Georgia at South Carolina: Keys, predictions, and players to watch

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ATHENS, GA – NOVEMBER 4: Shi Smith #13 of the South Carolina Gamecocks runs with a catch against Aaron Davis #35 of the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /

South Carolina Players to Watch

Jake Bentley (QB): Jake Bentley may be the top pro prospect in this game, and he’ll need to play like it in order for the Gamecocks to pull off the upset. It will take a Johnny Manziel versus Alabama type performance, one that would catapult Bentley up draft boards. Not only is Bentley one of the players to watch in this game, but as mentioned here, he’s also one of the prospects to watch across all games this week.

His ability to navigate a collapsing pocket will be put to the test, as Georgia will look to create pressure on the junior quarterback and force him into mistakes. South Carolina has weapons with receivers Deebo Samuel and Shi Smith along with running backs Rico Dowdle and Ty’Son WIlliams, but it will be up to Bentley to avoid pressure and hit the small windows to keep the Georgia defense on the field.

Shi Smith (WR): One of those players Bentley needs to locate is Shi Smith. The sophomore should see plenty of targets if Georgia decides to matchup the top cornerback prospect in the 2019 NFL Draft, Deandre Baker, against South Carolina’s top receiver, Deebo Samuel. Georgia will also be sure to prevent wide receiver Bryan Edwards from breaking loose.

Edwards was a bright spot in this game last year, catching seven passes against the Georgia defense. That leaves Smith, who leads the Gamecocks with 61 receiving yards. If he can develop into a legitimate number two option behind Deebo Samuel, South Carolina is going to be very competitive, not only in this game, but all season.

T.J. Brunson (MLB): T.J. Brunson is basically the heir apparent to former South Carolina great Skai Moore. Moore is now with the Indianapolis Colts, and despite going undrafted, is in the running to start week one. That type of determination is what South Carolina is missing and will need Brunson to pick up.

He played well in the season opener, recording a team-high six tackles against Coastal Carolina, but Georgia will present a much tougher test. Stopping the run game will be Brunson’s main responsibility, but South Carolina will need him all over the field in this contest.

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