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Quarterback Steven Garcia produced more yds. last year in conference games than any other qb. in the Sec. He is quietly becoming a star in the conference. South Carolina signed Parade All American Marcus Lattimore to help out with the running game. Between these two and a host of talented wide-outs the Gamecocks should be much improved on the offensive side of the ball.
Now to the negative on offense. This line stunk last year and even though they should be improved, it remains a serious question mark. Carolina was dead last in the sec in rushing offense and eleventh in scoring offense and it was mostly because no one blocked anybody.
The good news is on the defensive side of the ball. The line led by tackle Ladi Ajiboye and end Cliff Mathews should be strong. Carolina last year was near the top of most defensive stats and should be this year.
The loss of All American linebacker Eric Norwood is huge, but Shaq Wilson should fit in nicely to fill the void. The secondary is loaded with talent return three of four starters including safety
. The kicking game should also be solid.
Overall this should be the best Carolina team in a while. If Garcia can remain healthy and not make the mental mistake in the big game as he's been prone to do, I like the Gamecocks chances to challenge the Gators for the Sec East. After all Florida, Tennessee and Georgia are all breaking in new qbs.
The problem may be the schedule. Away games at Auburn and Florida. Tough home games against Bama, and Arkansas. I really think the key game for them is their sec opener against Georgia. If they win that game it could set the tone for a really great year. This is a team on paper that really looks good. Now can they go out and do it?
Red Raiders prediction: Best case scenario; I think 9-3 and that's if everything fall into place. Worst case scenario; another 7-5 season like last.
Lastly I will say this, This will be a dangerous team who could easily win the Sec east this year. I would not want to play them in Columbia!!!
Now to the negative on offense. This line stunk last year and even though they should be improved, it remains a serious question mark. Carolina was dead last in the sec in rushing offense and eleventh in scoring offense and it was mostly because no one blocked anybody.
The good news is on the defensive side of the ball. The line led by tackle Ladi Ajiboye and end Cliff Mathews should be strong. Carolina last year was near the top of most defensive stats and should be this year.
The loss of All American linebacker Eric Norwood is huge, but Shaq Wilson should fit in nicely to fill the void. The secondary is loaded with talent return three of four starters including safety
. The kicking game should also be solid.
Overall this should be the best Carolina team in a while. If Garcia can remain healthy and not make the mental mistake in the big game as he's been prone to do, I like the Gamecocks chances to challenge the Gators for the Sec East. After all Florida, Tennessee and Georgia are all breaking in new qbs.
The problem may be the schedule. Away games at Auburn and Florida. Tough home games against Bama, and Arkansas. I really think the key game for them is their sec opener against Georgia. If they win that game it could set the tone for a really great year. This is a team on paper that really looks good. Now can they go out and do it?
Red Raiders prediction: Best case scenario; I think 9-3 and that's if everything fall into place. Worst case scenario; another 7-5 season like last.
Lastly I will say this, This will be a dangerous team who could easily win the Sec east this year. I would not want to play them in Columbia!!!
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