Gamecocks’ moves affect roster and coaching staff
A position shakeup keyed a win.
Not on the field – above it.
Quarterbacks coach G.A. Mangus moved to the pressbox for Saturday’s game in order to see the field a bit better for freshman Lorenzo Nunez. Steve Spurrier Jr. went to the sideline.
“With Lorenzo and the run game, we put G.A. up top and let him call it down through,” coach Steve Spurrier said. “I would throw one in every now and then.”
The move stands to stick as long as Nunez remains QB.
The Zo Show
Nunez rushed for 123 yards, the first 100-yard effort by a USC quarterback since Connor Shaw had 107 against Clemson in 2011. It was the most rushing yards by a USC QB since Ron Bass collected 211 against North Carolina in 1974.
Shake it up
New defensive starters were announced and followed up on. Dante Sawyer and David Johnson replaced Taylor Stallworth and Cedrick Cooper on the line while T.J. Holloman and Skai Moore switched MIKE and WILL linebacker spots.
Extender
A week after setting his career-long with a 51-yarder at Georgia, Elliott Fry banged home a 52-yard field goal.
Movin’ on up
Pharoh Cooper’s four catches gave him 89 for his career, which ties Toby Cates for 22nd in program history. Cooper and Cates are one behind Ira Hillary and Jim Mitchell, and two behind Troy Williamson.
I remember when
Boosie Whitlow’s safety was the first USC recorded since 2009 – sort of.
The last safety that went the Gamecocks’ way was at Georgia in 2009. A Bulldog punt was mishandled out of the end zone. It went as a team safety.
Captains
USC’s captains were Skai Moore, T.J. Gurley, Will Sport and Pharoh Cooper.
Awareness
Former SEC Commissioner Mike Slive was honored before the game. The prostate cancer survivor was given a customized jersey.
Red cross report
As expected, CB Chris Lammons (knee), RB Brandon Wilds (rib), CB Chaz Elder (ribs) and C Alan Knott (ankle) did not dress. Deebo Samuel (hamstring) was on the dress list but watched the game in street clothes.
There were no new injuries.
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This story was originally published September 26, 2015 at 5:01 PM.