Southern Mississippi (0-0) at South Carolina (0-0)
Sports Network | September 1, 2010
FACTS & STATS: Site: Williams-Brice Stadium (80,250) -- Columbia, South Carolina. Television: ESPN. Home Record: USM 0-0, USC 0-0. Away Record: USM 0-0, USC 0-0. Neutral Record: USM 0-0, USC 0-0. Conference Record: USM 0-0, USC 0-0. Series Record: First-ever meeting.
GAME NOTES: The 2010 season gets underway for the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles and the South Carolina Gamecocks, as the two programs clash for the first-ever time on the gridiron this Thursday night at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
Despite not being ranked in the Top 25, the Gamecocks could be on the verge of a breakthrough campaign in their sixth season under head coach Steve Spurrier. In his first five years at the helm, USC has compiled a 35-28 record, which isn't bad, but not what the program had hoped for when it signed the former Florida leader. The Gamecocks, who finished 7-6 a year ago, return more talented players than any of Spurrier's five prior season and that's the reason for optimism in Columbia. However, one of the most difficult schedules in the nation will certainly make things much harder on Spurrier and company.
For the Eagles, they are in their third season under head coach Larry Fedora, who has led the program to consecutive 7-6 finishes. It was yet another positive ending in 2009 for USM, which hasn't suffered a losing campaign since 1993. While many programs would enjoy that kind of consistency, the Eagles are looking for more, having finished with exactly seven wins in six of the past eight years. A realistic shot at moving forward exists this season, as a talented returning cast should have USM competing for its first league title since 2003.
The Eagles have two terrific options at quarterback that helped them rank 18th in scoring (32.9 ppg) as well as total yards (416.4 ypg) last season. Austin Davis (1,665 yards, 10 TDs) began the 2009 campaign as the starter, but following a foot injury, Martevious Young (1,861 yards, 16 TDs) filled in and did a great job in the final eight games. Both will surely have an impact this season.
DeAndre Brown gives the Eagles an elite playmaker, as the 6-6, 231-pound receiver returns for his third stint. A Freshman All-American, Brown suffered a gruesome broken leg at the end of 2008 and began to regain his form late last season. He has posted 114 catches for 1,902 yards and 21 scores through two years.
The Eagles however, must replace the school's all-time leading rusher as well as four starters along the offensive linemen, so the ground game could take some time to develop. V.J. Floyd and Desmond Johnson are two options in the backfield, while center Cameron Zipp returns as a third-year starter for the line.
The defense for USM should be solid, especially along the front, where all seven starters are welcomed back. The line returns two noticeable players in tackle Anthony Gray and end Cordarro Law, who each bring something different to the table. The 6-0, 314-pound Gray had 40 stops last season despite consistent double-teams, while the 6-2, 251-pound Law racked up 14.5 TFLs and 7.5 sacks.
At linebacker, the Eagles welcome back three players that could compete for all-league honors. Korey Williams (6-2, 233) highlights the group after making 121 tackles and earning first-team All-CUSA honors. Ronnie Thornton (6-3, 225) is no slouch with 114 stops, and Martez Smith (6-0, 221) isn't to be forgotten about either, posting 82 tackles.
The secondary had issues last season, allowing 261.1 ypg, so this group is in need of improvement. Corner C.J. Bailey and safety Justin Wilson are expected to lead the last line of defense after combining for 124 tackles a year ago.
Spurrier has some nice returning talent on offense and an experienced quarterback in Stephen Garcia, who took every meaningful offensive snap for the Gamecocks in 2009. Garcia threw for 2,862 yards and 17 touchdowns with 10 interceptions, while adding 186 yards and four scores on the ground. Highly touted Connor Shaw, an all-state quarterback from Georgia, will also get some snaps as Spurrier intends to break in his future gunslinger.
The wide receiver corps for USC is experienced and talented with sophomores Alshon Jeffery and Tori Gurley leading the way. Jeffery paced the club as a rookie with 46 catches for 763 yards and six scores, while Gurley posted 31 receptions for 440 yards and two touchdowns. The passing attack may not be as potent as originally thought however, as standout tight end Weslye Saunders has been suspended indefinitely.
Another youngster that made an impact as a rookie in 2009 was Kenny Miles, a tailback who posted 626 yards on the ground. Don't be surprised however, if prized recruit Marcus Lattimore emerges as the club's workhorse back.
With seven starters back from a defense which ranked 15th in the nation last season, the Gamecocks should have no trouble slowing down opposing clubs in 2010. End Cliff Matthews is a disruptive pass rusher that posted seven sacks a year ago, and he is certainly has the capability to improve on that number in his final season. Fellow senior Ladi Ajiboye, a defensive tackle that made 40 stops, also has plenty of potential.
Shaq Wilson is the top returner at linebacker after leading the team with 85 stops last season, and he moves to the outside this year, giving him a chance to add some sacks to his resume.
USC allowed just 163.0 ypg through the air last season to rank eighth nationally, but three of four starters are now gone. The defensive backfield came up with only three picks, so look for the new starters to be a little more aggressive.
Both programs enter the season with high expectations, which makes this an intriguing game. The Gamecocks though, have the luxury of hosting the contest and that, along with their stingy defense, should help them prevail in a tight one.
Sports Network Predicted Outcome: South Carolina 27, Southern Miss 23
Thursday, September 2nd, 7:30 p.m. (et)
