Can Auburn capitalize against weak South Carolina rush defense?

AUBURN – When Auburn runs the ball against South Carolina on Saturday it'll be a matchup of great strength and glaring weakness.

The Tigers (5-1, 2-1 SEC) are still a potent rushing attack, ranking 14th nationally and 3rd in the SEC with 262 yards per game, while the Gamecocks allow 181.71 yards on the ground, 91st nationally and 13th in the SEC, and an SEC-worst 15 rushing touchdowns.

"Yeah, we're not real good on run defense," South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier said after allowing Furman to run for 211 yards last week. "I don't know if you've noticed that yet this year, but we're working on it."

South Carolina (4-3, 2-3) started the season with a 3-4 scheme, but has shifted back to a 4-3.

"It looks like early in the year they had a new defensive scheme," Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said. "They were trying to get all that cleaned up and it seems like there was a little bit of a transition. But we know that they've got some talented players.

"They've got a lot of veteran guys back on defense that have played extremely well in the past. We feel like they're starting to figure out who they are and we know they'll be much improved."

Furman ran for 141 of its 211 yards in the first half against South Carolina, including a 60-yard touchdown run, before the game was no longer competitive.

"I think what they've tried to do is specifically the last game, you can tell they tried to tighten some things up and they did a good job with some things," Auburn offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee said. "They were down some guys. I fully expect them all to play."

Gamecocks defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward took the blame for the long score.

A depleted South Carolina defense could be without defensive tackle J.T. Surratt (hamstring), linebacker Jonathan Walton (concussion) and defensive end Mason Harris (knee), all of whom missed Tuesday's practice.

South Carolina defensive line coach Deke Adams said starting positions are wide open.

"Right now it's open," Adams said. "We're going to see who has the best week of practice. J.T. was out (Monday) and (Tuesday), but in his mind, he's going to be ready to play. We'll see how he feels (Wednesday). Everybody is in consideration (to start). Right now every position is open. Guys got to do the job and we've got to get better."

Auburn's Cameron Artis-Payne could pose a major challenge for the Gamecocks. He is averaging 110.67 yards, 20th nationally and second in the SEC, not including the indefinitely suspended Todd Gurley.