This was a quality win for South Carolina, despite the fact that Missouri does not look like a very good football team at this stage. It’s a road win in the conference against a team that’s a difficult match up in terms of their offense versus your defense, and South Carolina got behind early in this one. The one known about the Tigers coming into this contest was that their offense looked quite capable of moving the ball and scoring some points. The Missouri defense struggled badly in week one and the special teams looked shaky as well. As it turns out, South Carolina was able to gain an advantage in each phase of the game in order to come out victorious.
This was also an encouraging win for South Carolina because the Gamecocks did not come close to playing their best game in this contest, particularly when you look at the offensive side of the ball. USC did a good job converting some key third downs, but the first drive of the game should have resulted in a touchdown. Jake Bentley missed some throws he’s shown to be capable of hitting or throws he’s made with ease in the past. If the offense can get clicking and the play is more consistent up front, this team’s best offensive performance is still to come at some point.
In our breaking down the keys piece, I mentioned a couple areas in which I felt USC needed to gain an edge in order to win. Those were time of possession and turnover margin. Even though the 2016 versions of these squads are different than the 2017 group (especially South Carolina), I still thought it was relevant to this contest to look at the 2016 game. In that one, a 10-point home win for USC, Missouri had 3 turnovers to none for the Gamecocks. USC also possessed the ball for 36 minutes to Missouri’s 24. Fast forward to 2017 and in an 18-point road win, USC possessed the ball for 37 minutes to Missouri’s 23, did not turn the ball over, and forced three by Missouri. It was a strikingly similar performance in that regard.
I think this game also showcased the preparation and the plan that the USC coaching staff has in place for each contest. Will Muschamp is a very strategic-minded coach, and to that end USC’s staff went into this game knowing that Missouri’s going to get some yardage. The emphasis was on trying to force mistakes and play really good red zone defense once it was necessary to do so. Both of those boxes were checked at night’s end. USC also had a clear plan offensively, and on special teams the Gamecocks dominated Missouri. That group forced a muffed punt, returned a kick for a touchdown, and blocked a field goal.
I thought some of South Carolina’s newcomers had some key contributions in this game. Javon Kinlaw is someone that the staff has been surprised with in terms of his abilities this season. It was thought that he could give USC some snaps and then be a really good player next season, but he’s flashed some big-time ability earlier than expected. He was able to move the pocket and get some key pressures.
Jamyest Williams’ interception was a significant turning point in the game, I thought. If you go back and watch the play, he made an outstanding break on the ball and really showed his athleticism and ball skills. That was not an easy play to make at all. Of course, USC was able to turn around with a quick score to Deebo Samuel, who continues to show just how good he is.
Aaron Sterling played again in this game and just looks like an intelligent player. He’ll only get bigger and stronger as he continues to develop, but he can give you something in the pass-rush game or against the run. He seems to position himself well.
Dennis Daley saw some action at left tackle and I thought he looked solid. It was an up and down night for South Carolina’s offensive line overall. I thought there were some struggles, particularly early, on the left side.
We got to really see Ty’Son Williams for the first time running the ball in game action and his carries did not disappoint. The 32 yard run (that did appear to be a touchdown to me) was as good a run as you’ll see. He runs with really good balance, vision, and deceptive speed.
A few other thoughts on some individuals: I cannot remember seeing much from Rashad Fenton during the game for the second week in a row. As far as I’m concerned that’s a positive for USC. He appears to be doing a really good job in coverage. TJ Brunson was all over the place again. He’s an instinctive, active, and physical player at the MIKE. Bryson Allen-Williams did some good things in the pass-rush once again. Keir Thomas looks really quick off the ball when he’s playing inside and can create some problems. Kobe Smith also gave some quality snaps at defensive tackle.
I still have to watch the game another time or two, so I may pop back in with more thoughts. If there's something I didn't cover that you're wondering about, be sure to ask me here or in the Ask Chris thread and I'll be glad to answer.
This was also an encouraging win for South Carolina because the Gamecocks did not come close to playing their best game in this contest, particularly when you look at the offensive side of the ball. USC did a good job converting some key third downs, but the first drive of the game should have resulted in a touchdown. Jake Bentley missed some throws he’s shown to be capable of hitting or throws he’s made with ease in the past. If the offense can get clicking and the play is more consistent up front, this team’s best offensive performance is still to come at some point.
In our breaking down the keys piece, I mentioned a couple areas in which I felt USC needed to gain an edge in order to win. Those were time of possession and turnover margin. Even though the 2016 versions of these squads are different than the 2017 group (especially South Carolina), I still thought it was relevant to this contest to look at the 2016 game. In that one, a 10-point home win for USC, Missouri had 3 turnovers to none for the Gamecocks. USC also possessed the ball for 36 minutes to Missouri’s 24. Fast forward to 2017 and in an 18-point road win, USC possessed the ball for 37 minutes to Missouri’s 23, did not turn the ball over, and forced three by Missouri. It was a strikingly similar performance in that regard.
I think this game also showcased the preparation and the plan that the USC coaching staff has in place for each contest. Will Muschamp is a very strategic-minded coach, and to that end USC’s staff went into this game knowing that Missouri’s going to get some yardage. The emphasis was on trying to force mistakes and play really good red zone defense once it was necessary to do so. Both of those boxes were checked at night’s end. USC also had a clear plan offensively, and on special teams the Gamecocks dominated Missouri. That group forced a muffed punt, returned a kick for a touchdown, and blocked a field goal.
I thought some of South Carolina’s newcomers had some key contributions in this game. Javon Kinlaw is someone that the staff has been surprised with in terms of his abilities this season. It was thought that he could give USC some snaps and then be a really good player next season, but he’s flashed some big-time ability earlier than expected. He was able to move the pocket and get some key pressures.
Jamyest Williams’ interception was a significant turning point in the game, I thought. If you go back and watch the play, he made an outstanding break on the ball and really showed his athleticism and ball skills. That was not an easy play to make at all. Of course, USC was able to turn around with a quick score to Deebo Samuel, who continues to show just how good he is.
Aaron Sterling played again in this game and just looks like an intelligent player. He’ll only get bigger and stronger as he continues to develop, but he can give you something in the pass-rush game or against the run. He seems to position himself well.
Dennis Daley saw some action at left tackle and I thought he looked solid. It was an up and down night for South Carolina’s offensive line overall. I thought there were some struggles, particularly early, on the left side.
We got to really see Ty’Son Williams for the first time running the ball in game action and his carries did not disappoint. The 32 yard run (that did appear to be a touchdown to me) was as good a run as you’ll see. He runs with really good balance, vision, and deceptive speed.
A few other thoughts on some individuals: I cannot remember seeing much from Rashad Fenton during the game for the second week in a row. As far as I’m concerned that’s a positive for USC. He appears to be doing a really good job in coverage. TJ Brunson was all over the place again. He’s an instinctive, active, and physical player at the MIKE. Bryson Allen-Williams did some good things in the pass-rush once again. Keir Thomas looks really quick off the ball when he’s playing inside and can create some problems. Kobe Smith also gave some quality snaps at defensive tackle.
I still have to watch the game another time or two, so I may pop back in with more thoughts. If there's something I didn't cover that you're wondering about, be sure to ask me here or in the Ask Chris thread and I'll be glad to answer.
