Scouting the Gamecocks’ next opponent: The Citadel Bulldogs
When: Noon Saturday
Where: Williams-Brice Stadium
Last week: The Citadel rallied from a 21-0 halftime deficit before ultimately falling 31-23 to Chattanooga.
Three story lines
1. South Carolina enters as the favorite for only the second time in the past seven games. USC was the underdog against Missouri, LSU, Texas A&M, Tennessee and Florida, and was favored against Vanderbilt during that time.
2. The triple optiuon has histrocially given South Carolina fits, and the Bulldogs run it well (more than 300 rushing yards per game). The Citadel (7-3, 6-1) has earned a share of the Southern Conference title for the first time since 1992.
3. The Bulldogs have already faced one FBS opponent this season, falling 48-13 to Georgia Southern in September. The Citadel rushed for 313 yards in the game but had as many completions (2) as interceptions.
Three players to watch
1. Dominique Allen: The quarterback has done more damage with his legs than arm this season. He has 692 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns through 10 games. Allen has also completed 42 of 81 passes for 734 yards with four touchdowns and five picks.
2. Mitchell Jeter: The senior from Rock Hill has 11 tackles for loss and eight sacks. He’ll provide a challenge for an offensive line that struggled last week.
3. James Riley: The senior linebacker has been all over the field this year. He leads the Bulldogs in tackles with 77 and is second in tackles for loss with 8.5. Riley has also forced a fumble and intercepted a pass.
Pick
South Carolina 34, The Citadel 20. Motivation hasn’t been a problem for South Carolina the past few weeks, facing three SEC teams as underdogs. USC played an emotional game against Florida that included the debut of new helmets. With a bowl game no longer a possibility and a matchup with Clemson set for next week, Shawn Elliott will have work to do to get the Gamecocks ready to play. The Citadel has had a strong year and will challenge Carolina, but in the end the Gamecocks are too talented.
Matt Connolly