The No. 24 South Carolina Gamecocks entered Saturday’s game against the No. 6 Georgia Bulldogs with the 120th-ranked defense in college football. South Carolina surrendered an average of 566.5 yards through the first two games of the season. Yet the defense has been able to slow an explosive Bulldogs’ offense, and the Gamecocks lead 24-13 at halftime.
After the teams traded touchdowns during their initial drives, South Carolina’s defense rose to the occasion. The Gamecocks surrendered 117 yards during Georgia’s next four drives. The Bulldogs managed 2o3 total yards before the half.
More importantly, South Carolina contained Georgia’s outstanding running back Todd Gurley. The junior averaged 13.2 yards per carry during the the Bulldogs’ season opener against the Clemson Tigers and finished the game with 198 rushing yards. Gurley has 44 yards on eight carries in the first half against South Carolina.
Todd Gurley (UGA) has averaged 4.0 yards per carry in his career vs South Carolina, his lowest yards per carry vs a single opponent.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) September 13, 2014
Of course, good offense makes a great defense. The Gamecocks have been able to control the football and capitalize on their drives. South Carolina held the ball for 17:28 minutes.
The combination of South Carolina’s offense clicking and more disciplined play on defense has helped Steve Spurrier‘s squad hold Georgia to less than half of the yardage the Gamecocks have given up on average this season.
The Bulldogs, meanwhile, need to keep Gurley involved in the game plan and avoid critical mistakes. The running back had a 54-yard touchdown romp called back due to a holding penalty. The Gamecocks’ defense is playing better than expected, but Georgia can move the football. The Bulldogs simply need to capitalize to swing the game in their favor.