Gamecocks got a lot of work to do after strip down by the Bulldogs
Sept. 18, 2022
GAMECOCK'S DEFENSE IS IN NEED OF FIXING
Talk about offensive woes the defense is right there with them. What are some of the issues here? Injuries for one thing. The Gamecocks are already down defensive lineman Jordan Strachan and Mo Kaba for the season, after both suffered injuries at Arkansas last weekend. Unfortunately for the Gamecocks, the injuries have continued to mount. The Gamecocks were down five defensive starters against the Bulldogs on Saturday, with star defensive back Cam Smith the biggest name on the sidelines. Those absences forced the Gamecocks to lean heavily on their freshmen, and Beamer pointed out that the team’s defensive inexperience led to mistakes and missed assignments against Georgia. The Bulldogs put up 547 yards of offense against the Gamecocks 339 passing and 208 rushing. In good news for the Gamecocks, Beamer said he expects all five defensive starters to return for next week’s game against Charlotte.
SPENCER RATTLER STILL WORKING ON FITTING IN
Both Beamer and quarterback Spencer Rattler said Saturday that the transfer signal-caller needs to play better. Through three games, Rattler has thrown five interceptions to just two touchdowns. And against Georgia’s elite defense, Rattler looked overmatched. The former Oklahoma Sooner completed just 13 of his 25 passes for 118 yards and two interceptions.
Both interceptions came on poor throwing decisions: the first on a wheel route in the red zone to Juju McDowell and the second into double coverage for tight end Jaheim Bell. Pressure from UGA’s defense and inconsistency on the Gamecocks' O-line hasn’t helped, but Rattler said after Saturday’s game that he knows he needs to limit turnovers. Needing fixing and have two games to work on before heading to Lexig to face off with Number 9 Kentucky. Recent history has not been kind for the Gamecocks in this series lately.
FINDING PLAYMAKERS
Speaking of passing, it appears Rattler and the Gamecocks are still trying to sort out who should get the ball on offense. Each week, a different receiver has seemingly emerged as Rattler’s top target, with little consistency from game to game. One week after transfer Antwane Wells led the Gamecocks with eight catches and 189 yards, UGA relegated Wells to no catches on two targets Saturday. Veteran Josh Vann was The Gamecocks leading receiver last year. So far this season, he’s got only two catches for eight yards.
Sept. 18, 2022
GAMECOCK'S DEFENSE IS IN NEED OF FIXING
Talk about offensive woes the defense is right there with them. What are some of the issues here? Injuries for one thing. The Gamecocks are already down defensive lineman Jordan Strachan and Mo Kaba for the season, after both suffered injuries at Arkansas last weekend. Unfortunately for the Gamecocks, the injuries have continued to mount. The Gamecocks were down five defensive starters against the Bulldogs on Saturday, with star defensive back Cam Smith the biggest name on the sidelines. Those absences forced the Gamecocks to lean heavily on their freshmen, and Beamer pointed out that the team’s defensive inexperience led to mistakes and missed assignments against Georgia. The Bulldogs put up 547 yards of offense against the Gamecocks 339 passing and 208 rushing. In good news for the Gamecocks, Beamer said he expects all five defensive starters to return for next week’s game against Charlotte.
SPENCER RATTLER STILL WORKING ON FITTING IN
Both Beamer and quarterback Spencer Rattler said Saturday that the transfer signal-caller needs to play better. Through three games, Rattler has thrown five interceptions to just two touchdowns. And against Georgia’s elite defense, Rattler looked overmatched. The former Oklahoma Sooner completed just 13 of his 25 passes for 118 yards and two interceptions.
Both interceptions came on poor throwing decisions: the first on a wheel route in the red zone to Juju McDowell and the second into double coverage for tight end Jaheim Bell. Pressure from UGA’s defense and inconsistency on the Gamecocks' O-line hasn’t helped, but Rattler said after Saturday’s game that he knows he needs to limit turnovers. Needing fixing and have two games to work on before heading to Lexig to face off with Number 9 Kentucky. Recent history has not been kind for the Gamecocks in this series lately.
FINDING PLAYMAKERS
Speaking of passing, it appears Rattler and the Gamecocks are still trying to sort out who should get the ball on offense. Each week, a different receiver has seemingly emerged as Rattler’s top target, with little consistency from game to game. One week after transfer Antwane Wells led the Gamecocks with eight catches and 189 yards, UGA relegated Wells to no catches on two targets Saturday. Veteran Josh Vann was The Gamecocks leading receiver last year. So far this season, he’s got only two catches for eight yards.
