Three and out: What did we learn from the Mizzou game?
Three and out takes a look at three things we learned this week from South Carolina's 31-21 victory over Missouri with perspective from the rest of the season.
Did you know that Bentley should be in high school? - If you've watched any of the broadcasts of South Carolina's last three football games, then you've heard this repeated, what, at least 34 times? It's no secret that Jake Bentley graduated "early" (those who are paying attention know he's actually older than Brandon McIlwain) and, while there may not be much more to say, that hasn't already been said, about the true freshman -- I'm going to say it again anyway: Jake Bentley is the real deal.
I said last week that Bentley was the best freshman passer South Carolina has had since I've been alive. At this point, I think that Bentley is already the best quarterback in the SEC East. That seems crazy to say, just three games into his career, but is there a quarterback in this division that you would take right now over Bentley? Furthermore, is there even a quarterback in the conference you would take over him? Maybe Alabama's Jalen Hurts? I know I'm getting ahead of myself here, but the more I've tried to hold back and be "realistic" about what Bentley is capable of, the more he impresses me the next time out.
Bentley's "feel" in the pocket, ability to step up and keep his eyes down field, and then to put the ball where only his receiver can catch it is simply elite. His completion to Deebo Samuel on the sideline (video below) is a play that few veterans in college football even make. And he's only getting better. Bentley hasn't been on the road yet. He will certainly face a tougher defense this week in Gainesville, and he'll face a difficult test in a few weeks at Clemson. But he's not only passed, but also aced, every test he's faced so far. I guess it's time for everyone to stop being surprised.
Let's give Zack Bailey some love - The big uglies don't always get the love and South Carolina's offensive line has (rightfully so) faced its share of criticism this season, but Zack Bailey has consistently been a bright spot and his skills were on complete display Saturday night. Bailey has shown a firm, strong stance in stone-walling rushers and the ability to get a push in the running game all season long. Saturday against Missouri Bailey, was the driving force (literally) in a counter running play that Carolina had success with and went back to multiple times because of that early success. I don't know that Bailey will get the recognition he deserves after the season, but he's had an All-SEC type year in my book.
Storylines abound this week - Many will focus on Will Muschamp's return to his former team, but there are so many other storylines at play here. Namely, the growing murmurs of unrest from a Florida fan base that is losing interest and faith in the Jim McElwain era in Gainesville. McElwain was brought in to fix the Florida offense (with a championship defense already in place), but other than the brief glimpses of offensive pop shown last year when Will Grier was at the helm, the Gators have looked much more like the units that struggled to put up points under Muschamp too.
And those highly ranked defenses that Muschamp built? Fans are seeing those players slowly graduate and move on without the high-level classes in line to replace them.
What will it be like for Florida fans to see Muschamp on the opposing sideline? The real question is, what happens if Muschamp takes a freshman quarterback into his old stomping grounds and beats the Gators with his first South Carolina team? It's just one game, but it would be a major blow to McElwain's support and to one of Carolina's division rivals.
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