Thursday, September 4, 2008

Stanimal's key's to the Game

Straight out of Columbia, Stanimal gives VSL Nation his keys to tonight's game:

1) Force some turnovers. The Gamecocks were turnover happy in the first half of last week’s game. They’ll be going in with a new QB, but last year’s game we forced turnovers off Smelley as well. If we can get some picks then we’ll be doing great.

2) Control field position. As long as we keep this game low scoring and maintain control of the game, we’ve got this one in the bag. Keep the ball as close to our side of the field as possible, run the ball well, control the clock. SC, despite being an improved defense, is still susceptible to QB runs and option play.

3) DON’T turn the ball over. On the flip side of us winning this game is us playing smart football. Spurrier is going to try and keep Nickson from using his feet as much as possible. Chris is going to be forced to throw more this game than before, and as long as he is smart with it, we can win this game.

Semaus chimes in and disagreed with Stanimal, Here's what he had to say:
I disagree with the second key where you said we need to keep it a low-scoring game. This Gamecock team is much better defensively than on offense, and much deeper than we are, so I would be worried about getting into a grind-it-out game with them. That's just not how we're going to win most games this year, our offensive line being what it is. On the other side of the ball, TOs are crucial but we need to pressure Smelley to get them (South Carolina allowed four sacks last week) rather than rely solely on staying at home, because they have enough studs in the skill positions to hurt us. Back to offense: I agree that they can be hurt by the QB run but I think we should focus on play action. I don't know that as a team we're good enough to run a great option (yet) against LBs like Jasper Brinkley and a safety like Emanuel Cook. I think the QB run will be more effective if brought out in rollout situations and scrambles. A little misdirection like an option counter play might do the trick, though.


ESPN's Preview is also worth a gander.

What do you think? 4.5 hours til Kick-off, Baby!

5 comments:

Stanimal said...

I agree with putting pressure on Smelley. I never said stay at home, I said force turnovers. Pressure = picks.

As far as the low-scoring aspect of the game goes. I don't think we necessarily have to get wild here. You beat SC by hammering away on them and letting their offense crumble. They have a mediocre running game at best. Just dont give up big plays. It's as simple as that.

Bobby O'Shea said...

Bobby's Prediction:
Vanderbilt 27 - South Carolina 23

Anonymous said...

Man, I wish I could see the game. Stupid Hurricane Gustav knocking out all the power in my neighborhood, and forcing an 8pm-6am curfew on all Baton Rouge residents...

Anyway, I'll be keeping track of it through text message. Regardless, our defensive key to the game is to pound the A-gap and get Smelley. Just keep on pounding that A-gap... I guarantee you we'll get Smelley.

Submitting from the office (the only place not 100 degrees and no AC).

Aaron said...

I hate Spurrier. Hopefully, vandy can match the fury they brought down on USC's face last year.

Prediction
18-14 Vandy

Anonymous said...

finally some vandy win projections.