Week 6: South Carolina at Ole Miss

Ole Miss is riding high after last week’s upset over Florida, but this game against South Carolina is a must-win if they would like to go to a bowl game in Houston Nutt’s first season in Oxford. However, this is also a must-win for South Carolina. The Gamecocks have remaining games against LSU, Florida, Clemson and Tennessee, which means six wins and a bowl is no guarantee.

The Ole Miss offense wasn’t statistically great against Florida, but they got the job done. Quarterback Jevan Snead completed 9 of 20 passes for 185 yards and two touchdowns, including an 86-yard bomb to Shay Hodge. The Rebels would like to see Snead be a little more consistent as a passer, but he’s only a sophomore in his first season as a starter. The Rebels have a three-man rotation in the backfield, led by junior Cordera Eason. The South Carolina defense will have to prepare for the Wild Rebel formation, with receiver Dexter McCluster leading the way as a quarterback. The Gamecocks have a solid defense, ranking first in the NCAA in total defense and 11th in scoring defense. Don’t expect an offensive outburst in this game, but the Rebels have the better skill players and Snead is ahead of the South Carolina quarterback trio.

After watching Chris Smelley and Tommy Beecher struggle in the first four games of the year, South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier gave redshirt freshman Stephen Garcia an extended look against UAB. There’s no question Garcia has the talent, but he’s inexperienced and needs development as a passer. The redshirt freshman appears likely to start, but Smelley could see a few series. Ole Miss hasn’t been great on defense this year, but they should get better with defensive end Greg Hardy healthy from a preseason foot injury. Expect Rebel defensive coordinator Tyron Nix to give the Gamecocks several different looks and blitzes, especially as they try to confuse and get pressure on Garcia.

Notes:

Three of the last four meetings between Ole Miss and South Carolina were decided by three points or less.

This will be the 14th meeting between South Carolina and Ole Miss. The Rebels own a five-game winning streak and an 8-5 series edge over the Gamecocks.

South Carolina receiver Kenny McKinley is doubtful to play with a hamstring injury. The senior has not played since injuring his hamstring against Vanderbilt in the second week of the season.

Key Player (Gamecocks) – Mike Davis, RB

Davis missed last week’s game against UAB with a suspension, but he’ll be back in the lineup for Saturday’s game. With a young quarterback expected to start and see a majority of the snaps, Davis will play a key role in this game. After all, a quarterback’s best friend is a good running game.

Key Player (Rebels) – Dexter McCluster, WR

McCluster’s versatility makes him an x-factor in any game and as evidenced against Florida, he can provide a game-changing play. McCluster’s speed allows him an opportunity to score every time he touches the ball and the Wild Rebel formation is a difficult match-up for any defense. The Gamecocks should prepare to see a lot of McCluster in the backfield and at quarterback this weekend.

Rebels by 3