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Grading the keys to the game
Posted on 08.29.08
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EARLY SUCCESS
Any thoughts the Gamecocks had of getting the offense clicking early were buried under a mountain of interceptions, overthrows and false-start penalties. Tommy Beecher threw three first-half interceptions, was sacked three times and failed to complete any downfield passes in the first half. USC’s first-half scoring drive netted zero yards on three plays.
Grade: F
DON’T FALL IN LOVE WITH THE PASS
The Gamecocks tried to establish the run, but failed to get much push up front early. They stuck with it, however. Steve Spurrier Jr., in his first game as the play-caller, called running plays to start six of USC’s eight first-half possessions and four in a row after a first-and-goal situation in the second half. Mike Davis finished with a 100-yard rushing effort.
Grade: B-
CONTAIN, CONTAIN, CONTAIN
USC was concerned about the running ability of quarterback Russell Wilson, who was making his first career start. But the redshirt freshman from Richmond, Va., was knocked out of the game with a concussion with about four minutes left in the first half. Wilson had four carries for seven yards before leaving.
Grade: B-plus.
—Joseph Person
Injury report
Quarterback Tommy Beecher left near the end of the third quarter with a head injury and did not return.
—Joseph Person
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