Tonight at 6:00 p.m. ET on ESPN, the South Carolina Gamecocks will open up their season against the North Carolina Tar Heels, from Bank of America Stadium. The Gamecocks are installed as two-point favorites in this tilt, but analysts are expecting a barn burner. South Carolina fans can listen to the game on 107.5 WNKT-FM, while Tar Heels fans may do likewise on News Talk 1110 WBT . Live stream the game free by clicking this link.
South Carolina had high hopes last season, and began the year ranked No. 9 in the country, but stumbled early and had a rough year. The defense was the main culprit. Defensive coordinator Jon Hoke spoke with TheState.com about his efforts this offseason to get the Gamecocks in better position to limit opposing offenses.
"Don't over think it," Hoke said. "Somebody is going to make a lot of money on a manual talking about tackling, and it's really about leverage on a tackle.
"There is always going to be somebody inside-out, there is always going to be somebody outside-in. If you leverage, you will tackle with the proper shoulder."
Tackling will be of the utmost importance according to ESPN's David M. Hale, who is predicting the Tar Heels will try very hard to dominate South Carolina in the running game. In discussing the key to UNC's offense Hale wrote, "Run the ball.
"It's been a talking point for Larry Fedora all offseason, but there is still a big question as to whether it will happen. UNC didn't properly utilize its tailbacks last season, but the Tar Heels have a deep, talented group, to go with an offensive line that should be among the ACC's best."
South Carolina's offense has upside, but is a far cry from last year's top-10 unit. They have a new quarterback and running back in the mix, as well as myriad changes on defense. One change is most important for the Gamecocks though, according to kicker Elliot Fry.
"Our intensity about about football in general has really stepped up from last year," Fry said. "I think last year not as many people were excited to play. We're ready to get back into it. Our defense is ready to hit. Our offense is ready to make big plays."
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