Scouting South Carolina: trouble spots for the Tigers...

Scouting South Carolina: trouble spots for the Tigers…

WR Alshon Jeffery: He has modest numbers this season – 43 catches for 585 yards in USC’s first 11 games – but remains a potential big-play game changer. He became the Gamcocks’ all-time leader in reception yardage last week, when he boosted his career total to 2,784 yards.

DE Melvin Ingram: A three-time SEC player of the week this season, he ranks sixth in the SEC in tackles for loss with 11.5 and fourth in sacks with 6.5. He’s scored three touchdowns this season – two on fumble recoveries and one on a fake punt.

DB Antonio Allen: A Thorpe Award semifinalist, he leads the team with 7.4 tackles per game and is among the SEC’s leaders in forced fumbles and fumble recoveries. He also has three interceptions.

DE Devin Taylor: He’s made 30 career starts and has four sacks this season. He returned an interception 48 yards for a touchdown against Arkansas.

Jadeveon Clowney: He’s lived up to his instant-impact billing, and leads the SEC and ranks fifth in the nation with five forced fumbles.

OL Rokevious Watkins & T.J. Johnson: They anchor a veteran offensive line that has started the same lineup all season. The two national awards candidates have combined for 61 consecutive starts – 37 by Johnson at center and 24 by Watkins at tackle.

Stephon Gilmore: A pre-season All-American, he has three interceptions this season and seven in his career.

RB Brandon Wilds: The big freshman has taken over as USC’s primary rushing option in the absence of Marcus Lattimore. He started out the season as the Gamecocks’ fifth-team tailback, but moved up because of injuries to others. He rushed for 137 yards against Tennessee and 120 on 29 carries against Florida.

QB Connor Shaw: He steadied a rocky boat at mid-season and has gone on to win five of his first six games as USC’s starter. He’s competed 98 of 151 passes for 1,008 yards, with nine touchdowns and six interception. He is the team’s second leading active rusher, has scored six touchdowns, and has a 60-yard run.

RB/WR/KR Bruce Ellington: Andre’s cousin plays a jack-of-all-trades role for the Gamecocks. He’s contributed this year as a runner, receiver and even a passer as a wildcat quarterback, and also leads the team in kickoff returns.