The South Carolina Gamecocks defeated the Georgia Bulldogs in Athens, Ga. by the score of 45-42. Not quite the low-scoring affair that we nor anyone else predicted but it is a win for USC.
The Gamecocks move to 2-0 (1-0 SEC), which is just the third time in seven years under Coach Spurrier that has been done. Speaking of Spurrier, he moves into sole possession of second place on the all-time wins list at South Carolina with 46. The win also gives the Gamecocks back-to-back wins over the Bulldogs for the first time since the 2000 and 2001 seasons.
Credit Marcus Lattimore, who had 27 carries for 176 yards and one touchdown. He played like a Heisman candidate.
It was not the prettiest of wins for USC but it goes into the books as a ‘W’. Georgia, as a team, looked like they won if you look at the stats below but it was key turnovers by UGa that helped propel a victory for Carolina.
Much to improve on but much to be celebrated as USC controls its destinity. The goal of a BCS berth is still there. This team shows a lot of heart, even if they cause mine to skip beats.
As a Gamecock fan, you must relate the State motto with this team – “Dum Spiro Spero” – While I breathe, I hope. It truly sums up the first two games at least.
Here are the stats and some quick notes –
| South Carolina | Georgia | |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Downs | 15 | 23 |
| 3rd down efficiency | 4-14 | 5-12 |
| 4th down efficiency | 2-2 | 0-0 |
| Total Yards | 395 | 436 |
| Passing | 142 | 248 |
| Comp-Att | 11-26 | 19-29 |
| Yards per pass | 5.5 | 8.6 |
| Rushing | 253 | 188 |
| Rushing Attempts | 41 | 38 |
| Yards per rush | 6.2 | 4.9 |
| Penalties | 5-47 | 5-35 |
| Turnovers | 2 | 3 |
| Fumbles lost | 0 | 2 |
| Interceptions thrown | 2 | 1 |
| Possession | 29:02 | 30:58 |
Quick Notes
– Clowney got his first sack. Folks, he is the real deal.
– Melvin Ingram is my hero. He got two defensive scores and looked as agile as a cat.
– USC must improve their pass defense going forward. Sometimes playing good does not win championships.
– Hat tip to the USC O-line as they played really good in helping to create running lanes.
– Garcia did not play his best but he lead his team to a win and that is what counts.
– Like to see better third down playcalling in the future as sometimes we did some dumb things.
– Antonio Allen returned an interception 25 yards for a TD in the third quarter. He is a gamer folks.
USC now moves on and will face Navy in Columbia at 6:00pm on ESPN2.
