Well the last time we played NC State I was a freshman at Carolina, and don’t really remember a hole lot about the game except we lost. Derek Watson was playing in his first game as a Gamecock as Lou was coaching his first game in the Garnet and Black. A lot has changed since then for both schools. Steve Spurrier is not calling the plays at USC while Chuck is gone and Tom 0’Brien is now incharge.
What to watch for: NC State will try and take advantage of USC’s QB situation hoping to keep Tommy Beecher off balance. This can also be said for USC’s defense as I am sure Elis Johnson will be sending the blitz packages often. Keeping first time starter Russell Wilson off guard. NC State will try and run the ball with a handful of backs including Jamelle Eugene, Andre Brown and Toney Baker. The rumor is that NC state will try and run a spread option similar to West Virginia in the past since Wilson is suppose to be an excellent running QB, racking up over 4000 total yards his senior year in high school. USC has had trouble with this type of offense in the past, see Wofford from 2006, or Florida from 2007. This could mean trouble for the Gamecock defense or this could be a major disaster for a offense that has never run the option before. I guess we will have to wait and see on Thursday.
What will happen: South Carolina defense will carry the Gamecocks stopping NC State in their tracks. Look for the Gamecocks to have better offensive success in the 2nd half. The Wolfpack defense will try and double team Kenny, so look for the tight end tandem of Cook and Saunders to have a big game. The running back by commit should also help to wear down NC state’s defense over time, Taylor Rank might be the starter but look out for Mike Davis early and often.
Prediction
NC State 12
South Carolina 35
What to watch for: NC State will try and take advantage of USC’s QB situation hoping to keep Tommy Beecher off balance. This can also be said for USC’s defense as I am sure Elis Johnson will be sending the blitz packages often. Keeping first time starter Russell Wilson off guard. NC State will try and run the ball with a handful of backs including Jamelle Eugene, Andre Brown and Toney Baker. The rumor is that NC state will try and run a spread option similar to West Virginia in the past since Wilson is suppose to be an excellent running QB, racking up over 4000 total yards his senior year in high school. USC has had trouble with this type of offense in the past, see Wofford from 2006, or Florida from 2007. This could mean trouble for the Gamecock defense or this could be a major disaster for a offense that has never run the option before. I guess we will have to wait and see on Thursday.
What will happen: South Carolina defense will carry the Gamecocks stopping NC State in their tracks. Look for the Gamecocks to have better offensive success in the 2nd half. The Wolfpack defense will try and double team Kenny, so look for the tight end tandem of Cook and Saunders to have a big game. The running back by commit should also help to wear down NC state’s defense over time, Taylor Rank might be the starter but look out for Mike Davis early and often.
Prediction
NC State 12
South Carolina 35
2 comments:
on why rank is starting...
Taylor Rank is getting the start at running back against NC State for multiple reasons. First of all, he had a strong summer and has been solid in fall practice. Secondly, Mike Davis was very sick last week, to the point where he had to be given fluids intravenously, and he’s still working his way back to 100%. Finally, Brian Maddox has had some problems holding on to the football in practice.”
Yeh, Maddox's fumblitis and Rank's seniority is why whitey is getting the nod. Can't wait for him to breakaway in a 30 yard run so people can automatically claim he's the next Brewer. I'll try to coin the phrase that "Rank's playin' ball like Drew Meyer."
Call me that guy that always brings up the backup, but I'm hoping Kenny Miles gets a shot. Maybe he can go for a drive or two then get a medical redshirt for turf toe or something, ala SmelleyCock.
Moose,
Has Carolina ever scored 35 points in the past 100 years of football? I'm pretty sure in one of the LOUser seasons we didn't put 35 points all year. Maybe we put up 34 on UCF in Spur's first game.
Tommy Beecher will have a spectacular overall game where he does nothing particularly great. Keep It Simple. That's what made Blake one of the best QBs in Carolina's history. Saunders and Cook will make or break us. Speaking of..
I'm guessing our TEs will get between 8-10 passes. Maybe they can be our redzone TD-makers, similar to how UT beat us a few years ago.
Interesting detail, pay attention to when Saunders comes into the game. It was Spur's tendency to put him in on passing plays last season.
Our first offensive play will be a run off tackle. It always is. If we get a first down in the first series, look for a deep fly to Moe.
It's a stretch, but I'd like to see King go ironman for a few possessions in the second half if we're up.
Defense will make our season, just in case we're doomed to the cock-n-misfire for another season. I can see us snagging two picks in this opener. Don't get too irritated if the pack gains a ton of yards off a gimmicky offense. We'll still dominate.
Pack scores less than 10 = great performance
Cocks put up more than 20 = great performance
Anything else different than the above scenario will probably make me follow a bottle of bourbon with a bottle of scotch.
-A DEVIOUS SUMMER
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