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Morris: Gamecocks' defense growing into a menace
South Carolina cornerback Stoney Woodson returns an interception for a touchdown during the second quarter during the Gamecocks' game against Tennessee.
Gerry Melendez/gmelendez@thestate.com /The State
Posted on 11.02.08
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ELLIS JOHNSON COMPARES the maturation of his defense to the parenting of a young child. Anyone would derive great pleasure from watching that child listen and learn along the way to adulthood.
Johnson’s South Carolina defense is growing up before his eyes and those of USC fans. It is developing into one of the nation’s best, and the most telling evidence was Saturday’s performance at Williams-Brice Stadium.
“It’s just like having a child,” Johnson said. “You tell them two or three things you’ve got to do, and when they do it right, you’re just very proud of them.”
The words of advice prior to USC’s 27-6 victory against Tennessee were simple: Stop the Vols’ running game, create a turnover or two and finish strong in the fourth quarter.
Tennessee managed 34 yards rushing on 28 attempts. USC’s defense forced three turnovers that were converted into 17 points. Finally, USC held Tennessee without a first down and to 2 yards in the fourth quarter.
“I’m gaining a deep appreciation for our defense,” Steve Spurrier said afterward, fully aware that his defense is carrying USC while his offense continues to struggle.
“Coach has been preaching about getting turnovers and helping our offense out because we know they’re struggling right now,” said USC free safety Chris Culliver. “Everybody pretty much knows that. We know the defense needs to stop the opponent.”
Really, this showdown was the perfect mix for USC, a superb Gamecock defense matched against a woeful Tennessee offense.
USC entered the game as one of the top-rated defenses in the SEC and the country. The Gamecocks led the league in total defense and ranked fourth nationally by allowing 256 yards per game.
Tennessee entered the game ranked 107th among 119 NCAA teams in scoring (18.1 points per game), 112th in total offense (281 yards), 100th in rushing (114 yards) and 98th in passing (167 yards).
“I think it was a statement win for us on defense,” said USC cornerback Captain Munnerlyn. “I feel like we did a great job, and we shut their offense down.”
USC’s defense is playing at peak level. It is swarming to the ball. It is pressuring the quarterback. It is stopping the opponent’s running game. It is not allowing big plays, and it is making big plays.
Three huge plays by the defense turned what could have been a tight defensive struggle into a stroll for USC’s sixth win of the season.
The first big play came on the initial play of the second quarter when Tennessee quarterback Nick Stephens threw the first interception of his career and Stoney Woodson was there to pick it off and sprint 68 yards untouched for a touchdown.
Later in the quarter, backup Tennessee quarterback Jonathan Crompton completed a pass to Lennon Creer, who fumbled. Munnerlyn scooped it up and ran 38 yards to the Tennessee 4. On the next play, Stephen Garcia hit Kenny McKinley for a touchdown.
Tennessee’s final chance to sneak back into the game came late in the third quarter with USC leading 24-6. The interior of the defensive line stacked up Stephens short of a first down on fourth-and-1 at the USC 35.
The defense could have posted a shutout had it not been its own worst enemy on Tennessee’s one scoring drive. That drive covered 80 yards on eight plays late in the third quarter and was aided by a 15-yard facemask penalty and a pass interference call that put Tennessee at the USC 4-yard line.
Otherwise, USC’s defense played at an extremely high level. When it does so, which it has most of this season, the USC offense is allowed to make all kinds of mistakes.
“As far as the effort, trying to play physical and making plays against what I think is a very talented football team, it could have been (our best game),” Johnson said.
It is a defense that is impressing more than its opponents every Saturday. Receiver Kenny McKinley said he likes what he sees from the USC sideline as well.
“I’m amazed by those guys,” McKinley said.
Listen to Morris Tuesdays from 4-5 p.m. on ESPN Radio 93.1 FM.
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