Both these teams are coming off impressive victories with Arkansas taking down a previously undefeated Tulsa team and South Carolina defeating Tennessee by three touchdowns. After starting the season 1-2, the Gamecocks have now won five of their last six games.
It all starts with their impressive defense, which has people asking if it’s the best in school history.
“The Gamecocks are first in the SEC in total defense (250.7 yards per game) and pass defense (230.1 ypg.) and rank in the top three nationally in both categories. USC has allowed an average of 15 ppg. and has not allowed more than 24 points in a game all season.
“The last time USC went an entire season without giving up more than 24 points in a game was 1956.”
What makes the South Carolina defense so good? Here’s the view from Arkansas.
“They try to confuse you up front and really get some lost-yardage plays and make you play behind the chains, so it’s going to be tough,” Arkansas center Jonathan Luigs said.
“They line up in a lot of different fronts and coverages, and they have real good safeties that come down and tackle real well,” UA offensive coordinator Paul Petrino said. “Usually when you have safeties that tackle well, you are a good defense.”
This line opened with South Carolina favored by 11. Depending on where you look, it’s now up to 12 to 13 points.
