LSU vs South Carolina Week 3 Preview

Erik Trosclair • September 13, 2024

Let's get into it!

Spread: LSU -7

O/U: 50


For the 1st time since September 27, 2014. College Gameday is returning to Columbia, SC. LSU leads the all time series 19-2-1. The 1st meeting between these teams was back in 1930, with South Carolina winning a 7-6 battle.


South Carolina (RV/RV) is 2-0 with wins against Old Dominion and a dominating road victory over Kentucky. This South Carolina offense is led by Raheim "Rocket" Sanders. Sound familiar, Tiger fans? Sanders spent his 3 seasons at Arkansas before transferring to South Carolina this season. Sanders is extremely experienced, currently 10th in the SEC in rushing yards, and he was named Preseason 2nd Team All-SEC. Under center, the Gamecocks have a bit of a two-headed monster. LaNorris Sanders will likely be the "starter," with Robby Ashford spelling him at times. LaNorris and Robby can scoot, but you have to respect their arms as well. Mazeo Bennet Jr. is a true freshman who appears to be the real deal on the outside. This defense is led by a 4-headed monster upfront. At defensive tackle, TJ Sanders and Tonka Hemingway are problems up the middle. Off the edge, Dylan Stewart and Kyle Kennard are among the leaders in sacks in the SEC. At linebacker, Debo Williams (Preseason 2nd Team All-SEC) is a ball hawk. In the defensive backfield, Nick Emmanwori (Preseason 3rd Team All-SEC) is all over the field, and Jalon Kilgore is off to a great start this season. On special teams, punter Kai Kroeger can pin you at any time, and kicker Alex Herrera is as steady as they come. This South Carolina team will be playing fired up in this one.


LSU (#16/#17) is 1-1 with mixed reviews so far this season. LSU has shown a lot of good, some bad, and some ugly. LSU has to keep Kyren Lacy involved in the game plan. He is clearly your most electric playmaker on his offense. Keep creating opportunities for him, and good things will happen. Garrett Nussmeier is off to a great start, but you cannot leave it all up to his arm. With your best run defender hurt, Jacobian Guillory (out for the season), who steps up in his absence? Look for Ahmad Breaux and Dylan Carpenter to play a lot in this one. Zy Alexander's return is huge for this defense. His veteran presence alone will help this team out. Zy is a playmaker.



KEYS TO THE GAME


- STRENGTH ON STRENGTH - Can this Tiger offensive line handle this South Carolina defensive line? This matchup will be fun to watch.

- ARE YOU READY?! - Williams-Brice Stadium is already a hectic environment for visiting teams, but with College Gameday being there. This stadium will be loud. Is this team ready for that challenge?

- ...RUN - Can this LSU offense get SOMETHING, ANYTHING going on the ground in this one? This South Carolina defense is a high flying unit, you have to make them respect the ground game.


Fun Fact: College Gameday Appearance records: South Carolina 3-6 & LSU 21-12


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NOLA Gold's win over Seattle secures 3rd place in the Major League Rugby Eastern Conference standings

By Tina Howell • April 28, 2025
After a weather-delayed kickoff, loyal NOLA Gold fans were treated to a rollercoaster of a match that ended with a well-earned 44-36 victory over the Seattle Seawolves at the Shrine. This win moved NOLA Gold into 3rd place in the Major League Rugby Eastern Conference standings. Coach Danny Lee said of the team's response to the delay, “We just had to control the controllables. Once we told the boys the definitive time for kickoff, we had a plan ready to go. In terms of game plan, we had to be a little bit more direct, and we had to kick and adapt quickly.” NOLA Gold set the tone early, taking an initial 3-0 lead thanks to a steady penalty kick from Dorian Jones. Though Seattle answered quickly with a try to make it 7-3, the Gold launched into a dominant scoring stretch. Isaac Te Tamaki powered across the try line to ignite the offense, followed by back-to-back tries from the relentless Jonah Mau’u. Jones continued to add points from the tee, stretching the Gold’s lead to 27-7. Just before halftime, the Seawolves found a breakthrough and scored at the buzzer, narrowing the margin to 27-14. However, NOLA emerged from the locker room with purpose. Xavier Mignot wasted no time reestablishing momentum with a try that pushed the lead to 34-14. Seattle fought back with intensity, capitalizing on back-to-back tries to bring the score to 34-24. But NOLA responded with composure, as Jones added another penalty to keep the visitors at bay, 37-24. The closing stages of the match saw both teams exchanging blows. Seattle’s try was met by a decisive moment from Joe Taufete’e, who muscled through defenders for a critical score. Luke Campbell’s conversion extended the lead to 44-29. Though Seattle scored one final try at the buzzer, it wasn’t enough. With a final score of 44-36, NOLA Gold walked away with a crucial five-point win in front of a roaring home crowd and strengthens their postseason hopes with a firm grip on 3rd place in the East. Their next match will be on the road against the San Diego Legion on May 4th at 4:00 PM CT. For tickets and more details, please visit www.nolagoldrugby.com

10th annual Covington Antiques and Uniques Festival

By Tina Howell • April 24, 2025
The 10th annual Covington Antiques & Uniques Festival will be held this Saturday, April 26, and Sunday, April 27, at the Covington Trailhead Museum. This two-day, juried festival features over 60 vendors offering an eclectic mix of antique furnishings, period collectibles, architectural salvage, and vintage-inspired fine crafts, as well as a live auction, car show, good food, music, and more. The Covington Heritage Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to preserve the city’s culture, character and community. Founded in 2015, the festival is coordinated with the support of the City’s Department of Cultural Arts and Events. As the festival grows and evolves each year, their goal remains the same- to offer a first-class juried event that reflects the unique charm and history of the city of Covington. The festival is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free. For more details, please visit https://www.covingtonheritagefoundation.com/
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