Grading the keys; injury report

LET IT LOOSE

South Carolina did not throw downfield as much as it did last week at Kentucky. The Gamecocks’ most successful route was the tight end drag, which produced a 31-yard catch by Jared Cook and a 26-yard touchdown catch by Weslye Saunders. Stephen Garcia’s longest completion was a 41-yarder to Kenny McKinley on a scramble play, although McKinley dropped a pass on a similar play in the second half.

Grade: C.

KEEP THE TIGERS OFF GARCIA

Most of the pregame talk centered on LSU coming after Garcia, who was making his first career start. The Tigers did just that, bringing several blitzes late in the game and sacking Garcia six times, which was a season best for LSU and a season worst for the Gamecocks. If nothing else, Steve Spurrier said he wished Garcia has thrown the ball away when he saw the blitz.

Grade: F.

HOLD SCOTT TO LESS THAN A HUNDRED

LSU tailback Charles Scott had 16 carries for 61 yards, the second week in a row the 233-pound junior was held to less than 100 yards. But Scott was tough around the goal line, scoring a pair of touchdowns on runs of 5 and 2 yards. The Tigers out-rushed the Gamecocks 164-39 to improve to 25-0 under Les Miles when rushing for at least 100 yards and holding their opponent to less than 100.

Grade: B.

— Joseph Person

Injury report

Left guard Jamon Meredith left the game in the first quarter with a right ankle injury and did not return. Tailback Eric Baker took a hit from Harry Coleman on the run on which Baker fumbled. Cornerbacks Carlos Thomas and Captain Munnerlyn were treated for cramps in the third quarter. Quarterback Stephen Garcia injured the top of his right foot but said the injury was not serious.

— Joseph Person