Defense Hoping To Carry Momentum From Turnovers The Rest Of The Season
Since taking over the job at South Carolina almost three years ago, head coach Shane Beamer has worked tirelessly to instill the "Beamer Ball" philosophy into the fabric of his football program, with "Beamer Ball" being viewed as the idea that every unit can score or impact a football game in a meaningful way. Defensively, that means forcing turnovers and either scoring on the same play or giving your offense the football with good field position.
The Gamecocks entered last Saturday having not forced a turnover since September 30th against Tennessee, over two months ago, but secured four critical ones in the second half against Jacksonville State, including a Stone Blanton pick-six that effectively iced the game for Carolina. Based on their comments on Tuesday, some defensive players feel like that kind of performance could change their fortunes in that department.
"We had a cold streak for sure, Blanton admitted. "I mean, it was rough. We felt like we couldn't pay for a turnover, but once we got that one, it's just like they kept coming, they kept coming, they kept coming."
According to some veterans, defensive coordinator Clayton White is constantly preaching that turnovers come in bunches. In essence, when you get one, typically, more will follow not long afterward, making it imperative that the players stay focused so when the opportunity arises, they can capitalize.
"Coming into Saturday's game, you know, that was an emphasis for us," DQ Smith recalled. "We emphasize it a lot and practice. So you know, just finally getting those turnovers, it was definitely a success for us, and we're going to enjoy that, but you know that process is over now. We're going to focus on this [upcoming] game and try to do the same thing.
It's not just the defense, however, that enjoys seeing that side of the ball force turnovers, as tight end Joshua Simon told the media on Tuesday afternoon.
"That's all we've been looking for all year from our defense because it's not like they not capable of doing it, but actually going out there and doing it. It's like a momentum shift, you know what I'm saying? We can feel it. The fans can feel it, and when all that energy is just going around [Williams-Brice]. Man, you can't do nothing."
You Might Also Like:
- Team Leader Out For Gamecocks Week 11 Matchup Vs. Vanderbilt
- An Early Glance At Vanderbilt
- Defensive Position Grades: South Carolina vs. Jacksonville State
Join the community:
- Follow Andrew Lyon on Twitter: @ALyon_SC
- Follow Joseph Griffin on Twitter: @JosephGriffinJG
- Follow Fisher Brewer on Twitter: @USCTalk
- Follow Locked On Gamecocks on Youtube or wherever you get your podcasts
You can follow us for future coverage by clicking "Follow" on the top right-hand corner of the page. Also, be sure to follow us on Twitter at @GamecocksDigest.