GCF Discussion, Preview & Prediction Thread Week 9 Talking Missouri vs South Carolina
Oct 26, 2022The Gamecocks are in The Associated Press Top 25 after its fourth consecutive win, coming in at No. 25. Gamecocks have not been ranked in the AP poll since 2018
South Carolina also made the USA Today Coaches Poll in the No. 25 spot. Shane Beamer’s team two weeks ago beat a then-No. 13 Kentucky team on the road to grab the attention of voters, and punctuated that momentum Saturday by defeating Texas A&M for the first time ever. South Carolina is averaging 40 points per game in the four-game winning streak and allowing just 17 per outing. The team started the season 1-2 but has hit a stride.BIG PLAYS EARLY
South Carolina has gotten off to fast starts in its last two games due to explosive plays on defense and special teams. Gamecocks recovered a fumble on the first play of the Kentucky game, which set up a touchdown. The team also blocked a punt in the first quarter. Against Texas A&M, Xavier Legette returned the opening kickoff for a 100-yard touchdown. Gamecocks also got a 59-yard interception return from Darius Rush to set up a field goal, then a fumble recovery from Tonka Hemingway to set up another touchdown.
The Gamecocks never trailed in either game, though it did take a while for the offense to pick up steam in both instances. The second-half offense of South Carolina has helped it put games away, but the opening minutes have positioned it well.
TIGERS' SUCCESS AGAINST THE GAMECOCKS
Missouri has defeated South Carolina in each of the last three meetings. Another streak that needs to come to an end. The Tigers lead the all-time series 7-5. The teams have played each other every year since 2012. Missouri head coach Eliah Drinkwitz is 14-16 overall in his third season with the program. The Missouri-South Carolina game is known as the Mayor’s Cup. The game’s trophy is awarded by the mayor of the winning team from Columbia, South Carolina, or Columbia, Missouri.
GAMECOCK PLAYERS TO WATCH
MarShawn Lloyd, RB, South Carolina: Lloyd has continued his hot streak for the Gamecocks. He picked up 92 yards and two touchdowns as a ball carrier against the Aggies. He leads the team in offensive touchdowns and has been the team’s most valuable weapon through seven games.
Darius Rush, DB, South Carolina: Rush picked up a 59-yard interception return in the first quarter against Texas A&M. He added eight tackles and one pass defense to his stat line as well. Rush has missed time for South Carolina this year due to injuries, but he adds to the strength of the secondary when he’s in the lineup.
TIGER PLAYERS TO WATCH
Jaylon Carlies, DB, Missouri: Carlies leads the Tigers with two interceptions this year and is second on the team with 40 tackles. South Carolina has capable playmakers in the passing game, so it should keep an eye on Carlies when looking to go through the air.
Ty’Ron Hopper, LB, Missouri: Hopper leads Missouri in tackles with 45, with nine tackles for loss and two sacks. He also has three pass breakups, an interception, and a forced fumble this season. His productivity on defense could disrupt a surging South Carolina squad.
PREDICTION:
Gamecocks are finding ways to win. We know South Carolina will turn it over multiple times because it has done it in every game so far. When Missouri turns it over, though, the mistakes come in bunches and are far more painful. The offense made the 17-14 win over Vanderbilt way harder than it had to be with four turnovers, and that’s coming off the three-giveaway game in the 24-17 loss to Florida while South Carolina helps make up for its own mistakes with takeaways, generating ten in the last four games.Yes, the competition had something to do with it the losses came against Georgia and Arkansas but the Gamecocks are now 5-0 when coming up with a turnover and 0-2 when they don’t. The Georgia game was the only time Mizzou got through a game turnover-free with multiple giveaways against every other FBS team.
QB Spencer Rattler isn’t always sharp, but he’s able to hit a big throw here in there that arm is amazing to change things up. No, there isn’t a pass rush, but the D has been solid enough against the run, and it’s not doing a ton of breaking to go along with all that bending. The passing game will be a bit better than it was in last week’s win over Texas A&M, the defense will hold up well enough, and to hammer this home, the turnovers they’ll be there for both sides. The home team will benefit from that. Prediction: South Carolina 24, Missouri 17
Missouri vs South Carolina Line
South Carolina 24, Missouri 17Line: South Carolina -5, o/u: 47.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2
Missouri vs South Carolina Must See Rating (out of 5): 3
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