Keys to a Win at LSU for the Gamecocks

USC has won six straight games dating back to last year to match the third-longest winning streak in the 114-year history of the football program (which is above 500 now thanks to SC State). So it is unlikely the Tigers (10 game winning streak) are overlooking the Gamecocks and LSU has outscored their first three opponents 137-7.

Everyone doubts a USC win and everyone talks about LSU speed and defense. Which I agree is amazing and LSU is the number team in the land. Think about this - The last time LSU went through a game without recording a sack was Oct. 29, 2005, 22 games ago. Oh yeah, again they have outscored their opponents 137-7....that means LSU has allowed an average of 2.3 points in three games. One word - Wow.

But I am telling you there is a chance for a Gamecock win. So what does it take to win against LSU?? Here are my keys to victory which must be excuted to perfection to win:

• USC Offense must Step Up -- Carolina must remain perfect in red zone, for all their offensive inconsistency, USC is perfect inside the 20-yard line, going 11 for 11 with eight TDs. That must continue and the passing game must work. For what has been the key of the offense, the run game, to have success the passing game has to play at its' best against LSU. We need WR to block downfield during run plays not to mention the line has to act like men against a big LSU line and create holes for Boyd/Davis to run through. We also need another WR to step up and have a 'stellar' game...McKinnley can not do it all as he will be shadowed the whole game until someone else proves themselves. Blake has to have a career game....period.
• USC Defense must keep LSU's Offense in check -- USC may face multiple QB's scenarios from LSU but USC must stick to the game plan and do what they do best. Our defense must get stops when it counts and don't give up big yards. No giving up and no relaxing on 3rd and 10. Gamecock defense needs to create TO's and knock down passes. Our defense will be tested but let's try to limit LSU to making FGs the whole game. Keep it close and we have a chance. Also it would be wise to win the clock mangament game...another words let's move the ball on offense and get some defensive stops so LSU offense is off the field.
• No Stupid Plays --- No dumb penalites on USC's part (Carlos Thomas are you listening) and USC must play a mistake free game to have a chance. If LSU makes a mistake we must pounce on it and take advantage; but let's not hurt ourselves in this game b/c let's be honest the Gamecocks need all the help they can get.
• Special Teams must shine -- I know that for every game I suggest this as a key but it can be and is. To win this game we need a big play and we need Succop to be perfect in all he does from punts to FGs. Also LSU has speed on their return units that must be contained. Let's translate...USC needs to tackle when kicking and recieving we need to block and run fast. We need to win the field position game.
• Gut check time -- For Carolina...yes if we lose we still have a chance for a SEC crown but that does not mean give up when losing. LSU could jump out to a quick 14-0 lead and USC can not hang their heads low. Now is the time...Carpe Diem...boys. A win here can go a long way and be a big win for the USC program.

What is your prediction? I know USC is a big underdog here but I feel we have a chance especially if we can keep it close. IF we do all the right things and don't hurt ourselves and give up big plays ---we have a chance. The Gamecocks need luck, determination and answered prayers to win. I hope this game is just like UGA - ugly but a nail-biting win...Carolina 24-23.

Let's hope I am right.............

LSU will be a challenge...

The 12th-ranked Gamecocks (3-0, 1-0 in the Southeastern Conference) know Saturday game at second-ranked LSU (3-0, 1-0) will be a challenge. LSU’s defense has rung up a long list of impressive numbers through three games.
Consider:

• One -- the number of touchdowns the No. 2-ranked Tigers have surrendered and where they rank nationally in scoring defense, pass efficiency defense and total defense.
• One -- Avg rushing yards per carry by opposing offense's against LSU defense.
• Two -- the number of shutouts in three games.
• Three -- LSU’s rank nationally in rushing defense (30 yards per game).
• Four -- LSU’s rank nationally in sacks (13).
• 161 -- The number of starts LSU’s 11 starters on defense has among them.

LSU has won 15 straight at home, but the Tigers fare better at night in Tiger Stadium. LSU is 203-59-3 at night at home but just 19-22-3 in day games, although the Tigers are 8-2 since 2000. USC is 2-14-1 against LSU, including 1-9 on the road. The lone win in Baton Rouge was an 18-17 victory Oct. 1, 1994.

If the Gamecocks, a 16-point underdog, have any chance of winning, the defense will have to continue its stellar play -- and the offensive line will have to improve mightily.

