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SEC Football: Top 100 SEC players to watch in 2016

By Nicholas Ian Allen

Nov 7, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs the ball during the fourth quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama won 30-16. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs the ball during the fourth quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama won 30-16. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 17, 2015; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks linebacker Skai Moore (10) during the second half between Vanderbilt and South Carolina at Williams-Brice Stadium. Final score South Carolina 19 – Vanderbilt 10. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2015; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks linebacker Skai Moore (10) during the second half between Vanderbilt and South Carolina at Williams-Brice Stadium. Final score South Carolina 19 – Vanderbilt 10. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /

Ski Moore 2015 Season Statistics

  • Games Played: 12
  • Tackles: 111
  • Tackles for Loss: 6.5
  • Sacks: 2
  • Interceptions: 4
  • Pass Breakups: 4
  • Forced Fumbles: 3
  • Fumble Recoveries: 1
  • Notable: Recorded two interceptions in 17-13 season opening victory over North Carolina.

The South Carolina Gamecocks finished dead last in total defense in 2015 – and by a wide margin. South Carolina allowed 429.8 total yards per game last season, which was 24.6 yards more than No. 13 Auburn. In conference games, the margin grew to 448.3 total yards allowed, which was 31.5 worse than Auburn. The biggest issue was stopping the run as opponents averaged 217.4 yards on the ground per contest, which was also the worst in the league.

Fortunately, the Gamecocks received great news when Skai Moore, the team’s biggest playmaker on defense, announced his plan to return to Columbia for his senior season. Moore led South Carolina  with 111 total tackles and four interceptions (including two in the season opening victory over North Carolina that proved to be the highlight of the season), and also contributed 6.5 tackles for loss, forced three fumbles and recovered one.

South Carolina has a long way to go defensively, and last season’s results at Auburn proved that hiring new head coach Will Muschamp won’t guarantee a quick fix, but at least the Gamecocks will have a strong building block in Moore.

Next: Lewis Neal

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