SEC Power Rankings: LSU, Alabama Fortify Themselves At The Top, Ole Miss Makes a Move

Sep 7, 2013; Athens, GA, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (7) rushes the passer against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated South Carolina 41-30. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

5. South Carolina Gamecocks

Record: 1-1 (0-1)

Previous Ranking: 3 (Trend: Down)

Last Week: Georgia 41, South Carolina 30

This Week: vs. Vanderbilt

Next Week: Bye

South Carolina now has their back up against the wall in the SEC East as they now need Georgia to lose twice in the SEC if South Carolina wants a shot at the SEC title. There is a chance this could happen as Georgia has Florida and LSU on their schedule, but both of those games will be at home for the Bulldogs.

In the meantime, South Carolina has to figure out a way to get Jadeveon Clowney going. North Carolina and Georgia each came out of the gates scheming against Clowney by simply staying away from his side of the field. Teams are using quick passes and running the ball to the opposite side in order to prevent Clowney from making too much of an impact.

The result is only six tackles and one sack for Clowney.

South Carolina must to a better job scheming against this if they want to win football games. Clowney is the most dynamic defender in college football in at least a decade, so finding a way to let him make his impact has to be a top priority for South Carolina. Otherwise, SC becomes a very beatable team.

Vanderbilt is very well coached with James Franklin at the helm. He’ll be sure to limit Clowney’s impact in the same way Georgia did.