Looking ahead to the EKU game

This week’s game against Eastern Kentucky is our last game of the season. It’s the last game as a Gamecock for some wonderful seniors and great team leaders. Here are a few thoughts on the upcoming game.

It’s been well documented this week that Eastern Kentucky needs a win this weekend in order to have a winning season for the 32nd consecutive season. Look for EKU to try for a fast start.

Last year, Ryan Perrilloux uncharacteristically had 5 interceptions against EKU. This year, EKU sophomore Jeremy Caldwell leads their team with 7 interceptions on the season. JSU must take care of the ball this year to stay on top. Perrilloux only has 2 interceptions this year and is the top passer in FCS football.

Eastern Kentucky has had a very up and down year. They played a great game in beating Eastern Illinois. They had a very down game last week against Western Carolina, scoring only 7 points.

EKU has an unbelievable 10 blocked kicks this season. EKU Junior DT Andrew Soucy leads the team with 5 blocks.

For what it is worth, Eastern Kentucky was picked in the preseason to win the OVC.

Redshirt Freshman QB TJ Pryor hasn’t thrown a touchdown in the last 4 games.

Watch for Garnett Phelps at WR. With 653 receiving yards, he is second in the OVC. He has 53 receptions on the season.

Cody Watts was the starting QB for their first 3 games. He now plays WR and has 34 receptions for the year.

Watch for JSU to stop the run, force them into passing situations, and put a lot of pressure on their QB with Dix, Davis, and Garrott chasing him.

See you at the game. Let’s support this Gamecock team and the seniors in the last game of 2009!

Keys to the Tennessee Tech game

Before we get to the keys of the game, we want to make sure you know about the chance to see JSU football and basketball on Saturday. JSU has a great promotion...Go to the football game, then bring your football ticket stub and get a free general admission ticket to the men's basketball game. A great opportunity to see Coach Green's team in the season opener!

1- Pressure their Quarterback. TN Tech is averaging almost 200 yds per game passing. Sweeney has a passing efficiency score of 125+. Bring the pressure and don't let him get comfortable. They are averaging less than 100 yds per game rushing, so I don't think they'll be able to run for much against us.

2- Staying with the passing game, our corners should be watching for the sophomore WR Tim Benford. He hasn't found the end zone much this year, but has been their most consistent receiver.

3- TN Tech has a respectable defense and has 10 interceptions on the season. Protect the ball. They'll be looking to make an interception and take the momentum away early in the game. A good strong running game with some timely passes ensure success.

4- Kicking game and special teams...see last week's keys. Same here.

5- Home crowd. We have two chances left to see Greg Smith, James Wilkerson, Ryan Perrilloux, Josh Cain, Carnell Clark, Michael Owens, Santez Mays, Alexander Henderson, Josh Carroll, Reggie Wade, and Brandt Thomas. These seniors have endured, played hard, and made us proud to be Gamecocks. Let's give them and the team support these next two weeks. Come out and make some noise.

Go Cocks!

Notes from TN Tech

Here are a few notes from the Tn Tech football website...

Want an early indication that the Golden Eagles will win the game? Check the score at halftime. Tech is 5-1 this season when leading at the half. The Golden Eagles are 4-0 this year when scoring at least 21 points. (I don't expect JSU to be behind at halftime, and I don't expect Tech to score 21. Speaking of halftime, I'm looking forward to seeing the Southerners in Paul Snow Stadium again.)

So far this season Lee Sweeney has established new Tech career records for most passes attempted, most passes completed, most touchdown passes, most touchdowns responsible for, most passing yards and most yards of total offense. (Although UGA sacked him 6 times, he hasn't been sacked much before that game. He gets rid of the ball early.)

Junior Charlie Seivers was named to the preseason all-OVC team. (He is a combination LB/DE on defense)

Tim Benford broke one school record and tied another in his freshman season. He set the record for most receptions in a season (68), and tied the mark with 10 TD receptions [also held by Larry Shipp (2007) and Derek Lee (2002)]. His 782 receiving yards ranked as the seventh highest season in school history.

