South Carolina (3-1) coach,
Steve Spurrier has seen star wide receiver, Sidney
Rice explode on the scene just in time for their
clash with highly-rated Auburn in Columbia tonight.
After making just 5 catches
for 44 yards in the Gamecocks’ first two
games, Rice cut loose against Wofford and Florida
Atlantic to the tune of 16 receptions and 312
receiving yards.
Finally over a broken thumb
that held him back early in the season, Rice stamped
himself as a big threat to Auburn’s undefeated
record, scoring a school record five touchdowns
against Florida Atlantic in the team’s 45-6
win.
Stand-in quarterback, Syvelle
Newton threw all five touchdown passes, stealing
the limelight from the established Blake Mitchell.
Back from a one-game suspension for his part in
a bar fight, Mitchell had a non-descript game
against Florida Atlantic, and was clearly over-shadowed
by Newton, who normally plays wide receiver.
In the light of that, it
will be interesting to see how Spurrier uses his
two play-callers tonight. Newton will get the
start again, but anyone who knows Spurrier is
aware that he likes to use multiple quarterbacks
in a game.
Auburn (4-0) comes into this
game as clear favorites after dispatching the
Gamecocks in ruthless fashion last year, 48-7.
Undefeated in 2004 (13-0),
and 9-3 last season, Tommy Tuberville’s
Tigers are one of the glamour teams of college
football. They come into the game fresh from a
38-7 demolition of Buffalo, achieved without star
running back Kenny Irons, and defensive starters
Jonathan Wilhite and Karibi Dede.
All three were rested by
Tuberville in a match Auburn was expected to win
easily. However, Buffalo proved a more stubborn
opponent than thought. Auburn needed a late surge
to ensure victory after leading by just 10 points
late in the third quarter.
Irons’ return could
spell bad news for a South Carolina defense that
has looked a little shaky early in the season.
The speedy Irons led the SEC in rushing yards
last year, and scored 13 touchdowns along the
way. He is regarded as having an outside chance
for the Heisman Trophy if he continues to shine.
Tailback, Brad Lester looked
like a fine prospect while starring in Irons’
absence against Buffalo, rushing for 83 yards
and two touchdowns. Freshman running back, Ben
Tate stole the show in the 4th quarter of that
game with an electric 114 yards on seven carries,
and he had two touchdowns of his own.
Auburn’s talented quarterback,
Brandon Cox is nursing a leg injury, and had a
quiet game against Buffalo as he was not really
needed that much. Cox, a junior who started 11
games last year, is certain to step up now that
the Tigers are playing quality opposition.
Summing Up: Auburn appears
to have too much speed and power on offense, and
the Gamecocks are likely to need all of their
14 point handicap, even at home.
Editor’s Note. South
Carolina has home wins over Division 1-AA Wofford
(27-20), Florida Atlantic (45-6), and a road victory
over Mississippi State (15-0). Their one loss
was an 18-0 home defeat versus Georgia.
Auburn has home wins
over Buffalo (38-7), Washington State (40-14),
and LSU (7-3). They also have a road win over
Mississippi State (34-0).
For all College Football
betting lines, visit VIP.com
Posted by miker at September
28th,2006 1:16 PM
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