COLUMBIA, S.C. - South Carolina's pass-catchers are finally started to catch on. And that could pose a problem for Tennessee tonight at Williams-Brice Stadium.
The improved production of wide receivers Moe Brown and Jason Barnes has provided more balance to South Carolina's passing game, which had relied so heavily on All-SEC wide receiver Kenny McKinley.
McKinley, who missed three games this season with an injury, still leads the wide receivers with 24 catches. But Brown is right behind him with 22 receptions for 342 yards, 59 more yards than McKinley.
Brown, a junior with only 22 career catches prior to this season, said it takes awhile to grasp coach Steve Spurrier's system.
"Once you get the concept, it starts clicking," Brown said. "It's based on timing.
"He tells his quarterback to look through an area, and his receivers have got to get in that area. They're going to take a five-step drop and throw the ball. You've got to be there at the right time."
Barnes, a 6-foot-4 redshirt freshman, likely would have seen a lot more playing time last season if he hadn't injured a foot. He missed eight games after the injury and was redshirted.
This season, Brown came on when McKinley was injured. He has 18 catches for 252 yards. In the back-to-back victories against Ole Miss and Kentucky, Barnes had 11 catches for 164 yards.
The receiving corps has been bolstered further by the play of tight end Jared Cook, who leads the Gamecocks with 31 catches for 430 yards. He has been bothered by a foot injury but is expected to play against the Vols.
Joe Hills, a 6-4 redshirt freshman, might be more of a factor down the stretch. He has all six of his catches in the last five games.
Big Target: Sophomore tight end Weslye Saunders (6-5, 273) also figures into South Carolina's passing game. In the last two games, he had a 7-yard touchdown catch against Kentucky and a 26-yard scoring reception against LSU.
Despite Saunders' size, receiving comes easier to him than blocking.
"I've been improving on my blocking," he said. "My mindset is now: 'Block first, catch second.'
"I probably had my hand down two times in high school. I lined up as a wide receiver in a spread offense. Then, when I came here, they wanted me to block Clifton Geathers (6-7, 290). That was a big shock."
Conversely, in high school, Saunders sometimes lined up against 5-5 cornerbacks.
Running Ahead: Senior tailback Mike Davis leads the Gamecocks with 377 yards rushing. No other running back has totaled 100 yards.
The Gamecocks will be counting on young running backs Brian Maddox, Eric Baker and Kenny Miles to carry the load next season.
Maddox and Baker have been slowed by injuries this year. Miles, a true freshman from Lawrenceville, Ga., has been redshirted so far.
"He (Miles) is a running back we think has real potential," Spurrier said.
Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knoxnews.com.
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Comments » 10
tnbigg writes:
Even though we have a couple of strong defensive players...I fear this offense and know our offense won't be on the field long...could be very...very nasty as Spurrier drives the stake deep...and through his arch nemesis heart...
TheMagician writes:
Defense better be ready to spend a lot of time on the field with SC's tough defense. Poor conditioning will have the D complaining about being on the field too long.
Stephens is due to throw an int and I worry how he will handle it. He still has a lot to learn, but I like his attitude and he has a quick delivery.
On another note, what ever became of JaKouri Williams?
poof!
blitzshoot writes:
Receivers need to learn how to grip the football.
WeLoveTennesseeVols writes:
STallworth, Witten, and Kelley washington, where are you when we need you. It's been downhill since then, hasn't it??
ande1139 writes:
This is going to be the ugliest game i MAY watch all year. Thank God for Texas - Texas Tech at 800
threehundredbowler writes:
What the heck do the sponsors have to do with the vols being bad.They are selling a product ,not coaching or playing football.You need to get your head out of the sunless hole it is in.You are a disgrace to this sight.You have posted this too many times already.Is this your only outlet for your flustration.Go out and do a good deed today and get the right priorities and you will see the world differently.I suggest visiting a nurseing home for about one hour.If you have anything resembleing a heart,you will change your stand on A game that only makes you happy or sad 12 or so times a year.Try takeing a disabled person to church or shopping and help pay for the poor souls groceries.My, how things like this have made a difference in my wife and my life.
VolinCalif writes:
300bowler
You have 0075 pegged. But I suggest he goes to a Children Hosp.(the terminal ward) You want to see outstanding kids doing their best. It can be heart breaking but you see things in a new light.
VolinCalif
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Slade's 2-9 should hold them below 30.
Wonder were we are rated natl on pass defense?
Where are we on the fixable scale?
RockyTopHills writes:
Does anyone konw what Stephens did to deserve a slap in the face like this?
TheMagician writes:
Guess we won't know how Stephens will handle it...benched!?!?!
poof!
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