South Carolina at Ole Miss: Game Balls

First off, I’m going to say I didn’t think this game was going to be the straw that broke the camel’s back with Muschamp.

Having a lead until 12 minutes to go in the fourth quarter was a whole lot better than knowing the Gamecocks didn’t have a shot through one quarter, like the games against LSU and Texas A&M.

Personally, I would’ve called it after the Aggie blowout at home, but it was nice to know the school was on the same page as the fans, for once, when the news dropped today.

It must have been the defense (Muschamp’s “specialty”) struggling for so many games in a row that did him in.

Anyway, this game didn’t disappoint me. I think it being a shootout with the Gamecocks eventually running out of gas was the consensus opinion. I just wish they didn’t move away from the run, the thing that got them to that point, at the end of the game.

The one thing I’m looking forward to, though, is if Hill remains the starter. If he stays, it looks bad for Bobo because it’ll show it’s been his call the whole time, which is definitely likely because they were both Colorado State guys. If Hilinski gets the nod, it would be like slamming the door on Muschamp’s face on the way out, almost blaming him for the decisions.

Just food for thought.

Anyway, here are some standout guys from last week!

Offensive Game Ball: Kevin Harris

Recognition is definitely in order for the record-breaker.

Harris broke the South Carolina single game rushing touchdown record, recording five total and two being from at least 44 yards out.

What makes it more impressive is knowing the running backs the Cocks had from the past and how they couldn’t even achieve this feat.

It doesn’t end there either.

He finished with 243 yards on the ground on 25 carries, good for an average of 9.7 yards per carry.

Ole Miss couldn’t contain him at all, and it felt like whenever he touched the ball, he went for at least ten yards.

When the opposing defense lets Harris go to work, that has translated to some of the best games offensively for the Gamecocks, and Saturday night wasn’t any different.

Well done.

Defensive Game Ball: N/A

Hah.

Honorable Mentions: Offensive Line and Shi Smith

Kevin Harris was the man of the night, but credit is definitely in order for the offensive line with how they played.

Aside from opening up holes left and right for Harris to run through, they also did a good job at protecting Collin Hill, keeping him upright for most of the game and only giving up two sacks.

Ole Miss isn’t exactly the cream of the crop as far as front sevens go, but it was still a good thing to see.

And then there’s Shi Smith...

He, along with Harris, is the offense, and that didn’t change last week.

Smith caught 10 balls for 117 yards and added a touchdown, although I feel like just calling it a touchdown isn’t doing it justice...

The offense wasn’t the problem against Ole Miss. Let’s hope it stays that way...

On to Missouri.