Scouting the Gamecocks’ next opponent: LSU Tigers
When: Noon, Saturday
Where: Williams-Brice Stadium
Line: LSU by 12.5
TV: ESPN
Last week: The Tigers got off to a sluggish start against Eastern Michigan and led only 30-22 entering the fourth quarter before pulling away.
Three story lines
Leonard Fournette will try to continue his SEC record of consecutive 200-yard rushing games. He had his third straight 200-yard game on Saturday against Eastern Michigan.
LSU has struggled to get anything going in the passing game. Quarterback Brandon Harris is averaging 95.5 passing yards per game and is completing 53 percent of his passes.
The Tigers’ defense has not allowed a point in the first quarter in any game this season.
Three players to watch
Fournette is the best running back in the country and is the Heisman frontrunner. He is averaging 8.7 yards per carry and has 11 touchdowns.
Senior linebacker Deion Jones leads the Tigers in tackles and is tied for the team lead in interceptions with two. He has the reputation of being a hard hitter.
Freshman Arden Key originally committed to the Gamecocks before ultimately deciding on LSU. He got his first career start on Saturday and made three tackles. He has recorded a sack and leads the team in quarterback hurries with four. He will no doubt be motivated to face USC.
Pick
LSU 31, South Carolina 17. LSU’s offense is pretty much a one-man show. Unfortunately for South Carolina, that one man is probably the best college football player in the country. Tackling Fournette is a daunting task for a defensive unit that has struggled with missed tackles all season. LSU’s defense has had its struggles at times as well, so the Gamecocks may be able to hang around for a while, but ultimately Fournette and company will prove to be too much.