The South Carolina Gameoccks got a nice win against The Citadel by the score of 41-20. It was one of those type wins that gives a team confidence as both units perform really well. Still must improve on special teams but let’s look at this win a little deeper….
First Reaction
Stop scheduling teams with any experience with a triple-option or any similar offense, Carolina’s defense goes (DITHL) “Deer in the Head Lights” everytime we line up against this formation, whether it be Navy, Wofford or the Citadel. Regardless of the good line of scrimmage play and penetration by the defense, the Citadel moved the ball consistently against South Carolina and made for a much scarier game than expected until the latter half of the game.
Carolina (9-2, 6-2 SEC) had an effective and controlling, balanced offense with Connor Shaw again showing true poise and leadership to put away the non-conference win.
On the Offense
Beautiful game for the offense, a mix of ground attack and aerial display with Connor Shaw leading the team down the field. Shaw (16-18, 217 yards, 3 TD, 1 Int) barely skipped a beat with an early interception and then rolled to an exceptional performance, showing off again his scrambling ability with a career-high 60 yard run as icing on the cake to his effective afternoon. Averaging 12.1 yards per pass, with a nod to Alshon Jeffery’s again for an amazing one handed reception, I hope coach Spurrier gets more comfortable with a “Fun and Gun” with Carolina. The passing game when used, as again today, has been effective. Brandon Wild’s performance was impressive -164 total yards total, 109 on the ground. He continues to impress again and makes one anticipate next year with both himself and a returned Marcus Lattimore in the backfield. The offensive line created ample opportunity to develop the attack and should get credit for the stats generated as they controlled the line of scrimmage all day. The offense put up points in every quarter and Coach Spurrier’s “Fourth down and GO for It” is gaining momentum and confidence among the players. Connor Shaw gets my Game Ball – leadership, poise, and form.
On the Defense
It was painful to watch our fantastic defense sputter against a non-conference game. Big applause for the men at The Citadel who kept banging away and kept it close. We need to tighten up on the penalties, as though not important in this game, those could be crucial against Clemson. The triple-option again stymied Carolina, keeping us on our toes all evening. We kept an even keel and locked down on the second half but the first half was a nightmare as The Citadel moved at their leisure it seemed. The secondary had little ability to shine as there was no passing game, and had to adapt to pure “run-mode” defense, which finally matured in the second half. They did the job at games’s end.
In summation
We won. 9-2 and bring on our friends in Clemson, who got spanked by NC State 37-13 today. Georgia overcame a valiant Kentucky to lock up the SEC East so we have to focus on Clemson/Bowl Game time so let’s look to what we have in hand.
Clemson at home, explosive offense yet a loss to NC State makes them question themselves. Great drama to a great season – Connor Shaw, here is your game. The USC defense must step up with pressure and strong secondary play, Connor Shaw has to be effective like he was versus The Citadel and Brandon Wilds needs to be ready to carry some load.
South Carolina’s biggest fan in London awaits this game. A Happy Thanksgiving to all the LOHD fans and the South Carolina community, still begging the wife for at least a turkey sandwich, it is hell not being in the Good Ol’ US of A! I miss the South! Go Cocks!
***Make sure to watch the video highlights of the game – Video Highlights of South Carolina vs. The Citadel
