EIU Post Game Observations

Rarely do the Gamecocks make it easy, but 2-0 in conference play is very good. A few post game observations:

New Number, New Name- Same Player: Tight end Justin Howard has apparently changed his name to Justin Hall. Compounding the confusion, he wore #19. Regardless, he had another huge game. The staff continues to find ways to get him wide open.

2nd Week of Great Running: For the second straight week, the Gamecock rushing trio of Middleton, Ealey and Blanchard were dominant on the ground. Ealey let the way wit 155 yards and Middleton only needed 2 more to get 100. The Gamecocks keep pounding the ball and eventually break the will of the opposition.

What is the NCAA Record for Personal Fouls? Whatever it is, Ealey may break it. It seemed like he had at least two last night and he was known to get a few at Georgia. Ealey plays with great effort, but if he could just channel that emotion it would be even better.

Marquis George Gets Recognized: All year long, DE Marquis George has been making plays. It was great to see that effort recognized last night with a start.

Texas Gets The Crowd Fired Up: Late in the game, EIU took over at midfield with a chance to tie. Rodney "Big Texas" Garrott got the whole crowd fired up. Best of all, the defense responded with a dominating 3 and out.

Defense Getting Better: Each week, it seems like the Gamecock defense is slowly getting better. If they could figure out a way to eliminate those early scoring drives by the other team, it would be great. After that, though the Gamecocks really bowed up only giving up two more scores. One came on a short field after the Gamecocks fumbled on the 14. The other appeared to be the result of a blown coverage by the very talented freshman, Pierre Warren.

Bad News: Apparently, Mike Parris announced that pre-season All OVC tackle, Odie Rush is out for the year. Rush will redshirt and be back next year.

Turn Country loose: Gabriel Chambers may be the most electrifying kick returner in the OVC. He had two more great returns (one negated by a penalty). This guy is dangerous every time he touches the ball.

Francis Duncan- Hitter. An unheralded member of the Gamecock secondary is #38, Francis Duncan. That may not last long. He really hits people.

Big Game Next Week: Despite Murray's loss to UTM, the Gamecocks face a huge challenge at Murray next week. It is the ultimate contrast in styles, the Gamecocks play smash mouth football. Murray is more akin to flag football, but they can put some #s up.