My outside view

[TAFC 5 1981]

As most of y'all know, I am a Florida and Clemson fan. I spend more time on here then any FL or CU board. CockyTalk is my favorite forum (Swamp Gas is 2nd). 99% of Gamecock fans on here have been very good to this visiting fan (especially with a tater connection).

Over the last three years, SC has enjoyed its best seasons in football. Naturally expectations are for more of the same or that last step up. I know last night's loss sucked, but I think four factors played a major role.

1. Not the same defense: In 2012, SC had one of the best defenses in college football. Last years wasn't bad either. There is no way any team would not miss losing the players that SC lost on D. In 2012 and 2013, that D held a potent CU offense to 17 points. Last night's D would not have. FL won the NC in 2006 and 2008, going 13-1 both years. Tebow and the offense did well in 2007, but the D was not as good and FL was 9-4.

2. No established running game: The quick scores put points on the board, but also put the D back on the field. Some long UGA type drives keeps aTm on the sidelines. The RBs and OL need to man up.

3. The Shaw factor: DT is a good QB, but Shaw was special; he could fire up teammates like few can (even on the sidelines on crutches).

4. The Hype: I think the team bought into some of the hype and was caught off guard. Many teams do it (especially CU).

All great teams have some down years, this may be one. I expect CU to have one too. Florida can only go up from last year. I don't expect SC to ever drop down to the late 90s level again. A lot of football yet to be played.

[MisterClowney]

Solid points which I agree with. Other than the number one point being the obvious lack of any kind of defensive presence, the biggest issue was abandoning the run game. Can't believe we're running Dylan out of the shotgun every play. Well I guess I can because Spurrier won't learn. Very frustrating right now. Can't get any worse - kind of like Florida's season this year.

[Cockypantherfan]

Very fair analysis. Frustrating to see us not be able to tackle anyone last night and get absolutely zero pass rush.

[TAFC 5 1981]

Originally Posted by Cockypantherfan

Very fair analysis. Frustrating to see us not be able to tackle anyone last night and get absolutely zero pass rush.

I didn't key on the tackle issue because many teams seem to have that problem in early games.

[Goofyboy]

Originally Posted by TAFC 5 1981

I didn't key on the tackle issue because many teams seem to have that problem in early games.

Somewhat true, but it appeared to me to be the biggest factor in the score. I counted four missed tackles on third that would have stopped drives.

[b381l]

Originally Posted by Goofyboy

Somewhat true, but it appeared to me to be the biggest factor in the score. I counted four missed tackles on third that would have stopped drives.

there were 24 missed tackles on 18 plays.

Missed tackles

FIRST HALF
First drive: Holloman, Golightly, Williams - 10 yards
Second drive: English (sack) - 9 yards; Diggs, Allen-Williams - 16 yards; Gurley - TAMU lost 2 yards
Third drive: No clear misses
Fourth drive: English - 4 yards
Fifth drive: Holloman, English - 4 yards; Bryant - 13 yards
Sixth drive: No clear misses

SECOND HALF
First drive: No clear misses
Second drive: Lammons - 4 yards; Deon Green - 6 yards; Golightly (sack) - 10 yards
Third drive: Harris - 5 yards
Fourth drive: Holloman, Moore, Johnson - 13 yards; Diggs - 25 yards; Golightly - 4 yards
Fifth drive: Lammons - 21 yards; Johnson - 3 yards; Diggs - 2 yards; Moore - 3 yards

[TAFC 5 1981]

Upon farther review, that should have been #1 of 5 on my list. Few things are more frustrating that watching your team miss tackles in a game.

[Wisercock]

I would add that our defense has had a lot of graduation (early) losses over the past 3 or 4 years. But we have not recruited well enough to replace them. The players on the team are not of the same caliber as Ingram, Gilmore, Swearinger, Whitlock, Hampton, Quarles, Clowney, Wilson, Legree, etc.