What is your level of concern for the UNC game?

[18IsTheMan]

On a scale of 1-10? I would put mine at a 7.5. It's a winnable game, but I think it presents a lot of challenges for us and we will have to play very well to win.

We enter the game with so many question marks...Which Rattler will we get? Will Loggains pan out? Will the OL improve at all? Will we be able to run the ball? We're really banking on getting the Rattler from the UT game and 2nd half of the Clemson game and that Loggains is gonna be a good OC. But those are lot of questions to have entering the season.

On defense, we were actually pretty respectable against the pass last year, which is UNC's strong suit, so that'll be interesting to see. UNC was middle of the pack rushing the ball, and run D was a major weakness for us last year. So we kind of match up strengths and weaknesses there.

Looking at their stats from last year, UNC was the epitome of a one-dimensional team. They were top 10 in passing yards/game. Everything else was pretty rough. Pass defense was 111th, rush defense was 92nd and rushing offense was 73. BUT the same is true of us. We were 33rd in passing offense. Pretty bad at everything else.

I guess the one bright spot is that our strongest element...passing offense...matches up with UNC's weakest element...passing defense.

 

[Snoopcockycock]

On a scale of 1-10, I'd put my concern for this game around a four. While I believe Drake Maye will present some problems early in the game, I also believe we will figure them out, and stop him a lot more as the game goes on. Contrarily, I don't believe unCarolina's defense can do anything to stop Rattler and the weapons we have on offense. Our defense is better and more talented than theirs is, especially our safeties and I believe that will be a pivotal part of this game. Added to that, our Special Teams will out-perform theirs, and we will, at the very least, enjoy much better field position for most of this game. Gamecocks by at least two scores.

 

[18IsTheMan]

On a scale of 1-10, I'd put my concern for this game around a four. While I believe Drake Maye will present some problems early in the game, I also believe we will figure them out, and stop him a lot more as the game goes on. Contrarily, I don't believe unCarolina's defense can do anything to stop Rattler and the weapons we have on offense. Our defense is better and more talented than theirs is, and I believe that will be a pivotal part of this game. Added to that, our Special Teams will out-perform theirs, and we will, at the very least, enjoy much better field position for most of the game. Gamecocks by at least two scores.

Goodness, I like your confidence and hope you're right.

 

[Prestonyte]

I like our secondary vs. their passing game and I believe we can outscore them.
So, I'm going with 3.5 for concern level and have confidence we win.

 

[18IsTheMan]

I like our secondary vs. their passing game and I believe we can outscore them.
So, I'm going with 3.5 for concern level and have confidence we win.

Does that mean I'm just a worrier? haha

 

[will110]

I'm extremely concerned. It should be a winnable game, but we have so many question marks. There's a reason UNC is favored. It's one of those games that winning could kickstart the season but losing would put us staring down the barrel of a 1-4 or 2-3 start to the season.

 

[18IsTheMan]

I'm extremely concerned. It should be a winnable game, but we have so many question marks. There's a reason UNC is favored. It's one of those games that winning could kickstart the season but losing would put us staring down the barrel of a 1-4 or 2-3 start to the season.

That's one thing that concerns me. UNC has been favored since lines came out and it has increased slightly in their favor. It's not a huge line...only 2.5 last I saw...but Vegas certainly doesn't see us winning easily and they usually know what they're doing.

 

[Uscg1984]

On a scale of 1-10? I would put mine at a 7.5. It's a winnable game, but I think it presents a lot of challenges for us and we will have to play very well to win.

We enter the game with so many question marks...Which Rattler will we get? Will Loggains pan out? Will the OL improve at all? Will we be able to run the ball? We're really banking on getting the Rattler from the UT game and 2nd half of the Clemson game and that Loggains is gonna be a good OC. But those are lot of questions to have entering the season.

On defense, we were actually pretty respectable against the pass last year, which is UNC's strong suit, so that'll be interesting to see. UNC was middle of the pack rushing the ball, and run D was a major weakness for us last year. So we kind of match up strengths and weaknesses there.

Looking at their stats from last year, UNC was the epitome of a one-dimensional team. They were top 10 in passing yards/game. Everything else was pretty rough. Pass defense was 111th, rush defense was 92nd and rushing offense was 73. BUT the same is true of us. We were 33rd in passing offense. Pretty bad at everything else.

I guess the one bright spot is that our strongest element...passing offense...matches up with UNC's weakest element...passing defense.

I'm probably right there with you at a 7.5, but maybe for slightly different reasons. I think we're the better team and _should_ win, but because I view this game as essentially a "must win" game for us, my anxiety is raised. I don't think this game is a must-win for UNC. If they lose it, they could still end up with a very good season in the ACC, perhaps getting 10 wins. If we lose this game, building on last season's 8 wins will be very very difficult.

 

[18IsTheMan]

I'm probably right there with you at a 7.5, but maybe for slightly different reasons. I think we're the better team and _should_ win, but because I view this game as essentially a "must win" game for us, my anxiety is raised. I don't think this game is a must-win for UNC. If they lose it, they could still end up with a very good season in the ACC, perhaps getting 10 wins. If we lose this game, building on last season's 8 wins will be very very difficult.

