GAME NOTES: The second-ranked LSU Tigers have been as dominant as any team in the nation thus far, and they will face the 12th-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks in SEC play this weekend. South Carolina has won its first three games to shoot up the poll, and the hope is that the Gamecocks can be the first team to provide a legitimate challenge to LSU. Steve Spurrier's squad is coming off a 38-3 romp over South Carolina State, but the program garnered a ton of praise for its performance the previous week. On September 8th, South Carolina marched into Athens and came out with a 16-12 victory over Georgia. Through three games, LSU has outscored its opponents 137-7 en route to a perfect 3-0 record. Two of the victories were shutouts, including a 44-0 romp over Middle Tennessee last weekend. The previous week, a highly-ranked Virginia Tech squad came into Baton Rouge and was sent packing with a 48-7 loss. LSU holds a commanding 14-2-1 series lead over South Carolina and is clearly favored in this tilt.

Of the five touchdowns that the Gamecocks posted against South Carolina State last weekend, four were generated by the offense. Blake Mitchell completed 14- of-21 passes for 147 yards and three touchdowns, but he was also intercepted three times. Because Chris Smelley missed the game due to injury, Tommy Beecher was the backup quarterback, and he tossed an interception in limited duty as well. Without question, the turnovers do not sit well with Spurrier, who won a Heisman Trophy as a quarterback during his playing days. Cory Boyd was impressive for South Carolina, as the talented tailback rushed for 132 yards and one touchdown on only 11 carries. The Gamecocks are averaging 27.3 ppg and 385.0 total ypg. Boyd has rushed for 255 yards and four touchdowns, while fellow tailback Mike Davis has posted 252 yards on the ground. Mitchell is the most experienced of the team's quarterbacks, but Spurrier is not afraid to feature multiple players at that position. Regardless of which player is under center, Kenny McKinley is the go-to guy on the outside. He has 17 catches and two touchdowns thus far.

Defensively, South Carolina played extremely well against South Carolina State. The only points surrendered by the Gamecocks came on a field goal in the opening minutes of the contest after a turnover set SCSU up with great field position. With three interceptions and a fumble recovery, the Gamecocks were not short on big plays. If there is a negative to point out, it is that the defense yielded 196 rushing yards. South Carolina has been dominant defensively, as the club is only yielding 9.7 ppg and 306.7 total ypg. While the run defense could certainly stand some improvement, the Gamecocks have yet to allow a passing touchdown while racking up four interceptions. Opposing quarterbacks have completed fewer than 50 percent of their passes against South Carolina.

Because of injury, LSU starting quarterback Matt Flynn was held out of action last weekend against Middle Tennessee, allowing Ryan Perrilloux to start the game. Considering that Perrilloux completed 20-of-25 passes for 298 yards and three touchdowns, it is safe to say that he is more than capable of directing the offense. In the absence of Early Doucet, the team's top receiver who missed the contest with a groin injury, several players contributed in the passing game for LSU. While Flynn will likely be okay to play this weekend on his sore ankle, expect Doucet to miss another week. Through three games, LSU is averaging 45.7 ppg and 483.3 total ypg, and the offense has achieve tremendous balance. The offense has generated 17 touchdowns, nine of which have come on the ground. Flynn has completed 63 percent of his passes with two touchdowns and no interceptions, while Perrilloux has connected on a staggering 81.8 percent of his throws with six touchdowns and one interception. Jacob Hester has gotten the most carries in the running game, but sophomore Keiland Williams appears to be the squad's most explosive back.

Put simply, LSU is the best defensive football team in the nation. The Tigers were at their best against Middle Tennessee, limiting the Blue Raiders to 90 total yards, including nine on the ground. With six sacks and relentless pressure, LSU made passing the ball nearly impossible. It is borderline laughable that the Tigers are allowing 2.3 ppg and 128.3 total ypg, especially considering that two of their three opponents were members of the SEC and ACC. The defense is allowing 30 rushing yards per game on an average of one yard per attempt. Against the pass, the group has posted seven interceptions while allowing zero touchdowns. Craig Steltz has already posted four interceptions. This defense is loaded with future NFL draft picks, and South Carolina will be lucky to score a single touchdown this weekend.

South Carolina got too much credit for beating a mediocre Georgia team. The Gamecocks will get destroyed by a far superior team this weekend, as LSU continues to dominate every opponent in its path.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: LSU 42, South Carolina 3