Can we actually do it?

[18IsTheMan]

Most seem to be considering this to be our best shot to beat A&M. I want to believe it, but I'm having trouble getting there. To put it mildly, they own us, going 8-0 since they joined the conference. The average margin of victory for them is right about 19 points. Four of the 8 games have been total blowouts (52-28, 30-6, 48-3, 44-14). Three have been by single digits (35-28, 24-27, 26-23). The series has gotten out of hand the last 3 years, with an average margin of victory in those games of 33 points. Based on these #s, I'm not terribly optimistic. We shook of some demons, though, with the win over UK. We'll have to take it to the next level to pull out the win in this game. A&M obviously slept on App St. but we all know if they play that game 9 more times, A&M likely wins all 9. They lost to a high-powered MSU offense and took Bama to the wire at Bama. I don't think they are as bad as some are hoping they are based on their results.

 

[SSIGamecock]

Most seem to be considering this to be our best shot to beat A&M. I want to believe it, but I'm having trouble getting there. To put it mildly, they own us, going 8-0 since they joined the conference. The average margin of victory for them is right about 19 points. Four of the 8 games have been total blowouts (52-28, 30-6, 48-3, 44-14). Three have been by single digits (35-28, 24-27, 26-23). The series has gotten out of hand the last 3 years, with an average margin of victory in those games of 33 points. Based on these #s, I'm not terribly optimistic. We shook of some demons, though, with the win over UK. We'll have to take it to the next level to pull out the win in this game. A&M obviously slept on App St. but we all know if they play that game 9 more times, A&M likely wins all 9. They lost to a high-powered MSU offense and took Bama to the wire at Bama. I don't think they are as bad as some are hoping they are based on their results.

yeah, they're probably not as bad as their record says or public opinion. However, they certainly aren't as good as years past, and have some vulnerabilities. Their offense ranks in the bottom 20 in the country, and no impressive games thus far from their offense. Rushing O and Passing O both outside the top 95 as well (101 and 97 respectively). Also Rushing D is 115 in the nation which is a big + for us. It should be a close game. Honestly, our weaknesses are pretty similar to theirs, however, we have the better skill position players, specifically Rattler and Lloyd. Add in the crowd effect, I think we get the job done.

 

[1vagamecock]

yeah, they're probably not as bad as their record says or public opinion. However, they certainly aren't as good as years past, and have some vulnerabilities. Their offense ranks in the bottom 20 in the country, and no impressive games thus far from their offense. Rushing O and Passing O both outside the top 95 as well (101 and 97 respectively). Also Rushing D is 115 in the nation which is a big + for us. It should be a close game. Honestly, our weaknesses are pretty similar to theirs, however, we have the better skill position players, specifically Rattler and Lloyd. Add in the crowd effect, I think we get the job done.

Will there really be a big crowd with the fair going on? If I remember right the fair usually holds our attendance down.

 

[18IsTheMan]

yeah, they're probably not as bad as their record says or public opinion. However, they certainly aren't as good as years past, and have some vulnerabilities. Their offense ranks in the bottom 20 in the country, and no impressive games thus far from their offense. Rushing O and Passing O both outside the top 95 as well (101 and 97 respectively). Also Rushing D is 115 in the nation which is a big + for us. It should be a close game. Honestly, our weaknesses are pretty similar to theirs, however, we have the better skill position players, specifically Rattler and Lloyd. Add in the crowd effect, I think we get the job done.

They do have some apparent weaknesses. Their scoring D is pretty good, though, giving up only 22 ppg. And their passing D is really good, giving up only 192 ypg. As you noted, their rushing D has been pretty bad, giving up 206 ypg. But those stats may be skewed somewhat as they were gutted in the run game by Arkansas and Bama. Bama, though, ran the ball 51 times with Young out of the game. We need to test that early on though. If we can establish the run and get Lloyd loose, that will help tremendously.

 

[TeeCock]

Will there really be a big crowd with the fair going on? If I remember right the fair usually holds our attendance down.

Probably will be packed since this is A&M. Most of time we are playing Vandy or Missouri on fair week.

 

[Prestonyte]

They do have some apparent weaknesses. Their scoring D is pretty good, though, giving up only 22 ppg. And their passing D is really good, giving up only 192 ypg. As you noted, their rushing D has been pretty bad, giving up 206 ypg. But those stats may be skewed somewhat as they were gutted in the run game by Arkansas and Bama. Bama, though, ran the ball 51 times with Young out of the game. We need to test that early on though. If we can establish the run and get Lloyd loose, that will help tremendously.

I like our chances. Think we build off the KY game with simplified offense focused on establishing running game to open up passing for Rattler. Looking for Bell to break out this game.

 

[18IsTheMan]

I like our chances. Think we build off the KY game with simplified offense focused on establishing running game to open up passing for Rattler. Looking for Bell to break out this game.

IF and it's a big IF we can beat A&M we have a shot at 6 straights wins. Losing to A&M won't be devastating like losing to UK would have been, but it sure would be nice to get a W in this series.

