USC undermanned, overmatched vs. Georgia in Gamecocks’ final home game of 2020
By halftime Saturday in Williams-Brice Stadium, the South Carolina football team’s offense had perhaps done more than most expected.
That was, the Gamecocks got into double-digit scoring. It wasn’t going to matter too much as South Carolina’s defense was reduced to playing en masse players who rarely see the field — and USC still managed to lose key contributors to injury Saturday night..
The Gamecocks defense was worn to a nub, down first- and second-stringers all over. Quarterback Luke Doty and tailback Kevin Harris were game on offense, Georgia put up more than 200 rushing yards by halftime and South Carolina was comfortably defeated 45-16. It means the end of a tumultuous season, one that got Will Muschamp fired, draws a bit closer.
South Carolina (2-7) honored its seniors and played the final home game of the pandemic-shortened season in front of 16,444 fans at Williams-Brice. The Gamecocks wrap the season on the road against Kentucky next week.
“A lot of young bucks played today,” said tight end Nick Muse, who had a career-best eight catches for 131 yards and a touchdown. “At the end of the day we had third-strings, fourth-strings it didn’t matter. Whoever we put out there, they did their jobs. A lot of people were put on the spot and made the best of it. Some seniors who usually don’t play got to play.”
UGA (6-2) ran out to a 21-0 lead before the Gamecocks got a little bit going. Interim head coach Mike Bobo dipped into the trick plays, and Doty, in his first career start, made a few plays. Pair that with Nick Muse making a play or two and young guys all over, the Gamecocks managed to cut the deficit to 11 before Kirby Smart’s squad pulled away for good.
The Bulldogs finished with 332 yards rushing.
It was South Carolina’s fifth-straight loss after back-to-back wins over Vanderbilt and Auburn. USC has had three losing streaks of six games or more in its history (the 21 losses over 1998-99, nine over 1991-92 and six in 1966).
“I’ve been proud of these guys the last couple weeks,” Bobo said. “When things haven’t gone well, there’s been a continuation of effort and fight and strain.”
Defense coordinator Travaris Robinson’s unit couldn’t offer much resistance. After star linebacker Ernest Jones was lost for the game with an ankle injury, USC’s linebackers were senior Damani Staley, lightly-used freshman Mo Kaba and walk-on freshman Darryle Ware. (Kaba later got hurt and walk-on Noah Vincent had to help out.)
The team’s top three Buck linemen — J.J. Enagbare, Jordan Burch and Brad Johnson were out — leaving Rod Fitten to play huge chunks of the game. Defensive tackle Jabari Ellis tweaked something and came back to moonlight at end.
Twelve players were recognized during the Gamecocks’ senior day ceremonies Saturday. Everyone has the option to return for another season — per NCAA eligibility relief during COVID-19 — though many are still expected to move on to pursue other opportunities.
“The legcacy of these seniors is showing these young guys how you don’t quit,” Bobo said. “When you’re not deal the hand that you want, you continue to fight.”
Observations from Gamecocks vs. Bulldogs
▪ USC went deep in the receiving group, getting freshmen Jaheim Bell and Ger-Cari Caldwell into the mix. Caldwell got his first catch.
▪ Defensive end Tonka Hemingway was questionable, but gritted through and tried to play.
▪ The Gamecocks worked backup tackle Jazton Turnetine in at points, but the left tackle spot was mostly sophomore Jakai Moore.
▪ Freshman corner Joey Hunter got some work early. After getting picked on by Georgia, he appeared to play less.
▪ The USC defensive line was so depleted that two offensive linemen, Jordan Rhodes and redshirt freshman Will Rogers, were helping on that side of the ball.
Next USC football game
Who: South Carolina vs. Kentucky
When: TBA Saturday, Dec. 5
Where: Kroger Field
TV: TBA
South Carolina-Georgia stats, box score
First Quarter
UGA—McKitty 6 pass from Daniels (Podlesny kick), 12:10.
UGA—Cook 5 run (Podlesny kick), 5:52.
UGA—Zam.White 22 run (Podlesny kick), 2:23.
Second Quarter
SC—Harris 1 run (P.White kick), 14:57.
SC—FG P.White 39, 8:23.
UGA—Cook 29 run (Podlesny kick), 4:31.
Third Quarter
UGA—Zam.White 3 run (Podlesny kick), 11:38.
UGA—FG Podlesny 32, 4:26.
Fourth Quarter
UGA—A.Smith 31 pass from Daniels (Podlesny kick), 14:53.
SC—Muse 7 pass from Doty (kick failed), 9:27.
——TEAM STATS——
- First downs: Georgia 24-18
- Pass yards: South Carolina 190-139
- Rush yards: Georgia 332-83
- Time of possession: Georgia 31:09 to 28:51
——INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS——
RUSHING—Georgia, Cook 6-104, Zam.White 13-84, McIntosh 9-79, D.Edwards 14-77, Hudson 1-7, (Team) 1-(minus 1), Daniels 2-(minus 18). South Carolina, Harris 17-53, Amos 6-39, Zaq.White 5-6, Doty 15-(minus 15).
PASSING—Georgia, Daniels 10-16-1-139. South Carolina, Doty 18-22-1-190.
RECEIVING—Georgia, Burton 3-33, G.Pickens 3-25, McKitty 2-46, A.Smith 1-31, K.Jackson 1-4. South Carolina, Muse 8-131, Harris 4-30, J.Brooks 3-14, J.Vann 1-5, Caldwell 1-5, Amos 1-5.
MISSED FIELD GOALS—South Carolina, P.White 53.
This story was originally published November 28, 2020 at 10:35 PM.
