Georgia Preview

If you look at this game on paper, South Carolina cannot win. Georgia's defensive line is too overpowering to allow Blake to throw the ball to Sidney; running will not be an option; South Carolina's defense is too inexperienced to play with Georgia's offense. Luckily for South Carolina the game is not played on paper.
It will be played in Columbia, where South Carolina fares well against Georgia.

Georgia's O v. SC D

If you have been under a rock for the last few months then you don't know that Georgia will start Joe Tereshinski III at quarterback. Joe T's father played at Georgia, his father's father played at Georgia, his Uncle played at Georgia, his dog played for Georgia and so on and so forth ad nauseum. Unfortunately for Georgia they only have the latest incarnation of the Tereshinski family tree under center. He was less than impressive against a subpar opponent last week, and the talk around Athens has been that backup Matthew Stafford should be playing this week.

Joe T is not a quality quarterback. Period. He can be pressured into making interceptions and mistakes. Without pressure he has not proven himself to be an especially accurate passer or effective leader. South Carolina needs to put pressure on him as often as possible, and their ability to do this could portend good things for the rest of the game.

Speaking of pressure, South Carolina will also have to try to stop the Georgia backfield. As always they will have a stable of quality running backs ready for action against the Gamecocks. South Carolina will probably not be able to contain them with their base defensive package. Stacking the box and blitzing will be key. Unless Tereshinski gets off to a hot start or can find some other way to stretch the field the Gamecocks should be able to stack the box, much in the way they were able to do against Mississippi State.

South Carolina O v. Georgia D

South Carolina's offense didn't really authoritatively answer any questions against Mississippi State. The only question that was answered for sure is that Cory Boyd is indeed back like cooked crack.

This matchup will be decisively determined by the play of the South Carolina offensive line. If the o-line can create some running lanes and give Blake some time to drop back, the offense should be able to put points on the board. Look for Sidney to be more effective against a depleted Georgia secondary (starter Thomas Flowers is suspended for the game).

What to look for

1. The battle in the trenches. South Carolina's o-line must give Blake some time if the Gamecocks are going to score with any semblance of consistency. Conversely, the d line must provide enough of a road block to keep the Georgia line off Jasper Brinkley.

2. Turnovers. This game is almost always close when its played in Columbia. Expect turnovers to play a big part in the momentum of the game and the ultimate outcome.

3. Obnoxious Georgia fans. They will not be hard to spot, and they will be everywhere. The best thing to do with them is to ...uh,....uh,.... I don't really know actually, I usually end up in a fight (and winning).

Sorry this is so short but I want to start drinking.