I do believe the implications of the game ratchet up my level of concern as well. It's difficult to see a path to a good season if we lose this game.

 

[Stardust710]

1

 

[will110]

I'm probably right there with you at a 7.5, but maybe for slightly different reasons. I think we're the better team and _should_ win, but because I view this game as essentially a "must win" game for us, my anxiety is raised. I don't think this game is a must-win for UNC. If they lose it, they could still end up with a very good season in the ACC, perhaps getting 10 wins. If we lose this game, building on last season's 8 wins will be very very difficult.

This is why it's so concerning to me too. We need this win to have any shot at 7 or 8. If we can't beat UNC, how are we going to beat Kentucky, Missouri, or Florida?

 

[Lurker123]

I do believe the implications of the game ratchet up my level of concern as well. It's difficult to see a path to a good season if we lose this game.

Agreed.

I'd put me at 7.5 or 8. Their qb concerns me. A mobile guy with his arm can salvage a lot of plays for an offense.

I was very surprised to see the UNC was favored. I figured this would be a one score line, but I thought we would be favored. Makes me wonder what I don't know about their team, and what offseason changes theyve made, as I don't follow them that much.

 

[18IsTheMan]

Agreed.

I'd put me at 7.5 or 8. Their qb concerns me. A mobile guy with his arm can salvage a lot of plays for an offense.

I was very surprised to see the UNC was favored. I figured this would be a one score line, but I thought we would be favored. Makes me wonder what I don't know about their team, and what offseason changes theyve made, as I don't follow them that much.

My guess is it's all Drake Maye. Take him out of the equation and we're probably a 7 point favorite. I guess that happens when you've got a legitimate Heisman candidate under center.

 

[Deleted11512]

On a scale of 1-10, I'd put my concern for this game around a four. While I believe Drake Maye will present some problems early in the game, I also believe we will figure them out, and stop him a lot more as the game goes on. Contrarily, I don't believe unCarolina's defense can do anything to stop Rattler and the weapons we have on offense. Our defense is better and more talented than theirs is, especially our safeties and I believe that will be a pivotal part of this game. Added to that, our Special Teams will out-perform theirs, and we will, at the very least, enjoy much better field position for most of this game. Gamecocks by at least two scores.

I'm with you. I'm going 3-4. Super pumped about the O matchup. Their D is hot garbage. We've got too many weapons for them to defend. Maye is good, but his OL is junk, and he's got nobody to throw it to.

Also, Mack Brown is a joke. This is the same dude that admitted they didn't do any homework at all on Cade Klubnick b/c they just assumed DJ was going to play. Said the same about DK in the bowl game. I know that was kind of wild, but we didn't really have another option. Wouldn't have been that hard to say "this guy played QB for them a couple of season ago, we've got a month, we should scout him a bit".

 

[Spinal Tap]

On a scale of 1-10, I'd put my concern for this game around a four. While I believe Drake Maye will present some problems early in the game, I also believe we will figure them out, and stop him a lot more as the game goes on. Contrarily, I don't believe unCarolina's defense can do anything to stop Rattler and the weapons we have on offense. Our defense is better and more talented than theirs is, especially our safeties and I believe that will be a pivotal part of this game. Added to that, our Special Teams will out-perform theirs, and we will, at the very least, enjoy much better field position for most of this game. Gamecocks by at least two scores.

I agree with those thoughts. 4 seems reasonable to me on the concern-o-meter because I believe we can move the ball and score on them. I'm
very curious to see how we handle things defensively, especially line play.

 

[HillsToSea]

I don’t see their defense stopping Rattler

 

[IOPGCock]

Unless it’s a G5 or FCS game the best I ever feel is a 5 even as a big favorite based on years of Gamecock PTSD. But I’m feeling 3 or 4 on this one.

I think we have superior coaching which is rare. I think we have some leaders with something to prove. To quote Shane I don’t think UNC knows what they’re about to get into and that like UT there will be an early shock to their system. For some reason I think the staff has these boys totally bought in after the way last season ended.

 

[uscfan1981]

10. It is a must win.

 

[Thunderstick]

Mine is a 9; we lack the depth to chase Maye's receivers all over the field.

 

[Backyard Archer]

I don't feel good about it, probably an 8 or 9. I think we should win but not very confident based on many of the reasons you posted. Can we actually block anybody, can we at least be a decent running team, can we stop the run, can our LBs finally run faster than my grandma, do we have a lockdown corner, and most importantly will Loggains be the opposite of what he was in the NFL? He was terrible there and has never run a college offense so I can't say I expect a smooth outing. Obviously hope I'm wrong and that Beamer hired a stud but to think we could've had Riley or Briles and ended up with Patton Oswalt still leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.

 

[Maccmaine12]

I'm extremely concerned. It should be a winnable game, but we have so many question marks. There's a reason UNC is favored. It's one of those games that winning could kickstart the season but losing would put us staring down the barrel of a 1-4 or 2-3 start to the season.

