After several weeks of consulting the crystal football, several trends have emerged with this years Gamecocks that will likely play into this weeks game against UGA.
First and foremost for Carolina, the Cocks must put together several drives of 7 plays or more in the first half. Georgia thus far this season has shown a tendency to give up chunks of yardage over multiple plays of 12 yards or less. The long ball may make for sexy television but the Dawgs have shown that they can recover from those plays with a few of their own. Carolina's statistical offensive advantage is not with the big play, rather the sustained drives from the middle of the first quarter up to the half. Any drive of 7 plays or more resulting in points during the first 10 minutes of the game is a huge plus for Carolina.
The Gamecocks are averaging just 28 offensive plays in the first half with more than half of those attempts coming late in quarter #2. In contrast this is the Dawgs 2nd weakest quarter as evidenced by an average of their opponents 18 plays against them. This is where USC must take advantage.
Georgia on the other hand likes the quick strike first quarter where they are very successful with a slant or post pattern. Any combination of stops during the first two UGA possessions AND Carolina putting points on the board is the equivalent of a minimum of a 6 point spread through most of the first half. Bottom line: Long drives resulting in points and two stops by the Carolina D in the first quarter is paramount.
Carolina's Defense which gets so much publicity will be tested in the secondary and with bubble screens and draw type plays. The Dawgs know the speed of the line will put pressure on Murray but will look to exploit any over pursuit as well. The mid range pass is also Murray's most accurate throw. This is an effective approach but also lends itself to tipped balls and int's.
Carolina must keep the UGA receivers in front of them knowing this will likely be the hot read on Saturday. The Dawgs string together drives this way averaging 70 offensive plays per game. Carolina's D must get off the field quickly, especially in the 3rd qtr when UGA has its weakest defensive quarter surrendering 22 plays against.
The winner of this game will be the team who can sustain multiple drives of 9 or more plays. Carolinas defense does have a statistical edge giving up nearly 8 plays less per game than the Dawgs, but the Gamecock defense also has problems getting off the field late especially when chasing a rolling quarterback.
Carolina's D should keep things close against the Dawgs, but it will be up to Shaw and the offense to keep the chains moving all afternoon resulting in points on the board and the UGA defense on the field for 66+ plays.
First and foremost for Carolina, the Cocks must put together several drives of 7 plays or more in the first half. Georgia thus far this season has shown a tendency to give up chunks of yardage over multiple plays of 12 yards or less. The long ball may make for sexy television but the Dawgs have shown that they can recover from those plays with a few of their own. Carolina's statistical offensive advantage is not with the big play, rather the sustained drives from the middle of the first quarter up to the half. Any drive of 7 plays or more resulting in points during the first 10 minutes of the game is a huge plus for Carolina.
The Gamecocks are averaging just 28 offensive plays in the first half with more than half of those attempts coming late in quarter #2. In contrast this is the Dawgs 2nd weakest quarter as evidenced by an average of their opponents 18 plays against them. This is where USC must take advantage.
Georgia on the other hand likes the quick strike first quarter where they are very successful with a slant or post pattern. Any combination of stops during the first two UGA possessions AND Carolina putting points on the board is the equivalent of a minimum of a 6 point spread through most of the first half. Bottom line: Long drives resulting in points and two stops by the Carolina D in the first quarter is paramount.
Carolina's Defense which gets so much publicity will be tested in the secondary and with bubble screens and draw type plays. The Dawgs know the speed of the line will put pressure on Murray but will look to exploit any over pursuit as well. The mid range pass is also Murray's most accurate throw. This is an effective approach but also lends itself to tipped balls and int's.
Carolina must keep the UGA receivers in front of them knowing this will likely be the hot read on Saturday. The Dawgs string together drives this way averaging 70 offensive plays per game. Carolina's D must get off the field quickly, especially in the 3rd qtr when UGA has its weakest defensive quarter surrendering 22 plays against.
The winner of this game will be the team who can sustain multiple drives of 9 or more plays. Carolinas defense does have a statistical edge giving up nearly 8 plays less per game than the Dawgs, but the Gamecock defense also has problems getting off the field late especially when chasing a rolling quarterback.
Carolina's D should keep things close against the Dawgs, but it will be up to Shaw and the offense to keep the chains moving all afternoon resulting in points on the board and the UGA defense on the field for 66+ plays.