BREAKDOWN: LSU vs. South Carolina - The Matchups

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Breaking own the unit-by-unit comparisons in Saturday’s LSU-South Carolina

by Matt Deville
Tiger Rag Senior Editor

(At left) South Carolina quarterback Stephen Garcia will make his first career start on Saturday

LSU and South Carolina meet for the 19th time with the Tigers holding a 15-2-1 series advantage … LSU has played South Carolina fewer times than any other SEC team.

The next closest in terms of series length is the 26 games that LSU has faced Georgia … This year’s contest will be only the sixth time the teams have played since South Carolina joined the SEC in 1992 … LSU is 3-1-1 vs. South Carolina since they joined the league.

This year’s game will mark LSU’s first visit to Columbia since 2003 and just the third time that the Tigers have played in Williams-Brice Stadium since South Carolina joined the SEC in 1992 … LSU tied the Gamecocks in Columbia, 20-20, in 1995 … LSU is 4-1-1 all-time vs. South Carolina in Columbia, which includes a 3-0-1 mark in games played in Williams-Brice Stadium.

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Here’s the Matchups…

LSU rushing offense vs. South Carolina rushing defense
Now that expectations are removed from Charles Scott and the Tiger ground game, LSU can get back to basics in its effort to run the football. The Tigers accumulated 80 total yards on the ground against Florida. LSU’s offensive line could do little against the Gators’ defensive front to provide any sort of daylight for Tiger runners. South Carolina is surrendering 108 yards on the ground, which ranks eighth in the SEC. Look for things to get better on the ground this week.
Advantage: LSU

LSU passing offense vs. South Carolina passing defense
Examining the stat sheet from last weekend’s game, Jarrett Lee’s performance was nearly as bad as it looked. He completed 23 of 38 passes for 209 yards a pair of touchdowns. Lee did struggle early and it took a while for him to adjust to the surroundings. South Carolina isn’t the easiest place to play at night and the Gamecocks are No. 1 in the SEC and second in the nation against the pass. South Carolina doesn’t apply lots of pressure to the quarterback, but the Gamecocks do a great job in coverage.
Advantage: South Carolina

South Carolina rushing offense vs. LSU rushing defense
Steve Spurrier described his offense as lousy in the win over Kentucky. The Gamecocks were among the nation’s worst in running the ball in 2007 – and nothing has changed this season. South Carolina has a quality tailback in Mike Davis, but the Gamecocks are 104th in the nation and last in the league in rushing offense garnering just 109 yards per game on the ground. As badly as the Tigers were against the run last week (giving up 265 yards to Florida), LSU should be able to deny the South Carolina ground game.
Advantage: LSU

South Carolina passing offense vs. LSU passing defense
Here’s the deal: the Tigers have shown in literally every game this season they can’t defend the pass; South Carolina has two good quarterbacks, but Spurrier can’t make up his mind which one he likes. Chris Smelley had a career performance in the win at Ole Miss. But the Ole Ball Coach benched him a week later at Kentucky, bringing in Stephen Garcia. Whichever quarterback he chooses will likely be able to throw the ball against the Tigers.
Advantage: South Carolina

LSU special teams vs. South Carolina special teams
How quickly things change. A week ago, the Tigers led the SEC in net punting. After a brutal outing against Florida, LSU is now seventh. However, Brady Dalfrey is now averaging over 40 yards per punt and Colt David is eight points away from setting the LSU scoring record (318). David has missed only one kick this season, a 50-yarder at Auburn. Trindon Holliday still leads the nation in punt returns, despite not having returned a punt in two games now. South Carolina kicker Ryan Succop was among the nation’s top kickers last season. He missed four of five field goals against Kentucky. That equaled his number of misses all last season.
Advantage: LSU

Coaching
Each coach has won a national title, but Miles’ title has been more recent and he is currently enjoying more success at LSU than Spurrier has at South Carolina. The Gamecocks would love to repay LSU after last season’s loss in Baton Rouge. Look for Spurrier to pull out all the stops to make that happen.
Advantage: South Carolina

Intangibles
South Carolina has the revenge factor and the Gamecocks are playing at home. Williams-Brice Stadium is known to be pretty rowdy, especially after dark. However, LSU finds itself in a similar situation to Florida last Saturday. If the Tigers wish to sty in the hunt for any sort of championship, another loss is not an option. Look for LSU to come out of the corner in which it’s backed with guns a blazing.
Advantage: LSU