South Carolina Overview and Gamecocks vs. Missouri Tigers Preview

Written by James Gray

Last Saturday wasn’t pretty but it more than got the job done as the Gamecocks defeated a winless Central Florida team 31-14 in Columbia.

This was an ugly first half that was pretty much dominated by Carolina but the Gamecocks entered the locker room down 14-8 after star wide receiver Pharoh Cooper muffed the ball near the goal line on a punt return. Cooper continued to struggle in the half letting an accurate throw by true freshman Lorenzo Nunez go through his hands in the back of the end zone. The Gamecocks would have to settle for a field goal.

In the second half the Gamecocks would come out a different team including All-SEC Cooper. Cooper opened the second half scoring with a 29-yard rushing touchdown in which he switched fields and outmaneuvered several defenders, and received the key block from quarterback Lorenzo Nunez.

On the next drive, Nunez was again able to lead the team down the field and cap off the drive with a 13-yard pass to TE Jacob August for his first career touchdown.

The offense wasn’t done in the third quarter, Nunez struck again with a 30-yard pass to Pharoh Cooper breaking the game wide open taking a 28-14 lead.

The offense gets a lot of credit in wins, but it really was the struggling defense that set the tone of the game and is to credit for the victory. In the first half true freshman DE Boosie Whitlow recorded a safety, as the coaches love the Alabama native’s first step.

Defensive coordinator John Hoke made the decision to switch TJ Holloman to strong side linebacker and moving Skai Moore to weak side linebacker. Despite complaints from the HBC (Steve Spurrier), the move proved to be brilliant as Holloman had a career day with 2 interceptions and 6 tackles. The defense recorded a second half shutout with the win.

There were a lot of eyes on new starting quarterback Lorenzo Nunez, and as expected he looked like a true freshman to start the game. Viewers could visually see Nunez gain confidence as the game went on especially in the second half. Even early on when things looked rocky, there were certain plays that stuck out to letting everyone know this kid had the clutch gene in him.

It was his third down conversions that stood out the most. His running ability is obvious, but Nunez completed a few third and longs in the first half that were surprising given his experience. The offense ended the game converting 7-of-16 of their third downs, which is very impressive from a true freshman.

Nunez ended the game with a 123 rushing yards, threw for 184 yards, and two touchdowns with no interceptions.

Carolina needs to build on this performance as Nunez will go head-to-head with another true freshman and former Elite 11 quarterback Drew Lock after Missouri starting quarterback Maty Mauk was suspended. The 6’4” in-state pocket passer was a huge pickup for the Tigers, as Lock will get his first career start at home against the Gamecocks.

South Carolina Gamecocks (2-2, 0-2) vs. Missouri Tigers (3-1, 0-1) Preview

The Battle of Columbia has become one of the most entertaining games in college football the past two years.  In back-to-back years the visiting underdog has comeback from a double-digit deficit to stun the home crowd.

Many think that South Carolina might have the advantage now that Missouri’s quarterback is out, but Mauk though known for his arm, also is known for his erratic play.

Not to forget the Gamecocks are dealing with a couple key injuries that effected them a week ago. Senior back Brandon Wilds is doubtful for the game with a cracked rib.

The offensive line did a poor job of run blocking and David Williams didn’t take advantage of his snaps as he only went for 32 yards on 15 carries. That is a huge issue for the Gamecocks as Williams was viewed to be the next Gamecocks’ star once he got the opportunity.

Also expected to be out is WR Deebo Samuel with a hamstring issue. Center Alan Knott is still recovering from a sprained ankle and CB Chaz Elder was limited in practice after sitting out of the UCF game. The Gamecocks will gladly welcome back starting CB sophomore Chris Lammons who missed the last three games with a knee injury.

This game is flat out up for grabs. Neither team has looked that good in the first four games of the season. Both view it as a must win to bring tempo to the rest of the season and make a bowl game.

Missouri is coming off a 21-13 road loss to Kentucky, who also defeated the Gamecocks. Missouri’s offense leans on four wideouts who have all put up almost the same numbers. Senior Tyler Hunt barely leads the pack with 166 reception yards and one touchdown. Sophomore Nate Brown has 159 reception yards and two touchdowns and Sophomore J’Mon Moore has 154 reception yards and two touchdowns.

Missouri will be without starting junior TE Sean Culkin who has 101 reception yards and a touchdown on the season.

Fortunately for the Gamecocks, Missouri ranks last in the SEC in total offense, but could be a different unit under a new quarterback.

Where one of these teams holds a headline is Missouri’s defense.

Missouri’s defense is currently ranked No. 7 in total defense only allowing 252.5 yards per game, while South Carolina is ranked No. 85 giving up 411.2 yards per game.

Missouri has one of the best defensive lines in the nation with the youth in sophomore DE Charles Harris and freshman DT Walter Brady holding down the D-line. The pair each have three sacks a piece and have caused havoc on opposing offensive lines.

At linebacker senior Kentrell Brothers is tackling machine. Brothers has recorded 52 tackles in the first four games along with two interceptions.

Spurrier and the coaching staff need to get know their personnel quick because the Gamecocks can’t afford another loss this weekend. This is a very winnable game and will come down to which team is better prepared and which coach calls a better game.

Gary Pinkel has done wonders with Missouri since joining the SEC especially with the talent he has had. On the other side of the field, let’s see if the HBC can make up for last year’s disaster.

Prediction: South Carolina: 27, Missouri 24

Game Info

Time: 12:00 p.m. ET; Saturday Oct. 3

Location: Memorial Stadium; Columbia, Missouri

Coverage: SEC Network

Line: Missouri -3.5

Photo credit: thestate.com; Lorenzo Nunez got his first career start against UCF in Week 4 but now faces a tough Missouri defense on the road in Week 5.