In the first November edition of Know Your Enemy, I sat down with Michael Sauls, co-sports editor of The Daily Gamecock, to preview Saturday’s game as both Florida and South Carolina sit 4-4 on the year ahead of their conference clash.
What is USC's biggest strength on offense?
Sauls: Definitely the tight ends. The offense as a whole hasn’t been too consistent, but whenever Jaheim Bell, Nick Muse and EJ Jenkins get involved in the passing game, then the Gamecock offense can get rolling.
Running back ZaQuandre White is averaging nearly seven yards per carry. What about his game makes him so effective, and how can UF’s defense contain him?
Sauls: ZaQuandre White can definitely tote the rock, but I personally feel like he doesn’t get as many touches as he deserves. Granted, he’s a part of a loaded running back room so that plays a part in it. He’s an explosive back, and if he gets more touches behind a more consistent offensive line, he could be a problem.
On the other side of the ball, Jaylan Foster has been nothing short of elite (fourth in the SEC in tackles, first in interceptions). What is the strongest part of his game, and what impact can he have Saturday?
Sauls: I think Jaylan Foster has all the intangibles you need in a great player. He transferred from Gardner-Webb and was a walk on, and he’s become one of the best DBs in the country. PFF has him ranked as one of the top players on the team defensively, so he’s really an all-around player.
Do you expect Luke Doty to take all the snaps at quarterback, or will we see any of Zeb Noland as well?
Sauls: Doty reinjured his foot in the Vandy game and is currently out for the season, and Zeb Noland had a minor surgery going into the bye week. It’s not 100% clear whether Zeb will start or play on Saturday, so you can probably expect graduate transfer Jason Brown to get some, if not all, of the snaps under center. (Editor’s Note - After this interview, on3 Sports’ Matt Zenitz reported Brown would start against Florida)
Obviously, this season has not gone the way many fans hoped, as USC and UF both sit at 4-4. What are your expectations the rest of the season, and what should the Gamecocks be trying to accomplish as the season winds down?
Sauls: If you think about it, South Carolina has already improved on its win total from last year, so you really can’t go anywhere but up from here. I think the general consensus is that South Carolina has a small shot to make a bowl game. It would come down to beating Mizzou and one of Auburn/UF/Clemson, so there’s a small chance, but it’s a chance nonetheless.
Who is one under the radar player that Gator fans should keep an eye on Saturday?
Sauls: Probably Jason Brown. He showed flashes in the spring game and during garbage time against Texas A&M. He’s a more mobile option than some of the other QBs and has a solid arm, so he’ll need to get his legs involved to help the offense out.
Game and score prediction
Sauls: Florida is better than their record shows and I expect them to win. Florida wins 35-17.
Contact Michael Hull at mhull@alligator.org. Follow him on Twitter @Michael_Hull33.
Michael Hull is a fourth-year journalism sports & media major and a sports writer at The Alligator. He hosts the weekly sports podcast and has worked on staff for five semesters. In the past, Hull has served as the sports editor, the men's and women's golf beat writer, the volleyball beat writer and the football beat writer.
