Auburn Football: South Carolina Q&A With Garnet & Cocky

Oct 18, 2014; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks running back Mike Davis (28) leaves behind Furman Paladins defensive end Gary Wilkins (35) on his way to a touchdown in the first quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

The Auburn football team will be back in action this week as the Tigers host South Carolina Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium. As we look ahead to the game, we sat down with Chris Carey, the editor at Garnet & Cocky (@GarnetNCocky on Twitter), the South Carolina fan site on the Fansided network. Chris was kind enough to answer some of our questions in regards to this weekend’s game.

Fly War Eagle: The 2014 season has not started as many believed it would for South Carolina. How do fans feel about the 4-3 record and 2-3 mark in the SEC?

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Garnet & Cocky: I think even 7 games in, fans are still in a little bit of a state of shock. There was so much hope and enthusiasm about what people thought this season would be like, that there’s still some disbelief this has happened. The sidenote to this is that fans still have a ton of belief and faith in what can happen the rest of the season regardless of what’s happened. The last three seasons have built their confidence, and so they still think we could finish 8-3.

F.W.E: There is a ton of talent on the Gamecocks’ roster, particularly on offense and in the linebacker corps. What player or units have underperformed so far this year?

G&C: I think it’s mostly been two units, not necessarily any individuals. The offensive line looked like it would be one of the best in the SEC and possibly the country, and they have been average at best. Part of the issue has been that they’ve used different people across the line all season which didn’t allow them time together.

The other unit which has underperformed is the linebacker corps you mentioned. I even wrote about them before the season because of the amount of talent. Sharrod Golightly has come on strong, but many of the others barely get mentioned each game, which shows how little they’re contributing.

F.W.E.: A quick look at South Carolina’s statistics reveals that the Gamecocks have struggled on defense. What seems to be the biggest issue?

G&C: Early on this was confusing, but I think it’s clear that there are just too many freshman playing (and true freshman at that) and many at the same time in the defensive backfield. They have talent, but just not enough balance with experienced players, and they can’t overcome that.

F.W.E.: Before the season, this game looked like it might be a premiere matchup. But, with four combined losses between the two teams, it’s lost some shine. What is the mindset of a South Carolina fan entering this game?

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G&C: I think the mindset of Gamecock fan this week is redemption. As I said the season hasn’t gone like expected, but there’s a lot of talent on this team, and I think they’re just waiting for that moment to say “See? I told you they were gonna be good!” Also even though we played since, and these players weren’t there, many fans still remember the 2010 trip to the SEC Championship and losing 48-10 to Auburn in that. So a win Saturday would make up for some of that pain.

F.W.E.: Because of the win over Georgia, and the fact that Steve Spurrier is one of the greatest coaches of all time, we know the Gamecocks can beat anyone and will be competitive Saturday. How do you see the game shaking out?

G&C: Whew, that’s a tough one. It’s always hard for me to pick against the Gamecocks. However, I think Auburn’s offense, although not like last year, is still really dangerous and I’m not sure South Carolina’s defense will be able to stop it, especially early. I think Auburn will jump out ahead early and Gamecocks will play from behind which will hurt their ability to run the ball. Auburn will take it in the end 42-21.

Thanks for the time Chris!

Next: Auburn Football Injury Report vs South Carolina

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