UAB at #8 South Carolina: South Carolina wins 49-6.
There’s no turning back now, Gamecock fans. After a 49-6 rout of the University of Alabama Birmingham Blazers, the South Carolina Gamecocks are 3-0 heading into seven Southeastern Conference games over the next eight weeks. The Cockaboose has officially left the station.
But it’s still not clear who will be leading the way for Carolina’s offense. Starting Quarterback Connor Shaw returned from a week one shoulder injury but re-aggravated it and had to leave the game with South Carolina up 21-6 in the second quarter. Backup QB Dylan Thompson replaced Shaw quietly and effectively in the second half. Shaw’s night was limited but positive, with eight of 14 passes completed for 107 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. Thompson posted five of 10 passes with 177 yards and two touchdowns, including a six-yard rushing touchdown of his own and a long bomb to wide receiver Damiere Byrd for 94 yards and six points. In all, the offense rolled up 501 yards with six Gamecocks finding the end zone through the air or on the ground.
The garnet and black defense was equally important, if not more so in what was a tight first half. Free safety D.J. Swearinger put Carolina ahead 7-3 in the first quarter with a fumble return for a touchdown. The defense followed up with a 4th down stop inside their own territory on the next drive and set the tone for the rest of the game. Defensive end Jadeveon Clowney and the defensive line harassed the Blazers all night, combining for five sacks and nine tackles for loss. Overall the defense only allowed UAB to convert 5 of 19 3rd downs and held on three 4th down tries.
Thompson’s 94 yard pass to Byrd, the 4th longest in school history, wasn’t the only movement in the record books last night. Head Coach Steve Spurrier recorded his 200th college win. Running back Marcus Lattimore took the title for most touchdowns with his 34th and tied Heisman trophy winner George Rogers and Harold Green for career rushing touchdowns (31).
– COURTESY OF M&M Snead for Gamecock Girls
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