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South Carolina Football: 3 keys to victory vs. Alabama in Week 3

By David Harvey

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 31: Shi Smith #13 of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts after a play against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the Belk College Kickoff game at Bank of America Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 31: Shi Smith #13 of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts after a play against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the Belk College Kickoff game at Bank of America Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBIA, SC – OCTOBER 13: Rico Dowdle #5 of the South Carolina Gamecocks is tackled by the defense of the Texas A&M Aggies during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on October 13, 2018 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, SC – OCTOBER 13: Rico Dowdle #5 of the South Carolina Gamecocks is tackled by the defense of the Texas A&M Aggies during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on October 13, 2018 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

2. Run the ball

Ryan Hilinski’s debut SEC game will come against the toughest team in the league. Asking him to throw the ball 30 plus times against a stout defense would play directly into Alabama’s game plan. Nick Saban is going to through every deceptive blitz and coverage he can at the freshman quarterback. Hilinski will need to be a game manager and play within himself to have a chance.

So, how does South Carolina run the ball against one of the better front-seven in the game? Bullying the defense off the ball is probably out of the question for the Gamecocks offensive line. They are going to be unconventional with the run game.

Dakeron Joyner showed his speed and athleticism last week against CSU from the quarterback position. I think they will have to get him some designed runs behind the center. He will probably be asked to throw the ball in RPO situations as well. This will keep the defense honest when he checks into the game.

Keeping the running backs fresh will help South Carolina in the run game as well. Rico Dowdle and Tavien Feaster are both very capable backs. Newcomer Kevin Harris had an outstanding game last week against CSU so look to see him get a few touches as well. Rotating these backs and mixing in the WR run and occasional quarterback run could be a difference maker in this game.