18 Jan 11 South Carolina-Auburn: Five Keys to a Gamecock Victory

Mike Zarrilli/Getty ImagesIt isn't hyperbole to state that this game could be a program-changing gameone where the genius of Steve Spurrier is back at the forefront of everyone's mind. In a season full of promise, the first real road test is proving to shape up to be a real doozy. No. 12 South Carolina and No. 17 Auburn both want this game tremendously. However, South Carolina needs it to finally announce what they have been waiting years to be... We are contenders in the SEC. No, a close game won't cut it. Currently, Sportsline.com has Auburn going to a BCS bowl in its predictions. Arizona Cardinals jersey
That could become South Carolina. Who would have thought that Carolina would ever even be considered a player for a BCS berth? If they win this game, they have to be. Position South Carolina Advantage Even Auburn Advantage Quarterback X Running Backs/Fullbacks X Wide Receivers X Offensive Line X Defensive Line X Linebackers X Defensive Backs X Special Teams X Coaching X Auburn has the advantage in many categories, but it is closeespecially at quarterback and running back. Believe it or not, Stephen Garcia has been fairly effective, but Cam Newton has been a Heisman candidate all year long.As one-sided as the chart looks, it is so close you could almost put even all the way down. Here are the keys to a Carolina victory. 1. Contain Cam Newton's running ability. The key to beating Auburn is to beat Cam Newton. Period. He is a dangerous weapon and can utilize his feet in ways that some quarterbacks not named Denard Robinson dream of. However, you can't just stack the box, because Cam can throw. He isn't the best passer in the world, but he can make big plays. He isn't some running back pretending to be a quarterback. It will take a disciplined defense in order to contain Newton. 2. Air the ball out more. Marcus Lattimore has a large target on him. Atlanta Falcons jersey
Auburn's defense will have their eyes on him the entire game. Take advantage of this. Garcia has a great arm and some serious weapons. If Alshon Jeffery doesn't get his first touchdown in this game (he has had over 100 yards receiving yet no TDs), Carolina will lose this game. Use Ace Sanders' speed in the slot. Use Tori Gurley's height. It doesn't matter what you use...just get the ball in the air. Take chances. 3. Don't ignore the talented running backs on Auburn's roster. While the team concentrates on Cameron Newton, they must not forget Michael Dyer and Onterio McCalebb, a formidable one-two punch at running back. These guys are like thunder and lightning, and they both have skill sets that perfectly complement each other. This team has to be ready for runners to be all over the place. They need to be disciplined and ready to watch the ball more than the play. 4. Avoid leaving the middle of the field open this week. Last week against Furman, South Carolina showed a frightening propensity to leave the middle of the field wide open. While Cam Newton scrambles, safeties and corners may want to leave and help. Don't. If he notices the defense become antsy and start to cheat, Auburn will score on numerous big plays, and the game could get out of hand. 5. The linebackers must play the GAME OF THEIR LIVES. The most critical defensive players to stopping the Auburn offense are the linebackers. They are responsible for maintaining and controlling the run game so the corners don't feel obliged to help.If Shaq Wilson is able to come Baltimore Ravens jersey
back, it would be a huge boost to the linebacker corps. Prediction: South Carolina 24, Auburn 20. With the death of Kenny McKinley, I expect this team to play out of their minds. The experts are split on this game, but I have to go with my heart, and I expect Carolina to win one for Kenny. Got to say it again...long live No. 11. He will be out on that field with them on Saturday.