COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) – For the first time in 10 years, ESPN College GameDay heads to Columbia for an early-season game with major implications for the SEC.

On Saturday, ESPN announced that the iconic sports program would be coming to Gamecock Park in Columbia in preparation for a matchup against an LSU team looking to prove itself against one of the most impressive defenses to open the season.

The first quarter was all South Carolina. The defense, the highlight of the season so far, continued their stellar play. Star EDGE Kyle Kennard forced LSU into their first sack of the season midway through the first quarter, forcing LSU to punt.

The Gamecocks offense also made progress in the first half. Quarterback LaNorris Seller finished off a big early drive to give the Gamecocks a 7-0 start to the game.

After a field goal put the Gamecocks up 10-0, Buddy Mack returned a blocked punt to give the Gamecocks a 17-0 lead midway through the second quarter.

LSU rebounded in the second quarter, scoring 10 straight points to give the Gamecocks a 17-10 lead.

Sellers, despite throwing an interception and a fumble in the first half, was the driving force of the offense. The redshirt freshman ran for a 75 touchdown late in the second quarter, giving the Gamecocks a 24-10 lead.

Nussmeier responded immediately, connecting for a 13-yard touchdown with Kyren Lacy at the end of the first half.

South Carolina leads the Tigers 24-16 at halftime.

Defense wins…games?

Although it is still very early, South Carolina’s defense has been terrorizing opponents. South Carolina’s defense smothered the Wildcats in last week’s shutdown, totaling 5 sacks and two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown

The Gamecocks pass rush has been particularly impressive. The pass rush ranks third in the nation in total sacks and is led by senior Kyle Kennard and true freshman Dylan Stewart who have combined for 6 of the team’s 10 sacks thus far.

The defensive line will have to step up to an even higher level to keep pressure on Garrett Nussmeier and the LSU offense. The Tigers’ offensive line is probably the best in the country. Nussmeier has not been sacked in two games. Tackles Will Campbell and Emory Jones Jr. will be looking to make things difficult for the Gamecocks’ front four.

Air control

LSU comes into this game with one of the best passing offenses in the country. Led by quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, the junior ranks second in the country in touchdown passes (8). The Gamecock secondary will need to keep their lead receiver Kyren Lacy (who has 4 TDS alone) and company at bay to succeed in this game.

The Gamecocks have thrown for just 280 yards this season, which is the 12th worst mark in the country. While the offense has played much better after struggling in Week 1, the Gamecocks will be looking for improved play from talented redshirt freshman LaNorris Sellers.

The Gamecock’s top two receivers so far this season, Mazeo Bennett Jr. and Vandrevious Jacobs, are both freshmen. Many of the receivers, including tight ends, will have to make plays against an LSU secondary that has been tested by USC’s potent offense.

LSU takes on the Gamecocks Saturday at 12 noon on ABC/ESPN+.

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