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Grading the keys to the game
Posted on 01.01.09
CommentsHow USC fared in the keys to the game against Iowa.
Grading the keys
DON’T FORCE THROWS
The game could not have started any worse for freshman quarterback Stephen Garcia, whose first pass sailed over the head of tight end Weslye Saunders and was intercepted. The Gamecocks’ first four possessions ended with turnovers by Garcia — a fumble and two more interceptions, both of which came on scramble plays. Chris Smelley was more effective after replacing Garcia in the second half, but the damage was done. Grade: F
GET TO GREENE BEFORE HE GETS GOING
The Gamecocks loaded up the box to try to slow Iowa tailback Shonn Greene, but the Doak Walker Award winner still rushed for 129 yards and three touchdowns on 29 carries. Greene’s longest carry was 11 yards, but the 5-foot-11, 235-pounder had only five rushes that went for no gain or lost yardage. Greene, a junior from New Jersey, announced after the game he is turning pro. Grade: D.
PLAY LOOSE
Garcia said he was not nervous starting his first bowl game in his hometown. But the early interception could not have helped Garcia’s confidence. USC played its best when the game was out of hand, completing a double pass from Kenny McKinley to Mike Davis, recovering an onside kick and generally looking sharper than it had early in the game. Grade: C-minus.
Injury report Strong safety Darian Stewart left in the first half with a left thigh injury and did not return. Cornerback Captain Munnerlyn left in the fourth quarter after taking a hit to the head.
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