First of all, this is a defense I respect a lot. I watched most of the Bama game and parts of others and they can play. They are solid front to back. It will take our best effort to beat them, especially at home, but it can be done. So let's dive in....
- Mr. Reed, I assume - I could be wrong but I don't believe so. With the change, it's going to be a lot more RPO which is 10's strength, but the Gamecocks know that and will adjust accordingly. Their ends know how to play the mesh very well, particularly Kennard.
- Speed "Reeding" - See what I did there?! Huh? Aw, c'mon. That's funny, I don't care who you are. As I said above, their ends are very clever and heady when it comes to the RPO. Marcel has to be smart and decisive. He cannot hedge against these guys too long. They are too big, fast, intelligent and athletic.
- No short corners or inside penetration - Bama absolutely got killed giving up edges and guard to guard pressure. It can't happen with us. It will completely blow up our whole offense since it's predicated so much around the run. So what do we do? Next, let's look at how I think we'll counter them.
- Quick Game, Screens, Draws, Misdirection and Shots - No, the shots are not what some of you take when we're down 10 (or up 10 for that matter), but I'll get to them in a minute. Against a very aggressive talented defense, often you have to use that speed and talent against them. That is what I believe Coach Klein will do Saturday night. Rattling us early and often is is going to be a big focus for them, but it can also be used as a sword for us. Unquestionably, I believe their DEs could be anxious and in a little "pin your ears back" mode from jump, especially the frosh. Kennard not so much. That could make them susceptible to being upfield too much or misdirected. Same with the backers. I also think the safeties might get a little "nosy," if they think Reed won't throw on them. I'd love to see a lot of dump offs, tunnels, slants and hitches under the coverage until they play more honest. Could be a night to hit some of those TE seam routes we've been looking for. Don't mistake me. The run is still our bread and butter. But SC is going to sit on it heavy and in my opinion, we will have to some some plays through the air, stay as least even on the specials and get another yeoman's night from the defense to bring this one home.
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