Sophomore receiver Tim Benford was named co-Offensive Player of the Week after accounting for 122 of Tech’s 265 yards of total offense against Tennessee State (Oct. 31). Benford had five catches, including the game-winner with a 28-yard TD against double coverage with three minutes remaining. It was Benford’s third career 100-yard receiving game, and second of this season. (Looking forward to seeing him match up with our DB's)

NO PASSING ZONE - The Golden Eagles rank 28th nationally and second in the Ohio Valley Conference in passing defense, allowing 170.1 yards per game through the air. (not many yards allowed passing. I know Wilkerson left last week's game early. Any word on how he is doing? It would be great to have all of our weapons available)

After getting six interceptions all of last season, the Golden Eagles have 14 interceptions in the first nine games this year. Tech ranks second in the OVC and 11th nationally in interceptions per game.

Keys to the SEMO game

1 - Avoid blocked punts. This really needs no explanation. SEMO has blocked 2 punts and a field goal this year. We have allowed 2 blocked punts. Tatum is a good punter. Last week, we saw Perrilloux and Ivory punt and put the opposing team deep in a hole.

2 - Put pressure on their quarterback. He has thrown quite a few interceptions this year. If Mays, Dix, Davis and Thomas can put some pressure on him early, we may get a couple of turnovers.

3 - Get the running game going. SEMO has been soft on defending the run this season. This would be a great game to get a 100 yard rusher. We have some good running backs. Jamal Young has been the starter of late, and you can't really argue that. Middleton provides power, and has had some good runs this year. I'd still like to see more of Drec Lindley as he comes back from the broken hand. And Jahron Brown should be the power back of the future. Brandon George is another talented running back that could see more playing time.

4 - This is a game that we should win, given SEMO's record this season. They don't have a win against an FCS team. JSU cannot go into this game unprepared. We know this team has worked hard all season. Let's play hard this game and execute.

5 - Clog up the middle. Defend the run well. Make them throw the ball on 3rd down. They have been predominantly a running team. Our defense should be able to stop the run as they did against Peay. Look for Henderson to have a lot of tackles this weekend.

Getting ready for SEMO

We captured a few game notes from the SEMO website...(and added a few comments in parentheses)

Southeast registered a combined seven sacks -- including a season-high of four at Eastern Kentucky (Oct. 31) -- over its last two games.

Southeast’s -14 (20-6) margin of defeat at Eastern Kentucky (Oct. 31) was its largest in a OVC game this season. The Redhawks had not lost a conference game by more than 12 points prior to their meeting with the Colonels. (They are keeping it close, but haven't had a win in the OVC yet)

Southeast's defense has forced a turnover in six-straight games. They have 9 interceptions and 8 fumble recoveries on the season. (They are hoping to add to this total this week. Their defense has improved over this season and will probably look at turnovers as a path to an upset.)

Junior LB Justin Woodlief had a career-high 16 tackles (10 solo, 6 assisted) against Eastern Kentucky (Oct. 31). Woodlief leads the OVC and ranks 29th in the nation with 77 tackles. He has posted 10 or more tackles in five of eight games this season. Woodlief is a transfer from San Jose State University and became a starter this season on Sept. 19th.

Southeast has 3 blocked kicks (2 punts, 1 field goal) on the year. (We’ve got to be ready for them to try this weekend.)

The Redhawks boast the OVC’s top red zone defense through eight games this season. Opponents have scored on 22-of-34 (64.7 percent) chances in the red zone. The Redhawks defense also forced four turnovers -- two inside their 5-yardline -- in the red zone.

Sophomore QB Matt Scheible has thrown an interception in seven-straight starts. Seven of Scheible’s league-high 13 picks have come in the Redhawks last three games alone. (you know he isn’t looking forward to facing our defensive backfield.)

Southeast has allowed the most third-down conversions in the OVC this season.

