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Steve Spurrier has traditionally been partial to an aerial offensive approach, but how well his squad runs the ball might be the key to South Carolina's success this season.
Paced by star freshman Marcus Lattimore, the No. 13 Gamecocks have a chance to continue their success on the ground Saturday night against in-state foe Furman of the Football Championship Subdivision.
Two years ago, South Carolina ranked 113th among Football Bowl Subdivision teams with 94.1 rushing yards per game. The Gamecocks were better in 2009, running for 121.2 yards per contest, and still ranked among the top 50 in passing.
Then Lattimore came on campus, and Spurrier's pass-first approach has taken a back seat. The Gamecocks, who have not started 3-0 since 2007, are averaging 206.5 rushing yards - 33rd in the country - compared to 195.0 through the air after two games.
A highly touted back from Duncan, S.C., Lattimore rushed 37 times for 182 yards and two touchdowns in a 17-6 win over then-No. 22 Georgia last Saturday. It was the second-highest effort by a South Carolina freshman.
"He came here to run the ball," Spurrier said of Lattimore, who has 236 rushing yards and four TDs. "He's obviously a big-time running back. He can hit a crack, break tackles, run forward and holds onto the ball."
Spurrier said he will continue to give the ball to the 215-pound Lattimore when the situation dictates. That could be often Saturday when the Gamecocks try for a 12th consecutive home victory over an unranked, non-conference opponent.
Furman (1-0) gave up 209 rushing yards in a 45-15 win over Colgate last Saturday.
Like any good back, Lattimore is willing to carry the load.
"I just want to play and produce and help the team anyway I can," he said. "(The coaches) know that.''
While Spurrier is content running the ball, he also would like to balance that with a productive passing game.
Junior Stephen Garcia is 28 of 40 for 358 yards, but has not thrown a touchdown pass and was sacked five times against Georgia.
"We've got to get better in the passing game,'' Spurrier said.
South Carolina likely will not get help from tight end Weslye Saunders, the focus of NCAA investigators this summer for possible contact with agents. The senior caught 32 passes for 353 yards and three TDs last season but remains suspended, though Spurrier said it is not because of NCAA issues.
Sophomore Alshon Jeffery, who caught a team-high 46 passes a year ago, has 14 receptions for 209 yards.
Whether running or throwing, the Gamecocks remain confident and focused heading into their first meeting with Furman since 1982.
"I think the players have a better commitment level overall, are a little more serious about football," Spurrier said. "They give you their best effort. That hasn't always happened around here."
That probably won't make things easy for Furman, which makes the 103-mile trip to face its first Top 25 opponent since losing 38-10 at then-No. 20 Clemson in 2007.
Though the Paladins rushed for 377 yards in their season-opening victory, they face a South Carolina unit that limited Southern Mississippi and Georgia to a combined 128 yards on the ground.
Furman could again use two quarterbacks after senior Cody Worley threw for three TDs and junior Chris Forcier rushed seven times for 130 yards versus Colgate.
South Carolina leads Furman 26-20-1 in the series.
