PLAYERS TO WATCH
–WR Deebo Samuel had a big game last week against Clemson with 10 receptions for 210 yards and three touchdowns. That gives him a team-high 58 receptions for 849 yards and 9 touchdowns. He could reach the 1,000-yard mark in receiving with a big finale.
–WR Shi Smith also had a nice game in the loss to Clemson. He was second to Samuel with 9 receptions for 109 yards and a touchdown. The sophomore already has exceeded his freshman year production (29 catches, 409 yards) with 39 receptions for 597 yards and four touchdowns.
–LB T.J. Brunson leads the Gamecocks in tackles with 88 stops with 51 of them solo efforts. He has four sacks and been credited with three other quarterback hurries in addition to forcing a fumble.
–S R.J. Roderick has started the last three games and was credited with 10 tackles against Clemson to tie for game honors. The true freshman has 47 tackles overall with 29 of them solo stops.
SERIES HISTORY: This is South Carolina’s first meeting with Akron.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “That’s pretty impressive, in my opinion.” — Coach Will Muschamp, who was not happy that QB Jake Bentley was not the SEC’s Player of the Week after becoming the first SEC quarterback to throw for over 500 yards and five touchdowns against a top 5 opponent last week against Clemson.
