Grading the keys to the game

PICK UP THE BLITZ

USC quarterback Chris Smelley was sacked three times, and each time Mississippi was blitzing. But Rebels defensive coordinator Tyrone Nix, who spent three years on Steve Spurrier’s staff, did not blitz as much in the second half and played more zone coverage in the secondary than Spurrier expected. Overall, USC’s line did a good job giving Smelley time to throw. Grade: B.

HIT SOME LONG ONES

The Gamecocks’ receivers made clutch catches to get the downfield passing game on track. Tight end Jared Cook’s 63-yard reception was the Gamecocks’ longest play in two years; second-year receivers Jason Barnes and Joe Hills accounted for all three of USC’s offensive touchdowns. Besides Cook’s catch, USC had two other completions longer than 25 yards. Grade: A.

HOGTIE THE WILD REBEL

The speed of Mississippi’s Wild Rebel formation, featuring direct snaps to tailback Dexter McCluster, caught USC off guard early. The Rebels gained 14 yards on a reverse they ran for the first time this year and McCluster found ample running room in the first half. But Ellis Johnson’s move to a three-man front put more speed on the field for the Gamecocks, whose offense held the ball and forced Houston Nutt to abandon the formation in the second half. Grade: C-plus.

Injury report

Tight end Jared Cook left the game with a right foot injury on the Gamecocks’ next-to-last offensive possession. Tailback Mike Davis was out briefly in the third quarter with a left shoulder injury, but returned to the game.

— Joseph Person