Gamecocks need to stay focused

What a ride. Hang on, South Carolina fans, if the Gamecocks' second half is something akin to the team's first six games.

You just experienced the program's high point (clobbering then-No. 1 Alabama), followed by a harrowing low point (blowing an 18-point halftime lead at Kentucky).

And, yet, you look up to see South Carolina (4-2, 2-2 SEC) is still verymuch in the driver's seat for the Eastern Division title and that long-awaited berth to play in Atlanta for the SEC championship.

Here's a look at what went right and wrong in the first half of the season.

Offense (B+)

It has disappeared at times, including the second half at Kentucky, but this is as dynamic as the offense has been in Steve Spurrier's USC tenure.

The Gamecocks finally have playmakers -- yes, more than one. There are enough threats that they work to divert attention from one another, and that's a good thing for the offense.

The system just runs differently with an able runner like freshman Marcus Lattimore. He has been all he was expected to be as a first-year player -- and more. His 12 total touchdowns are just two off the school record for a season.

Alshon Jeffery had been unstoppable until the second half at Kentucky, where a thigh bruise slowed the sophomore down. But, with 690 yards and five touchdowns, he is still a midseason All-American, according to most.

When Stephen Garcia has been Good Garcia (see: Alabama win), he's been exactly what the team needs. When he's been Bad Garcia (see: Auburn fourth quarter, final throw at Kentucky), he's been a liability. More Good Garcia than bad will be required if the Gamecocks want to be in Atlanta for the SEC championship game.

The offensive line has been highly inconsistent, both in personnel and performance. It needs good weeks against Vanderbilt and Tennessee to build confidence for what will be a taxing November.

Defense (C+)

Never thought that grade would apply to this unit at this point. Flash back to August, and some were considering this to be the best defense in the SEC -- and one of the best in the country. Instead, Ellis Johnson and his staff are scratching their heads, wondering what's going on.

The defense was gashed for 334 rushing yards in the loss at Auburn. It has allowed career passing highs by Alabama's Greg McElroy and Kentucky's Mike Hartline in consecutive weeks.

This secondary really has to look itself in the mirror. Stephon Gilmore has looked like an All-SEC corner at times, and a backup at others. Chris Culliver isn't playing like a senior, still committing silly personal fouls and failing to play his assignments. Akeem Auguste doesn't even start any longer.

The Gamecocks need more, significantly more in some cases, from a defensive backfield that's chief in USC giving up 270 passing yards a game -- 110th in the NCAA.

On the bright side, the pressure, sans Eric Norwood, seems to be getting better. The Gamecocks are actually second in the country with 22 sacks. They are 14th in the country in rushing defense, despite getting beaten up pretty good by quarterback Cam Newton and Auburn.

The linebackers took a big hit when they lost Shaq Wilson, but seniors Josh Dickerson and Tony Straughter are getting progressively better.

Special teams (B-)

The punt and kickoff coverage units have been fairly solid. But the Gamecocks still aren't getting a whole lot of anything in the return games. Fresh on fans' minds is Gilmore's muffed punt last week at Kentucky. He has been decent, but sometimes winds up going backward.

Culliver somehow is creeping up on the SEC's all-time kick return yardage list, and yet he seemingly does nothing impressive with the ball. Bryce Sherman seems to be the most apt kick returner, but the diminutive running back goes flying whenever he's touched. Sherman will get his chance again this week at Vanderbilt.

Spencer Lanning continues to be solid kicking field goals and punting.

Coaching (B)

There have been questionable clock decisions, such as the final sequence at Kentucky. There have been questionable personnel decisions, such as forgetting about Kenny Miles in the second half at Kentucky. And inserting freshman Connor Shaw with six minutes to play in an eight-point game at Auburn.

But, for the handful of "huh?" moments, Spurrier and his assistants have made a great deal of good decisions. What the staff did in the two weeks prior to the Alabama romp -- coming off the Auburn loss, no less -- was extraordinary. The Gamecocks showed that week they could play with -- and beat -- anyone in the country, with the right game plan.

Credit, too, what Shawn Elliott has brought with him from Appalachian State. His blocking scheme and spread philosophy has really worked well with Lattimore. The Gamecocks are nearly unstoppable in the red zone, near the goal line, and that's a drastic departure from past teams.

Overall (B)

Everyone probably would have signed up for 4-2 back in the summertime -- and certainly accepted the SEC East lead through six games. It feels a little less glossy because of that Kentucky loss, but there's no shame in a close loss at Auburn and then following up with a huge win against Alabama.

That victory has made this first half of the season an overall success, but it means nothing if the Gamecocks don't follow up in the final six games.

South Carolina has a real opportunity in front of it. The East has never been there for the taking -- not like this.