With Florida's spot in the Southeastern Conference title game secure, South Carolina heads into Saturday's game with hardly any pressure at all.
That "nothing to lose" attitude could be the perfect recipe for a major upset this weekend of No. 3 Florida, but UF coach Urban Meyer said it isn't the psyche of the Gamecocks that's concerning, it's the talent.
"It's most dangerous when they have good players," Meyer said after Thursday's practice. "When they have a bunch of lousy players, I like playing those teams. The problem is they have really good players."
Much talk about USC has revolved around its defense. The Gamecocks rank third nationally in total defense (256.5 yards per game) and are third in the conference in scoring defense (15.6 points per game). USC also ranks sixth or higher in 11 defensive categories.
On offense, the Gamecocks have thrown the ball well this season. USC is averaging just under 230 yards through the air a game and are fourth in the conference with a pass efficiency rating of 124.7.
With numbers like that, No. 24 USC could prove to be a difficult late-season test for the Gators. To ensure his team continues its high level of play, Meyer said it must come out strong and establish the early momentum.
To obtain that, Meyer said his team has to ensure a two-touchdown cushion. Whether it's a long touchdown pass, a turnover, a forced three-and-out on defense or a blocked kick, Meyer said his team must find a way to get that big lead early.
"As I grow a little older and I get a little more experienced, I think (momentum is) worth 14 points in a game," he said.
Even with emotions still running high after No. 3 Florida’s recent Southeastern Conference title berth, Urban Meyer isn’t concerned about any sort of mental letdown heading into Saturday’s game against No. 24 South Carolina.
“The good thing is, when you watch South Carolina on film, it gets your attention real fast,” Meyer said after Tuesday’s practice. “That tight end (Jared Cook) is going to be a first round draft pick, they’re playing as well as they have on offense and they’re the No. 1 defense in the league.
“This is the most difficult week we’ve had getting ready.”
Meyer said it’s the Gamecock defense that has him most concerned. Not only is it tops in the SEC, but the unit also ranks third nationally allowing 256.5 yards a game.
The main reason for South Carolina’s defensive success is the use of its multiple sets. The Gamecocks may line up with three to four down linemen and can have anywhere from eight to nine in the box, which makes their blitzing packages some of the hardest for offenses to work through.
“We’re gonna have to settle down (on offense),” Meyer said. “We have not faced this kind of multiplicity (from a defense). If we don’t, we’re in for a long day.”
Meyer said he’s yet to find a weakness in South Carolina’s defense, but that he figures the only way to counter the multiple looks is to tighten up the offensive packages and have the offensive line do arguably its best blocking job of the season.
The offensive line is expected to be very close to full strength this weekend with redshirt sophomore Carl Johnson (knee) making strides in practice and redshirt senior Jim Tartt starting to work more through his shoulder injury.
Meyer said Johnson was limited Tuesday, but will be ready Saturday.
EVERGREEN, Ala. (AP) -A man and woman were shot dead after an argument that witnesses said started over an Alabama-LSU football game, but sheriff's investigators said Monday they continued to investigate the motive.
The Conecuh County sheriff's office identified the victims as Dennis James Smith, 41, and Donna Kaye Hall Smith, 39, of Brewton. The two were shot to death about 7 p.m. Saturday in the rural community of Owassa in southern Alabama.
Michael W. Williams, 28, was arrested and charged with two counts of murder over the shooting at his home, where he had watched the game. He was being held Monday without bond. A sheriff's investigator handling the case did not know if he had an attorney.
An investigator said Monday that people watching the game at Williams' home said the dispute was over the game, which Alabama won 27-21 in overtime Saturday, but an investigation into the motive was not complete. The investigator also said alcohol may have been a factor.
According to witness accounts to investigators, Dennis Smith, an LSU fan, called Williams, an Alabama fan, after the game, and the Smiths then went to Williams' home, where a physical altercation led to the shooting.
Investigators said Dennis Smith had a pistol and Williams had a shotgun and fired.
Authorities said Donna Smith was a relative of Williams' girlfriend.
Relatives of both the victims and the suspect either declined comment or did not immediately return phone messages Monday from The Associated Press.
- "2. Gators rolling right along: There's nothing like peaking at the right time of the season. The Gators aren't just peaking, they're playing on a different planet right now. In their last five games, they've averaged beating opponents by an average score of 49-11.4 and have scored 38 or more points in all five games. Florida was so dominant against Vanderbilt in a 42-14 win that Tim Tebow was done after the first drive of the second half. He accounted for five touchdowns, while the Florida defense didn't allow Vanderbilt to reach its side of the 50-yard line until midway through the third quarter [After the starters on Defense were on the sidelines]. And, oh yeah, the Gators blocked two more punts. If there's a more complete football team in the country than Florida right now, you'd have to go to an NFL stadium on Sunday to find it. The Gators have played a lot of good football since Urban Meyer arrived in 2005, but this is their best stretch yet."
