Junior tailback saves best for Georgia
When asked what stood out most about junior tailback Marcus Lattimore’s game against Georgia two years ago, quarterbacks coach G.A. Mangus did not hesitate.
“How many tackles he broke,” Mangus said. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen that, much less from an 18-year-old. It was an amazing performance. Everything was forward. He never got knocked backward. If anything stands out, that’s what it is.”
In his second game for USC as a freshman, Lattimore carried the ball 37 times for 182 yards and two touchdowns, adding one 16-yard reception. The tailback had an equally impressive performance against UGA last season, netting 176 rushing yards.
“That was one of the most amazing days I’ve ever seen a running back have,” Spurrier said. “Last year we had holes for him. He broke a few (tackles) here and there, especially in the second half. If we’re to win he probably needs to have another big day.”
This year, the Gamecocks will turn to the junior once again to establish the running game and spark their offense.
Lattimore was quick to emphasize that the past has no bearing on this weekend’s game.
“These past two games really don’t mean anything because I know they’re going to be ready,” Lattimore said. “They have a great defense, as always, and we just have to continue to do what we’ve been doing and run our plays and execute our plays, and we’ll be fine.”
USC will rely on its offensive line to open space for Lattimore to run. The unit receives a boost with the return of sophomore tackle Mike Matulis, who missed the game against Kentucky with a shoulder injury. Redshirt freshman Brandon Shell started at right tackle in his place.
The line has been reshuffled multiple times and criticized throughout the season. But offensive line coach Shawn Elliott said USC has shown improvement, playing decently against Missouri and well at times in the second half against Kentucky.
“I think when we realized what we needed to do (against Kentucky) and got in there and started doing it,” Elliott said. “They played well at times, but we all can get better. All in all, I’m optimistic about where we’re heading. I think we’re going to improve. I think we’re getting better. And I think we’re going to see results.”
Spurrier said Georgia’s defense will target Lattimore specifically, knowing that USC’s offense is not pass-heavy, and that the offensive line will have to shoulder the responsibility for allowing him to get into a rhythm.
Georgia’s defense was effective at stopping the tailback early in last year’s contest, although he had 94 yards in the fourth quarter alone.
“Obviously they have to stop the run first,” Spurrier said. “Everyone we play has the same plan really. When you only throw 15 to 20 passes a game, the other team can’t say, ‘Let’s stop the pass.’ They obviously have to try to stop Marcus and the run game.”
Lattimore said last year’s season-ending injury is no longer a concern for him and he will continue to improve as this season goes on. But he dodged comparisons to his freshman year, when he broke 40 tackles by the coaching staff’s count.
“I felt like I could do it at this level, and I proved it that game (in 2010), but that was two years ago, so we’ll see,” Lattimore said.
Elliott, for one, still believes Lattimore is capable of the same success against the Bulldogs.
“Anytime you put the ball in (No.) 21’s hands,” Elliott said. “There’s something special that could happen.”