Scouting the Gamecocks’ next opponent: The UCF Knights
Central Florida at South Carolina
When: Saturday, Noon.
Where: Williams-Brice Stadium
TV: ESPNU
Last week: The Knights lost at home to Furman to fall to 0-3 on the year.
Three story lines
1. Out of 127 FBS teams, UCF is ranked dead last in total offense. South Carolina’s defense, which is No. 108 in total defense, will get a much-needed easier task against the Knights.
2. After starting quarterback Justin Holman was injured against Stanford, true freshman Bo Schneider started against Furman. Schneider and redshirt freshman Tyler Harris both received significant playing time against the Paladins. As a team, UCF threw for 98 yards with three interceptions against Furman.
3. The Knights had success with the wildcat formation against the Paladins as Nick Patti led the team in rushing with 14 carries for 58 yards and a score.
Three players to watch
1. Freshman running back C.J. Jones provided a spark against Furman, rushing for 51 yards and averaging more than seven yards per carry. South Carolina’s struggles against the run are well documented, and the Gamecocks will have to keep an eye on Jones.
2. Sophomore Chris Johnson is a threat as a receiver and a punt returner. He caught only two passes last week but returned four punts for 45 yards with a long of 24.
3. Junior defensive back Drico Johnson leads the Knights in tackles with 21 after making only 10 all of last year. He has two tackles for loss and has recovered a fumble.
Pick
South Carolina 31, UCF 13. The Gamecocks have an opportunity to gain some confidence for the rest of the season facing an offense that is statistically the worst in the FBS and a defense that opened the season by allowing Florida International to put up 391 yards. Playing at noon in a stadium that will likely be far from full, USC might get off to a slow start, but the Gamecocks should pull away in the second half.
This story was originally published September 20, 2015 at 9:48 PM.