The South Carolina Gamecocks hit the road to Athens, where they will face some angry Georgia Bulldogs. Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. EDT on ESPN, and surely this will be an instant SEC classic as this game has early implications on the SEC East title race. South Carolina enters the contest with a 1-0 record and ranked No. 12 in the AP polls after getting past East Carolina by the score of 56-37. Georgia on the other hand fell victim to the efficiency of Kellen Moore as they lost 35-21 in the Georgia Dome to the Boise State Broncos. This game means a lot to both teams in the race for the SEC East. Also for USC, this game factors into their goal of a BCS berth in 2011. Drilling it down for Georgia on what the outcome means for them, well look no further than the hot seat occupied by Coach Mark Richt. This game has weight on his coaching situation at Georgia as the ‘Dawg faithful wants to see progression in the program and a lackluster performance versus South Carolina could "fan the flames." The USC-UGA game is always close, as the last four games between the two schools have been decided by 11 points or less with both teams winning twice. The last time between the hedges, the Gamecocks dropped a shootout 41-37, and have not won in Athens since 2007.USC is favored by as much as three points in this game depending on the odds-maker, so most think the game will be close and most think USC will win. Let’s take a look at these two teams: What You Need To Know About UGA: This game means a lot for the 'Dawgs, as it not only can determine the pecking order in the SEC East but it could have a say on the coaching situation in Athens. It also will play into the confidence of this team going forward. These Georgia Bulldogs are backed into a corner for the opposing team that is scary, and they will come out attacking. UGA Player to Watch: Aaron Murray. In 2010, he had a 61 percent completion percentage, 3,049 yards, 24 touchdowns, eight interceptions, 154.5 passer rating, 167 yards rushing and four touchdowns.Look past the 6-8 record as a starter for UGA, as he is the leader of the Bulldogs. He is the key to this team because USC should be able to control the run, so it is upon him to lead the UGA football team to victory via his arm. What You Need To Know About South Carolina: The Gamecocks must match the intensity of the Bulldogs in this game. They must step up and play smarter football than what was shown versus East Carolina.  USC won the SEC East due to beating UGA in 2010. To win the East in 2011, they must beat the Bulldogs. USC Player to Watch: The key for USC is the establishment of the running game. Marcus Lattimore rushed for 112 yards on 23 carries and had three touchdowns last week. He needs a similar performance this week as his abilities running the ball opens up so much more for the offense. Most importantly, it moves the chains and keeps the Georgia offense off the field. Key Position Matchup: One battle that not many are talking about is the USC defensive live versus the Georgia offensive line.  It goes without saying that the Bulldogs must run and the Gamecocks have to stop it. For USC it is not only about stopping the run but pressuring Aaron Murray. The Georgia line is the key position for their chances for success in this game. Prediction: 20-16 USC.Read more South Carolina Football news on BleacherReport.com