South Carolina holds a 24-16 lead over #16 LSU in an early SEC showdown.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - For the first time in 10 years, ESPN College GameDay will be in Columbia for an early-season game with major SEC implications.
On Saturday, ESPN announced that the iconic sports show would be headed to Gamecock Park in Columbia, ahead of a matchup against an LSU team looking to prove themselves against one of the most impressive defenses of the early season.
The first quarter was all South Carolina. The defense, which has been the highlight of the season so far, continued their stellar play. Star EDGE Kyle Kennard forced LSU into their first sack of the season midway through the first quarter, forcing LSU into punting.
The Gamecock’s offense also stepped up in the first half. Quarterback LaNorris Seller capped off a big early drive to give the Gamecocks a 7-0 to start the game.
After a field goal gave the Gamecocks a 10-0, Buddy Mack returned a blocked punt to give the Gamecocks a 17-0 lead midway through the second quarter.
LSU bounced back in the second quarter, responding with 10 straight points to bring the Gamecocks lead to 17-10.
Sellers, although throwing an interception and fumble in the first half, was the driving force of the offense. The redshirt freshman ran for a 75 touchdown late in the second quarter, giving the Gamecocks a 24-10 lead.
Nussmeier answered right after, connecting with Kyren Lacy for a 13-yard touchdown late in the first half.
South Carolina leads the Tigers 24-16 at half.
Defense wins... games?
While it’s still very early, South Carolina’s defense has terrorized opposing teams. The South Carolina defense smothered the Wildcats in last week’s shutdown, totaling 5 sacks and two interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown
The Gamecocks pass rush has particularly been impressive. Tied for third in the country in total sacks, the pass rush is led by senior Kyle Kennard and true freshman Dylan Stewart who have combined for 6 of the team’s 10 sacks so far.
The defensive line will have to play at an even higher level to keep pressure on Garrett Nussmeier and the LSU offense. The Tigers’ offensive line is arguably the best in the country. In two games, Nussmeier has yet to be sacked. Tackles Will Campbell and Emory Jones Jr. will be hoping to make life hard for the Gamecocks front four.
Air Control
LSU comes into this game with one of the best passing offenses in the country. Led by quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, the junior is second in the country in touchdown passes (8). The Gamecock’s secondary will have to keep their lead receiver Kyren Lacy (who has 4 TDS alone) and company at bay for success in this game.
The Gamecocks have thrown for just 280 yards this season, which ranks as the 12th-worst mark in the country. While the offense played much better after struggling in week one, the Gamecocks will be looking for better play from talented redshirt freshman LaNorris Sellers.
The Gamecock’s two leading receivers so farin the season, Mazeo Bennett Jr. and Vandrevious Jacobs are both freshmen. Many of the receivers, tight ends included, will have to make plays against an LSU secondary that was tested against the high-powered offense of USC.
LSU will face off against the Gamecocks on Saturday at 12 p.m. on ABC/ESPN+.
0 Comments