Previewing Clemson at South Carolina: Topics for Discussion on the Tigers Offense

by Gamecock Man on Nov 23, 2009 3:22 PM EST in Football Comment 4 comments

More photos » Mary Ann Chastain - AP

Clemson's quarterback Kyle Parker (11) throws downfield during the first half of their NCAA college football game against Middle Tennessee State Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Mary Ann Chastain)

Browse more photos »

Can we slow down C.J. Spiller and Jacoby Ford? The Tigers use the spread to get Spiller and Ford the ball in space quite often. (Note to Tommy Bowden: this is how you take advantage of your best players.) You'll also see them use Ford as a deep threat and Spiller on wheel routes. This offense presents unique challenges to our defense, but in the end, what's important is that our linebackers and safeties play smart, don't get lost in coverage, and don't miss tackles. If they do, we can slow these guys down, as some teams with less athletes than us have managed to do to some degree. If we don't, though, it could be a long day for our defense. One thing to note is that we've seemed to be a bit more vulnerable to teams that pound the ball than teams like Clemson, so history would suggest that we'll do OK.

Can we pressure Kyle Parker? The Tigers are 44th in the country in sacks allowed, which suggests that they enjoy good but not great pass protection. The Gamecocks, on the other hand, have had an inconsistent pass rush. At times, such as against Ole Miss and Alabama, Eric Norwood and our ends have looked unstoppable when rushing the quarterback. At other times, we've put very little pressure on the quarterback. Not surprisingly, when we do get pressure, our defense looks like one of the best in the country. Let's hope we do it this week, as well.

Can we force turnovers? Kyle Parker has thrown nine interceptions on the year. If we want some turnovers, we'll have to try to get to him, as the running backs for this team are pretty sure handed. Forcing a couple of turnovers is a big deal in this game; it's not a coincidence that we've struggled so much over the past few weeks while not forcing a single one.

Now it's your turn. What do you have to say to these questions? What important points did I miss?

0 recs | Comment 4 comments | Share

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Is it Clemson week already?

I think we can win this game. The question is: does the team think they can win?

It would be nice to get a defensive score before the year is out. I know that’s asking a lot from our defense, but I believe in Norwood, Mathews, Geathers, Gilmore, and Culliver.

Clemson, if I recall, has a pretty good pass rush. It will be important to get our screens and dump-offs working early. I’ll be looking for Alshon and Gurley on deep routes with Moe Brown and LeCorn underneath.

I’ll also be looking for Clemson to dissapoint their fans in new ways this year. Would an ACC championship birth be as sweet with a loss to Carolina? I’d love to find out…

Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina

by The Feathered Warrior on Nov 23, 2009 3:55 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

We can beat the Tigers if we play like we did against Ole Miss and Florida...

minus the ugly game-changing INT against Florida, of course. As you say, though, will our team be ready? After last year’s game, you have to wonder.

Garnet and Black Attack: A Blog by and for Gamecocks Fans.

by Gamecock Man on Nov 23, 2009 4:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Cocks gonna roll!

Clemson may be ranked 18th in the nation, but us Cocks are gonna roll BIG TIME! Their defense may be good and have more INT’s, but are D-line is stout and will stop the run any day. Their secondary may have hard hits, but we know how to contain the pass.

by Nate11 on Nov 24, 2009 5:42 PM EST reply actions 0 recs