On the first offensive possession for the year for South Carolina, in which the Gamecocks went three and out and netted zero positive yards, you could almost hear the collective groan of nearly 80,000 loyal fans.
“Oh, no. Not this again.”
To make matters worse, Southern Miss’ first possession showed confidence, tempo and promise until an Austin Davis pass was tipped and intercepted by DeVonte Holloman of South Carolina.
That’s when the momentum flipped.
The lightbulbs turned on for South Carolina’s second possession. Quarterback Stephen Garcia mounted a 10-play, 85-yard touchdown drive in which he showed great toughness by running for a 22-yard touchdown.
Garcia finsihed the first half 12-for-17 for 112 yards.
Gamecock freshman running back Marcus Lattimore has looked good with two touchdown runs, but the Rece Davis, Jesse Palmer and Craig James three-headed love fest for the kid is honestly a little uncomfortable.
A key difference in this year’s squad appears to be the offense — and thank goodness. Last year’s 7-3 snoozer against NC State in the season opener was almost unbearable.
With Spurrier calling the offensive plays, the Gamecocks have been mixing it up a bit by running a more wide-open spread attack that’s included running the Wildcat with Stephon Gilmore and a snazzy reverse to receiver Ace Sanders that netted 54-yards.
Freshman Conner Shaw saw a series at the end of the first half and has two rushes for 36 yards.
DeAndre Brown, the six-foot-six star receiver for Southern Miss, has been shut down in the first half with no catches.
South Carolina looked very crisp and very confident. The performance last night was what USC fans have been waiting to see since Spurrier stepped foot in Columbia & could be the first step in what could be a very special season.