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What has been learned at the half-way mark of the 2021 Football season

FeatheredCock

“Let It Be”
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Why the Gamecocks are leaning on trickery 

The Gamecocks' offense might be maddening, but at least it’s creative. The Gamecocks ran a handful of trick plays on Saturday in an attempt to spark what’s been a semi-stagnant offense the past few weeks. Jordan Burch’s pitch-pass interception on the goal line will be circled for weeks as a play that ultimately sank South Carolina on Saturday, but it showed some level of ingenuity. The Gamecocks also threw a reverse, a Statue of Liberty and fake punt pass that ended in a touchdown at the Volunteers.  The Gamecocks had its share of mistakes on Saturday but it tried some things that at least made a rough outing entertaining.

Gamecocks slow starts

Saturday’s first half was a mess. The Gamecocks couldn’t find a flow offensively, while the defense was torched for almost 400 yards and 38 points. Beamer said postgame that he felt the preparations were solid, but it just didn’t translate to the field. Quarterback Luke Doty added there wasn’t the needed level of urgency early on in Saturday’s game. The Gamecocks have struggled to get going in games throughout the year.

Gamecock defense is good

Throw out the early start and Gamecocks' defense looks like it can play with the best of them. After getting torched for 374 yards and 38 points in Saturday’s first half, the Gamecocks tightened up against the Volunteers’ warp-speed system. Tennessee recorded just 99 yards in the second half, while quarterback Hendon Hooker was limited to just nine passing yards over the final 30 minutes. R.J. Roderick, who missed the first half due to a targeting penalty in the second half of last week’s game against Troy, helped steady what had been a leaky secondary in the first and second quarters. The Gamecocks clearly adjusted at halftime and it paid off in giving the Gamecocks a chance to stick around despite a dismal start.

Gamecocks' relying on creativity 

The Gamecock offense might drive you mad and crazy at the same time , but at least it’s creative. The Gamecocks ran a handful of trick plays on Saturday in an attempt to spark what’s been a semi-stagnant offense the past few weeks. Jordan Burch’s pitch-pass interception on the goal line will be circled for weeks as a play that ultimately sank South Carolina on Saturday, but it showed some level of ingenuity. The Gamecocks also threw a reverse, a Statue of Liberty and fake punt pass that ended in a touchdown at the Volunteers. South Carolina had its share of mistakes on Saturday (more on that in a second), but it tried some things that at least made a rough outing entertaining.

Gamecocks are inconsistent  

In a season that’s ebbed and flowed, the Gamecocks have been an ever-changing mix of peaks and valleys. There have been the bad, like slow starts, an inefficient offense. Now halfway through the 2021 season, standing at 3-3 with games against No. 18 Auburn, No. 20 Florida, Texas A&M just of betting No 1 Bama  and Clemson will only make the tail end to the season more difficult after next week’s meeting with Vanderbilt. With the loses already and the rough road ahead will be hard to make the 6 win plateau realistic 5 at best. 

 
Most alarming is Doty saying there was not the needed level of urgency in the 1st half on offense.  That falls squarely on the coaches.  That is something that can be corrected pretty quickly.  Every player should know if you don't come out fired up, ready to play and execute you will ride the pine.

Defense needs to play more man not this zone lay back crap.  You will never get good at it if it's not practiced and done under fire in the game.  When we play a team like Auburn with a solid running game we need to stack the box and trust our secondary.  If we get torched so be it.  They will get better if we put it in action and know the expectations. 

At this point we're 6 games in on what everyone knew was a complete rebuild.  Coaches need the fan support and time to get the job done.  I'm one that feels this staff can get it done and hopefully recruit at a high level for where we are now.  Find those next Juju's.

Hope we have a good turnout for Vandy.  Players and recruits need to see and feel the support.  If you already have a ticket go enjoy the experience!

 
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