You Stay Classy Notre Dame

Notre Dame, ever boasting its purported moral superiority over thre rest of American colleges and universities, has decided that since they are, in fact, colossal pricks, they will not be releasing Demetrius Jones from his scholarship. Only recently had Jones transferred to Northern Illinois University. Jones, the current sacrificial lamb for the Weis implosion (more on that later), was the eventually named the opening day starting quarterback after days of Weis inexplicably refusing to divulge the starter.
Notre Dame is all Class Baby [Rumors and Rants]

Notre Dame, predictably, says they are on the higher moral ground when they take spiteful revenge on a 19 year old kid. Classy, ND, classy. Notre Dame reactions:
Demetrius Jones is a Communist [Rakes of Mallow]
Notre Dame Not Releasing Jones From Scholarship [uhnd.com]

Also ... Everyone knows Notre Dame's offense is horrible, but few can pinpoint exactly why (It's Charlie Weis - Ed.) CollegeGameBalls has Charlie Weis explaining the Notre Dame playbook. It's worth looking at here.



Delenda est Clemson

Succop on Ray Guy Award list

Reported in the Greenville News this afternoon....University of South Carolina junior Ryan Succop is one of 41 players named to the watch list for the 2007 Ray Guy Award, which goes to the nation's top college punter.

The 6-foot-2, 214-pound Hickory, N.C., native is averaging 41.9 yards per punt, with a long of 57 yards. Three of his 12 punts have been downed inside the 20-yard line.

The list will be cut to 10 semifinals in early November and three finalists will be named later that month. The winner will be announced Dec. 6 on ESPN. Let's all hope Succop wins this honor b/c he will go down as the best kicker / punter in school history.

Sidenote --- With Pepper out look for Senior outside linebacker Casper Brinkley, who played defensive end last year and occasionally this year, to be the starter at end heading into Saturday's game at No. 2 LSU. And freshman Def End Cliff Matthews to replace Brinkley at outside linebacker.

Don't forget to vote

For Cocky that is at the Capital One website.

Click here to go vote.

Quotes of the week

Joe Schad of ESPNU last night was breaking down the Charleston Southern vs. Hawaii game and said” I don’t think the College of Charleston defense has a chance of stopping Colt Brennan and the Hawaii offense.” Could somebody please let me know when the Cougars started playing football?

Hey Bozzzzzzz, Who you Wit

LFN has picked up MISS State

The Miss State game will be at 12:30 on September 29 per the University of South Carolina. Lincoln Financial will be covering the game as the SEC game of the week, which is usually a stellar cellar dweller game of the week. Hence Auburn vs. MSU last weekend or Alabama vs. Vandy the weekend before.
I guess any TV is good publicity for the university but come on 12:30 kick off. What are we the Big 10 now, playing early games just to get on TV.

Pepper Out

University of South Carolina junior defensive lineman Nathan Pepper’s season is done after he tore a ligament in his left knee on a 19-yard interception return for a touchdown in Saturday’s 38-3 victory over S.C. State. The 6-foot-1, 291-pound Pepper underwent an MRI on Monday that revealed the extent of the injury. The question is did the celebrating cause the injury? It was USC’s first defensive touchdown in nearly two years. He may get a redshirt this season and we wish him a speedy recovery.

Gamecocks 12th man?

Although only 73,095 fans showed up at Williams-Brice Stadium Saturday night, they did enough to bother the South Carolina State offense as the Bulldogs were hit with 14 penalties for 98 yards. In the Greenville News Sunday the SC State team pointed to crowd noise as the cause of some mistakes. I say that is great news and yes at time the crowd at Willy B was very loud. Here is how the article read -

"You have to bring in the crowd noise," said Bulldog quarterback Cleveland McCoy. "That played a factor. We didn't go over the silent count as much this week. You could kind of tell, as the game went on, that played an effect." "I can't take anything from USC's defense," said running back Will Ford. "But they ran their 12th man. That crowd was pumping us, making us jump offsides and false starts. The flags were killing us. It was rough. I couldn't hear the calls. I had to get all my signals from the sidelines and we couldn't hear snap counts so we had to go off Cleve's leg or the clap."

Congrats Duke (1 game winning Streak)

Here are teams that have been Duke, since the last time they won, against VMI back on September 17, 2005.

UConn

UVA (2 times)

Richmond

Wake (2 times)

VT

Bama

FSU (2 times)

Miami (2 times)

GT (2 Times)

Navy (2 times)

Vandy

UNC (2 times)

BC

Clemson

Well in a battle for the worst BCS Conference the Big 10 is officially the worst with Duke knocking off Northwestern this past weekend. If you judge a conference by there weakest link then the Big 10 is the worst hands down with Duke snapping the longest losing streak in the country. Thaddeus Lewis for Heisman

Side note- Duke has scored 7 more TD's then Notre Dame this season, Charles Weis offensive Genius.

