South Carolina to Host Mississippi State in First Home SEC Matchup of Season

Mississippi State will take on SEC rival South Carolina in Columbia on Saturday night for the first time since 2016.

This will mark the 17th meeting between the two teams with South Carolina leading the all-time series 9-7. The last time they met, the Bulldogs topped the Gamecocks 27-14 in Starkville after losing the previous seven meetings.

Not only is it family weekend at South Carolina, but it will also be a special weekend for Gamecock alum Alshon Jeffery, who will have his jersey retired during a halftime ceremony. During his time at South Carolina, Jeffery solidified his spot in the record books. He ranks third in receptions, second in receiving yards and is tied for first in receiving touchdowns.

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Carolina’s Last Time Out

Saturday, the Gamecocks fell to the No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs 24-14 despite an 11-point lead heading into the third quarter. After their hot start, Georgia’s defense came out and did what it does best by holding South Carolina’s offense to just 129 yards and no scores through the final two quarters.

Quarterback Spencer Rattler completed 22 of his 42 passes for 256 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions and led their rushing attack by totaling 35 yards on eight carries. The defense was led by linebacker Debo Williams who totaled 11 tackles, seven of which were solo, and 1.5 tackles for loss.

This week, Rattler will need to step up if the Gamecocks want to pull out a victory. He is a talented payer, but his inconsistency is his Achilles Heel.

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Mississippi’s Last Time Out

The 2-1 Bulldogs will look to bounce back from a 41-14 loss at home to the LSU Tigers. Mississippi State struggled immensely against the Tigers on both sides of the ball. Their defense allowed 530 yards of total offense and five touchdowns while quarterback Will Rogers had his worst start as a Bulldog going 11/28 for 103 yards and no touchdowns.

In order to see success this week, the Bulldogs will need to see consistency from their quarterback, and their defense will need to keep the pressure on Rattler.

Inside the Coaches Minds

Coming into this game, Mississippi State head coach Zach Arnett said South Carolina is a very impressive team despite being 1-2, but their focus this week is on themselves.

South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer looks forward to the Gamecocks first home SEC matchup against a strong opponent.