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In a very winnable game, the Gamecocks not only lost but seemingly gave the game away this afternoon.
The offense was invisible for the first half, the defense still can’t tackle, and we were hit with not one but two gut-wrenching turnovers that resulted in 14 free points for the Tigers.
I’m not a fan of giving participation trophies, but that’s what it feels like I have to do following this showing.
Offensive Game Ball: Bryan Edwards
Saying this gem was a diamond in the rough today would be an understatement.
He caught six balls for 113 yards and had the highlight play of the day taking a short throw from Ryan Hilinski 75 yards to the house to start the second half.
He was the only bright spot in an offense that couldn’t get much to work today on the ground or through the air.
Defensive Game Ball: N/A
Simply put, no one was deserving of this honor.
D.J. Wonnum made the big play today with his interception, but was MIA in the stat sheet otherwise.
T.J. Brunson had a solid day recording 12 total tackles with one being for a loss, but he committed a bone-headed unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, which only made things worse. For a senior, I expected more maturity out of him.
Aaron Sterling even had a respectable day with a sack and a forced fumble, but that stat line shouldn’t get this kind of recognition.
The Gamecocks have massive problems on the defensive side of the ball that need to be figured out fast. With Will Muschamp being a defensive head coach, these issues still being evident presents a massive red flag.
Honorable Mentions: Joseph Charlton
South Carolina punted eight times today...
Good to see Charlton getting the reps in for the wrong reasons.
With six of his punts going 50+ yards and three landing inside the 20-yard line, the punting game was not the issue.
Although Parker White botched a kick from 50 yards out today, the special teams have been mainly successful this season.
Yes, things have been so saddening today that I have to look toward the special teams as a coping mechanism.