This past Saturday marked one of the biggest games in South Carolina history and the Gamecocks did not disappoint. Georgia came in to Columbia poised for another run at the SEC East title, but the Cocks quickly shut down those hopes. Within the first three minutes Carolina took the lead and didn’t look back. The first quarter was a blur of Garnet and Black, as South Carolina scored three touchdowns without even so much as a whimper from the then number five Georgia Bulldogs. From then on the Gamecocks were in complete control. For a game that was hyped as quite possibly the most important game of the college football season, the score reflected an unbalanced matchup. Through four quarters the Cocks were as dominant as they’ve ever been against a top-caliber opponent like Georgia, a trend that could continue for the remainder of the season.
Room to Improve
- Honestly, what more is there to say?
The Gamecocks might have played the closest thing to a perfect game that a team could ever hope to have. Besides a few penalties here and there, Carolina looked extremely disciplined and well prepared for this conference rivalry. Gamecock Nation could not have asked for a more spectacular performance.
Strong Points
- Head Ball Coach strikes again
This Saturday was a true display of how well Coach Steve Spurrier can put together a game plan. Each offensive play seemed to be tailored perfect to the time and situation in which it was run, and each defensive play produced desired results. Spurrier did another great job in preparing the boys mentally and physically for one of the biggest games of their careers.
- The Brick Wall
The Gamecocks’ defense held Georgia to its fewest total yards of the entire season, by containing Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray who could not seem to escape the constant threat of the Carolina defensive line. No matter what form of attack the Bulldog offense attempted to pursue, it was to no avail as the defense proved to be in complete control of the game.
- Lattimore’s continued dominance
Each year it seems junior Marcus Lattimore has had the Dawgs’ number, and this year was no different. Totaling 133 yards between rushing and receiving accompanied by one touchdown proved that Lattimore was not quite done putting a hurt on Georgia’s defense. His carries may not have matched what they have in the past against the Bulldogs, but the result was all the same as he continued to find hole after hole helping lead on the Gamecocks to victory.
What to Expect Next Week
How do you follow up a performance like this past Saturday? It’s tough for any team to play as well as South Carolina did this past weekend, but if the Gamecocks want to come out of Baton Rouge with a victory they’re going to have to put on a similar performance. LSU head coach Les Miles is not likely to allow two losses in a row so Carolina will need to bring their A-game if they want to continue their school record win streak.
