Gamecocks vs Gators preview
Nov. 12, 2015
FIVE THINGS
--Three of the last four games in this matchup have been single-score games, and all three of those squeakers went the Gamecocks' way
--South Carolina has leaned on its rushing attack in recent weeks. Carolina's run game is actually more explosive than efficient, and that could come up big against the Gators. Florida stuffs the run on a down-by-down basis, but is 96th in the IsoPPP metric of stopping big run plays.
--Someone who isn't that great at avoiding interceptions will be throwing against Florida's great pass defense.
--Florida's offensive line was horrible last week against Vanderbilt.
--On passing downs, Florida's been magnificent at getting sacks. The Gator defense rates seventh nationally in sack rate when the opposing offense probably needs to pass. As for the Gamecock offense? It's just 74th nationally in sack rate allowed in those same situations.
THREE TO WATCH
Brandon Wilds, RB, South Carolina: Wilds has been a big part of the offense in the year when he's been the man toting the rock. He went over 100 yards against both Vandy and Texas A&M, and he squeezed out four yards a pop against Tennessee. As I mentioned above, getting big plays out of the run game is attainable for Carolina, and if it does, it will probably be Wilds doing it.
Treon Harris, QB, Florida: Harris hasn't looked completely comfortable in Jim McElwain's offense, but he might have a chance to shine this week. Kyler Murray's ability to show run and pass led him to torch South Carolina's defense two weeks ago, and while Harris isn't as fast as Murray is, he's nearly as elusive. His ability to do more than one thing could give Florida's offense the spark it needs.
Darius English and Marquavius Lewis, DE, South Carolina: Between a makeshift line and a pair of quarterbacks who lack pocket awareness, Florida has been abysmal at avoiding sacks. Enter English and Lewis, who combine for 6.5 sacks on the year. That's not that much less than the entire rest of the team combined (9.5). The Gamecocks don't get a ton of sacks, but they'll have some chances to do so this week. Watch for them coming off of the edges.
LINK
Nov. 12, 2015
FIVE THINGS
--Three of the last four games in this matchup have been single-score games, and all three of those squeakers went the Gamecocks' way
--South Carolina has leaned on its rushing attack in recent weeks. Carolina's run game is actually more explosive than efficient, and that could come up big against the Gators. Florida stuffs the run on a down-by-down basis, but is 96th in the IsoPPP metric of stopping big run plays.
--Someone who isn't that great at avoiding interceptions will be throwing against Florida's great pass defense.
--Florida's offensive line was horrible last week against Vanderbilt.
--On passing downs, Florida's been magnificent at getting sacks. The Gator defense rates seventh nationally in sack rate when the opposing offense probably needs to pass. As for the Gamecock offense? It's just 74th nationally in sack rate allowed in those same situations.
THREE TO WATCH
Brandon Wilds, RB, South Carolina: Wilds has been a big part of the offense in the year when he's been the man toting the rock. He went over 100 yards against both Vandy and Texas A&M, and he squeezed out four yards a pop against Tennessee. As I mentioned above, getting big plays out of the run game is attainable for Carolina, and if it does, it will probably be Wilds doing it.
Treon Harris, QB, Florida: Harris hasn't looked completely comfortable in Jim McElwain's offense, but he might have a chance to shine this week. Kyler Murray's ability to show run and pass led him to torch South Carolina's defense two weeks ago, and while Harris isn't as fast as Murray is, he's nearly as elusive. His ability to do more than one thing could give Florida's offense the spark it needs.
Darius English and Marquavius Lewis, DE, South Carolina: Between a makeshift line and a pair of quarterbacks who lack pocket awareness, Florida has been abysmal at avoiding sacks. Enter English and Lewis, who combine for 6.5 sacks on the year. That's not that much less than the entire rest of the team combined (9.5). The Gamecocks don't get a ton of sacks, but they'll have some chances to do so this week. Watch for them coming off of the edges.
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