Obviously heading into this game with 2 big concerns: 1) The injury to Shaw 2) The lack of offense against Vandy. I think a big part of #2 is because of #1, but the overall concern is valid. That said, Spurrier teams always seem to be unimpressive in season openers for whatever reason. Then usually bounce back to play well in their 2nd game. Last year being a pretty good example of that beating UGA on the road - the eventual SEC East champs.
Though it is a factor, I'm not going to focus too much on whether or not Shaw plays. If he doesn't play, I'm of the belief that overall this team will bounce back to have a much more balance an effective game. I believe that Thompson can and will play better than he showed last week. I have no reason to believe that ECU will stop our rushing attack - we hung 240 on them last year with Latt going for 112 and 3 TD's in a turn-over filled game. Spurrier, though stubborn, has show he will mix up the offense based on personnel and the circumstances - I think we see a more balanced and complete offensive game plan getting multiple receivers involved.
Defensively, our strength is our front 7 and this bodes well against an ECU type offense with lots of quick/short passes. I do expect them to move the ball effectively at times, but I don't expect them to make it in the end zone much, if at all. They turned it over 2 times against App State and I think we see that number double against our defense.
What ECU did against App St doesn't put the fear of God in me, and if you break down that game, I believe we are in for a big day on both sides of the ball.
ECU's Offense only manged 3 TD's against App State's Defense - I have to imagine our Defense being a little more stingy than that.
ECU's defense gave up over 400 yards of offense to App St. Even without Shaw, I think we move the ball against ECU.
I don't see this team being the same one we faced last year who had us on the ropes. Though past history isn't a promise of future results, I simply believe we will play MUCH better tomorrow than what we showed at Vandy. We always seem to bounce back and I expect the same here.
SC 34
ECU 13
Side Note: I have ZERO insider info, but my gut tells me Shaw starts tomorrow no matter what. It's already been established that he is not HURT, but just experiencing pain - he's not opening himself to make the existing injury worse (per se) by playing. I think he starts, and based on performance (and how he feels) decides how long he stays in. I say there is an 80% chance he starts.
Though it is a factor, I'm not going to focus too much on whether or not Shaw plays. If he doesn't play, I'm of the belief that overall this team will bounce back to have a much more balance an effective game. I believe that Thompson can and will play better than he showed last week. I have no reason to believe that ECU will stop our rushing attack - we hung 240 on them last year with Latt going for 112 and 3 TD's in a turn-over filled game. Spurrier, though stubborn, has show he will mix up the offense based on personnel and the circumstances - I think we see a more balanced and complete offensive game plan getting multiple receivers involved.
Defensively, our strength is our front 7 and this bodes well against an ECU type offense with lots of quick/short passes. I do expect them to move the ball effectively at times, but I don't expect them to make it in the end zone much, if at all. They turned it over 2 times against App State and I think we see that number double against our defense.
What ECU did against App St doesn't put the fear of God in me, and if you break down that game, I believe we are in for a big day on both sides of the ball.
ECU's Offense only manged 3 TD's against App State's Defense - I have to imagine our Defense being a little more stingy than that.
ECU's defense gave up over 400 yards of offense to App St. Even without Shaw, I think we move the ball against ECU.
I don't see this team being the same one we faced last year who had us on the ropes. Though past history isn't a promise of future results, I simply believe we will play MUCH better tomorrow than what we showed at Vandy. We always seem to bounce back and I expect the same here.
SC 34
ECU 13
Side Note: I have ZERO insider info, but my gut tells me Shaw starts tomorrow no matter what. It's already been established that he is not HURT, but just experiencing pain - he's not opening himself to make the existing injury worse (per se) by playing. I think he starts, and based on performance (and how he feels) decides how long he stays in. I say there is an 80% chance he starts.
