South Carolina vs. Florida Atlantic: Five Keys to Victory

by
Alex Roberts



This game is a game that South Carolina should win, and by a large margin. However, anything can happen at any time, and South Carolina needs to prepare for this game just like any other. Steve Spurrier is saying all the right things during interviews, saying that he "expects a close game."

Let's hope he is wrong about that one.

Without further adieu, here are the keys to victory.

1. Show up to play a good college football team.

We have seen this many times a year. Good teams go to play a team considered to be on a lower level than them. The team assumes that the game is played on paper, and are left shaking their heads at the end of the day with an L in the W/L column (See Michigan, Appalachian State).

South Carolina needs to focus, and play to win the game.

2. Utilize their depth to wear down Florida Atlantic.

South Carolina may not have tremendous depth compared to some other SEC teams, but they do have more than FAU. Playing more players will not only help in this game, but future games, and should lead to a blow out.

3. Run early and run often.

South Carolina has proven that they have the potential to be a great passing team. However, the running game needs more. FAU has a very weak defensive line and linebacking corps.

All of the running backs could have huge games, and if we can get the run game going, Stephen Garcia can have another "stats bonanza."

4. Show that Stephen Garcia's performance against Georgia was no fluke.

Stephen Garcia needs to show more of the maturity he showed against Georgia. If he can have another 200 plus yard passing game and throw a few more TD's, his confidence will soar.

A well-rounded gameplan could really hurt these Owls.

5. Keep the intensity up throughout the entire game.

South Carolina has a history of playing some of these "gimmie" games a lot closer than they should. It has been a reflection of the team's lack of "fire."

This year's team seems like an emotional group, and they should prove it in this game. Even if the game is well at hand, South Carolina's players should still be out there giving 100 percent.

In Closing,

South Carolina should easily win this game. This is a chance for Steve Spurrier to try out more players and prepare for bigger games in the future. However, if the team does not come out and focus, it could be a tougher night.

The team needs to come out swinging so other players can have a chance to play and get better prepared for next week's big game against Mississippi.

Predication: South Carolina- 47, FAU- 10