Coaches not satisfied after dominant outing 
The final score of last week’s game against ECU suggests that South Carolina’s defense played a dominant game.
The Gamecocks forced five turnovers, holding the Pirates to 10 points late in the game, after the result was no longer in question.
However, despite the unit’s success at disrupting East Carolina’s offense, USC’s coaches were not satisfied with the defensive performance, especially with the freshmen who came in to replace the starters. As the Gamecocks prepared to face UAB, they will focus on improving their tackling and executing plays.
“We have to show up, tackle, line up properly, communicate,” secondary coach Grady Brown said. “From week to week, I don’t think our job would change much in the secondary ... Every week, we have to get better at open-field tackling. We missed too many tackles last week, and obviously in Week 1. When we miss tackles, bad things happen.”
Cornerback Ahmad Christian and safety T.J. Gurley were among a group of freshmen who had disappointing performances when they took the field in the final minutes.
“At the end of the game, we put our freshmen in,” defensive line coach Brad Lawing said. “I said, ‘There’s no substitutes; there’s no one coming in if you get tired. I want to see if you’ll suck it up.’ They gave in at the end. They all embarrassed their hometowns and their families. I let them know at the end of the game.”
Lawing attributed the new players’ struggles to a major difference in the level of intensity from high school to college football.
“Most of those guys played every snap on defense in high school,” Lawing said. “They didn’t have to rush the quarterback with 600 pounds hanging on them. It’s a new experience. The sooner they learn how to handle that new experience, the better players they’ll become. It’s all a learning experience. It started at that game.”
The amount of playing time the freshmen see this week will depend on how the game progresses, but the coaches said experience is essential in helping the young players improve and contribute to USC.
“We definitely want to play as many people as we can, because at some point, those guys’ role will increase for this ball club,” Brown said. “Everyone is one play away from being a starter, so you have to prepare yourself as if you’re going to start. You definitely do that in practice, but to get those guys live reps is great. It’s priceless to have an opportunity to play those guys.”
One of the biggest bright spots for USC’s defense against ECU was junior Jimmy Legree, who is back to his natural position of cornerback after playing safety last year. Legree returned his first career interception 34 yards for a touchdown that extended South Carolina’s lead against ECU to 35-0.
“[Brison Williams and I] actually talked right before the snap,” Legree said. “I told him to get over the top because I was jumping at anything short. Fortunately they ran a short route.”
The junior also contributed five tackles and two pass breakups on the afternoon.
“[Legree] is doing a good job,” Brown said. “He’s making the plays that we’ve all felt like he could make. When opportunity meets preparation, that’s normally what happens. He did a good job of catching the ball and did a good job of lining up properly and having his eyes in the right place. It was good to see him get out there and make a play.”
UAB is coached by Garrick McGee, who spent the last two seasons as the offensive coordinator at Arkansas. Because of his background, the Gamecocks have studied film from the Razorbacks in addition to film from the Blazers’ opening-week loss to Troy. Lawing said UAB’s offense is a blend of passing and running.
“They throw it around good, but they’re going to try to run it too,” Lawing said. “Their line really works hard at being physical.”
No matter the level of the opponent, USC’s defense expects to improve upon its performance from last week and play to its potential until the final snap.
“You have to push and prod,” Lawing said. “And you can never accept mediocrity.”