W
Wes Mitchell
Guest
Some thoughts on South Carolina's 72-10 victory over Charleston Southern after watching the game live and reviewing the TV version of the game...
** Have to get this out of the way first, but the opponent clearly played a big part in Saturday's outcome. There's something to be said for South Carolina executing and doing what it was supposed to do against an inferior opponent, but that might be the worst opponent I've seen the Gamecocks face since I've been covering the team as far as CSU just being completely overmatched from a size, speed and strength standpoint. Again, credit South Carolina for doing what it needed to do, but that part has to be said before we move forward with other aspects of the game.
** What a special day for Ryan Hilinski and his family in his college debut. I made the comment this preseason that Hilinski was the most naturally talented quarterback on the roster, even if he wasn't the most ready quarterback at the time, and Hilinski's ability was on full display, despite the opponent Saturday. There were literally no signs of nerves from the freshman quarterback who looked as poised as any veteran player.
Hilinski was decisive, making quick decisions and then getting the ball out with a lightning quick release. It's that combination of the mental ability to get the ball out quick and then the physical side of actually doing it that I believe will make Hilinski extremely dangerous in his career. He's a little unorthodox, but he gets his feet under him and flicks the ball out without the need for much of a windup. That's helpful in the RPO game and with quick receiver screens and swing passes. For the most part, Hilinski took what the defense gave him and was content the work the ball around underneath. A big part of that was Charleston Southern's defensive playcalling as they sat back in quarters and cover 3 coverages for most of the game, which meant they were playing a soft zone, keeping everything in front, but allowing plenty of space underneath.
Hilinski seemed to have a nice feel for letting routes develop and finding the windows within the zone defenders on slant plays and then showed off the arm on a couple of deep balls, one that was just a couple of feet short of being a perfect throw to Bryan Edwards (that was broken up) and then another that was a perfect stride to Edwards for a touchdown. When Hilinski needed to zip the ball he got it there on the underneath routes. The competition will look much different this week, but there's no doubt that Hilinski passed the first test and you couldn't have scripted a better start to his career.
** It was nice to see Dakereon Joyner smiling and enjoying playing the game he loves at this level. As good as Hilinski looked, I maintain the idea that it's going to take both of these guys for the offense to play to its potential this year. We got our first look this season at Joyner at quarterback and he didn't disappoint, though I would have loved to get to see him throw it a bit more. As the year goes on, he'll have to show that part of his game, to keep defenses form keying on him as a runner. I'm sure CSU tried to, but didn't have the athletes to make it matter. If Joyner shows he can throw it some too, he'll be a dangerous weapon at QB this year. His long run was a thing of beauty and I loved the split back look they ran it out of with Rico Dowdle and Tavien Feaster on either side of him.
It's also worth noting how natural Joyner looks playing wide receiver. While some quarterbacks struggle to make that transition, Joyner looks like he's been playing it his whole life and catches the football out front with his hands, rather than cradling it with his body like some who aren't experienced will do from time to time. Joyner also is a physical kid who isn't scared to mix it up, both from a standpoint of running the football physically and blocking for his teammates. During Joyner's 41-yard scamper, Hilinski was jumping up and down and fist pumping and then Hilinski was the first player off the sidelines to greet Joyner following his touchdown.
** Kudos to the offensive line for controlling the point of attack and doing what they were supposed to do against a weaker opponent. They gave the backs all kinds of room for explosive plays and gave the quarterbacks plenty of time. It appeared that Donell Stanley was very vocal in pointing out defenders and making sure everything was communicated. It was the perfect opponent for Jordan Rhodes and Jovaughn Gwyn to get their first major action. We'll see how the o-line really stacks up this week.
** Kyle Markway has been one of the team's most consistent performers in the first two games and it already appears he's one of Hilinski's favorite targets. Nick Muse is going to help solidify the depth at that position and will play a lot this year.
** All of the running backs ran the ball well and did plenty with the room that the offensive line gave them. The running game was much more diverse this week, which makes you wonder a bit why they didn't get a little deeper into the playbook last week too. There were some counter plays and power schemes along with a couple of reverses and even some fullback power out of the I-formation on short yardage. Rico Dowdle looks to be playing the best ball he ever has.
How about Kevin Harris' debut on offense? Contacts within the program have consistently bragged on Harris despite him being behind the veterans. I've compared him to Mon Denson, but after seeing him Saturday I've got to think there's more upside here. The strength and balance there is special. What what we be saying about Harris following the game if he was a blue-chip five-star recruit making his debut? The hype would be off the charts right now.
** Kudos to the South Carolina defense for just burying Charleston Southern early in the game. They allowed the one long run and then had a pass interference call that was questionable at best, but other than that, gave up nothing when the first-team defense was on the field. Javon Kinlaw was an absolute monster inside and was terrorizing the backfield in his limited snaps. He drops the opposing guard straight into the quarterback on his first snap of the day. Aaron Sterling flashed at times. The linebacker play was good and I thought J.T. Ibe brought an added element back to the secondary. He plays with an edge and has a good understanding of the scheme. Most importantly, he looked healthy.
** At one point, Joe Anderson, Zacch Pickens, Rick Sandidge were all on the field at the same time. Same to be said for Jammie Robinson, John Dixon, Cam Smith and Shilo Sanders. Jahmar Brown and Derek Brooks-Boykins also got some playing time in what was a glimpse of what's to come for the South Carolina defense in the future. The new redshirt rule is outstanding and allows coaches the freedom to get these guys valuable playing time.
** From the fans to the players to the coaches to the entire program, South Carolina got exactly what it needed from Saturday's game. Now, onto Alabama we go...
(Photos by Montez Aiken, Katie Dugan, C.J. Driggers and Chris Gillespie)
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