 "Photo: Nick Esares / The Gamecock")
Less than a month ago, many USC fans were noticeably apprehensive about the abilities of the Gamecock defense, and not without reason.
Before the Vanderbilt game, USC coach Steve Spurrier was vocal about the team needing to make more tackles. Stopping the run had also been a well-documented problem with Georgia, Auburn and Kentucky, each rushing for more than 200 yards and Alabama rushing for more than 300 yards against the Gamecocks.
However, during the past couple weeks, USC's defense seems to have ignited, giving performances one would expect from a 6-3 team.
There has been considerable speculation as to the source of the unit's sudden vigor. Many have accredited the shift in play-calling responsibilities for rejuvenating the program.
Starting at the game against Tennessee on Oct. 29, co-defensive coordinator Tyrone Nix took over play-calling duties from his colleague, coach John Thompson. In the two games since Nix took over, the Gamecock defense has looked strong keeping the Tennessee Vols, ranked No. 23 at the time, to only 172 rushing yards, and keeping Arkansas, the No. 1 rushing team in the SEC, to only one touchdown and a field goal.
However, the Gamecock defenders play down the significance of the change in coaching responsibilities. Redshirt sophomore defensive lineman Stanley Doughty said he feels either defensive coordinator could lead the team.
"Basically both coaches do a great job coaching; the last two games have come down to the wire, so there really hasn't been a big change," Doughty said. "Both of them are good coaches."
Changes to the lineup have also had a positive influence on the team. Spurrier, known for rewarding hard workers with playing time, has given 28 players, including 14 on defense, their first collegiate start this season. Sophomore middle linebacker Dustin Lindsey got his first collegiate start at the Vanderbilt game.
"One thing that coach Spurrier does do is pay attention to all of his players, even the ones that don't start," Lindsey said. "He knows that the ones who work hard and try their hardest, and actually know and study the game plan and study the other team will do the best on Saturday."
Lindsey is second only to sophomore free safety Ko Simpson in tackles on the season with 48. His twin brother, sophomore defensive lineman Jordin Lindsey, also earned his first start this season and has since started in the last six games, recording a 16-yard sack against Tennessee.
"A lot of the fans thought that we were just some little pretty boys that came out here just to play around and probably not play until their junior or senior year," Dustin said of him and his brother. "So we proved all of them wrong and got a lot of them changing their minds about us."
In addition to the Lindsey twins, a number of other defensive players have earned their first start this season, including sophomore outside linebacker Ryan Brown, redshirt freshman cornerback Stoney Woodson and senior outside linebacker Terrell Davis. A number of freshmen have also had significant playing time, although they have not yet started, including defensive ends Nathan Pepper and Dakota Walker, cornerback Yvan Banag and middle linebacker Marvin Sapp.
Although the changes in coaching responsibilities and the lineup have been an essential part to turning the defensive program around, they might not have been the most significant change.
Many players credit their change of attitude and their increased desire to win as the greatest catalyst for their improvement.
"I think there is a great fire," Doughty said. "History says that we've been known to lose close games; you know we just told ourselves that enough is enough, and we aren't going to fall short all of the time."
As the team began to play better, the success built as the players realized their goals were now within reach.
"We were trying to get to a bowl game and we knew that we had to get a couple of wins, and we just came together as a team on the defense," Simpson said. "The coaches were challenging us, talking about how we can't stop the run ... so that was what we tried to do."
The Gamecock defense will look to continue building upon its strong performances this weekend against the Florida Gators. Last year the Gators threw for 319 yards, a number the resurgent Gamecock secondary will hope to improve on. The Gamecocks are ranked 13th in the country in pass defense, allowing 172.8 yards per game. USC will also work to continue stopping the run and helping the offense control the clock in hopes of beating the No. 12 Gators for the first time since 1939.
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