Monday, November 02, 2009

Gamecocks v Vols Postgame Reflections


South Carolina showed there is no margin for error in the SEC especially when playing a good defense and have a struggling offense.

Halloween night turned into a real-life nightmare for gamecock fans.  USC’s offense turned the ball over on its first two possessions, and the Vols scored on both ensuing drives as Tennessee blasted No. 21 Carolina 31-13 on Halloween night.
“They were a lot better than us tonight,” USC coach Steve Spurrier said. “We didn’t play very well and we got our tails whipped. Tennessee played well.”
Through the first 8 games, the Gamecocks had just 9 turnovers.  Saturday at Neyland Stadium, the South Carolina Gamecocks gave up the ball four times, in effect giving up any realistic chance of victory.  The gamecocks offense had glimmers of hope throughout the night with Garcia with over 300 yards and 8 different gamecocks catching a pass but it was not enough to dig out of the hole that was established less than four minutes into the game.  USC D aslo played well but again when you spot the opposing team 21 points, well it is tough.

The Gamecocks now face a game that they need to win and have a chance to do that.  In order to win, no TOs, strong D and a hungry offense.  This upcoming Ark-kansas game is in my view the most important of the season.

LOHD "Hot Dog Hero" of the game
LB Eric Norwood ---had a team-high six tackles, two pass breakups and a quarterback hurry.

Chew on this...
  • S DeVonte Holloman made his first career start, becoming the 17th Gamecock to make his first start this season.
  • KR Chris Culliver is 48 yards shy of overtaking Kentucky's Derek Abney (2,263) and moving into fourth place in SEC history for kickoff return yardage.
  • DE Devin Taylor blocked a field goal try, South Carolina's fourth block of the season.
  • QB Stephen Garcia threw for 300 yards for the third time this season.
What to work on in practice this week ---
  • Line play --- need the O line to get a bit better in creating lanes and better protection.
  • Fumble Drills --- no more please, teach to hold on to the ball.
  • Leadership --- I know the team is young but time to play much more experienced as this is when the going gets tough and the tough get going!
The Gamecocks head to Arkansas needing a win to avoid another late-season collapse. No. 1 Florida and surging Clemson are the final two opponents for South Carolina, so don't feel sorry for yourself as it is time tor respond---Go COCKS!

No comments: