Grading the keys to the game | The State

Grading the keys to the game against Wofford.

Wrap up

The Gamecocks did a good job playing their assignments vs. Wofford’s triple option with one exception. On quarterback Ben Widmyer’s 50-yard touchdown run on an option keeper, defensive backs Emanuel Cook and Addison Williams both went for the pitch man. The Terriers ran 43 times for 185 yards, well off their 290-yard rushing performance against USC in 2006. Grade: B.

Go vertical

With Kenny McKinley out again, USC’s downfield passing game was virtually nonexistent. Chris Smelley’s longest completion came on a short hitch route that Moe Brown turned into a 20-yard gain. Smelley was intercepted on the final play of the half when he tried to go deep to a well-covered Jared Cook. Steve Spurrier said it’s time to give Stephen Garcia a shot. Grade: D.

Second-teamers step up

Several underclassmen shined in their most extensive playing time. Sophomore tailback Brian Maddox rushed 12 times for a team-high 52 yards and his first career touchdown while freshman back Eric Baker had the first carries of his career, finishing with 49 yards on 11 attempts. Second-year receiver Joe Hills (two catches for 23 yards) and Jason Barnes both saw action. Grade: B.

Injury report

None reported.