Holtz worries about Gamecocks defense stopping Manning

Posted 6:07PM on Monday 27th October 2003 ( 21 years ago )

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - Lou Holtz saw South Carolina's defense struggle the past three games. He has watched Eli Manning lead Ole Miss to its best Southeastern Conference start in more than 30 years. Can you guess what Holtz thinks of his team's chances to beat the 20th-ranked Rebels this week? ``They're probably trying to figure out how to add a third digit to the scoreboard on the Ole Miss side,'' Holtz said Monday. The Gamecocks (5-2, 2-3 SEC) had been fairly decent on defense early this season despite changing coordinators and switching from a three-man to a four-man alignment. But they've surrendered 1,085 yards and 71 points over their last nine quarters, falling from eighth in the country to fifth in the SEC. That's why Manning, the Rebels' smooth senior, worries Holtz so much. Manning's a big reason Mississippi (6-2) has its first 4-0 league start since 1970. And he has done it with accuracy and style, completing more than 60 percent of his passes with 18 touchdowns and just seven interceptions. Right now, the Gamecocks don't have much chance to slow down Manning and the Rebels' attack if you listen to Holtz. The coach says his team can't put enough heat on quarterbacks to disrupt them, perhaps a reason why Vanderbilt's Jay Cutler threw for 319 yards and three second-half touchdowns at South Carolina last Saturday night. The Gamecocks sure are blitzing more than ever, Holtz said. And the coach is satisfied with the pressure applied by defensive ends Moe Thompson and George Gause, who've combined for six sacks this season. Where things break down for South Carolina's defense is when a linebacker or safety joins in on the blitz. That onrushing Gamecock is simply held up by an opposing running back or the tight end and quarterbacks like Manning, Holtz says, pick apart his team at will. ``I think we have to do a better job as linebackers and we have to do a better job as defensive safeties of when we blitz and a guy picks us up being able to beat the guy one on one,'' Holtz said. After the Vanderbilt game a contest the Gamecocks led 28-3 before eventually winning 35-24 Holtz said his pass rush was in the ``government witness protection program.'' Injuries are part of the game, Holtz says, but also part of the problem. Linebackers Lance Laury and Marcus Lawrence have been slowed by injuries all season. Gause missed games against Kentucky and LSU with knee problems before returning this week. Containing Manning is a challenge for any defense, let alone for one with the Gamecocks' deficiencies. Manning's NFL pedigree shines through in games, Holtz says. The son of Archie Manning and brother of Peyton has the same sweet touch on long passes and a similar aura of leadership as the others in his pro-football-playing family. Eli Manning is ``very smart, good presence, good awareness, great ball-handler,'' Holtz said. ``But I also think, like Peyton, he's very unselfish, he just wants to win and win the conference.'' Manning doesn't usually pay attention to what opponents have to say and says he'll certainly stay away from Holtz's gushing comments. ``He always compliments the other team, tries to hype them up, maybe try to give them a big head and make them think they're better than what they are,'' Manning said. ``He's been doing it forever. It's a great strategy, so I'll try not read his quotes this week.''

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