South Carolina’s turnaround continued this past weekend with a convincing win over Texas A&M. The Gamecock offense used a similar recipe to the one it had been using; it continues to produce similar results.
By Matt Zemek
Quarterback Spencer Rattler looks more comfortable and is asked to do less, while running back MarShawn Lloyd continues to prove he’s another feature back in the SEC with a bright future ahead. With Mizzou up next, it’s going to be an interesting matchup between two teams that have improved from their initial performances in 2022. These teams are clearly better in late October than they were in early-to-mid September.
Continue to manage Spencer Rattler
We hit on this point last week and nothing has changed. The offense clearly does better when Rattler is given fewer responsibilities to manage and fewer throws to make. The thing about Rattler is that he may not always play lights out, but he does always have at least one of those throws locked and ready to go every game. If the defense gives him the chance, he can hurt them with his arm. He just functions better as a low-volume passer who can pick his spots and doesn’t have to be the hero on every play. Making two or three really big throws per game within a context of relying on the running game and the defense is something Rattler can consistently do. He is not someone who should be throwing 30 or more passes a game, constantly trying to hit shots down the field. There’s a clear difference between the two approaches.
Speaking of that:
Continue to feed the rock to MarShawn Lloyd
Very simply: Why ruin a good thing? We also focused on this last week, but with the type of year that MarShawn Lloyd is having, it would make very little sense for Shane Beamer to pull him out of his game plan. Whether he’s catching a pass or two out of the backfield or functioning as a traditional back, Lloyd is No. 39 in the nation in rushing yards per carry (5.66 yards per game), he’s also 61st in the nation in overall rushing yards (526). Most critically, he’s tied for 14th in the nation in rushing touchdowns (9). South Carolina shouldn’t dial back that production, but it can make sure it has another plan in case the defense has an answer for Lloyd.
Have a plan for Luther Burden
South Carolina has MarShawn Lloyd, but Mizzou has Luther Burden, who is every bit the athlete Lloyd is. Burden was a five-star recruit in his own right, just the third five-star prospect Missouri has recruited since the star system was created and recruits were tracked in those terms. Since arriving at Mizzou, he’s done nothing but produce. He was the SEC Co-Freshman of the Week. He’s also the only player in the nation with multiple receiving and rushing touchdowns, and a punt return for a touchdown. He’s also only the fourth freshman to ever accomplish that feat, but the second Mizzou Tiger behind Jeremy Maclin. Do whatever it takes to prevent Burden from making big plays … and increasing South Carolina’s burden in this game.
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