Gameday preview: USC vs. Ole Miss

Keys to the game, injury report, five questions with WR Chris Hail and more.

Three Keys

Pick up the blitz

Rebels defensive coordinator Tyrone Nix is not afraid to blitz, so expect the former USC coordinator to come after Chris Smelley, who is not known for his mobility. The Gamecocks have given up 17 sacks, tied with Arkansas for the most in the SEC. If Smelley and Stephen Garcia don’t recognize the pressures and make the right audibles, it could be a long day for the USC quarterbacks.

Hit some long ones

Despite the struggles in the vertical passing game, the Gamecocks lead the SEC in first downs. But Steve Spurrier, who described his offense of late as “inching along,” clearly is getting antsy for some big plays. Though All-SEC receiver Kenny McKinley is a game-time decision with a hamstring injury, his presence could open the field and create 1-on-1 opportunities for tight end Jared Cook and receiver Jason Barnes.

Hog-tie the Wild Rebel

The last time Houston Nutt faced the Gamecocks, his Arkansas team ran for 542 yards, the most USC has surrendered in school history. Though Nutt no longer has Felix Jones and Darren McFadden, he does have the Wild Rebel. Known as the WildHog when Nutt was in Fayetteville, the formation features a direct snap to a back — usually Dexter McCluster — with misdirection plays that can confuse a defense.

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Take five with WR Chris Hail (No. 29; Lovejoy, Ga.)

In his second game since moving from defensive back, the 5-10, 193-pound junior is hoping to see action against the Rebels.

Q: Steve Spurrier this week described you as having a screwball attitude. What have you done to get that label?

A: Screwball attitude ... I don’t really know what he means by that. I’m just ready to come out here and play, man, help the team out.

Q: You think he was referring to the times you’ve had to sit out for missing classes, like last week?

A: Yeah, but I learned from my mistakes. So I’m ready to go out there and prove that I can go out there and play ball.

Q: Are you the answer to the downfield passing game problems?

A: I’m not going to say I’m the answer, but I add that fuel. I add the extra fuel because I’ve got a lot of speed.

Q: What was your time the last time you guys ran the 40?

A: I ran a 4.4 flat.

Q: Any receivers faster than that?

A: Moe Brown, he might be a little faster than that. But he hasn’t really got a sure 40 time. And Kenny (McKinley), Kenny’s out there, too.

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Key Matchup: TE Jared Cook vs. DE Greg Hardy

About Cook: The 6-foot-5, 240-pound junior leads the Gamecocks with 19 catches for 262 yards. Cook is a big target who has not yet been able to transfer that size into blocking prowess. Cook and all the tight ends had a bad night of pass blocking vs. UAB.

How he will win the matchup: Steve Spurrier said this week he would not keep a back in as an extra blocker on Hardy. But Cook is going to have a hard time handling Hardy on his own. So look for the Gamecocks’ tackles to help with Hardy when possible.

Key number: 52.4, Cook’s receiving yards per game, ninth-best in the SEC.

About Hardy: The junior from Millington, Tenn., leads the Rebels with 2.5 sacks despite missing the first three games following preseason foot surgery. The 6-4, 265-pound Hardy, who has 3.5 tackles for loss, was used as a tight end and receiver in goalline situations by Ed Orgeron’s staff.

How he will win the matchup: Hardy’s speed off the edge made him the SEC’s top sack producer (10) last season. And though he has only played in two games since the surgery to repair a stress fracture, he showed glimpses of that burst by getting to Florida’s Tim Tebow a couple times last week. Cook is that rare tight end who can match Hardy’s quickness, so Hardy may try to overpower him.

Key number: 38, years since Ole Miss last had a player (Archie Manning) on the Sports Illustrated cover. Hardy appears this week hitting Tebow.

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Injury report

USC — WR Kenny McKinley (right hamstring) is questionable.

Ole Miss — CB Marcus Temple (left ankle) is doubtful.

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Video preview

Gamecock beat writers Joe Person and Seth Emerson offer commentary on the USC - Ole Miss game.