South Carolina got off to a fast start but somehow North Carolina is managing to stick around at halftime. As the teams broke for halftime South Carolina holds a 20-7 lead on the Tar Heels, and we have yet to see a real standout performance from one of the game’s top players.
South Carolina receiver Shaq Rolland gets credit for the first touchdown of the 2013 season,hauling in a deep pass down the middle of the field from Connor Shaw just 79 seconds in to the game. South Carolina built a 17-0 lead by the end of the first quarter with a field goal from Elliott Fry and a 29-yard pass from Dylan Thompson to Kane Whitehurst. Thompson had come in after Shaw went head over heels running the football and needed a breather. Shaw has already showed a need to work on sliding when running after taking a couple of rougher hits than he may have needed to take.
North Carolina’s up-tempo offense did little than get off the field quickly until the second quarter. Bryn Renner connected with Quinshad Davis from four yards out to get the Tar Heels on the board and the defense started to settle down against the Gamecocks. North Carolina managed to find ways to bring pressure to Shaw and forced him to get rid of the football on the move, largely unsuccessfully.
South Carolina’s overall athleticism and strength is showing to be a difference early on. The Gamecocks have more than doubled UNC’s offensive production (260 yards to 112 yards, unofficially) but the Gamecocks also have twice as many penalties and were unable to take advantage of a muffed punt.
You will notice I have not mentioned Jadeveon Clowney. He has not been much of a factor, at least not nearly to the level of anticipation most of us may have had. Still, it is far too early to start suggesting he should have sat out the 2013 season and focused on training for the NFL. But we shall wait. After all, good things come to those who wait, right?