Five questions with Kyle Jordan, sports editor, The Chanticleer
1. Coastal has a prolific offense that averages more than 45 points per game. However, they will be facing their biggest challenge of the season against South Carolina. With that said, how can the Chanticleers have some success against the Gamecock defense?
We need to continue to be balanced on offense, and we can’t let USC force us to become one-dimensional. Also, our offensive line needs to continue to protect Alex Ross like they have all season and create running space for Taliaferro. We also must keep (South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon) Clowney in check. If we can do these things and our offense can continue to make the big plays they have been making all season, this could turn out to be a very interesting game.
2. Running back Lorenzo Taliaferro has had a great season with 1,466 yards and 23 rushing touchdowns. What has he meant to this team this season, and what are some of his attributes?
Taliaferro has meant everything to this team. These days, you have to have that powerful, big-play running back who can drag defenders for a few extra yards and who can run for at least five yards every time he touches the ball. Taliaferro has been that guy for us, and so far, nobody has been able slow him down.
3. How pumped are the Coastal players and coaches for this game? Being a FCS school, I’m sure you don’t get many opportunities to play in SEC stadiums, so I imagine there is a lot of excitement around campus.
Everyone on campus is pumped, and there will probably be more people from Coastal at the game than people think. There are also quite a few of us who think that we have a shot at coming away with a W.
*4. Wide receiver DeMario Bennett in particular has to be looking forward to this game. The former Gamecock has contributed greatly in his two seasons at Coastal, so how much has he talked about playing against his old team? *
I personally have not heard anything from him about the game, but he has every right to be excited about it. Playing your former team is always exciting.
5. Clowney has garnered a lot of attention all season long from opposing teams, and I’m assuming that’s the case this week as well. How concerned is the coaching staff about Clowney and the rest of the Gamecock defensive line?
Obviously Clowney has been a focus, but they have been preparing like they have all season, and that is really all they can do. Yes, it will be a challenge; USC is a team that is different from the teams we have already played, and I am sure adjustments are being made, but ultimately, you have to treat every game as an important game. And that is what our guys have been doing.
Prediction: You heard it here first! I am going CCU 38, USC 35. If Appalachian State could down Michigan in their own house, then there is no reason why we can’t come away with a win against USC.