The South Carolina Gamecocks host the Navy Midshipmen at 6:00 p.m. on ESPN2 tonight and here are some final gameday thoughts on the game.
By now hopefully, you listened to our podcast and read our preview. Through both you hopefully get the picture that this is a game the USC can not take for granted and must play solid defense for four quarters as Navy is not a lightweight. They would love nothing more than to repeat ‘1984’ and ruin what could be a special season for USC.
Still feel USC wins 30-16 and here are some final things to think about concerning Navy –
What You Need To Know About Navy:
Navy is 2-0 for the first time since 2006 after wins versus Delaware (40-17) and Western Kentucky (40-14). The key to Navy is the same as always and that is their effective triple-option attack.
Navy has rushed for a total of 801 yards, leading the entire country in rushing yardage, averaging over 400 yards per game rushing. Quarterback Kriss Proctor and running backs Alexander Teich and John Howell have combined for 492 yards on the ground and five touchdowns.
Navy is eighth in the country in pass efficiency (194.03). They may not put the ball in the air but when they do, they can find success in doing so.
Navy Player to Watch:
Many will point to their quarterback Kriss Proctor, which is certainly a logical choice as he is the cog in the triple-option wheel but USC needs to watch for junior running back John Howell. He rushed for 113 yards on 3 carries, with 2 touchdowns last week. He has the speed to take it to the house and the Gamecocks need to watch him.
USC is the 10th ranked defense in the SEC and their rushing defense is giving up only 136 yards per game on the ground, but they will be challenged this week against Navy. If they can shut down Howell then it limits the ground attack of Navy.
What You Need To Know About South Carolina:
The 10th-ranked Gamecocks are currently 2-0 with victories over East Carolina (56-37) and Georgia (45-42).
The Gamecocks are led offensively by their “three headed offensive monster” – Garcia, Jeffery and Lattimore. Tailback Marcus Lattimore has rushed for 288 yards and four touchdowns on 50 carries (seventh best in the country for rushing yds/gm); while wide out Alshon Jeffery has 10 catches for 177 yards and one touchdown. Stephen Garcia is one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC. He is 18-40 passing for 252 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions this season.
USC Player to Watch:
For USC, linebacker Shaq Wilson needs to have a strong showing versus Navy. He is the quarterback of the defense at middle linebacker and he will be helping his team know where to go to stop the triple-option.
He has had only 10 tackles thus far and one fumble recovery to go with one pass break-up. He will need to help plug the running lanes and help play assignment football – both are keys to stopping Navy.
Key Position Matchup:
USC’s offensive line versus the Mids defensive line. Navy’s defense is ranked 39th in the country, giving up 320 yards of offense per game. South Carolina should be able to run the football well against the Midshipmen.
For USC to have success they must establish the run game and let Marcus Lattimore be Marcus Lattimore. Do that and good things happen.
Here is a interesting look at the game –
