WELCOME TO THE COCKBLOCK. CHECK IN EVERY WEEK FOR TAKEAWAYS, PREDICTIONS, GAMECOCK FOOTBALL ANALYSIS, AND NOTHING POSITIVE ABOUT THAT TEAM FROM THE UPSTATE.
For a week that wasn’t even supposed to come close to week one in terms of game quality and excitement, week two sure gave us more than we expected. Whether it was Deshaun Watson and Clemson beating lowly Troy because of a referee’s quick whistle, or Nick Chubb and Georgia needing all four quarters to get past Nicholls, it seemed like everywhere we turned (or clicked… USC student cable doesn’t come with many channels) somebody was beating somebody else they weren’t supposed to. Anyway, the bottom line is that some people enjoyed the week more than others, with some of those others being anyone affiliated with the Gamecocks.
I’m not even just talking about those of us here in Columbia. It is worth mentioning that LSU actually picked up a decent win this week with a three-touchdown defeat of the Jacksonville State Gamecocks. Many (including myself) expected this game to be fairly competitive. This is the same Jacksonville State that should have beaten Auburn last season, and with an offense that features FCS All-American QB Eli Jenkins and Auburn RB transfer Roc Thomas, it seemed like LSU might be on major upset alert. However, a strong showing from the Tigers sent the Gamecocks packing.
304 miles north, in Starkville Mississippi, South Carolina was looking to build momentum against a Mississippi State team that was abysmal in a loss to South Alabama in the opener. However, we gave an even poorer showing during the first half of this game than we did the first half of last week’s game against Vanderbilt. We were outplayed, outcoached, and outworked. Perry Orth looked a lot like he did last year and our receivers suddenly lost the ability to catch the ball. It seemed like every other play one of our linemen jumped early, costing us five yards after five yards after five yards.
But, if there is a silver lining to all of this, it is obvious that the Gamecock defense has the ability to be adequate, maybe even reliable (knock on wood), but it has to show that it can be good for a full 60 minutes. Also, it was obvious that the offense had a little more energy and fire with Brandon McIlwain at the helm. From here on out it should be his team. Coach Muschamp has to realize that while we want wins and we want them now, it is of paramount importance that Brandon gets experience dealing with SEC defenses and running a dual threat offense. Right now, it seems like everyone on the field, especially the offensive line, is confused because of the constant change at quarterback. Perry and Brandon are different players and force the coaches change the way the offense is run depending on who is taking the snaps. It is hard for linemen to constantly have to change their blocking mentality. With Brandon, there are going to be much more read option, quarterback run type plays. If Muschamp and co. would just stick with the young freshman, it would allow the offensive line to focus on one offensive system, not two. This goes for the coaches as well. As a fan, it seems like the coaches are often unsure of how to utilize Brandon. It is obvious that he is a dual-threat quarterback, he just needs the play calls to allow him to showcase the speed that he possesses. If I was the offensive coordinator, I would run a ground-based offense out of the shotgun, much like what Auburn runs. This gives Brandon McIlwain, AJ Turner, and Deebo Samuel the opportunity to get touches on the ball out of the backfield and use their elite speed to punish defenses. When I want to pass the ball, I would run plays that would allow McIlwain to get the ball out quickly through slant and hitch routes. McIlwain has the arm strength to distribute the ball out to either side of the field from either hash. All in all, to give the freshman the chance to succeed against the best defenses in the country, Muschamp and Roper need to be smart. Play the numbers, don’t run high-risk plays, and control the clock. Sure we are going to lose some games. We simply don’t have the talent to compete with the SEC’s best. But build a strong foundation, and the rest can be built in time.
IN OTHER NEWS
Some Charleston Southern players were suspended one game for violating the NCAA financial aid policy. They reported that they used leftover book money to buy university merchandise in the on-campus bookstore. This is the same amount of time that Mississippi State former blue-chip recruit Jeffery Simmons was suspended for beating up a woman on video in his hometown.
Troy lost a close game to Clemson in Death Valley after a quick whistle for the stopping of forward progress. Also, Ray-Ray McCloud forgot something.
TCU lost to Arkansas in double overtime. Check out the trick play that tied the game for Arkansas here.
The officials decided to get their “let’s make this team lose this game on purpose through as many blown calls as possible” game done early this year with this play that never should have happened.
This week, Louisville QB Lamar Jackson went 37/62 for ∞ yards and ∞ TDs against Syracuse. Jackson rushed for ∞ yards as well. However, most Heisman trophy voters will see injured LSU RB Leonard Fournette’s performance on the bench against Jacksonville State more impressive because Louisville “ain’t played nobody.”
ALSO
Volleyball: North Dakota d. Clemson 3-1, Tulane d. Clemson 3-0
M Soccer: UNC d. Clemson 1-0