Southeast Missouri has three of the OVC’s top six tacklers in conference games only this season. LB Justin Woodlief is second with 65 tackles, while LB Philip Klaproth (54) and FS Bryan Blanfort (53) are fifth and sixth, respectively. (is this a good stat? Could mean that your defense is on the field for many more plays than anyone else. I noticed in time of possession, their opponents have an advantage by over 9 minutes per game. This in spite of beating their first opponent, Quincy, 72-3.)

The Redhawks are currently one of eight NCAA Football Championship Subdivison schools without a win over a FCS opponent. (Let’s keep it that way for at least one more week.)

PK Doug Spada has a 53 yard field goal this season. He is also their All-American punter.

5 Keys to the Austin Peay Game

1- Get off to a good start. Get points early. Last week, after giving up a long drive and then losing an onside kick, it took the Gamecocks a while to get going. A long drive or a quick strike to start the game will set the tone.

2- Improvement in all facets of the kicking game. Kickoff coverage is key, as you can lose momentum that was just gained.

3- Win the turnover battle. More importantly, don't turn the ball over. Field position can make the defense even stronger, and putting their backs to the goal line puts all the pressure on them.

4- Passing game. Good pass protection and sharp passes will put JSU on the winning side of this game. Peay has had their struggles against the pass this season. Perrilloux should be able to continue achieving great numbers against the OVC.

5- Stop Peay's running game. They have had some success and a strong running game. Shutting them down early will force them to get out of their comfort zone.

Go Cocks!

Keys to the Murray State game

1) Don't be over confident. You can't take any team too lightly. There have been times in the OVC that JSU has fallen victim to the upset. Play hard on every play and take care of business.

2) Pass Defense. Murray State hasn't run the ball very well this season, so look for them to go to the air. Can TJ Heath have another game like he had last week? Can Jawan Booker or AJ Davis get in on the action?

3) Murray State's Austen Lane comes in at 6'7", 270 lbs, and has 4 sacks on the year at DE. He is a preseason All American and the preseason OVC Defensive Player of the Year. Curt Porter must match up with him and give RP time to throw.

4) Jump on them early. Murray hasn't done much this year and in all likelihood has a fragile psyche. If JSU can dominate early, Murray might collapse.

5) ????- We can't come up with another key. Anyone else have some ideas?

Keys to the UT Martin Game

1. Nuetralize Cade Thompson. While not as good as Ryan Perrilloux, UTM QB Cade Thompson is the OVC preseason player of the year. He is not easily rattled, as evidenced by his outstanding performance in a rainstorm last year. Defensive pressure from JSU is a must. Dix, Garrot and Mays need to get some hits on Thompson. The other players must play assignment football or Thompson will pick us apart.

2. Limit the production of UTM's receivers. Hicks gets all the press coverage. The former starter from Ole Miss may be nicked up, but can still hurt you. But don't be fooled, UTM has a plethora of talented receivers and JSU must watch out for their possession receivers (fullbacks and tightends) keeping drives alive. UTM's Simpson is a smart coach, he will look for JSU's defensive tendencies and try to take advantage of them. This would be an excellent game to pick up our first interception of the year.

3. Our running game. We need Middleton to continue to get his power yardage, but it would be awesome to see Brandon George or Drec Lindley (if he's healthy) bring the speed element into the mix. This would be a nice boost to the diminutive, but powerful Jamal Young who is making the most of every opportunity he is given. If you haven't seen it yet, go to youtube and see Young knock the helmet off of a player in the Nichols State game.

4. Home Field - The crowd needs to make some NOISE and let the team know we are there. Be LOUD on UTM's third downs. JSU's defensive coaches love to shout: "Get off the field" in practice. Lets let em hear it from the stands. Also, the Gamecock players leave the Gamecock Center around 10:30 and walk across the Gamecock field to the stadium. If you can do it, give them some support. There are many reasons to be excited about this team, the direction of the program, etc. SHOW YOUR SUPPORT- its contagious.

