GAME PREVIEW
SOUTH CAROLINA vs. FLORIDA – OCT. 20 in Columbia, S.C.
SOUTH CAROLINA OUTLOOK
Running back Marcus Lattimore will return from injury and the former SEC Freshman of the Year will bring a significant boost to the Gamecocks’ offense that ranked 73rd in total offense last year. Lattimore also has a great shot at being involved in Heisman Trophy consideration by season’s end. Connor Shaw will return as stating quarterback and figures to be a more established passer this season after leading them to a 7–1 record as the starter sans Lattimore. On defense, former No. 1 overall recruit Jadeveon Clowney, along with Devin Taylor, gives the Gamecocks a dominating presence on the defensive line. Overall, South Carolina’s defense features a core group of seniors that will look to repeat as one of the nation’s best pass defenses in 2011. Experience on both offense and defense gives South Carolina an excellent shot at making it to Atlanta in December, but it will depend on the success of both Shaw and Latimore. Anything less than a SEC Championship berth will be a disappointment for South Carolina fans.
QUARTERBACK
Junior Connor Shaw finally has the starting job to himself with Stephen Garcia gone. Shaw will look to build on his 1,448 passing yards and 14 touchdowns. Shaw also provides another dimension with his running ability as he amassed 525 rushing yards and eight touchdowns.
RUNNING BACK
Getting Marcus Lattimore back from a knee injury will bring stability to the South Carolina offense. With almost 1,200 yards his freshman year on 249 attempts, Lattimore can be the workhorse of Spurrier’s offense and is a favorite as a potential Heisman Trophy candidate this season. Brandon Wilds will give them a reliable backup option since he received significant playing time last season in Lattimore’s absence.
RECEIVER
Alshon Jeffery is gone, but junior Ace Sanders, sophomore Bruce Ellington and freshman Shaq Roland should help fill the
void left by Jeffery. Justice Cunningham and Rory Anderson anchor a tight end group that only had four touchdowns between the two of them. Look for them to be bigger assets in the running game.
OFFENSIVE LINE
The Gamecocks return three starters on the offensive line in A.J. Cann, T.J. Johnson and Cody Gibson. Cann and Gibson now have one year of experience playing within the SEC, which should increase the reliability of a line that allowed 30 sacks in 2011.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Melvin Ingram is gone, but the firepower isn’t. Devin Taylor and SEC Freshman of the Year Jadeveon Clowney give the Gamecocks a strong presence up front. Clowney has the potential to turn into a superstar has he attempts to build on his eight sacks as a freshman.
LINEBACKER
The linebacker corps for South Carolina features tons of experience with three-tofive seniors expected to get playing time. Shaq Wilson and Reginald Bowens, two starters from the 2011 season, will anchor this veteran defensive group in 2012.
DEFENSIVE BACK
In 2011, the Gamecocks were the nation’s second best passing defense and in 2012 they return three senior starters. D.J. Swearinger had 58 tackles and three interceptions as he looks to be the leader of the secondary now that Stephon Gilmore has gone to the NFL.
SPECIAL TEAMS
South Carolina’s special teams group is laden with uncertainty. As of now, no starter has been determined for the Gamecocks at either position. Wide receiver Ace Sanders has the potential to be a standout punt returner in the SEC and should be receiving the majority of punt returns throughout the season.
16 GATOR COUNTRY | OCT/2012
FAST FACTS
Colors: Garnet and black Location: Columbia, S.C. Enrollment: 44,557 Conference: Southeastern Conference, Eastern Division
QUICK READS
Coach: Steve Spurrier, 8th year 2011 records: 11–2, 6–2 in SEC Offensive coordinators: Shawn Elliot/ Steve Spurrier Jr. Offensive formation: Pro Defensive coordinator: Lorenzo Ward Defensive formation: 4–3 Key returners: RB Marcus Lattimore, RB Brandon Wilds, QB Connor Shaw, WR Ace Sanders, DL Devin Taylor, DL Jadeveon Clowney, LB Shaq Wilson, DB D.J. Swearinger Key newcomers: RB Mike Davis, ATH Jerell Adams, DB Jordan Diggs, WR Shaq Roland
SCHEDULE
8/30 @ Vanderbilt 9/8 East Carolina 9/15 Alabama-Birmingham 9/22 Missouri 9/29 @ Kentucky 10/6 Georgia 10/13 @ LSU 10/20 @ FLORIDA 10/27 Tennessee 11/10 Arkansas 11/17 Wofford 11/24 @ Clemson
Fact: That number is just one away from the program’s record 14 top-10 teams in 2009–10.