COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – For the first time in 10 years, ESPN College GameDay will take place in Columbia as an early season game with major SEC implications.
On Saturday, the iconic sports show will head to Gamecock Park in Columbia before a game against an LSU team that looks to run into one of the most impressive defenses of the season.
The first quarter was all South Carolina. The defense, which has been the highlight of the season so far, continued its stellar play.
The Gamecock offense also picked up in the first half. Quarterback LaNorris Seller capped a big early drive to give the Gamecocks a 7-0 lead to open the game. After giving the Gamecocks a 10-0 field goal, 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 and answered with 10 straight points to give the Gamecocks a 17-10 lead. Sellers, despite throwing an interception and a fumble in the first half, was the driving force behind the offense.
The redshirt freshman ran for a touchdown of 75 late in the second quarter, giving the Gamecocks a 24-10 lead.
While it’s still very early, South Carolina’s defense has terrorized opposing teams. South Carolina’s defense suffocated the Wildcats in last week’s shutout, totaling 5 sacks and two interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown.
The Gamecocks’ pass rush was particularly impressive. Tied for third in the nation in total sacks, the pass rush is led by senior Kyle Kennard and freshman tight end Dylan Stewart, who have combined for 6 of the team’s 10 so far.
The defensive line will need 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 fired. Tackles Will Campbell and Emory Jones Jr. they will hope to make life difficult for the Gamecocks front four. LSU comes into this game with one of the best offenses in the country. Led by quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, the junior is second in the nation in touchdown passes (8).
The Gamecock secondary will need to hold their leading receiver Kyren Lacy (who has 4 TDS himself) and company in check to succeed in this game.
The Gamecocks have thrown for just 280 yards this season, the 12th-worst mark in the country. While the offense played much better after the Week 1 games, the Gamecocks will look for improved play from talented redshirt freshman LaNorris Sellers.
The Gamecock’s two leading players this season, Mazeo Bennett Jr. and Vandevious Jacobs, are both newcomers. Many receivers, including the tight ends, will have to play against an LSU secondary that has been tested against USC’s high-powered offense.
