The University of South Carolina football team held its second official scrimmage of the spring on today at Williams-Brice Stadium and it was what you expect. A team trying new things, giving others playing time and not real sharp overall.
Here are some thoughts and stats…
The offense was impressive to start then faded as the scrimmage progressed. Defense was not strong this time out but do not read too much into that fact as you have to remember this is spring. Meaning, they are instructed not to “light their teammate up” so it is tough for a kid to play with hesitation. I feel very confident in the defense in 2011 so don’t worry about the unit. What has to improve, as we have said, is qb decisions, emergence of a #2 at RB and WR and stout OL play. Those are the things to watch for going into 2011.
With that stated, here are some notes – Good news from the spring scrimmage was the quarterbacks were better this time around than last. Garcia’s passing was crisp today. DeAngelo Smith, D.L. Moore and Nick Jones had a nice day catching the ball. Marcus Lattimore had a nice 44-yard run but I am sure the defense was instructed not to tackle him to hard. Kenny Miles is emerging as the number two back. The offensive line did well overall and the unit consisted of – from left to right – Kyle Nunn, A.J. Cann, T.J. Johnson, Terrence Campbell, and Rokevious Watkins. Wheel route works. Joey Scibner-Howard is making a strong case for the punting role. Vic Hampton had a good day and could add some key depth in the DB unit.
Here is the scrimmage stats via the USC SID:
SCORING PLAYS:
Kenny Miles 72-yard pass from Stephen Garcia (Adam Yates kick)
Ace Sanders 43-yard pass from Garcia (Josh Newton kick)
DeAngelo Smith 61-yard pass from Connor Shaw (Joey Scribner-Howard kick)
Miles 4-yard run (Jay Wooten kick)
Josh Hinch 8-yard run (Yates kick)
GAME STATISTICS:
PASSING: Stephen Garcia 8-13-1-170, 2 TD; Connor Shaw 3-4-1-83, 1 TD; Andrew Clifford 5-10-0-48; Dylan Thompson 2-6-0-18; Seth Strickland 1-2-0-0. TOTALS: 19-35-2-319, 3 TD.
RUSHING: Marcus Lattimore 1-44; Josh Hinch 7-18, 1 TD; Andrew Clifford 3-16; Kenny Miles 4-13, 1 TD; Stephen Garcia 3-1; Joshua Blue 4-(-4); Connor Shaw 4-(-8). TOTALS: 26-80, 2 TD.
RECEIVING: Lamar Scruggs 4-34; DeAngelo Smith 3-80, 1 TD; Nick Jones 3-33; Kenny Miles 2-76, 1 TD; Ace Sanders 2-53, 1 TD; Jason Barnes 2-12; D.L. Moore 1-17; Marcus Lattimore 1-7; Justice Cunningham 1-7. TOTALS: 19-319, 3 TD.
The Gamecocks will begin their final week of spring practice this coming week and it will conclude with the annual Garnet & Black Spring Game to be held Saturday, April 9 at 1 p.m. at Williams-Brice Stadium. Admission is free. The game will be broadcast over the internet on ESPN3.
