South Carolina Preview

(Eat Wookie Fists Spurrier)

The Ole Ball Coach is coming back to Oxford for the first time in years.

THE PLAYERS

The Gamecocks have the top statistical defense in the SEC this year. They brought in stellar former Mississippi State defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson who has them running a 4-2-5. I'm not a fan of the 4-2-5 because I remember Eric Oliver trying to defend deep post routes but it seems to work better for South Carolina.

That probably has to do with the personnel. Their two linebackers both weigh in the 260-270 pound range and stop the run well. Eric Norwood is a great pass rusher and played end last year. Jasper Brinkley is the Defensive MVP and was the reason USC started 6-1. He got hurt and the rushing defense fell apart with Carolina loosing their last 5 games. They also have two great defensive backs in Captain Munneryln and Emmanuel Cook. Nutt praised all four of these players before the game.

They have the best tightend in the SEC this year in Jared Cook. Jared is actually Ole Miss fullback Jason Cook's younger brother. If Orgeron had recruited him at all he'd be at Ole Miss now. But Ed hated tightends and refused to sign one that stayed in the program over three years of his horrible tenure.

THE HEEL

The Offensive line is considered the weak point. They have trouble in protection and don't run block particularly well either. They've also struggled in the passing game with Chris Smelly this year since he doesn't have a very strong arm. Expect to see a guy Orgeron loves to compliment even though he won't compliment any of the guys he recruited to Ole Miss, Stephen Garcia, get a lot of playing time. He supposedly doesn't manage the game well but has a great arm.

The Rebels should be able to get a strong rush on this group and disrupt their offense. I'd actually expect a low scoring game. They have to minimize the turnovers to keep from giving up easy field position and easy points. South Carolina will play to stop the run and this is where their defense especially excels at. It will open up the quick hitches and slant patterns if Snead can audible off and hit the receivers. If he has a good day the Rebels will as well if. If the Rebels get the same Snead they got against Vanderbilt the results will be about the same as the were against Vanderbilt.