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USC: Grading the keys, injury report
Posted on 11.30.08
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SMELLEY MUST BE SMART
As promised, Steve Spurrier stayed with quarterback Chris Smelley, but the redshirt sophomore failed to deliver. The right-hander threw a career-high four interceptions, including three in the first-half that resulted in 21 points. Smelley took responsibility for the loss, although not all of the interceptions were his fault. Still, it was a poor showing for a player who had a chance to separate from redshirt freshman Stephen Garcia.
Grade: F.
FIND A RUNNING GAME
Ranked last in the SEC in rushing offense, the Gamecocks had some success on the ground in the second half. Senior tailback Mike Davis finished with 76 yards on 17 carries, his best performance since an 80-yard effort at Vanderbilt in the season’s second week. Sophomore Brian Maddox also had a couple of nice runs, averaging 6.2 yards on four carries.
Grade: B-minus.
DON’T MAKE IT A BIG-PLAY DAY FOR TIGERS’ OFFENSE
For the second consecutive game, the Gamecocks’ defense gave up yards in big chunks against a fast team. After allowing nine plays of 20 yards or longer at Florida, USC gave up six against Clemson — all in the first half. The Tigers’ biggest play was a 50-yard touchdown pass from Cullen Harper to Jacoby Ford on a trick play that fooled the Gamecocks.
Grade: F.
—Joseph Person
Injury report
Free safety Akeem Auguste did not play in the second half after apparently aggravating his hamstring injury.
—Joseph Person
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