Both South Carolina and Georgia are 2-0, but have taken completely different routes to get there. The Gamecocks won their opener against an FCS foe and then won on a FG as time expired at East Carolina. Georgia got a profile building win against Clemson in their opener and then smashed C-USA's UAB in week two. Both Kirby Smart and Shane Beamer spoke during Wednesday's SEC teleconference. Beamer says while he knows his squad has a tall order, they are excited for the opportunity.
Wednesday, Smart touched on the play of South Carolina's defense specifically Cam Smith and Pendelton, SC native Brad Johnson. Smith had 6 tackles and broke up three passes in the hard fought win at ECU. Smart pointed out Smith's high level of play and noted that Georgia had recruited Smith hard when he was coming out of Blythewood, SC. Smart talked about Johnson's week two performance in which he had 9 tackles, one for loss and one sack. Smart also talked about the depth and talent South Carolina has at running back and how that is a concern.
Beamer talked about being excited for his team to play in a big time game in primetime on Saturday, he also talked about his time on the Georgia coaching staff. Beamer was also asked about Cam Smith and he applauded Smith's play coming off an injury he was dealing with coming into the season. Beamer said that the 2-0 start has helped his program on the recruiting trail. He finished with talking about how the Georgia O-Line has only surrendered one sack in the first two games. Beamer spoke on the paramount importance for his team to get pressure on the Georgia QB with their pass rusher and not having to commit extra defenders to get pressure.
In the series between the two, Georgia holds a massive historical advantage at 52-19-2 all time. South Carolina has won five of the last 11 meetings in the series since 2010. The last time the Gamecocks went to Athens they pulled out a 20-17 win in Double OT, that win broke Georgia's four game winning streak in the series. Last year, Georgia went to Columbia and handled SOuth Carolina 45-16. Saturda'ys game "Between The Hedges" is set for primetime with kickoff slated for 7 PM.
