Saturday, September 27, 2008

5 Keys to a USC Win vs UAB


I strongly feel that USC will win today against the dragons of UAB. Here are the 5 keys to a Carolina win:

1. The strength of the team must continue to be the strength --- USC continues to rank among the nation's leaders in defense. The Gamecocks are first in pass defense and ninth in total defense (225 yards a game) and 16th in scoring defense (12.75 points). The Carolina D must again step up and limit the UAB offense. UAB broke a three-game losing streak Saturday, whipping Alabama State 45-10. Wide receiver Frantrell Forrest is UAB's main offensive threat and ranks ninth nationally in all-purpose yards at 180 a game. So control WR Forrest, limit their big plays, and get some 3 and outs so the Carolina offense can remain on the field.

2. USC must create TOs on Defense and have none on Offense --- The Gamecocks are 112th out of 119 Football Bowl Subdivision teams in turnover margin at 1.75. USC has three fumble recoveries and two interceptions. Coupled with 12 offensive turnovers, the Gamecocks’ rank 112th in the country in turnover margin. Enough is enough on offense!!! Defense just needs to keep playing aggressive.

3.USC Offense must click --- The time is now for the offense to begin to click....this game is the final tune-up before the meat of the schedule so let's see a solid performance. UAB is allowing 34.75 points and 494.75 yards a game to rank 117th out of 119 FBS teams in both categories nationally. So there is a chance to put up some points and improve the offensive stats....USC is tied for 96th in rushing (113.25 yards), 92nd in scoring (20.25), 78th in total offense (339.75 yards) and 52nd in passing (226.5 yards). No more throwing in triple coverage, make the reads, check on recieving options and execute like we all know a Spurrier offense can. I want to see a offense that runs smoothly and acts like they know how to win.

4.USC O- line play --- USC is 113th in sacks allowed at 3.25 a game...113! Dear O line please step up and protect the qb, create some running lanes and give whoever is under center some time to get a throw off. Knock the opposing d line back and show us why you are a starting offensive lineman in the sec...

5. No injuries - USC needs to have no injuries on either side of the ball.

I want to see a USC team that is hungry to win and ready to kick ass...
My prediction - USC 37 UAB 10

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

You make a good point about creating TOs. Our defense has been very effective, but if there's one thing they've failed to do, it's create TOs. This team has had trouble capitalizing on opponents mistakes going back to last year. I thought we'd improved in this area after NC State, but after watching Jasper drop an interception against Vandy and watching us fail to pick up Stafford's fumble against UGA (which would've been HUGE at that point in the game), I may have been wrong.