Keys to the Game: Georgia vs. South Carolina

Georgia is set to open conference play Saturday against South Carolina in what could prove to be the final annual clash between the two border rivals. The Bulldogs enter the contest 2-0 after two decisive victories over an FCS and Group-of-Five opponent, but they will be tested to a significantly greater degree when they host South Carolina this weekend. The Gamecocks will arrive in Athens sporting a 1-1 record with a disappointing loss to North Carolina and a lackluster win over Furman. Both teams will be looking to kickoff conference play with a strong performance, but there are a number of keys to the game that will likely decide which of the two team leaves Sanford Stadium on Saturday 1-0 in conference play.

Which Team Can Find Success on the Ground?

Both teams have struggled to find success in their respective run games to open the season. South Carolina was held to -2 yards rushing in its season opener against North and only managed 2.8 yards/rush last week against Furman. While Georgia has had more rushing success than South Carolina through the first two weeks of the season, the Bulldogs were held under 100 yards rushing for the first time in 31 games by Ball State last week.

Quarterbacks Carson Beck and Spencer Rattler have both played at a high level for their respective teams through the first two weeks of the season, but if either team can jump start their ground game, it will create more favorable looks for their quarterback and help produce opportunities for explosive plays in the passing game.

Is Georgia Able to Rattle Rattler?

Spencer Rattler is a talented quarterback who is averaging nearly 350 yards passing/game through the first two weeks of the season. Still, any quarterback, regardless of their talent level, needs time in the pocket and South Carolina has had significant difficulties protecting their signal caller this season. The Gamecocks have surrendered 10 sacks, including 9 in their only matchup against a fellow Power 5 opponent, thus far in the season. Yet, while the South Carolina offensive line has been woeful in pass protection, Georgia has not demonstrated an especially proficient pass rush so far this season, having notched only one sack combined against UT-Martin and Ball State.

Their issues running the football combined with the talent of Rattler makes it exceedingly likely that the Gamecocks will lean on the passing game against Georgia, but if the Bulldogs are able to harass Rattler similar to the way North Carolina did in week 1, it could be a long day for the Gamecock offense and will likely result in a convincing Bulldog win.

Who Wins the Special Teams Battle?

The Beamer family has long been famous for its "Beamer Ball" approach that emphasizes finding an edge in special teams. Under Head Coach Shane Beamer last season, South Carolina finished inside the top 3 in the SEC in punt returns, kickoff returns, opponent punt return yardage, and opponent kick return yardage. This season, the Gamecocks return Mitch Jeter at kicker who made all 11 of his field game attempts a year ago, but have not had as much success in the return game, currently sitting at ninth in kick returns and thirteenth in punt returns in the SEC. If they are going to have a chance to pull the shocking upset on Saturday, the Gamecocks will have to find a way to get back to their dominant special teams ways.

However, thus far in the 2023 season, it is actually Georgia that has generated more special teams success. The Bulldogs currently lead the conference in opponent kick return yardage, are second in punt returns, and third in kick returns. With its overall talent edge on both sides of the ball, if Georgia outplays South Carolina in the special teams department on Saturday, it will be extremely difficult for South Carolina to find a path to victory.