Neo
09-27-2004, 10:34 AM
http://www.sectalk.com/teams/South_Carolina.gifUSC vs. Alabama
If you are looking for a shoot-out this weekend, check out ESPN2 at 6pm. The 3-1 USC Gamecocks go to Tuscaloosa, AL for a brawl with the 3-1 Alabama Crimson Tide. This game is definintely going in the books. Here's a position by position analysis:
QB: Given the lack of experience for UA's Guillon, the edge has to go to USC. Guillon is not a typical passer, but crucial mistakes at crucial times have hurt this offense greatly. The rotation between USC's Dondrial Pinkins and Syvelle Newton has been working so far, but I expect one of these QB's to break out of their shell. Pinkins has experience and pure girth in his favor. At 6-2, 252 pounds, he is a rushing force to be reckoned with. Syvelle on the other hand is a Michael Vick in disguise. He is very elusive and loves the intense pressure while in the pocket and shows great poise.
Advantage: USC
RB: With injury to USC's Demetris Summers, the edge here is in Alabama's court. Ray Hudson has looked spectacular this year with 59 rushes for 465 yards and 3 TD's. That's a whopping 7.9 yards a carry. The USC defensive front are going to have their hands and bowls full.
Advantage: Alabama
WR: With the breakout play of Troy Williamson, he is the most dangerous weapon USC has on it's roster. His break-away speed is unmatched in the SEC and it's going to be hard for the Alabama secondary to contain him. For the season, Williamson has 19 receiptions for 545 yards and 4 TD's. He's not the only one though. Also watch out for Matthew Thomas and Noah Whiteside. They also are dangerous weapons if left un-covered.
Advantage: USC
OL: USC hands down has the BEST offensive line in the SEC. The Gamecocks are averaging 19.0 first downs a game and are 1 for 3 in 4th down conversions. The Gamecocks' OL also have the league fewest sacks with 5.
Advantage: USC
DL: After getting 259 total tackles, 4 fumbles, and 5 interceptions, the Bama defense is something to respect. Roman Harper leads the Tide with 29 tackles. USC is not that far behind with 230 total tackles, 5 fumbles, 6 interceptions.
Advantage: Alabama
Secondary: With 20 tackles and 2 interceptions for 57 yards, USC's Ko Simpson is the real deal. He showed his enormous talent when he returned an interception off of UGA's David Greene for 54 yards against the #3 ranked Georgia Bulldogs. A true freshman from Rock Hill, SC that has All-American written all over him. Expect the secondary to throw in a lot of coverages to throw off Guillon and pressure him.
Advantage: USC
Special Teams: I really do not think that I should even put this category here. Alabama all the way! USC hopefully has found a solution to their PK duties with Josh Brown. He did kick a 40 yard FG against Troy last week, but his accuracy is highly questionable.
Advantage: Alabama
Overall, this is going to be a VERY close game and the Gamecocks are hunting for a win. This is not a game for the gambling man.
Prediction: USC 21 Alabama 17
UPDATE: AS OF 9/30/04, DEMETRIUS SUMMERS WILL BE STARTING AT TB FOR USC.
If you are looking for a shoot-out this weekend, check out ESPN2 at 6pm. The 3-1 USC Gamecocks go to Tuscaloosa, AL for a brawl with the 3-1 Alabama Crimson Tide. This game is definintely going in the books. Here's a position by position analysis:
QB: Given the lack of experience for UA's Guillon, the edge has to go to USC. Guillon is not a typical passer, but crucial mistakes at crucial times have hurt this offense greatly. The rotation between USC's Dondrial Pinkins and Syvelle Newton has been working so far, but I expect one of these QB's to break out of their shell. Pinkins has experience and pure girth in his favor. At 6-2, 252 pounds, he is a rushing force to be reckoned with. Syvelle on the other hand is a Michael Vick in disguise. He is very elusive and loves the intense pressure while in the pocket and shows great poise.
Advantage: USC
RB: With injury to USC's Demetris Summers, the edge here is in Alabama's court. Ray Hudson has looked spectacular this year with 59 rushes for 465 yards and 3 TD's. That's a whopping 7.9 yards a carry. The USC defensive front are going to have their hands and bowls full.
Advantage: Alabama
WR: With the breakout play of Troy Williamson, he is the most dangerous weapon USC has on it's roster. His break-away speed is unmatched in the SEC and it's going to be hard for the Alabama secondary to contain him. For the season, Williamson has 19 receiptions for 545 yards and 4 TD's. He's not the only one though. Also watch out for Matthew Thomas and Noah Whiteside. They also are dangerous weapons if left un-covered.
Advantage: USC
OL: USC hands down has the BEST offensive line in the SEC. The Gamecocks are averaging 19.0 first downs a game and are 1 for 3 in 4th down conversions. The Gamecocks' OL also have the league fewest sacks with 5.
Advantage: USC
DL: After getting 259 total tackles, 4 fumbles, and 5 interceptions, the Bama defense is something to respect. Roman Harper leads the Tide with 29 tackles. USC is not that far behind with 230 total tackles, 5 fumbles, 6 interceptions.
Advantage: Alabama
Secondary: With 20 tackles and 2 interceptions for 57 yards, USC's Ko Simpson is the real deal. He showed his enormous talent when he returned an interception off of UGA's David Greene for 54 yards against the #3 ranked Georgia Bulldogs. A true freshman from Rock Hill, SC that has All-American written all over him. Expect the secondary to throw in a lot of coverages to throw off Guillon and pressure him.
Advantage: USC
Special Teams: I really do not think that I should even put this category here. Alabama all the way! USC hopefully has found a solution to their PK duties with Josh Brown. He did kick a 40 yard FG against Troy last week, but his accuracy is highly questionable.
Advantage: Alabama
Overall, this is going to be a VERY close game and the Gamecocks are hunting for a win. This is not a game for the gambling man.
Prediction: USC 21 Alabama 17
UPDATE: AS OF 9/30/04, DEMETRIUS SUMMERS WILL BE STARTING AT TB FOR USC.