Breaking Down Each Game In 2012: UAB
Next up on the schedule is the UAB Blazers. We have played the Blazers a couple times in the past and handled business pretty well so expect this years outcome to be pretty similar. UAB will be improved this year with a pretty veteran team and will bring lots of experience to Columbia.

2011 Record- 3-9

Bowl Game- None

Key Returning Starters- Jonathan Perry/QB, Jackie Williams/WR

The Matchups:
1. South Carolinas Secondary vs. The Blazers Passing Game- UAB has been a pass first team for a while now. I don't expect any drastic changes this year with Perry at quarterback for them and Jackie Williams at receiver. This should be the first test that our secondary will face. Williams caught 58 balls for them last year so look for Auguste to have his hands full with this matchup. If we can shut down the passing game early and get them in 3rd and longs then I think the Blazers will fold under pressure.

2. South Carolinas Running Game vs. UAB Defensive Front- I realize that our running game could be put into a key matchup for every single game but it has to be put in for this game. Last years Blazer team gave up a whopping 36.8 points per game and allowed 5.2 yards per carry on the ground. Let me remind you that they aren't playing the best competition either so look for Latti and company to really shine in this one.

3. Protection Of Key Players vs. UAB Entire Defense- This is a game that the Cocks should handle pretty easily. This is also a game where losing a superstar stud player in a blowout game due to injury is a no no. We have to keep our stars playing hard but injury free as well. This isn't the type of game where running Lattimore 30 times is a need. Nor do we need to have Shaw slinging it around 45-50 times. If we get a sizeable lead let the backups play and get some experience. We have a lot more games to go after this one to get to the SEC championship.

Conclusion: This should be a fairly easy win for the Gamecocks. The Blazers will be very overmatched and we should control this game from the opening kickoff. UAB has a very bad defense so expect a lot of offense and points out of the Cocks. Good tuneup for the secondary to get ready for some of the more proficient passing attacks we will see later in the season in the Sec.

Prediction: Gamecocks 34 Blazers 3