Gamecocks offense rises up over Citadel

Steve Spurrier’s offense finally found some life Saturday, and not even a slew of injuries and a Georgia victory could dampen his enthusiasm about that.

“Best offensive game since I’ve been here,” Spurrier said after the No. 14 Gamecocks beat The Citadel 41-20 on Saturday. “Football is a team sport, and it was time the offense sort of picked up the team and had the main part in having us win the game.”

The Gamecocks (9-2) scored on six of their seven possessions behind a 16-of-18 passing day from quarterback Connor Shaw, who had 217 passing yards, 90 rushing yards and four combined touchdowns. The offense had only 55 plays but averaged 8.6 yards on each of them.

“That’s what happens when you play a running team that keeps running and you can’t get them off the field,” Spurrier said. “That’s how you get beat if your offense doesn’t score when you’re out there. Fortunately, a bunch of our guys made some big plays.”

Shaw (60-yard run), wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (32-yard catch), wide receiver Ace Sanders (25-yard catch) and tight end Rory Anderson (20-yard catch) each had a touchdown of 20 or more yards as the offense rolled up 473 yards, its second-highest output of the season.

The defense didn’t have nearly as good a day, allowing 241 rushing yards to a Citadel team that attempted only three passes. The biggest problem for the defense, though, was the parade of injured players moving from the field to the sideline throughout the game.

Linebacker Quin Smith (back) did not play, and defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (concussion), linebacker Qua Gilchrist (concussion), linebacker Reginald Bowens (shoulder), spur Damario Jeffery (high ankle sprain) and safety DeVonte Holloman each were hurt during the game. Holloman was “sick” according to announcement by the school, but assistant head coach for defense Ellis Johnson indicated Holloman had suffered another concussion. Linebacker Shaq Wilson also suffered a knee injury but did not leave the game.

“We have some major, major problems right now,” said Johnson, who now will have to prepare for a Clemson team that averages more than 450 yards per game.

Johnson does not expect Jeffery to play against the Tigers and was uncertain of the status of his other players.

Wide receiver Bruce Ellington (ankle) was injured while running back a kickoff.

“We had a bunch of guys get nicked up. I don’t know if that’s a sign you are not completely ready to play or not,” Spurrier said. “We had tremendous respect for Citadel and knew that they could beat us. We have no excuses for getting in a tight ball game with them.”

When the game ended, South Carolina still had a shot to win the SEC East as Georgia led Kentucky only 12-10 when Spurrier entered his postgame news conference. After mentioning that fact, Spurrier was told the Bulldogs had taken a 19-10 lead, which they would hold on to to clinch the Eastern Division.

“Aaaah, shouldn’t have mentioned it,” he said with a smile.

The Gamecocks still can celebrate just their fourth season ever with more than eight wins. Freshman running back Brandon Wilds contributed 109 rushing yards on 20 carries and linebacker Rodney Paulk had a career-high 12 tackles.

Now South Carolina can turn its attention to next week’s regular-season finale against the No. 7 Tigers. The Gamecocks have beaten Clemson in each of the last two seasons.

“That’s the only game I look forward to on the season is the Clemson game,” Jeffery said. “I can’t wait to get out there and show them what we’ve got. We are going to give them our best shot, and hopefully we are going to come out with a win.”

First Quarter

USC: Wilds 1 run (Wooten kick), 10:17.

Citadel: D. Robinson recovered fumble in end zone (R.Sellers kick), 4:47.

Second Quarter

USC: Wilds 3 run (Wooten kick), 10:29.

Citadel: FG R.Sellers 32, 2:09.

USC: C.Shaw 60 run (kick failed), 1:14.

Citadel: FG R.Sellers 41, :03.

Third Quarter

USC: A.Sanders 25 pass from C.Shaw (Wooten kick), 4:30.

Fourth Quarter

USC: A. Jeffery 32 pass from C.Shaw (Wooten kick), 11:07.

Citadel: Anderson 12 run (R.Sellers kick), 3:46.

USC: Anderson 20 pass from C.Shaw (Wooten kick), :45.

Attendance: 76,816.

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING

The Citadel, D. Robinson 20-88, Anderson 8-69, Dupree 18-61, V. Jones 4-18, Addison 2-10, Miller 1-(minus 1), M. Sellers 1-(minus 4).

South Carolina, Wilds 20-109, C.Shaw 11-90, Miles 5-38, Ingram 1-19.

PASSING

The Citadel, Miller 1-1-0-8, Dupree 0-1-0-0, Team 0-1-0-0.

South Carolina, C. Shaw 16-18-1-217.

RECEIVING

The Citadel, Anderson 1-8.

South Carolina, A. Jeffery 5-81, Wilds 4-55, A. Sanders 4-49, Anderson 1-20, D. Smith 1-7, Cunningham 1-5.

This story was originally published November 19, 2011 at 9:30 PM with the headline "Gamecocks offense rises up over Citadel."