USC got back on the winning track last weekend defeating Vanderbilt in Nashville. That ended a five game losing streak dating back to last November. Now, the Gamecocks will try and build on that success against another of the SEC’s power programs in Auburn. The Tigers are 2-1 and ranked 15th this after after a hard fought win over Arkansas. They have won the last 8 meetings in the series, the last one taking place in 2014. Auburn was not on the Gamecocks’ original 2020 schedule but was added as a result of the Covid-19 rescheduling process. This will be the third nationally ranked team the Gamecocks have faced in their first four games. They lost at home to Tennessee and at Florida. Tuesday afternoon head coach Will Muschamp met with the media to preview the Noon kickoff which has Auburn as a 3.5 point favorite. .
Some key comments from Muschamp
- A good start on Auburn today, lot of respect for their program and staff. Worked there 3 times in his career. Lot of respect for Malzahn. Worked with a lot of guys on their staff.
- Bo Nix is a good player, good athlete, can beat you with arm and legs. Schwartz is probably fastest player in college football. Williams is a difficult matchup. Very familiar with Bigsby from recruiting, great young man.
- No concerns after the news out of Vanderbilt yesterday, they test three times a week, his medical people told him they were in good shape and didn’t pick up any additional positives from last weekend.
- They’ve got to continue to develop more receivers to win in man coverage.
- Has seen improvement in all three games from quarterback, running back and receiver as Bobo’s offense continues to expand.
- Thinks Thomas, Mukuamu and Dickerson will be available this week.
- Still working on right tackle position.
- Turnetine looked impressive during the five spring practices, was in great shape, and then they had the Covid break and he was not in great shape when they resumed and had a hard time with assignments. He’s now in better shape and can play longer and harder.
- No update regarding appeal for WR Jaylin Brooks, and the three players who opted out, Smith, Fox and Davis, remain enrolled in school and he’ll visit with them again in January about their future plans.
Will Muschamp previews the Auburn game
