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Top five storylines to watch at the South Carolina Gamecocks spring game

By Tyler Waldrep

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Oct 25, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Nick Marshall (14) runs the ball past South Carolina Gamecocks safety T.J. Gurley (20) for a touchdown during the second quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports

5. Stopping the run

The defense the Gamecocks fielded last seasons was bad, but the rush defense might have been worse.

South Carolina allowed all 13 of its opponents to rush for over 100 yards. Six of those opponents rushed for over 200 yards. Auburn gashed South Carolina for 395 yards by itself.

The rush defense did not just give up yards, it also gave up plenty of touchdowns too. In fact South Carolina’s defense gave up 29 rushing touchdowns. That number looks worse when you consider that the same defense only gave up 16 passing touchdowns.

The biggest reason the defense gave up so many touchdowns is because opposing teams did not have to work for it. Weak fundamentals, such as poor tackling, allowed opponents to break off several long runs — five opponents had at least one run that went more than 40 yards — that should have never happened.

The guys returning up front are sure to have chips on their shoulders after last season. Look for Ward to have his guys ready to limit the runs on Saturday. If they can’t,then Ward might not have a job in Columbia much longer.

Next: Ranking the most hated SEC football programs

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