This weeks tailgating picture of the week (please add your own Caption)

Also on a side note, here is the TIM TEBOW video.

Burnt Bun of the week

It is time for you to vote on the Burnt bun of the week, for player, team, coach or tailgating idoit that messed up, just pissed you off or whatever else there is.

1.) SC state and all there penalties, making the game last forever, 14 penalties for 95 yards.

2.) Xavier Littleberry talking shit all week about getting sacks, then not doing a thing during the game. Good job.

3.) Tim Tebow kissing his roommate and teammate on the cheek on the sideline during the UT game.

4.) USC band for getting beat down by the marching 101 on the field.

5.) Freddie Brown getting dropping a TD pass in the end zone on Saturday.

If You're Going to Baton Rouge...

I don't know where this story came from. I have been told it was originally posted on an Auburn message board years ago. Here is the link where I found it today.

Take heed and enjoy.

LSU fans smell just like corn dogs.

Yes, it is often said, but so, so true.

LSU fans do smell like corn dogs.

I would never tell them that to their face though. This is something
better said at internet distances. Even now, I am afraid.

I am afraid that they'll know I said it. I'll walk past an LSU fan
someday, and he'll see that look in my eye that gives it away.
That look that says, "gee, what is that smell? Is it corn dogs?"
The next thing you know, I'll have flat tires on my car.

If you only learn one thing from me today, remember not to tell LSU
fans how they smell - you know, like corn dogs.

LSU fans seem, somehow, sensitive to that whole corn dog issue.

I think this may be why a lot of fans get beaten up by LSU fans. If you
attend a game in Baton Rouge, try to avoid telling them that they smell
like corn dogs. Say something else instead. Like, "Wow, LSU sure does
have a great team this year. This is going to be a great SEC game."

It's hard. I know. It's like when you're having sex and you try to
think about baseball. That corn dog smell is just so overwhelming.
It makes it hard for you to think about football or baseball or
whatever else. Your brain wanders into corn dog topics like: "Gee, I
wonder if I took a bite of your finger, if you would taste just like
a corn dog?"; or "Is this a real person or is it a giant corn dog trying
to make me think it is a real person?" or "What did that giant corn dog
just say?" or "Excuse me, Mister, why is it that you smell just exactly
like corn dogs smell?" or, of course, after a silencer:
"Madam, did you just let the corn dogs out?"


Pic From Loser With Socks

Heck, after what I've heard about LSU fans, I think it may be better
not to smell them at all. Okay, not all of them. Some of them are
nice. Sure. Smell the nice ones. That's okay.

You know what else is a bad thing to do? Holding your nose around them.
They are real sensitive to that, too. Try holding your breath. But
don't be obvious about it. Somehow they know you're trying not to
breathe in the corn dog smell. And that offends them. They'll likely
punch you for that if they catch on to what you're doing.

If you do breathe it in long enough, though, it'll permeate your whole
body, and then you'll smell like a corn dog just like they do. But
don't say, "Dang, now I smell like a corn dog." They take offense to
that. And they will throw things. But not corn dogs. Hard stuff.
Stuff that leaves bruises and makes you bleed. Then you may have to get
stitches or something. Just don't say it. If you do start smelling like
a corn dog, just shut up about it. Okay?

I think kids are acutely aware of corn dog smells too. Counsel your
kids on how to behave around LSU fans. If LSU fans are driving around
town, do not let your kids stick their heads out of your car window and
sniff the air. No. Keep your windows rolled up. An odd change in
their expression - indicating they smell corn dogs - might get a wrench
or pipe or some other object tossed at your windshield. So, that's
dangerous. Let your kids stick their heads out of the car windows as
you drive - on some other weekend

I know you are just as puzzled as I am about some of this corn dog
stuff. What puzzles me most is that I've never actually seen any of
these LSU fans with a corn dog in their hand. Okay, maybe there's no
mystery there - maybe they already ate the corn dogs. Who knows?
Maybe there's a corn dog factory in Baton Rouge and they all work there.
Maybe, there's a corn dog lotion that they wear, or a French perfume.


Maybe their city council puts corn dog juice in the water supply -
kind of like fluoride. The politics there are probably weird.
The big political issue during the city election is whether they should
add more ketchup or more mustard to the water. Don't comment on it
though. It's not politically correct over there. It's like a
malnutrition issue or something. It's like the corn dogs are probably
added to the water to prevent starvation or something.

