College GameDay analysts talk Dylan Stewart, South Carolina's defensive line ahead of matchup versus LSU
A clash of titans in the trenches will take place at Williams-Brice Stadium when South Carolina’s defensive line matches up against LSU’s offensive line on Saturday.
The Gamecocks head into this matched up tied for second in the country in sacks, with 10 through their first two contests. But LSU returns four of five starters to an offensive line group that has yet to surrender a sack all season.
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College GameDay analysts “Stanford Steve” Coughlin and Rece Davis spoke about this strength-versus-strength matchup ahead of both teams’ Week 3 contest. And both analysts believe the Gamecocks could put up another strong defensive performance.
“It was good to see them bounce back after you weren’t sure what you were getting after that first week. I expect them to play really well,” Coughlin said. “They know what they’re up against. I’m sure Coach Shane (Beamer) is talking about the NFL talent LSU has on the offensive line.”
Much of South Carolina’s success along the defensive line this season has come from individual performances from its two starting edge rushers – Dylan Stewart and Kyle Kennard.
Stewart enters Saturday’s game with 2.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. Kennard leads the Gamecocks in both tackles for loss (4.5) and sacks (3.5).
“We’ve got a young one and a veteran one on each side. Both of them have been meeting at the quarterback,” Davis said.
Davis said he has been especially impressed with how Stewart has performed early in his college career. Heading into 2024, Stewart was the No. 17 overall prospect in his class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking.
That early-season hype could eventually turn into extended success, Davis said.
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“Dylan Stewart is a rising star in this game. He’s going to be a guy who continues to grow,” Davis said. “Talking to Clayton (White), there’s just a lot of things that he does naturally. He sort of knows how to do. And he’s learning some of the techniques – when he has to be disciplined, to stay outside because of a defensive call, or when he has a little more freedom to just beat his guy… Boy, you want to start with the level of intensity and the level of ability that he has.”
Coughlin, who was familiar with Stewart’s physical abilities before the latter committed to the Gamecocks, also extended praise to the freshman edge rusher for his performance against Kentucky. Stewart recorded one sack, one tackle for loss, two tackles and one quarterback hit in that game.
“I live in D.C. now, so I got to see Mr. Stewart last year… When I went to see him, I couldn’t believe he was 6-foot-6. In high school, you still get to lie about your height. And he’s all of it,” Coughlin said. “(He was) super impressive last week on that stage, knowing what was at stake.”
Coughlin said South Carolina’s defense played a pivotal role in picking up an upset win last week. He added that the Gamecocks will need to rely on their defense to accomplish that task on Saturday too.
“I do think South Carolina dictated that game and made Kentucky predictable in throwing situations, and I think that’s the key tomorrow,” Coughlin said. “If Carolina can do that again, then, with this crowd noise and all that factors in for a true SEC road game, LSU’s going to have their work cut out for them.”
