Team: South Carolina Gamecocks
Rant Sports College Football Rank: No. 9
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Strength: Whether you believe he can win the Heisman Trophy in 2013 or not, Jadeveon Clowney is the Gamecocks’ lone ace. With 13 sacks last season Clowney made his presence felt on a weekly basis and will command double teams all season long. Keep in mind that the Gamecocks’ defense will feature seven first-time starters this year which means that Clowney will have to serve as a leader for the first time of his SEC career.
Weakness: At this point in time, Gamecocks head coach Steve Spurrier is a weakness himself, but let’s leave the “old ball coach” alone and focus on USC’s atrocious offensive line. Spurrier even said earlier this week “Our pass protection stinks right now” when referring to South Carolina’s less-than stellar performance in the first and second scrimmages.
Player with most to prove: Mike Davis has some rather large shoes to fill as the sophomore running back is the first in line to take over a spot that has been Marcus Lattimore’s since 2010. Despite constant injuries, Lattimore was effective for USC and Davis is still unproven considering the mere 275 rushing yards and two touchdowns he scored in 2012.
Projected 2013 regular season record: 9-3
Devin O’Barr is the Content Commentator for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DevinOBarrRS, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