5. Consistent Offensive Execution. Crowe has alluded to the fact that at times we've been inconsistent on offense this year. It all starts with RP, when he's calm, cool and collected, there is noone better in the college game. The offense must avoid 3 and outs, sloppy play and turnovers.

5 Keys to the A & M Game

1 – Attitude. First, avoid a letdown. After battling FSU for the full 60 minutes last week, one thing the Gamecocks have to guard against is an emotional letdown. Second, avoid being overconfident. Its clear that we have a good team and the players know it. But, JSU can't take anything for granted and still must play hard and execute regardless of the opposition. This team has endured a lot over the last few months, but has proven their character with diligent work and effort.



2 – Establish the running game. While a lot of it has to do with the quality of competition, JSU certainly wants to reestablish its usually dominant power running game. Our efforts have been hampered as we have missed Drec Lindley, who has been out with a broken hand. Getting Middleton off to a good start in the game could take some pressure off of our offense. The passing game will open up when A & M has to bring up their safety to stop the run.



3 – Win the turnover battle. Every week, this is a key. Turnovers change momentum. Stay on top of A & M and don’t give them any breaks.



4 – Stop the A&M Playmakers. Their wide receiver Thomas Harris is a playmaker. He may be capable of single handedly changing the complexion of this game. See blog article below. A&M also has a great running back in Ulyses Banks and a very good quarterback in Kevin Atkins. If JSU can figure out a way to nuetralize these three players, it will win the game.



5 – Eliminate A&M intangibles. For some reason, A&M was really mad about last year's game. It couldn't be the officiating- they lost by 27 points. Their fans were treated with hospitality- JSU opened up a tailgate area specifically for the visitors. Their band received a standing ovation from our fans. But, anyway, there is a revenge factor here. If JSU can take control early, it takes the game out of the officials hands and eliminates the A&M emotional factor.

CHARTING THE OPPOSITION

ALABAMA A&M
-More on the Maroon Bulldogs later, but this is shaping up to be quite a matchup. There is some real animosity between these two teams. A&M looks good as they dismantled Tennessee State to open the season and followed it with a victory over Howard.

NICHOLS STATE

-Early indications are that JSU should be favored in this homecoming game for Ryan Perrilloux. Nichols lost to the Air Force 72-0 and narrowly edged Duquesne 14-7.

EASTERN ILLINOIS

-EIU looks to have a very good team. They beat Indiana State 31-0 (admittedly the same Indiana State team that lost to Quincy) and defeated Illinois State 31-6. EIU is led by QB Jake Christenson who started two games for Iowa last season. This should be a great matchup at Paul Snow.

UTM

-While JSU was playing Georgia Tech and FSU, UT Martin laid it on the line against Iowa Wesleyan winning the game 56-0 (Coach Simpson likes to run it up). The Pacers followed that up with a disappointing 24-14 loss to Missouri State.

SEMO

-SEMO may be a year away. They defeated Quincy 72-3, but then lost to Cincinnati by 67. Query #1- would Cincinatti beat Quincy by 136?

MURRAY

-Murray defeated Kentucky Wesleyan 66-10, but then lost to NC State 65-7. Query #2- would NC State beat Ky. Wesleyan by 114?

EASTERN KENTUCKY

-The Colonels look tough. They had Indiana beat in the opening week of the season, but lost the game 19-13. What a great way to end the season at JSU.

AUSTIN PEAY

Defeated Newberry in their first game 34-23 and then lost to Youngstown State 38-21.

TENNESSEE TECH

Defeated Pikeville 51-10.

5 keys to JSU Improving their Record to 2 and 0 against FSU

Kickoff and Punt Coverage – FSU showed speed and talent in this area against Miami Monday night. Tech burned JSU on two punt returns. Avoiding a big return by FSU is really important.

First down yardage – JSU must gain positive yardage on first down to stay out of 3rd and long situations.

