After a heartbreaking loss in Week 3 to LSU, the South Carolina Gamecocks (2-1) (1-1) look to bounce back in Week 4 against the Akron Zips (1-2) (0-0). The Zips have already been blown out by two Power 4 teams this season; Ohio State (52-6) and Rutgers (49-27). Currently, Bet MGM has South Carolina as 28.5 point favorites.
South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Akron Zips Matchup History and Excerpts
These two teams have only met once in their respective school history. That game was in December of 2018 when South Carolina won 28-3 in a one-sided affair.
A big point of head coach Shane Beamer’s Tuesday press conference was Akron’s unorthodox offensive play style in which two quarterbacks are on the field at the same time.
“Offensively, they are playing two quarterbacks,” began Beamer. “Not just like put one quarterback in the game and take the other one out but put both quarterbacks in the game and run their offense. It is a lot that our defense will have to prepare for. Defensively, they present problems. They play really, really hard. They made it really tough on Ohio State to run the football in the first half. Special teams-wise, very aggressive. Very opportunistic.”
When coach Beamer was asked if last weeks loss was affecting the team, he was honest in his assessment.
“[I] didn’t see any signs of Saturday lingering. Obviously, Saturday and Sunday were tough. No question about it. But we are excited to get the opportunity to go compete again in Williams-Brice on Saturday night which I know everyone is excited about”
Gamecocks Key Players
LaNorris Sellers played well last week for the Gamecocks before he got hurt; and if he didn’t get hurt, there is a very high chance South Carolina wins that game. He led the Gamecocks on the well-executed opening drive that resulted in a touchdown. If he can play like he did the last two weeks, he should be able to pick apart the Zips defense.
However, Sellers’ status for Saturday’s game is still uncertain as he recovers from a sprained ankle. If does not play, backup quarterback Robby Ashford will get the start.
Last week playing for an injured Sellers, Ashford went completed two of four passes for 42 yards. Whether it’s him, or a partially healthy Sellers playing, the run game will be the most important part of the offense to aid either of them.
If Rocket Sanders can play anywhere close to what he did last week, there will be no stopping this offense. His 154 all-purpose yards are better than his Week 1 and 2 outings combined. Pair that with his two-touchdown game, he showed you his ability to be a top collegiate back.
The Gamecocks defense is led by true freshman defensive end Kyle Kennard, and senior linebacker Debo Williams; both have shown the defensive unit can take over games. They shouldn’t have a hard time against a less powerful Akron offense.
Zips Key Players
Akron’s biggest key is going to be their entire defensive unit. This season, the defensive line has been abysmal, only recording two sacks for a combined four yards all season. The only player on the Zips who has double digit tackles on the season is cornerback Darrian Lewis with 11. Coming into an environment as intimidating as South Carolina, this Akron defense is going to have to play their hearts out for this game to stay close.
Meanwhile Zips starting quarterback Ben Finley will have to do a lot, and then a lot more against this next level South Carolina defense. With already three interceptions and six sacks given up on the season, if Finley and his offense don’t see major improvements, they won’t be spending very much time on the field.
How Does South Carolina Get Back in the Win Column?
South Carolina can take care of business by playing a simple game. They just have to beat Akron with their strengths. The Gamecocks are better at almost every single position compared to the Zips, and this game should not be close.
In Week 1, South Carolina really struggled against Old Dominion, a G5 team. Since then, we’ve seen lots of growth from Sellers, the running game is performing to the best of their abilities, and the defense is playing as one of the top in the SEC. The Gamecocks should take care of Akron with ease.
Game Details
This game will kickoff from Williams-Bryce Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina. The game can be found on ESPNU.
