Pasquali's Pix: Unheralded Gamecocks becoming salty on defense

David Paschall

While South Carolina's quarterback situation this season was morphing from the veteran Perry Orth to the younger Brandon McIlwain to the even younger Jake Bentley, the Gamecocks were exceeding expectations on defense.

That's the main reason why coach Will Muschamp's first team in Columbia is a competitive 4-4 and coming off last Saturday night's 24-21 upset of Tennessee.

"We've been very opportunistic and haven't given up a bunch of big plays," Muschamp said Wednesday. "We gave up a quarterback run against Mississippi State and had a busted coverage against UMass, but past that, we haven't given up the huge, easy, cheap scores. We have not been a great third-down defense, but we've played great in the red zone and have five or six red-zone turnovers.

"We knew in camp that we weren't going to be an overly dominant unit on defense and that we needed to play well in the red zone and that we needed to get turnovers. We had to be opportunistic, and those things have happened for us."

The Gamecocks enter this week's game against visiting Missouri ranked 25th in the nation in scoring defense and 11th in red-zone defense. They have yet to allow 30 or more points to any opponent, a feat South Carolina last accomplished in 1979.

Two years ago, South Carolina allowed 30 or more points seven times.

The Gamecocks held the Volunteers to 297 yards and 24:06 of possession time last Saturday. They also intercepted Josh Dobbs twice.

"They make you beat them," Tennessee coach Butch Jones said. "They make you methodically move the football down the field. They don't give up big plays, and they do a very good job of tackling. They have some older, veteran guys up front who understand the scheme, and I think Will and his staff have done a really good job of teaching.

"They keep everything in front of them, and they force you to drive the ball eight, nine or 10 plays. They make you earn every yard that they get."

South Carolina had six returning starters on defense after last season and lost its top player in late May, when senior linebacker and three-year leading tackler Skai Moore was ruled out with a herniated disc in his neck.

Pasquali's Pix:

Texas A&M at Mississippi State: The Bulldogs are on their way to seventh in the SEC West for the first time under coach Dan Mullen, but at least their uniforms for Saturday look cool. Aggies 34, Bullies 25.

Vanderbilt at Auburn: Seriously, how much fun could it be trying to tackle Auburn 240-pound tailback Kamryn Pettway 30-plus times a game? Tigers 30, Commodores 13.

Georgia Tech at North Carolina: The Tar Heels are seeking a third consecutive series win after losing 14 of the previous 16 against the Yellow Jackets. Tar Heels 31, Yellow Jackets 30.

Florida at Arkansas: Razorbacks coach Bret Bielema referred to Florida on signing day as "kind of the new Ole Miss," adding that he meant it as a compliment. Gators 27, Razorbacks 24.

Missouri at South Carolina: The Gamecocks need this one and Western Carolina on Nov. 19 for bowl eligibility, because trips to Florida and Clemson may not be as enjoyable. Gamecocks 24, Tigers 19.

Tennessee Tech at Tennessee: There won't be a dry eye in Neyland Stadium this Saturday when Jalen Hurd has his number retired at halftime. Volunteers 56, Golden Eagles 7.

Georgia at Kentucky: Since when did the Bulldogs become the spoilers in this series? Bulldogs 30, Wildcats 21.

Alabama at LSU: Could you imagine both Ed Orgeron and Danny Etling getting carried off the field late Saturday night? Me neither. Crimson Tide 27, Tigers 17.

Last week:

Winners...........19

Jimbo tirades......6

Pasquali is now 180-45 overall (80.0 percent) this season.

Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.