Smith looking forward to perimeter challenge
Junior safety D.J. Smith's first game in South Carolina's new defensive scheme went about as well as he could have hoped.
Smith, a former four-star prospect from Marietta, Ga.'s Walton High, played in 22 games the last two seasons, including a couple of starts. But it wasn't until Thursday's 13-10 win at Vanderbilt that he was afforded the opportunity to play an entire game.
ALSO SEE: Film prep - What will the Gamecocks have to do to stop Mississippi State's offense? | A close look at MSU's personnel and how they match up with USC
Smith, who may be a perfect fit for South Carolina's aggressive defensive scheme, responded with five tackles, including one for loss.
"It was definitely a memory," Smith said. "I had fun. Practice was much tougher, obviously, we practice real hard, so the game was easier and I was in shape. I had a good time, made some plays, and look forward to doing the same thing this week."
Smith and the other South Carolina defensive backs will face a far different test this week.
Vanderbilt's quarterbacks combined to complete just 8 of 23 passes for 73 yards in the Commodores' run-based attack.
"I don't know that we were tested," head coach Will Muschamp said. "Certainly we were not very good on the perimeter as far as the bubbles and things. We let two of them come out on us, so we need to get that cleaned up. But I don't think we were tested like we'll be moving forward."
Carolina will be tested plenty on the perimeter by Mississippi State, which features an up-tempo, spread attack with a running quarterback and a steady helping of quick screen passes to the outside.
The Bulldogs had success against Muschamp's Auburn defense last season doing just that.
Stopping those short, quick passes has been a focus in practice.
"We've been working on the perimeter, getting off blocks, because they said they run a lot of screens and they have good blocking receivers," Smith said. "We've been working that and getting our corners and safeties ready to take on those good blocking receivers."
With Mississippi State's week 1 struggles in the down-field passing game, whether or not the Gamecocks can slow the perimeter passing game, could be key.
ALSO SEE: Film prep - What will the Gamecocks have to do to stop Mississippi State's offense? | A close look at MSU's personnel and how they match up with USC