I have some concerns just because your team can lose any game. But to be fair, im not sure why UNC is favored. Towards the end of the season we looked far and away better than UNC [comparing our game against Clemson to theirs]. They lost a lot of talent at wideout to the NFL and that’s why they’re making it a big deal about Trez not getting the waiver. Their defense is still coached by Gene so im just not sure where their advantages over us will come from.

 

[Maccmaine12]

This is why it's so concerning to me too. We need this win to have any shot at 7 or 8. If we can't beat UNC, how are we going to beat Kentucky, Missouri, or Florida?

We just witness us not beating Mizz or UF last season and was able to beat the 2nd and 3rd toughest team on our schedule. So I’ll have to respectfully disagree

 

[Maccmaine12]

Goodness, I like your confidence and hope you're right.

Definitely agree. I watched a lot of UNC last season and their passing offense relied on Josh Downs quick routes or screens. I don’t see where their better than us on paper other than RB and QB, even though I think Spence have a special arm.

 

[will110]

We just witness us not beating Mizz or UF last season and was able to beat the 2nd and 3rd toughest team on our schedule. So I’ll have to respectfully disagree

Of course. We can beat anyone on our schedule any given week. The key is playing consistently where it's not shocking upsets to beat the 2nd and 3rd hardest teams on our schedule.

If we lose to UNC, then we're fighting an uphill battle the rest of the season. Those mid-tier SEC games loom large. It's hard to see UNC being a tougher opponent than Missouri or Kentucky.

 

[Deleted11512]

Definitely agree. I watched a lot of UNC last season and their passing offense relied on Josh Downs quick routes or screens. I don’t see where their better than us on paper other than RB and QB, even though I think Spence have a special arm.

I’m betting on Ratt. He’s got a different look in his eyes. Seems more confident and dialed in. That’s a grown man with something to prove.

 

[Bubba Fett]

8/9 We have question marks everywhere, and our new OC saying we don't really know what we have until we play. Mystery team versus a hot QB and a team with a talent level on par with us, that doesn't bode well.

That said, if we play 4 quarters with grit and spirit, we can break them.

 

[GandBinNC]

Aside from the blue face paint, this is my state of mind right now.

 

[Maccmaine12]

Of course. We can beat anyone on our schedule any given week. The key is playing consistently where it's not shocking upsets to beat the 2nd and 3rd hardest teams on our schedule.

If we lose to UNC, then we're fighting an uphill battle the rest of the season. Those mid-tier SEC games loom large. It's hard to see UNC being a tougher opponent than Missouri or Kentucky.

Of course. It’s not a such thing as a must win game. Especially not the first game of the year.

 

[Ruffledfeathers]

I feel like we are a better talented team than our 2021 (mostly Muschamp player) team that handled the tarholes without much trouble in the same stadium (Dak was MVP). Mack was out coached.

Assuming what is being said in preseason is accurate we should be scoring often. If so, that will negate a ground game by Maye, forcing them into a keep up with our scoring passing game. We should outscore them in that scenario. I am about a "3" at the moment. Assuming no injuries, we should win in similar fashion to the 2021 Belk Bowl.

I guessing some west coast bookies are seeing the game is in North Carolina and are conceding "home field advantage" to the tarholes (to be favored).

 

[TN-Gamecock]

It's always a home game for us and Clemson when playing a school from North Carolina in Charlotte. I don't see it being any different Saturday.

 

[KingWard]

10. It's not about our odds of winning, but the almost total certainty of a dismal season if we don't.

 

[accock]

2 We win by 10 or more

 

[Deleted11512]

Saw where Ratt was asked how fast the offense can go. He smirked and said “as fast as we want. Or as slow as we want. We can do whatever we want”.

 

[Horseshoe04]

I’m pretty sure, weather cooperates, the game will proceed as scheduled

 

[Jonesz2]

10. It's not about our odds of winning, but the almost total certainty of a dismal season if we don't.

I remember several years ago all the talking heads said the first game between us and UNC would decide our seasons. They couldn’t have been more wrong. We won the game and tanked. UNC lost had a great season and played in the ACC Championship game

 

[KingWard]

I remember several years ago all the talking heads said the first game between us and UNC would decide our seasons. They couldn’t have been more wrong. We won the game and tanked. UNC lost had a great season and played in the ACC Championship game

What if we had lost that game? Would we have not tanked anyway? Certainly you don't compare the road in front of them to the road in front of us, do you? There's literally no comparison.

 

[vacock]

2

Just because.

 

[1vagamecock]

2

Just because.

10 for me. I've been a Gamecock far to long not to worry.

 

[athenscock3]

I've been a gamecock fan since the fifties. I've learned not to take any game for granted by experiences over the years. We have had knack for making mediocre teams look good. As I mentioned in a post earlier this week even in our best year of 1984, we barely escaped an upset by El Cid in our opener. Troy Thomas, a db from Valdosta, ran down a Citadel player about to score the decisive td and we escaped by a miracle. Lose that opener to El Cid and the magic of 1984 could possibly gone down the drain. We got lots of braggarts as do other programs but they don't decide the games.

 

[IPOC]

Let's just say I am concerned but with me that comes naturally being a Gamecock fan..I always feel they will play better if I do not watch the game...Either that or get "numb" )~