USC Gamecocks Football

Scoop and score! Gamecocks block two punts for touchdown in season opener

South Carolina celebrates DQ Smith’s third quarter touchdown after a blocked punt by Rashad Amos.
South Carolina celebrates DQ Smith’s third quarter touchdown after a blocked punt by Rashad Amos. The State

South Carolina got contributions from its special teams throughout Saturday night’s game, highlighted by two blocked punts for touchdowns.

They got a huge boost from that unit midway through the third quarter against Georgia State.

Up 20-14, running back Rashad Amos broke through protection and blocked GSU’s punt. Freshman defender DQ Smith scooped it up for the recovery and 26-yard touchdown.

USC converted on the two-point conversion to go up 28-14 on the Panthers.

It was the program’s first blocked punt for a touchdown since the 2000 season.

In the fourth quarter, the team somehow got through again and Traevon Kenion came up with the block. Ahmarean Brown was there to scoop it up and extend the Gamecock lead to 35-14.

Earlier in the game, Mitch Jeter added two field goals, each longer than 50 yards. Kai Kroeger included a 79-yarder among his punts.

This story was originally published September 3, 2022 at 10:14 PM.

Jeremiah Holloway
The State
Jeremiah Holloway covers South Carolina women’s basketball and football for The State. A graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill, he is from Greensboro, N.C. and an avid basketball fan. Holloway joined The State in August 2022.
Get one year of unlimited digital access for $159.99
#ReadLocal

Only 44¢ per day

SUBSCRIBE NOW