Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down: USC-Citadel
THUMBS UP
Perry Orth
He played very well considering his line had no interest in opening a running game and his receivers dropped some big passes. For him to still be able to speak calmly about what’s going on this season at least has him eligible for a service medal.
Pharoh Cooper
The guy was so dog-tired on USC’s last drive that he could hardly move. Yet, he still nearly won the game.
Jerell Adams
Six catches for 105 yards, including some of those bullish yards-after-catches he’s become known for.
Special-teamers
Elliott Fry kicked three field goals, Landon Ard took away kickoff returns and Sean Kelly averaged nearly 50 yards per punt.
THUMBS DOWN
Lines
The offensive line couldn’t run-block a Division I-AA team and the defensive line gave up just one too many big plays. The Gamecocks had 72 rushing yards against The Citadel.
Coaching decisions
A two-point conversion across-the-field pass to 328-pound Brandon Shell at the 8-yard line? Calling on David Williams, who had done nothing all day, to tote the ball in the middle on third and fourth and short, when USC had to have those yards? It was like Steve Newton was resurrected and coached football.
Secondary
Why did USC have two safeties playing deep against a triple-option team?
Belief
Any hope USC had for springing the upset next week is gone. Hard to think the Gamecocks can band together after this, when it was clear that some just want the season to be over.