The White squad knocked off the Garnet team 21-17 in front of an estimated crowd of 22,000 at Williams-Brice Stadium for the “Garnet and Black” Spring Game. Nothing real spectacular or a whole lot to draw from other than the team is still a work in progress.
Hopefully by now you read yesterday the LOHD ‘Gamecocks Spring Game Expectations’ write up about some things we wanted to see out of this “game.” Seems my expectations were met as they were low for this year’s annual spring game but the big thing is Carolina did not lose and no injuries.
I agree a lot with what fellow blogging pal – Garnet and Black Attack – had to say about the glorified spring game – HERE. I really do not want to dig too much into what I witnessed in the game as it was nothing to write home about due to injuries and many new faces getting a chance to shine.
Crowd support was good; just wish the USC athletic department would do some more things for the spring game. Make it more family friendly, more activities, get more vendors out there and make it more of a “party” type atmosphere as you know USC fans like to have a good time. Oh and one big thing that I wish would happen is use this game to hold a Gamecock Club Spring meeting in the fairgrounds. Perfect chance as all you need is a stage and some speakers. Get some of the team and coaches up there to talk about football. Eh, enough of that….
Below is the scoring summary:
Garnet 7 White 0: 2:29 1st pd. (Connor Shaw 14 yd pass to Patrick DiMarco)
Garnet 7 White 7: 10:58 2nd pd. (Stephen Garcia 2 yd pass to Justice Cunningham)
Garnet 14 White 7: 6:22 2nd pd. (Brian Maddox 3 yd run)
Garnet 17 White 7: 4:38 2nd pd. (Spencer Lanning 39 yd FG)
Garnet 17 White 14: 9:11 3rd pd. (Zac Brindise 34 yd pass to DeMario Bennett)
Garnet 17 White 21: 7:18 3rd pd. (Kenny Miles 10 yd run)
Some takeaways from the Gamecocks Spring Game:
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Garcia needs a good summer and needs to get his confidence up. Still see him the starter this coming season but good to see other qb’s improving as that is what you want to happen.
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Love the play of Pat DiMarco and Justice Cunningham, gives options at TE and should get Wes Saunders to step up his game. This area could prove to be a good outlet for the QB, help the overall passing game.
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Still torn if a redshirt should be given to Connor Shaw as Andrew Clifford showed he could handle the #2 spot.
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Not going to say anything about the OL as it is a work in progress. The game was set up to be offense-friendly as the defense was not allowed to blitz and ran only three coverages.
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D.J. Swearinger is coming on strong and has had a great spring. Adds strength to an already good secondary.
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Kenny Miles led the running backs with 35 yards and a touchdown on eight carries for the White team, while Bryce Sherman countered with 32 yards on four carries.
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Tight end Justice Cunningham was the top receiver, catching four passes for 57 yards and a touchdown while playing for both teams.
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Cornerback Brandon Davis led all defenders with eight tackles, one forced fumble and one interception.
Other Notes:
USC handed out its annual spring awards before the game:
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Steve Sisk Outstanding Blocker Award: Justice Cunningham
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Ernest A. Brooks Memorial Award (MVP of Carolina/Clemson game): Stephon Gilmore
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Weight Room Effort Award – Offense: T.J. Johnson
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Weight Room Effort Award – Defense: Ladi Ajiboye
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Everyday Effort Award – Offense: Jarvis Giles
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Everyday Effort Award – Defense: Devin Taylor
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Most Improved Offensive Lineman: Jarriel King
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Most Improved Defensive Back: D.J. Swearinger
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Most Improved Defensive Lineman: Byron McKnight
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Most Improved Wide Receiver: D.L. Moore
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Special Teams Award: Blake Baxley
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Outstanding Walk-on – Offense: Kevin White
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Outstanding Walk-on – Defense: Marty Markett
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Harold White GPA Award Offense: Garrett Chisolm / Defense: Brandan Davis / Special Teams: Walker Inabinet
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Harris Pastides Scholar-Athlete Award: DeVonte Holloman
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Joe Morrison Award (Offensive/Defensive Player of the Spring): Patrick DiMarco / Shaq Wilson
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Gamecock Unselfish Award: Walker Inabinet, Matt Grooms, Chris Vaughn
Spurrier’s comment of the day:
“We’re trying to get the team more accountable than they’ve been in the past,” Spurrier said. “We are certainly not a very good team yet. We have a chance if some guys come through, we have a chance, but not until we’ve earned it. You’ll have to wait and see with the Gamecocks.”
What are your thoughts about the game, atmosphere, result, etc from the Spring Game?
(pic credit – Tracy Glantz/The State)