Perrilloux can't do it all. RP is one of the best players ever to come thru JSU. If there is a knock on him, however, is that he can try too hard to make a play. RP needs to display some of the patience Ivory demonstrated against Tech and take what the defense gives.

Avoid giving up big plays – We gave up a couple to Tech. Big plays are a momentum changer.

Turnovers – Win the turnover battle.

If all else fails, we can hope that FSU will have to vacate the win at a later date.

8 Things to Watch in the FSU/JSU Matchup

1- FSU has gifted receivers and a very good qb. We think JSU has an equally gifted secondary, but this matchup is huge.

2- #5 Greg Reid for FSU is a little dynamo. JSU would be well served to keep him from getting the ball.

3- Sophomore Calvin Middleton, number 3, had a really good game against Tech. Can he keep it going?

4- Torrey Davis has to be psyched returning to the State of Florida. How will he do?

5- JSU tends to get down early when playing against BCS teams. Can they avoid that trend?

6- Will Bonner, Wilkerson, Whiddon, Shaw and G. Smith all contribute like they did against Tech? FSU's secondary did show some vulnerability.

7- The Tech game was a huge confidence boost for Ivory. Can the coaches figure out a way to get him and Brooks Robinson involved?

8- Will Ryan Perrilloux tell Joe Medley to kiss his . . . game ball if JSU pulls off the upset?

Game Week, Part II - JSU Keys to the Game

JSU Keys to the Game

1- Wrap up Jonathan Dwyer and the other Tech backs. – Dwyer is one of the best running backs in the nation. You must wrap him up when you have the chance. Limit his big plays. (See Ga Tech – UGA game from last year) . Fatigue should not be a factor as JSU goes two deep at almost every defensive position.

2- Know defensive assignments – Tech’s triple option offense can create wide open spaces. It is important for the defense to stay in their assignments. Make the 3rd down play and “Get off the field!” as Coach Stewart preaches.

3- QB play for JSU – With the suspension of Perrilloux, JSU needs Marques Ivory to step in with very little game experience. The Northside-Warner Robins product will have to be ready for pressure situations. Crowe said words to the effect that Ivory was absolutely ready for the challenge and that he was as good of a manager in the game as he has seen.

4- Success in running the ball – Middleton, George, and company will have to get positive yards to keep the pressure off of Ivory. JSU should have more success this year since Tech does not have 3 NFL bound defensive linemen. While the Cocks will miss Daniel Jackson, there is unquestionably more speed. George and Young are track guys. Middleton and Jahron Brown are fullbacks that run like halfbacks. Also, Tech is missing a starting linebacker.

5- Play with passion – this is a big stage for the opening game. This team has pride in what they can do. Play with passion for the full 60 minutes. A prediction- you will see a very fired up Gamecock team. This group of young men has learned the hard way that life is not fair (i.e., the NCAA penalizing JSU for having tougher than required disciplinary policies and missing the playoffs last year, despite losing two games by a total of four points) . This team must be, and is, ready to play football.

Game Week

It's Game Week...let's get ready. Let's take a quick look by position to see how the teams compare with each other.

Quarterback...Advantage - GA Tech
Very little game experience for the JSU quarterback

Running Back...Advantage - GA Tech
Jonathan Dwyer would have an advantage over most teams

Wide Receiver...Advantage - JSU
Greg Smith was Tech's best receiver, now at JSU

Tight End...Advantage - JSU
No tight ends on Tech's roster

Offensive Line...Advantage - GA Tech
Dwyer makes O-line better than they are

Defensive Line...Advantage - JSU
Tech lost some experience, JSU's line is deep and talented

Linebackers...Advantage - JSU
Henderson and newcomers Dix and Garrott get the edge

Defensive Backs...Advantage - GA Tech
Tech gets slight edge with returning starters

Special Teams...Advantage - GA Tech
Very close here. Went with Tech because JSU has Tatum doing everything

Intangibles...Advantage - GA Tech
Tech has home field