Five Predictions For The USC-Ole Miss Game
posted by Scott Hood, Thursday, September 24, 2009
1. The Two Teams Will Combine For At least 800 Yards Of Total Offense: This one could turn into a scoring fest even though both defenses are highly respected around the SEC. Both Stephen Garcia and Jevan Snead are capable of leading their teams up and down the field against the opposing defense. Stephen Garcia has completed 51-of-80 passes for 535 yards in the last two games. We know what Jevan Snead is capable of based on his numbers over the past year. He has a rocket arm and can make every throw. That’s why over a dozen NFL scouts will attend Thursday’s game.
2. Tori Gurley Will Catch At Least Six Passes: If there is any receiver on the USC roster that reminds Gamecock fans of Sidney Rice, it’s Gurley. His career is off to a great start with 12 receptions in the first three games. Gurley, along with Jason Barnes and some of the other taller Gamecock receivers, will enjoy a significant height advantage over the Ole Miss secondary. Look for plenty of fade passes and jump balls to Gurley.
3. Jevan Snead Will Throw 2+ Interceptions: While I expect Snead to have some success throwing the ball against the USC defense, the Gamecock secondary is confident they can contain Snead at the right times. Snead has thrown two or more interceptions just once in the last 11 games, the 2009 season opener at Memphis, and three times in 15 career games. If the front seven can put pressure on Snead – something I expect will happen – he should be coaxed into making a few poor throws along the way. The secondary will be there to pick them off.
4. The USC Defense Will Score A TD: Last year in Oxford, Clifton Geathers jarred the ball loose from Ole Miss QB Jevan Snead and it was scooped up by Nathan Pepper a returned for a touchdown. I look for a similar type play to occur in Thursday’s game, or a Pick-6 from a defensive back. Eric Norwood turned the first interception of his career into a touchdown. I think USC must score a defensive touchdown to win this game. If they are unable to forced Ole Miss into mistakes, Snead will pick them apart.
5. Eric Norwood Will Reach Two Career Milestones: Let’s try this again. I’ve made the prediction the last two weeks that Eric Norwood would set the school record for careers sacks, and I’ll keep doing it until he finally breaks the mark. He’s officially tied at the top with Andrew Provence at 26 sacks. With USC expected to bring the heat on Ole Miss quarterback Jevan Snead, Norwood should receive plenty of opportunities to get that record-setting sack. In addition, Norwood enters the game with 191 career tackles. The pick here is he will collect the nine tackles he needs to reach 200 career stops.
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South Carolina hosts No. 4 Ole Miss Thursday night at Williams-Brice Stadium. It's a huge game for both teams and the winner will get a jump start for the rest of the season. Here are five predictions for the game:
1. The Two Teams Will Combine For At least 800 Yards Of Total Offense: This one could turn into a scoring fest even though both defenses are highly respected around the SEC. Both Stephen Garcia and Jevan Snead are capable of leading their teams up and down the field against the opposing defense. Stephen Garcia has completed 51-of-80 passes for 535 yards in the last two games. We know what Jevan Snead is capable of based on his numbers over the past year. He has a rocket arm and can make every throw. That’s why over a dozen NFL scouts will attend Thursday’s game.
2. Tori Gurley Will Catch At Least Six Passes: If there is any receiver on the USC roster that reminds Gamecock fans of Sidney Rice, it’s Gurley. His career is off to a great start with 12 receptions in the first three games. Gurley, along with Jason Barnes and some of the other taller Gamecock receivers, will enjoy a significant height advantage over the Ole Miss secondary. Look for plenty of fade passes and jump balls to Gurley.
3. Jevan Snead Will Throw 2+ Interceptions: While I expect Snead to have some success throwing the ball against the USC defense, the Gamecock secondary is confident they can contain Snead at the right times. Snead has thrown two or more interceptions just once in the last 11 games, the 2009 season opener at Memphis, and three times in 15 career games. If the front seven can put pressure on Snead – something I expect will happen – he should be coaxed into making a few poor throws along the way. The secondary will be there to pick them off.
4. The USC Defense Will Score A TD: Last year in Oxford, Clifton Geathers jarred the ball loose from Ole Miss QB Jevan Snead and it was scooped up by Nathan Pepper a returned for a touchdown. I look for a similar type play to occur in Thursday’s game, or a Pick-6 from a defensive back. Eric Norwood turned the first interception of his career into a touchdown. I think USC must score a defensive touchdown to win this game. If they are unable to forced Ole Miss into mistakes, Snead will pick them apart.
5. Eric Norwood Will Reach Two Career Milestones: Let’s try this again. I’ve made the prediction the last two weeks that Eric Norwood would set the school record for careers sacks, and I’ll keep doing it until he finally breaks the mark. He’s officially tied at the top with Andrew Provence at 26 sacks. With USC expected to bring the heat on Ole Miss quarterback Jevan Snead, Norwood should receive plenty of opportunities to get that record-setting sack. In addition, Norwood enters the game with 191 career tackles. The pick here is he will collect the nine tackles he needs to reach 200 career stops.
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Scott Hood. Since February of 2005, Scott has covered the South Carolina football, men's basketball and baseball programs for GamecockCentral. He may be reached by email at scottblog(at)gamecockcentral.com. Replace (at) with @.