The Missouri Tigers visited South Carolina to clash with the Gamecocks inside the gates of Williams Brice stadium. What they left with was a 31-10 thumping and a rude awakening to the SEC world of football. Lots can be said about this game but here are five things we learned from this win:
1. Connor Shaw is Fine – He finally looked good under center as he seemed relaxed and in command of the offense. It might have taken four games to get to this point but I like what I see out of him and hope he does this every time out. Shaw finished 20 of 21 passing for 249 yards and two touchdowns, and rushed 12 times for 41 yards. He had zero turnovers.
2. Lattimore is the best back ever at USC – Lattimore, who played for the first time without a knee brace, rushed for 85 yards and scored two short-yardage touchdowns. His first score of the game made him the school’s all-time leader in rushing touchdowns, passing George Rogers and Harold Green.
3. USC found their LT in Corey Robinson – He played his best and it was much needed at this spot. He protects Shaw’s blindside and did a fine job doing it. He needs to continue to develop as he will need to be playing great each game out.
4. USC special teams can be special – Whether it was the kickoffs into the endzone, Ace Sanders juking on the punt return, Bruce Ellington’s 50-yard kick-off return in the second quarter marked the first kick-off return this season for South Carolina or Adam Yates’ 38-yard field goal in the fourth quarter. All and all it was a great showing from the Gamecocks special team unit – Finally!
5. Home is good for USC – The Gamecocks have a seven-game home winning streak going. In their last 25 games at Williams-Brice Stadium, the Gamecocks have won 23. The slogan…”we must protect this house” it taken to heart.
