5 Keys for South Carolina (plus some SEC picks)

Five Keys South Carolina vs. East Carolina

5) Throwing the ball effectively

South Carolina Quarterbacks only threw for 67 yards last Thursday against Vanderbilt’s defense.  Those 67 yards were all thrown by Shaw, as Andrew Clifford and Dylan Thompson failed to complete a pass.  East Carolina showed last week that it was vulnerable to the pass by allowing Appalachian State Quarterback Jamal Jackson throw for 300 yards.

4) Run, Marcus, Run.

Lattimore has proved himself healthy, willing, and able coming off a good performance against Vanderbilt.  That stat line showed he’s back for sure, and he even earned SEC Offensive Player of the Week.  South Carolina needs to run the ball well to set up an air attack against East Carolina, especially if Connor Shaw is on the bench.

3) Limit Points/Third Down Conversions

The Gamecocks need to try to avoid getting into a shootout with the Pirates.  East Carolina has won 32 of 37 games win scoring 30+ points.  Last weekend, East Carolina was 9 for 16 on third down conversions.

 

2) Force Turnovers

Shaq Wilson made a pivotal interception against Vanderbilt in the red zone last week.  This and a couple of other big plays that went South Carolina’s way was the difference in that ball game.  Appalachian State was able to force a couple of turnovers against East Carolina.  I believe if South Carolina could follow suit and add a couple, they will be in a comfortable spot against the Pirates.

1) Tough Defense

If you haven’t got the point across your head that I think South Carolina’s defense is pivotal to win this game, then get it in your noggin.  This unit has got to play a tough game tomorrow to set the team up for success.  We are not sure Connor Shaw is 100% ,and this could limit South Carolina’s options on offense.  The defense must limit East Carolina’s fast-paced offense, and this offense will be a good challenge and a good measuring stick for this defense.

I think South Carolina needs to play a physical contest and limit the Pirates’ options on offense.  I think the beginning of this game will be a struggle for the Gamecocks, but once they find a rhythm, they will be fine.  East Carolina will put up some points though.  I predict South Carolina 31-17.

Here are some other SEC games I predicted on twitter this week.  I went out on a limb this week, so if they don’t work out for me, expect me to be more conservative. Here goes nothing:

Mississippi State 27 Auburn 16

LSU 42 Washington 14

Texas A&M 20 Florida 10

Vanderbilt 24 Northwestern 10

My crazy one….

Missouri 30 Georgia 28

I don’t know why I picked that, but we’ll see if it’s a good one. If I didn't pick your team, it was probably because they were playing somebody they should be beating bad. Well that’s all I got folks! Feel free to shoot me an email at JCGriffin13@yahoo.com or tweet me @griffaldo . Thanks for the read!