Crimson Tide v Gamecocks Post-Game Reflections

Again, we here at LOHD like to wait at least a day to let the win or loss soak in before giving some feedback on the past game.

I is amazing about the loss to Bama is you will rarely see a team win the turnover battle, time of possession battle and field position battle and still lose by 2 TDs. You can’t create 4 turnovers and score zero points off those turnovers and still expect to win. The Gamecocks had opportunities to put Bama away time and time again and couldn’t capitalize.  We had great chance but just could not pull it out.

The Gamecocks were just overmatched at the point of attack. South Carolina did a good job hanging in there for much of the game but ultimately the battle in the trenches simply proved too much. That said, give USC a lot of credit for hanging tough.  BUT "hanging tough" does not get you much - just look at the New Kids on the Block.

LOHD "Hot Dog Hero" of the game
LB Shaq Wilson -- Since moving into the starting lineup in place of injured Rodney Paulk, Wilson leading up to this last game had been criticized for poor tackling and decisions, but the sophomore was solid against the Crimson Tide. His 11 tackles tied S Chris Culliver for team-high honors. Wilson added 1 1/2 tackles for loss and an interception during the best performance of his career.

Chew on this....

• The Gamecock defense finished the game with four turnovers, doubling Alabama’s season total.
• The 20-point output for the Tide was their lowest of the season.
• Alabama finished with only 92 yards receiving – the second-lowest output for an opposing team against the Gamecocks this year.

3 Areas to Focus on in Practice from the LOHD Coaching Box

• The offensive line, which has been shuffled nearly every game this season, was overmatched against Alabama's front. QB Stephen Garcia was under constant pressure and was sacked five times.  I know it is a rotating line-up from week to week and "who is on first" but somehow this group needs to man up going forward.
• The running game, which ranked dead last in the SEC the past two seasons, is improved but still is in need of being a constant threat. Carolina managed only 64 yards on the ground, but that's against the top-ranked defense in the nation.  Running the ball has to get better.  I know Bama had a great D but I want to see a better running attack...maybe this goes back to point #1.
• Play Calling in the Red Zone, I love ya Spurrier and you are smarter than me in this category but seriously - why so many fade routes after they were not working?  Something tells me this guy does not take "no" very good.

Next up....
#23 South Carolina (5-2, 2-2 SEC) hosts Vanderbilt (2-5, 0-4) on Saturday.