Auburn hosting South Carolina in key SEC clash

Auburn got a scare from Clemson last week before pulling out an overtime victory.

The Tigers face another school from the Palmetto State this week, but cannot afford to fall behind early as 12th ranked South Carolina visits Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Auburn, ranked 17th, has play inconsistent on both sides of the ball all season. If the Tigers continue to do that tonight, they might end up with their first loss.

South Carolina’s offense features a tough running attack led by true freshman Marcus Lattimore, who ranks second in the Southeastern Conference and 17th nationally in Rushing with 111 yards per game and is tied for the conference lead with five touchdowns.

The Gamecocks also have a good passing attack led by quarterback Stephen Garcia.

Garcia’s favorite target is Alshon Jeffrey. Jeffrey leads the SEC with 20 catches and second in the SEC (102 yards per game).

Auburn’s Nick Fairley will be key in disrupting both the run and pass attack. He leads the SEC in sacks with four, and tackles for a loss with seven.

Linebacker Josh Bynes leads the Tigers with 23 tackles, has 2.5 tackles for a loss, two pass break ups and four quarterback hurries.

Auburn’s offense, which has relied on the running game, will have a tough challenge this week. South Carolina leads the SEC in rushing defense, giving up 59.7 yards per game.

Auburn ranks 12th nationally in rushing offense with 259.3 yards per game and 21st in total offense with 460 yards per game.

Quarterback Cam Newton is second in the SEC and fourth nationally in passing efficiency (187.66), second in the SEC and 21st nationally in total offense (278 yards) and fifth in the SEC and 25th nationally in rushing (103 yards per game).