South Carolina Carries Beat Up Defense Into Battle With Top Ranked Georgia
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina coach Shane Beamer’s not sure of what to expect from his defense — and that’s even before this weekend’s game with No. 1 Georgia.
The Gamecocks (1-1, 0-1 Southeastern Conference) will be without starters defensive end Jordan Strachan and linebacker Mo Kaba, both lost for the year after ACL injuries in last week’s 44-30 loss at No. 10 Arkansas.
But Beamer said the lineup could be minus starting defensive backs R.J. Roderick and Cam Smith, starting defensive tackle Alex Huntley and backup DB David Spaulding, all banged-up heading to practice this week and questionable to face the Bulldogs (2-0), who start SEC play Saturday.
“Our depth,” Beamer said, “isn’t where it needs to be.”
Especially when facing the defending national champions, who’ve looked flawless in picking up where they’ve left off. Georgia’s outscored opponents No. 25 Oregon and Samford 82-3 behind quarterback Stetson Bennett and a host of playmakers on offense.
South Carolina’s defense, which figured to take significant steps forward in Beamer’s second season, is off to a sluggish start.
The Gamecocks surrendered 200 yards rushing to Sun Belt opponent Georgia State and trailed 14-12 in the second half before special teams had two punt-block TDs in a 35-14 victory.
Last week, South Carolina couldn’t slow down Arkansas’s potent ground game as the Razorbacks went for 295 yards rushing in putting away the Gamecocks. Rocket Sanders had 156 yards and two of Arkansas’ five rushing touchdowns.
Things don’t figure to get better this week. Georgia is averaging an SEC-leading 525 yards a game and 7.66 yards gained on each snap.
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