The Sports Xchange
NCAAF Team Report – South Carolina – INSIDE SLANT
For many University of South Carolina followers, there were questions as to how the Gamecocks would react in its Southeastern Conference game against Missouri. With the status of quarterback Connor Shaw in question following a hairline fracture in the scapula in his right shoulder, some were predicting a Tigers upset victory.
As it turned out, there was nothing to be concerned about as the Gamecocks dominated their new SEC brothers 31-10 in a game they dominated from beginning to end. “It was a really good win for our guys,” said USC coach Steve Spurrier. “A lot of guys played well. … Our defensive guys were fast out there. It was just a really good win for us.”
If Shaw is seriously hurt, it has to be scary for opponents to think what happens when he’s healthy, as he had the best passing game of his collegiate career. He completed 20-of-21 passes for 249 yards and two touchdowns. He finished the contest completing 20 consecutive aerials, a school record. It was also tied for the second-most consecutive completions in the SEC.
“I wasn’t aware of it until they told me after the game,” said Shaw.
The South Carolina defense also continued to be outstanding, not allowing a Missouri touchdown until less than a minute remained in the game.
The Gamecocks return to action Saturday at 7 p.m. when they travel to Lexington to battle Kentucky in a game that will be televised on ESPN2.
———————————————–
NCAAF Team Report – South Carolina – NOTES, QUOTES
WHAT’S AHEAD: South Carolina is a big favorite to defeat Kentucky, which has had little success this season. Steve Spurrier has plenty of ammunition to keep his team focused, however, as the Wildcats were the last SEC East Division team to defeat USC.
Spurrier will probably never forget the game as RB Marcus Lattimore was in the midst of potentially his greatest college performance as the team raced to a big halftime lead. Lattimore was injured just before the halftime break. Kentucky dominated play in the second half, claiming a 31-28 victory.
–Spurrier awarded a game ball to special teams coach Joe Robinson in appreciation of potentially the team’s best performance in that area in years. WR Ace Sanders made sure USC had good field position as he returned six punts for 106 yards. One return went for 49 yards to give the Gamecocks a first-and-goal at the 2.
–The Gamecocks’ 31-10 win over Missouri was the school’s first win over the Tigers. Spurrier entered the contest with an 0-2 record against the Tigers, with the last coming in his first year as coach at USC, when it dropped a 38-31 decision in the Independence Bowl.
–South Carolina RB Marcus Lattimore scored two touchdowns against Missouri, giving him the record for most career rushing touchdowns at the school with 33. George Rogers and Harold Green previously shared the record.
KEEP AN EYE ON: The South Carolina defense continues to impress. It held the fast-paced Missouri offense to three points and 151 total offense yards in the first three quarters and 255 total yards for the game. The Tigers scored a touchdown against the USC reserves with 12 seconds remaining.
LOOKING GOOD: One of the biggest questions entering the season was whether or not a receiver would step up to fill the void left by the loss of Alshon Jeffery to the Chicago Bears. Ace Sanders caught a 23-yard touchdown pass from QB Connor Shaw, while Nick Jones caught a 36-yarder that appeared headed for the end zone until he fell on the 1-yard line. Shaw spread the ball around, completing passes to nine receivers.
STILL NEEDS WORK: The Gamecocks were only penalized four times, but one negated a touchdown. On the second play of their third drive, Shaw raced 80 yards for a touchdown. The play was called back, however, as RT Mike Matulis was called for a crack back block. “We thought we could do that on the line of scrimmage between the tackles, but we were informed we couldn’t,” said Spurrier.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “He has had a lot of great games so it is hard to say if this was his best game, but it might have been. He was 20 of 21. That’s unheard of in the SEC. He just does the same thing every time he goes out there. He’s a leader. He’s consistent. He stays in the pocket when he has to and he runs when he has to. He is a complete quarterback.” — RB Marcus Lattimore, on QB Connor Shaw.
———————————————–
NCAAF Team Report – South Carolina – STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL
PLAYER NOTES:
–FS T. J. Gurley did not put up big statistics against Missouri, but he did what defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward needed in his first start — he didn’t make mistakes. He finished with two solo tackles and played well as he replaced senior D.J. Swearinger, who served a one-game suspension for a head-to-head hit against an Alabama-Birmingham receiver. “For a true freshman to start his first SEC game in this stadium, I think, is huge. It will be a huge confidence boost for him and I think we now know we have three solid safeties we can go out and play with,” said USC defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward.
–TE Rory Anderson continues to make the most of his reception opportunities. He caught one pass for 17 yards and a touchdown against Missouri. He has six catches for 110 yards and three scores this season.
–LT Corey Robinson received his first career start and fared well. He is the third USC player to start at left tackle this season. “Cory was in my (recruiting class). He is 6-6, 330 but can really move. He has really come on this season,” said USC tailback Marcus Robinson.
ROSTER REPORT
–DT Kelcy Quarles injured his shoulder in the third quarter and did not return to the game. It is not believed serious as he is not slated to miss any practice.
–CB Akeem Auguste has missed the entire season with a groin injury. He is expected to return to action this week.
–TB Brandon Wilds has yet to play this season due to an ankle injury.
–TB Shon Carson has yet to play and could miss the season following wrist surgery.
===
———————————————–
