COLUMBIA -- They aced the last test. Impressively.
But there's always another.
"Let's be real -- the last time we got ranked, we didn't play worth a crap the next week," South Carolina coach Shane Beamer said. "I would hope that a lot of our guys remember that."
Last week's 28-7 bombardment of Vanderbilt proved that the No. 21 Gamecocks could handle the moment, the lingering question of, "Are they really here?" USC already followed an impressive win at Oklahoma with an even-more impressive win over Texas A&M, but considering the program's history, it's a constant wonder if that inevitable disappointment is waiting at the end of the block.
Only thing to do is keep strutting, confident that the challenge will be met and handled. The next hurdle -- No. 24 Missouri -- at 4:15 p.m. on Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium has had its way with the Gamecocks the last five years, but that was then and this is now.
What to watch as USC once more attempts to break a lengthy losing streak:
USC Gamecocks Sports Gamecocks speed away from Coppin State to open home schedule By David Cloninger [email protected] Audible
It doesn't appear that Missouri starting quarterback Brady Cook will play Saturday. He was listed as "doubtful" throughout the week's availability reports after missing the Tigers' last game, which should again hand the job to Drew Pyne.
Either quarterback is going to be expected to face a lot of aggression in the pass-rush, as that's what USC's defense does. Vanderbilt mobile artiste Diego Pavia saw it last week and while he got some yards, he was held in check for most of the game.
Pyne will be taking snaps from a new center (the Tigers lost their starter to injury last week) and will face a vicious D-line intent on separating him from the ball, and his team from the scoreboard. Pyne has been around, he's played a lot and he threw three touchdown passes last week, but in preseason, he was named backup for a reason.
Cook has two of the five straight wins Missouri has posted over USC. To not see him under center again is another chip pushed into the Gamecocks' pile.
Stud hoss
Rocket Sanders has forearm-shivered Texas A&M and Vanderbilt in back-to-back weeks. He's lathered up.
USC would do good to keep feeding the beast.
USC Gamecocks Sports Gamecocks-Missouri matchup may hinge on Tigers' quarterback situation By David Cloninger [email protected] Cover. Tackle.
It's so simple and yet so difficult. The Gamecocks have been doing it very, very well this season but Missouri may be the most difficult test yet.
Luther Burden and Theo Wease are two of the best receivers in America, and they're on the same team. The Gamecocks received good news when DQ Smith was cleared from whatever ailed him last week (Peyton Williams played a fine game in relief, and will be counted on for depth this week) because USC needs its best to try and shut down those two wideouts.
They're going to get something. The Gamecocks have to gain two objectives -- there aren't too many somethings, and they don't equal points.
Seesaw
Nothing against Wofford, but one would have to figure that's a win next week. So that's a seventh win and probably a guarantee out of the final two SEC-affiliated bowl games (Birmingham and the other Tampa bowl).
Beating Missouri would make it eight and a near-guarantee to land in the more defined Tampa bowl or a couple of high-profile others. Not to mention keeping alive the possibility, however faint it is, of a CFP berth.
USC has answered the bell the last three games. It's ringing for the fourth round.
Prediction
South Carolina 31, Missouri 27