 

[Spinal Tap]

I like our chances. Think we build off the KY game with simplified offense focused on establishing running game to open up passing for Rattler. Looking for Bell to break out this game.

Run. Run. Run. Then see what happens.

 

[The Reel Ess]

I think we can. But will we?

 

[USC9195]

Most seem to be considering this to be our best shot to beat A&M. I want to believe it, but I'm having trouble getting there. To put it mildly, they own us, going 8-0 since they joined the conference. The average margin of victory for them is right about 19 points. Four of the 8 games have been total blowouts (52-28, 30-6, 48-3, 44-14). Three have been by single digits (35-28, 24-27, 26-23). The series has gotten out of hand the last 3 years, with an average margin of victory in those games of 33 points. Based on these #s, I'm not terribly optimistic. We shook of some demons, though, with the win over UK. We'll have to take it to the next level to pull out the win in this game. A&M obviously slept on App St. but we all know if they play that game 9 more times, A&M likely wins all 9. They lost to a high-powered MSU offense and took Bama to the wire at Bama. I don't think they are as bad as some are hoping they are based on their results.

I’m kinda in the same boat. I’m optimistic, but far from confident.

 

[Blues man]

Most seem to be considering this to be our best shot to beat A&M. I want to believe it, but I'm having trouble getting there. To put it mildly, they own us, going 8-0 since they joined the conference. The average margin of victory for them is right about 19 points. Four of the 8 games have been total blowouts (52-28, 30-6, 48-3, 44-14). Three have been by single digits (35-28, 24-27, 26-23). The series has gotten out of hand the last 3 years, with an average margin of victory in those games of 33 points. Based on these #s, I'm not terribly optimistic. We shook of some demons, though, with the win over UK. We'll have to take it to the next level to pull out the win in this game. A&M obviously slept on App St. but we all know if they play that game 9 more times, A&M likely wins all 9. They lost to a high-powered MSU offense and took Bama to the wire at Bama. I don't think they are as bad as some are hoping they are based on their results.

I think that 26-23 game was the only other game that came after a bye... so there's that

 

[KingWard]

We should win. They are the biggest bust in college football this year. We should beat them at home. There's no excuse not to.

 

[bayrooster]

I'm not predicting anything, I'm going to be like a Misery Man on this one -- "show me" what you got. A win is what we need though.

 

[Pepsicock]

I wish we would run some slants like bama does

 

[Slim Chickens Gamecock]

we will have to play flawlessly. No blocked punts to only fumble when a defensive end standing there staring at you comes racing through the line to flip the QB. on that play Spencer looked like a rag doll. should'nt have lost the ball though and we could have at least gone up 10 zip. cant do that against A&M

 

[Cocky99]

With both teams current season records considered, it’s hard to say how this will likely turn out. They went toe to toe with Alabama and did much better against Arkansas then we did. That’s a little worrisome. So i don’t know… lol

 

[Lakemurraycock]

Our best chance does not mean we win. I am optimistic though. We match up well in several areas. They are vulnerable to the run. If we are smart enough to take advantage of that then there is a good shot. Night game the crowd should help.

 

[NAGamecock]

A lot has been said about how well we’ve played after a week off but they were off too. Both teams will have had a week to heal up and prepare a game plan. I expect a good game and hope the home field and crowd helps us win this one.

 

[KingWard]

I wish we would run some slants like bama does

I agree. I don't understand why I don't see more slip screens when it seems nobody can stop them.

 

[The Reel Ess]

I agree. I don't understand why I don't see more slip screens when it seems nobody can stop them.

No, we have to run 10 quick WR screens and not block.

 

[18IsTheMan]

Interested to see if we can answer the bell. Obviously, historically, we have not performed well in these situations, so I 'm finding it hard to shake those demons of the past, but it's time to see if Shane can change that. Win this one, and we'll have won 4 in a row with two more winnable games to follow, before we end the season with 1 probable loss and 2 likely losses.

 

[will110]

IF and it's a big IF we can beat A&M we have a shot at 6 straights wins. Losing to A&M won't be devastating like losing to UK would have been, but it sure would be nice to get a W in this series.

Winning this game would be a huge step in the right direction for the program. It's been years since Carolina won a game with hype.

Winning against A&M would help put Muschamp's ghost in the past for good. So often in his tenure here we would win a couple games and then have a big game that could put Carolina back on the map, but lose it every single time.

 

[KingWard]

No, we have to run 10 quick WR screens to the and not block.

I think I know what you were trying to say, essentially.

Winning this game would be a huge step in the right direction for the program. It's been years since Carolina won a game with hype.

Winning against A&M would help put Muschamp's ghost in the past for good. So often in his tenure here we would win a couple games and then have a big game that could put Carolina back on the map, but lose it every single time.

Yes, and inasmuch as Beamer the Redeemer is markedly better than Muschamp, I'm SHOCKED, SHOCKED I tell you, at the restraint being exhibited in this thread.