INSIDE SLANT

The Gamecocks are turning out to be what most thought they’d be—a middle-of-the-pack SEC team in the midst of another late-season fade.

South Carolina hits the bye week having lost three straight, including Saturday’s frustrating defeat to No. 1 Florida.

There have been areas of improvement in Steve Spurrier’s fifth season. Redshirt sophomore Stephen Garcia is a better quarterback and looks to have a bright future. Freshman receiver Alshon Jeffry is a blossoming star, and the defense has been better than expected, especially the young secondary.

But there are still several areas in which the Gamecocks have consistently struggled.

South Carolina ranks last in the SEC in rushing, just like they have the past two seasons, and appears to still be searching for a go-to running back.

The offensive line has been erratic, with new coach Eric Wolford constantly shuffling the lineup in hopes of finding a stable unit. He hasn’t, yet. The Gamecocks are last in the SEC in sacks allowed at three per game.

So, heading into next week’s regular-season finale against Clemson, the Gamecocks once again are stuck in the middle of the SEC, heading to a mid-level bowl game with a record around .500.

NOTES, QUOTES

• South Carolina’s bowl projections are all over the place. Possibilities include the Independence Bowl in Shreveport, La., against a Big 12 opponent; the PapaJohns.com Bowl in Birmingham against a Big East team; and the Music City Bowl in Nashville against an ACC team.

Series History:   Clemson leads South Carolina 65-34-4 (last meeting, 2008, 31-14 Clemson).

Scouting The Offense:   Which running back will be the guy against Clemson? Kenny Miles had emerged as the top back midway through the season, but he fell out of favor with a sub-par performance against Arkansas. He was involved in a botched hand-off against Florida and then never saw the field again. Brian Maddox took over against the Gators and picked up 83 yards on 17 carriers. Regardless of who has been the top back, the Gamecocks have struggled to move the ball consistently on the ground. South Carolina is last in the SEC in rushing.

Scouting The Defense:   For a secondary with two first-year starting corners, the Gamecocks have to be extremely pleased. South Carolina ranks eighth in the nation in pass defense, allowing just over 160 yards per game. Freshman corner Stephon Gilmore, the 2008 South Carolina high school player of the year, led the team with 10 tackles against Florida.

Quote To Note:   “I think it’s night and day. Much better than he was than a year ago. I told him out there that he really throws the ball well and they have some excellent young receivers.”—Florida coach Urban Meyer, on South Carolina quarterback Stephen Garcia’s improvement.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

Next Week  ‘S GAME: Clemson at South Carolina, Nov. 28—The Gamecocks have lost three in a row—and four of five—yet they could end up with a 7-5 regular season by beating their in-state rival. That wouldn’t be too bad for such a young team.

Keys To The Game:   South Carolina will spend its bye week trying to figure out how to slow down Clemson’s surging offense, led by the dynamic C.J. Spiller. Clemson rushed for 184 yards in last year’s 31-14 whipping of the Gamecocks.

Players To Watch:  

QB Stephen Garcia—After getting sacked six times against Florida, Garcia needs to use the bye week to heal and shake off the two interceptions he threw against the Gators.

WR Alshon Jeffery—He’s a lock for the SEC All-Freshman team and could make a case for All-SEC. Jeffery leads the Gamecocks in receptions, receiving yards and touchdown catches.

LB Eric Norwood—The All-American linebacker will be playing the final home game of his illustrious career against Clemson next Saturday.

Roster Report:  

• DE Cliff Matthews needed the bye week in a bad way, after playing much of the Florida game with a banged-up shoulder. He’s expected to be back a full strength against Clemson.

• Coach Steve Spurrier told GoGamecocks.com that he expects to give play-calling duties to quarterbacks coach G.A. Mangus next season.