Freshman Lattimore makes the difference

COLUMBIA — QB or not QB?

How many suspended players does it take to screw in a light bulb at the Whitney Hotel?

Will Brett Favre show up to pull for Southern Mississippi, his alma mater?

There were so many questions going into South Carolina's much-anticipated and nationally televised season opener Thursday night at Williams-Brice Stadium, and almost too much time to prepare.

But none of the run-up — not a real or potential quarterback controversy, not even an NCAA inquiry — compares to the importance of the run.

Or the new runner, a game-changing and probably season-altering addition to an offense missing that one key guy.

Marcus Lattimore didn't stockpile a highlight film of dazzling plays during South Carolina's 41-13 victory. But he showed reasons to believe.

'It was crazy. Just the atmosphere,' Lattimore, the very hyped freshman from Duncan's Byrnes High School, said after scoring two touchdowns and rushing for 54 yards on 14 carries. 'I've never been in an atmosphere like that. I enjoyed every minute of it.'

Remember back in '09? South Carolina finished dead last in the Southeastern Conference in rushing.

If the Gamecocks run the ball more effectively in 2010, they will improve on a 7-6 record. If not, things will get worse, meaning no bowl parting gifts. That simple.

Workload capable

Head coach Steve Spurrier said the running game Thursday night was only 'so-so' and that Lattimore 'played well.'

The 6-0, 218-pound starter looks fully capable of making the big difference, turning a weakness into a strength.

Clearly, the coaches think Lattimore can carry the load, as does Lattimore.

'I think I can,' he said. 'I just have to stay consistent and work on the little things.'

He played almost the entire first half.

He dashed for eight yards on South Carolina's first snap of the second half — his longest run — and six yards on the next play.

Most impressively, Lattimore did well in two areas that don't show up on conventional stat sheets: He consistently picked up yards after contact and picked up the blitz with solid blocks.

'He can break the arm tackles,' quarterback Stephen Garcia said. 'You're not going to be able to tackle him with just an arm. It's good to have him here, and he can also catch the ball pretty well.'

Yes, two receptions for 21 yards against Southern Miss.

More than less, Lattimore will create that critical extra bit of separation for South Carolina's other playmakers on offense. The list already included wide receivers Alshon Jeffery and Tori Gurley, and 5-7 freshman wideout Ace Sanders instantly became a fan favorite Thursday night with a 53-yard run on a reverse.

Hello, Georgia

True, the tacklers for Southern Miss missed a lot. The Eagles weren't very good on defense last season and might struggle again this year.

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South Carolina Gamecocks

Georgia will counter with more talent a week from Saturday at high noon in Columbia.

But the Gamecocks not that long ago rushed for only 76 yards against Connecticut.

And 61 against Florida, 53 at Arkansas, 65 at Tennessee … Ugly stuff.

What an aberration, those 223 yards against Clemson.

Lattimore personally will make sure the Gamecocks aren't last in the SEC in rushing again.

'If we can run the ball,' Garcia said, 'it's going to be very tough to beat us with the defense we have.'

Reach Gene Sapakoff at gsapakoff@postandcourier.com or (843) 937-5593.