This Gamecocks blog recently did some “Q&A” with the featured Clemson writer for ACC Rivals, which is the best source for all your ACC sports coverage and they so happen to be on Bloguin with us.
Below you will find my answers to Stephen’s questions concerning the upcoming game between the USC Gamecocks and the Clemson Tigers –
1. Like Clemson last year, The Gamecocks enter this game with bigger fish to fry the very next week. What’s your read on SC’s focus for this week’s game?
It is amazing how the roles have reversed for these two teams. Last year, Clemson was set to go to the ACC Championship game and SC was 6-5. Switch it for 2010 as Clemson is 6-5 and fighting for better bowl standing; the Gamecocks are poised to go to the SEC Championship game for the first time ever. Wow, how fast things can change. Just like any year, success can be determined by how you perform against your rival. So Irest assured that USC is approaching this game with a business-like focus. They can not look past Clemson because just like USC in 2009, the rival would love nothing more than to keep that ego in check and win the rivalary game.
2. It seems that as Marcus Lattimore goes, so go the Gamecocks. What do you think the Tigers’ chances are of holding Lattimore in check, and if they do, how do you like SC’s chances to win?
The Tigers will need to stack the box to slow Marcus Lattimore. The Clemson D Line is good at getting pressure but can change the approach to stuff the run? If Clemson does stuff the run by stacking the box then it will be up to Garcia and he is having a great year with plenty of weapons to throw to. The SC offense is pretty balanced and that has been the key to the team. Yes – Lattimore is amazing and if he is slowed then USC will throw. This will mean Clemson has to respect the pass and not stack the box. Well then you will see Lattimore grind out some yards.
If Lattimore is slowed or gets hurt then the chances of a USC win is tough. Lattimore is the X factor as he forces the opposing team to respect the run which opens the passing game then it yields to a effective rushing attack.
3. The Tigers have had an inconsistent passing game all year, but the young receiving corps is flashing some ability and Kyle Parker is finally showing some improvement as well. How do you like the matchup of Clemson’s suspect passing game against SC’s banged-up secondary and formidable pass rush?
I think this is the match-up to watch for – Clemson’s pass attack versus the USC secondary. As you noted, the SC secondary is lacking in depth but the front line has held up pretty good this year due to their experience. I give the edge to SC when thinking about this as experience wins against youth. Another big key is the USC pass rush. Cliff Matthews and Devin Taylor have to get pressure off the edge and the DL’s must slow Harper or Ellington. If USC can limit the Tigers run game then it could be a long night for Dabo’s faithful.
4. Tiger foes have had some success this year targeting Clemson’s third and forth cornerbacks as our 1 and 2 guys have performed well. Which Gamecock receiver do you think may exploit this matchup?
Without hesitation the answer is Alshon Jeffery. Jeffery, a 6-4, 233-pounder from St. Matthews, S.C., leads the SEC with 70 receptions and with 1,210 receiving yards, averaging 110.0 yards per game. He is fifth in the NCAA in receiving yards per game and his 1,210 receiving yards is a school record.
Expect to see a big game from #1.
5. Watching a little Gamecock football this year, it appeared to me that two of your three losses were at least partly attributable to questionable late-game decisions by Spurrier that bordered on hubris. If this game goes down to the wire, how confident do you feel in the Head Ball Coach’s decision-making?
This has been the big frustration for us Carolina fans. Not sure what the Ol’ Ball Coach is thinking sometimes but he is the expert. I have faith in Spurrier. He knows how improtant it is to win this game as the season is defined by the next two USC games.
6. Prediction –
I tell myself that USC is peaking at the right time. The offense is balanced and the defense is playing with something to prove. This bolds well for USC. Clemson comes in after beating Wake but has had some issues throughout the season for many reasons. I expect USC to bring their balanced offense to Death Valley and find success. I expect the Carolina defense to get after it and shutdown the Clemson running attack. Disrupting Kyle Parker has to be done and force Clemson to make mistakes. I can see USC jumping to a early lead, taking the crowd out of it and coasting to a sound win.
The Gamecocks beat Dabo’s Clemson Tigers, who I hope wears purple Saturday, by the score of 34-17.
