Tomorrow looks to be a big matchup for this Gamecock team, coming off of a huge win against a Vanderbilt team where the offense seemed to click all around and the defense held strong.
— The Spurs Up Show (@TheSpursUpShow) October 16, 2020
What does South Carolina need to look like this weekend to stay competitive and keep the season alive for us?
This game holds a lot of importance going into the stretch of the season where we will be slammed with talented matchups each week.
Coach Bobo has seemed to learn what is working and who is the big key players for the Gamecocks.
QB Colin Hill
Hill has been lights out in the pocket and is standing in there like he has not missed a game. His touch is there and his awareness seems to grow each week.
Alluding tacklers and scrambling for a touchdown last weekend, I’m sure we all hold our breath when he takes off knowing the previous injuries.
As long as he can keep his confidence up he will continue to shine and put up solid numbers going against an Auburn defense that allows 265 passing yards/gm.
Shi Smith
Smith is the go to weapon for this Gamecock offense, always being there to make a big play and get into space for those crucial moments.
Being the “go-to guy”, you can guarantee that week to week he will see pressure off the line and no space to operate.
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CGIyQSOj-6x/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
He will have to keep relying on that speed to keep away from Auburn’s top CB Roger McCreary.
Kevin Harris
The thundering running back has been a monster for this offense, giving this team a familiar look with strong running and explosive speed and power.
Every week, he seems to get better and better. Keep feeding him and let him pick up those yards and set up this offense for manageable downs.
As long as that continues, Bobo should have plenty of options with play calling to gash this Auburn defense.
Muse/Fenwick
These two players have been the less glorified players this year, but always able to be there when you need them.
Muse has been a solid target to take some of the load away from Smith and mix up this offense. He has had some drops here and there, but for the most part, has been dynamic and strong with the ball week to week.
Fenwick comes out with maddening speed and seems to slip between tackles picking up good chunk plays for the offense. Not seeing as much action as Harris, but splitting time with him has seen gains coming for him.
I expect to continue to see this trend throughout the game Saturday as the Gamecocks look to keep a run game important to play calling.
Ernest Jones
An absolute machine for this defense, his lateral sideline to sideline speed and presence in the backfield is going to be a must for this defense.
Bo Nix can not be allowed to sit comfortably in the pocket and I expect some work for Jones to get in there and disrupt this QB.
With 16 tackles on the year, if he’s not getting in the backfield, look for him to be hunting Tank Bigsby and D.J Williams as they lead the Tigers rush attack.
Conclusion
All in all, this game is huge momentum for the garnet and black.
It’s not going to be an easy task, but with only being a -3.0 underdog at home, it is time to put the spurs in this Tiger and steal one back.