Unranked to begin the season, South Carolina has rocketed to No. 12 in the AP poll.

That makes coach Steve Spurrier laugh.

"Somebody told me the other day that we moved up to No. 12 in one poll," Spurrier said in the Sept. 18 press conference. "Someone said, 'Coach, thank goodness your games weren't on national TV.' That has been helpful in the rankings, I can assure you that."

The Gamecocks certainly have an opportunity to prove worthy of their ranking on Sept. 22, when they travel to Baton Rouge to face No. 2 LSU.

Spurrier is planning to rely heavily on his defense against the Tigers.

"We're looking for a ball game somewhat like the Georgia game (a 16-12 South Carolina win)," said Spurrier. "It will be pretty hard for us to go down there and outscore them. Hopefully it will be a field-goal game. We have an excellent field-goal kicker in Ryan Succop. That's the kind of game we would like to have happen. Whether or not it will, we have to go play to find out."

--WR Kenny McKinley is the Gamecocks' most dynamic playmaker, but quarterback Blake Mitchell has struggled to get him the ball. Some of the blame lies on an offensive line that hasn't provided Mitchell with much time. But even when Mitchell has had time, he's been inaccurate. McKinley caught just four passes for 36 yards against South Carolina State.

--LB Jasper Brinkley has made it a habit of stepping up in big games. He sealed the Gamecocks' win over Georgia with a late interception. Brinkley, an All-SEC selection, will need to have a similar impact if South Carolina is going to keep it close in the Sept. 22 game against LSU.

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE: South Carolina quarterback Blake Mitchell needs to improve in a hurry or the senior will be in extreme danger of being gobbled up by what most believe is the best defense in the country.

LSU's defense is ranked in the top five nationally in seven different categories, including No. 1 in pass-efficiency defense, total defense and scoring defense.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE: Coach Steve Spurrier made some adjustments on his defense, moving Casper Brinkley to defensive end to make room for Cliff Matthews at linebacker. Spurrier hopes this will sure up the Gamecocks' run defense, which ranks 92nd in the nation.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "(LSU) wasn't near what they are now, back in the early 90's. They didn't quite have their act together like the way they do now, starting in 2000 or 2001. We actually beat (Nick) Saban's team both years, but that was two of the best games we've ever played. In fact, Rex Grossman set the record in passing last time I was in Baton Rouge. I don't think we're going to set any records throwing the ball this year." -- Coach Steve Spurrier, on his success against LSU while he was at Florida.

THIS WEEK'S GAME: South Carolina at LSU, Sept. 22 -- Are the Gamecocks for real? We'll find out when they take on second-ranked LSU in Baton Rouge. South Carolina has won in Baton Rouge only once and is a 17-point underdog.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: RB Cory Boyd -- The senior will need to have a big game against LSU. Boyd has been effective so far this year, but needs to have his best game of the year in order to keep the Tigers offense off the field.

QB Blake Mitchell -- He's struggled with his accuracy, but hasn't received a lot of help from the offensive line. Both he and the line need to improve or it will be a long night for the Gamecocks in Baton Rouge.

K/P Ryan Succup -- The kicking game is one of South Carolina's strengths and could play a big role if the Gamecocks are to pull off what would be a mammoth upset.

ROSTER REPORT: LB Casper Brinkley has been moved to defensive end, making room for Cliff Matthews to move to linebacker.

DL Nathan Pepper will have to undergo knee surgery and is out for the season.

DB Brandon Isaac (shoulder) is doubtful for the LSU game.

OL Gurminder Thind (ankle) is doubtful.

LB Dustin Lindsey (knee), LB Yvan Banag (knee) and OL Kevin Young (ankle) missed practice time this week. Their status is uncertain.