top, the fans are always raging.
I see the Gamecocks and Volunteers to go through a hard fought battle in the first half, and then, I expect the Gamecocks to persevere as it seems they have done every game this season, shy of Kentucky.
My prediction:
Melvin Ingram gets a touchdown, defense will get 2 INT's, 1 fumble recovery, Connor will throw a decent game going for around 22-32 for 195 yards, 2 TD's, 1 INT. Wilds gets a touchdown, and Carolina pulls it out in the second half 34-17.
Until next time.
Go Cocks.
For Carolina, this game is the second of three away games, all three are conference games. Coming off a bye week, the Gamecocks should prove to be ready for whatever the Volunteers can throw at them. Needless to say, neither team is firing on all cylinders, though.
Let's break it down...
Offense
South Carolina's offense is hurting with the loss of Marcus Lattimore to a season ending knee injury, but with a back up like Brandon Wilds, we should be able to pull through. Let me say this, Brandon Wilds is certainly no Marcus Lattimore, but is he a capable runningback? Yes. Will he carry the ball 30 times? Doubtful. What can he do then, you ask? He can find the holes, and he can haul ass through them, he can get open, and he can hold on to the ball. Currently, he has 13 carries for 75 yards which comes to a 5.8 yard per touch average. He also has 3 catches for 21 yards. Reason to be happy right? Maybe.
Out of those 13 carries, 3 were against Vandy for 22 yards, 5 were against Kentucky for 45 yards, and 5 were against Miss St for 8 yards. While the 5.8 ypc average is good, most were gained against weak defenses. Look at the Mississippi St carries, 5 rushes for 8 yards. Tennessee and Miss St are just about even in rush defense, (MSU ranked 55th nationally against the run, UT ranked 56th). So what can we expect, should be the next question. Wilds has a burst of speed that can get him into the open, expect us to utilize that speed as well as options to keep Tennessee guessing. He also won't be carrying the whole load since Eric Baker and Kenny Miles are back in the line up. Time will tell, but I don't see him going over 45-60 yards tomorrow. Between the three, and Ellington in the wildcat, though, the passing game should open up a little.
Offensively for Tennessee, they start a new QB in freshman Justin Worley, a Rock Hill native that USC failed to recruit in the numerous trips to recruit Clowney and the Dixons. Are we, as fans, complaining? Nope. We're happy with our recruits performance so far. Justin Worley is without the top receiving target in Justin Hunter, but he still has Da'Rick Rodgers to toss the ball up to, are they hurting without Hunter? Sure. Can they still put up points on South Carolina? Most definitely. I'm a realist, this game could be very close in the end, as it usually is between USC and UT. The key to the UT offense this week will be Tauren Poole. If he can run well enough to keep the USC defense honest, then Justin Worley should be able to settle in and give the USC pass defense a run for its money. If the USC defensive line shuts down Tauren Poole, then look for Worley to be pressured A LOT.
Defense
The Gamecocks enter this game ranked 47th in rushing defense, and as we noted above, they are going to have to shut down Tauren Poole, because when he gets the ball he is going to come right at them, just like Michael Dyer did.
The upside, is that our pass defense is ranked #1 in the nation, allowing only 133.7 yards per game. So when Worley does look to complete a pass, they will be all over him like white on rice on a paper plate in a snow storm. The defense also leads the nation in takeaways, sitting at twenty four. Fourteen of which are interceptions.
Coming into this game, UT is 40th against the pass, and 56th against the rush, 47th in overall defense. Against Alabama, they kept the game close until the second half, entering that half the game tied, 6-6. In the second half they got torched by another 31 points, in a 37-6 loss. Tennessee is not used to being shut down like that, and look for them to try and redeem themselves against the Gamecocks. I expect them to play lights out, and on good ole Rocky Top, the fans are always raging.
I see the Gamecocks and Volunteers to go through a hard fought battle in the first half, and then, I expect the Gamecocks to persevere as it seems they have done every game this season, shy of Kentucky.
My prediction:
Melvin Ingram gets a touchdown, defense will get 2 INT's, 1 fumble recovery, Connor will throw a decent game going for around 22-32 for 195 yards, 2 TD's, 1 INT. Wilds gets a touchdown, and Carolina pulls it out in the second half 34-17.
Until next time.
Go Cocks.
The Beginning of GamecockNet
Thank you for visiting GamecockNet. This is the newest blog for any and all things related to the South Carolina Gamecocks football program. I'll also be including information on the basketball and baseball teams in the offseason, and if interesting enough, during the season as well.
A little insight to the author of this blog is probably due, right? Well, for as long as I have loved football, I have been a Gamecock fan through and through. In recent years, I have began to follow Gamecock athletics intensely, building up a network of sources, and now I have decided to begin my career as a source for other fans. Whatever the news, you'll find it here.
Thank you for reading, and let the articles start rolling in!
A little insight to the author of this blog is probably due, right? Well, for as long as I have loved football, I have been a Gamecock fan through and through. In recent years, I have began to follow Gamecock athletics intensely, building up a network of sources, and now I have decided to begin my career as a source for other fans. Whatever the news, you'll find it here.
Thank you for reading, and let the articles start rolling in!
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