When LSU has ball

Behind one of the league’s best offensive lines, Tigers running back Charles Scott ranks third in the SEC at 114 yards per game and has scored six touchdowns, although Florida held him to 35 yards on 12 carries last week. Despite two interceptions last week, freshman quarterback Jarrett Lee ranks third in the SEC in passing efficiency and is averaging 170 yards per game.

The Gamecocks’ defense is still the league’s best overall statistically and is ranked third nationally. Linebacker Jasper Brinkley is rounding into form after missing most of last year with a major knee injury and starting slow the first couple weeks. He’s recorded 32 tackles with three for a loss. USC will load up to stop the run and force Lee to beat them, something Florida got away with last week.

Edge: USC

When USC has ball

Quarterback Stephen Garcia displayed a strong arm, quick feet and solid decision making last week in a win over Kentucky. Now, as the starter, Garcia will look for help in the passing game from Jason Barnes, who is drawing comparisons to former star Sidney Rice, and Kenny McKinley, who passed Sterling Sharpe on the school’s all-time receptions list with 173.

LSU could be without one of their best defensive weapons, Ricky Jean-Francois. The defensive lineman missed last week’s game with a groin injury and is listed as questionable. But this Tiger ‘D’ gave up 21 points to Auburn and 24 to Mississippi State before Florida hung 51 on it. All three offenses were struggling coming into those games. But the Gamecocks still can’t run the ball and the Tigers will be angrier than normal.

Edge: LSU

Special teams

USC’s Captain Munnerlyn shined last week with a blocked field goal returned for a score and an 85-yard kickoff return that set up another TD. But kicker Ryan Succop must overcome missing four field goals against Kentucky.

LSU kicker Colt David is one of the best in Tiger history and has hit 44 of 58 field goals in his career. Trindon Holliday is one of the most dangerous returners in the nation and has scored one this year on special teams.

Edge: LSU

Bottom line

The Gamecocks might have gotten away with a sneak-up job on LSU had the Tigers not been blown out last week. Instead, it’ll take a monumental effort from Garcia and his supporting cast as USC has not fared well at home against ranked teams, losing eight of its last 10 against teams in the top 25 under Steve Spurrier. LSU is 20-1 against non-ranked opponents under Les Miles.

Prediction: LSU 27, South Carolina 20

— Brad Senkiw