Keys To Victory: South Carolina vs North Carolina

South Carolina's Football team is set to begin their 2023 season against North Carolina. What must they do to come away with a victory this Saturday?

We're just over 24 hours away from the Gamecocks taking the field against the No. 21 North Carolina Tar Heels in Charlotte in the Dukes Mayo Classic. This game is essential for several different reasons: It is always great to ride momentum into the season, starting with a victory, getting a win over a rival, and more! For Shane Beamer and the Gamecocks, there are a few things that they'll need to do to leave Charlotte 1-0.

Get After Drake Maye

Last season, this offensive line for head coach Mack Brown was not the most consistent group. The offensive line gave up a staggering 40 sacks last season and, in their five losses, averaged three sacks allowed per game. The battle of the offensive line and the Gamecocks' front seven arguably is or will be the most critical matchup in determining who wins this ball game.

Get Off The Field

One area of concern last year for the Gamecocks was how much success other offenses had against them on 3rd downs. Last season, Drake Maye and North Carolina's offense converted on 46 percent of their 3rd down opportunities, which was 16th best in the nation. When the defense has the chance to get off the field, they have to! If Defensive coach Clayton White and company can hold them to a 40% success rate or lower, that should add to the Gamecock's chances.

Sustain Drives

The Tar Heels defense gave up 31.3 points per game, which was near the bottom in all of college football last season. Gene Chizik's unit could show improvement this season, but how much is to be determined. Either way, Spencer Rattler and new offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains must sustain drives by enforcing their will against UNC's front seven and leaning on them all game. Explosives are tremendous, and every offense wants them, but the ability to go on 10-play drives taking 5-6 minutes off the clock is still valuable in today's game.

The Gamecocks enter this game as underdogs and have a big challenge on their hands with potential first-round draft pick Drake Maye. If Shane Beamer and this coaching staff have these young men prepared and can be great at each of these points, the Gamecocks should be walking out not only 1-0 but have serious momentum heading back home with a Top 25 win under their belt.

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