Marshawn Lloyd views Georgia game as measuring stick for South Carolina

Marshawn Lloyd believes Saturday’s game against Georgia is a chance for South Carolina to see how far it has come. The Bulldogs not only represent a big challenge for the Gamecocks offense as the No. 1 scoring offense in the country, but also come in as defending national champions.

Coming off of a 44-30 loss to Arkansas this past week, Lloyd stated that South Carolina will have to be on top of its game if it hopes to even stay close to Georgia.

“We know that Georgia is gonna bring it every play and they’re the No. 1 team obviously,” the running back said. “Being able to compete with them and give it to them will be good to see where we are as a team.”

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Georgia saw a total of eight defensive players selected in the 2022 NFL Draft this offseason, including a record five in the first round. The Bulldogs also lost defensive coordinator Dan Lanning, who left to become the next head coach at Oregon.

One would think that might have an effect on the defensive in 2022, but so far the Bulldogs have showed no signs of regression. They have yet to allow a touchdown through their first two games, even pitching a shutout last week against Samford.

Georgia 79.5 rushing yards allowed per game ranks fourth in the SEC, and Marshawn Lloyd is aware that gaining positive yardage against their front will be a big challenge.

“They’re a physical team,” he said. “They run to the ball. They’re coached by a great coach. They’re the No. 1 team in the country for a reason. We’ve got to be able to go out there and compete and play at the same level they’re playing at.”

South Carolina has not had a 10-win season since 2013, and not many outside of Columbia expect the Gamecocks to pull off the upset Saturday. However, if they are able to at least keep it close, it would say a lot about where the team is headed in Shane Beamer’s second season.

Kickoff for the game is set for noon ET on Saturday in Columbia.