I know when you go to Baton Rouge, you're thinking: "Ahhhh. Here I am
in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I'll bet the people here smell just like
boiled crawfish or shrimp etoufe' or some fancy Cajun food." But just
stop thinking that. That's just a myth. They smell just like corn dogs.

In fact, please listen to my advice. Leave them alone about the corn
dog odor. And don't try masking the odor with something stronger.
They'll curse at you. They'll say something like: "WTF, how dare you
smoke a cigar in my home," or "WTF!! Are you too good for the smell of
corn dogs?" and they'll cuss out your kids too: "WTF!!! Little Mister
fancy pants over here acts like he doesn't want to smell like corn dogs."

Cajuns are not like us. Don't you see that, yet? They are really
sensitive about being sniffed and about their corn dog aroma. They know
they smell like corn dogs and it is no laughing matter to them at all.
I know, I know. We sniff the bammers and the UGA dawgs and the Ole
messes, and we keep a straight face with each of them, but don't press
your luck with the Cajun tiger fans. Don't refer to Death Valley as corn
dog valley either. I mean that's just wrong. Even if you've been
drinking, they'll beat you up and curse out your kids.

Along these lines, be extra careful when you laugh in their direction -
even if you're laughing about something else. Like baseball or football,
or sex or whatever. If you can't control yourself and you must laugh
though, do not snort. The snorting makes them think that you smell their
corn dog body odor from a distance or that you're choking on it or
something. They'll likely burn your van for that. We lost a campus
building over just one snort.

So, just remember. You can love one another without sniffing each
other. You can enjoy the clash of a couple of good football teams.
You can enjoy the thrill of the rivalry. But after the game, please heed
my words. Please just move along. No sniffing the opposing fans this
Saturday. Okay? Get your corn dog jollies at home.

Gamecocks #12 in AP

The South Carolina Gamecocks are ranked number 12 in the AP poll going into their battle against the #2 LSU Tigers in death valley on this coming Saturday.

Also the Gamecocks are tied for 14th in the USA Today Poll with Clemson, who will face NC State in their next game.

LSU game will be at 3;30 on CBS

Go Cocks

Gamecocks win against Bulldogs

In a game plagued by 10 turnovers and double-digit penalties by South Carolina State, the University of South Carolina defeated the Bulldogs 38-3 in the first meeting ever between the two schools, which are about 40 miles apart. It was ugly but it is a "win." SCSU got 230k to get beat by the gamecocks.

USC committed five turnovers in the first 30 minutes and still led 17-3 at halftime behind the first defensive touchdown in more than a year. USC turned it over a sixth time -- the most in 28 games under coach Steve Spurrier -- when cornerback Bailey Brinson picked off quarterback Blake Mitchell's pass with 4:52 left in the third quarter. USC had not committed more than four turnovers -- or thrown more than three interceptions -- in Spurrier's tenure.

The 12th-ranked Gamecocks won but it was not anything special, especially in the first half, but the 'cocks are 3-0 for the first time since 2001 heading to No. 2 LSU next Saturday.

Grading the Keys to the Win

Let's Grade the Keys to a Win that LOHD posted earlier:

1. Stay focused - The Gamecocks don't need to get caught up in the history or "talk" and just play football. Yes we all know that Spurrier will run a basic offense and defense this week due to a big game next week. The players just need to do their job today and get a 'W'.

• We give them a "A" here becuase the defense looked great (of course SCS helped us some).

2. Mix up the Offense - Gamecocks need to get everyone involved today and let's see a mix of run / pass. Would be good to see Boyd / Davis get over a hundred yards rushing...

• USC rushed for 223 yards, the most in the Spurrier era, behind tailbacks Cory Boyd and Mike Davis. Boyd finished with 132 yards, including a 29-yard touchdown run. Davis finished with 102 yards. Mitchell's numbers were 14 of 21 with just 147 yards and three touchdowns. USC gets a "B+" here due to the fact that the passing game could have been better.

3. Stop the run on defense -the SC State team runs a run - option type of offense so we need to stop the run and keep them from moving the ball with success.

• USC gets a "C+" here due to the fact that SC State racked up over 200 yards rushing.

4. Fundamentals - basically the gamecocks on defense need to make tackles, play their assignments against the option and knock down the passes. It is simple just execute and victory will not be hard.

• I give the gamecocks a "A-" here too. They made some but missed some too.
  

5. Special Teams --- USC also has not made many big plays on special teams so it would be nice to see a good run or two off a punt / kick off. Also the flip side is we need to play excellent coverage and not let their speed bite us. We need to win field position today.

• USC gets a "B-" here; the gamecocks need to tackle better on kickoff coverage especially with LSU next week b/c they have the speed to take it to the house.