Where: Cramton Bowl, Montgomery, AL
When: Saturday August 26 @ 5:00 PM CST
Where to Watch: ESPN
If the recent matchups between the Mocs and Gamecocks have been any indication then we should be starting off the 2017 season with some real fireworks. The last 4 games have been separated by 6 points or less and all resulted in narrow Gamecock victories.
However, those 4 games were matchups that showcased the athletic skill of Jacob Huesman and Eli Jenkins and both have since moved on to the NFL. Another key change comes that this will be the first UTC game in 8 years without head coach Russ Huesman on the sideline. Replacing Huesman (who departed for Richmond) will be Tom Arth. Arth was the head coach at D-III John Carroll where he led his team to a 40-8 record (5-3 playoffs), including a semifinals appearance and OAC Championship over the past four seasons.
Both teams have undergone significant other changes since their last matchup for reasons ranging from the NFL to new stars since emerged. This matchup should be a great indication of where both teams stand as they both head into a season full of unknowns.
UTC Key 5 Losses (since last JSU matchup in 2015):
-DE Kieonta Davis (2x AA, 2016 SoCon DPOY)
-OL Corey Levin (Titans)
-QB Jacob Huesman (Giants)
-WR CJ Board (Ravens)
-HC Russ Huesman (Richmond)
UTC Key 5 Players (going into this season):
-QB Alejandro Bennifield
-LB Dale Warren
-OL Jacob Revis
-DB Lucas Webb
-P Colin Brewer
Obviously the biggest change here is the hire of Tom Arth. If his time at John Carroll was any indication of what to expect then we can assume that the main focus of UTC's game will be on defense. Considering UTCs defense was good to begin with I'm eager to see what Arth can do to elevate the Mocs game, especially with the challenge of replacing elite pass rusher Keionta Davis.
Offensively the Mocs feature a solid offensive line now headlined by Jacob Revis, Josh Cardiello, and Malcolm White. The biggest challenge for the offense will be filling the gaping hole left by the departure of First Team All-SoCon back Derrick Craine. Last year the UTC offense would basically hurl Derrick Craine at you until you bit then have Bennifield chuck it right over your head. It worked, but with the 5'9" 180lbs Bagley looking like the most likely successor to Craine the days of pounding the rock straight between the tackles may be done. I would fancy a guess that we may see a lot more of Bennifield's skill as a mobile QB this season as Arth will likely take advantage of his speed and his offensive line as well as refine his skills as a passer. He could have Bennifield doing some real damage against a JSU secondary that will be hurting from the departure of shutdown corner Jaylen Hill and safety Green.
Defense is where Arth's teams usually shine brightest. During his 4 seasons (48 games) at John Carroll he held opposing offenses under 10 points *rubs eyes and does double take* TWENTY SIX TIMES. ****! With TEN shutouts. Wow. Okay. I see you Mr. Arth. I'm interested to see what he can do with a UTC defense that still has a bunch of talent. My best guess is he will come out with heat attempting to stop JSU's running back tandem of Roc and Terry and attempt to get at JSU's QB who will be making their first D-I start at QB.
JSU Key Losses (since last UTC matchup):
-QB Eli Jenkins (Chargers)
-DE Chris Landrum (Chargers)
-RB Troymaine Pope (Seahawks)
-C Casey Dunn (Auburn as Grad transfer)
-WR Josh Barge (JSU's All-time Receiving Leader)
JSU Key 5 Players:
-RB Roc Thomas
-DE Darius Jackson
-S Marlon Bridges
-LB Joel McCandless
-RB Tramel Terry
Without arguably the best QB, running back, and receiver JSU has ever had so far not on the roster for the first time since Grass has been in charge, things have changed for the Gamecocks. First off, part of what allowed JSU's to make progress against a stout UTC defense was the presence of Jenkins' elite ability not only as a passer, but as a runner. Jenkins provided an extra dimension to the JSU offense much like Huesman did at UTC. Jenkins' ability to draw the attention of the linebackers helped to open up rushing lanes for guys like Pope.
Filling the hole left by Jenkins will either be Bryant Horn, a smart QB with a good arm and ability to read a defense and decent wheels, or Kendrick Doss, a dual-threat with great speed and skill as a runner. However it's likely that the Gamecock offense will shift its focus away from the quarterback position and more toward the running backs. The tandem of Roc Thomas and Tramel Terry should be enough to give UTC DC Tom Kaufman some worry. Both running backs possess the versatility and ability to make plays running and catching the ball and make having 2 running backs and 5 receivers on the field at the same time a possibility.
On the defensive side of the ball it's pretty much the same as last year with the biggest departures being DT Desmond Owino and CB Jaylen Hill. The defensive line should be stout but the secondary poses some concern. Cornerback Reggie Hall and Safety Marlon Bridges will provide experience while the other two spots will be fairly unknown. Expect the JSU defense to bring the heat and try to force Bennifield into making mistakes. If JSU can't bring enough pressure it may look like the Youngstown State game all over again.
Who do you guys think will get the first 'W' of the year?
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