Garnet And Black Attack - ECU vs. South Carolina: Gamecocks run over Pirates in second half, win 33-23#SpursUphttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50351/gaba-fav.png2014-09-07T15:20:09-04:00http://www.garnetandblackattack.com/rss/stream/58792562014-09-07T15:20:09-04:002014-09-07T15:20:09-04:00Quotes from Steve Spurrier's Sunday teleconference
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pNJLd33IrWfP13E_VuMGr_lz9D8=/0x0:3990x2660/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/38153822/454824056.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Grant Halverson</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Head Ball Coach weighs in on the play of the defense, shortcomings in the passing game, and offers live play-by-play on a Jadeveon Clowney tackle for loss.</p> <h4>On blocking from wide receivers</h4>
<blockquote>
<p>I think that was the best blocking by wide receivers since I've been here. Usually guys stand around and watch or fall on their face, but last night they were pushing and shoving and blocking people. On Mike Davis' touchdown run, the 36-yarder, <span>Pharoh Cooper</span> actually blocked two guys. He was blocking one and his teammate stumbled over him, so he knocked two guys down. <span>Shaq Roland</span> initially blocked his guy well, and then when Mike broke outside he peeled back and hit another guy. So we had two wide receivers blocking four guys on one play, which I think was a first around here.</p>
</blockquote>
<h4>On the play of the defense</h4>
<blockquote>
<p>We had a lot of good plays on defense, but we've got players not playing their assignment very well. We've got the same defensive coaches that were considered pretty good coaches last year. Now all of a sudden we can't get the team off the field very well. We don't force very many punts. We've got to improve on that. We think we have the players to do it, but at some point we've got to be a lot more disciplined in playing our assignments and so forth. But again it was good effort, I think, by our defensive teams. We did get a couple picks, but we've got a long ways to go.</p>
</blockquote>
<h4>On the running back rotation</h4>
<blockquote>
<p>Mike should start this week if he's healthy and able to practice all week, which he should be. He should be ready to start and go. And Brandon will be ready to come in there.</p>
<p>I was hoping to get <span>David Williams</span> a few more carries. He got one run and we couldn't block the outside pass rusher on a safety blitz. It was not a good play. We should have checked out of it if we could have, but sometimes that happens. So David didn't get much of an opportunity, although he was in there late and caught a little pass over the middle and got his hands on the ball again.</p>
<p><span>Shon Carson</span> didn't get to play any tailback. He ran back a couple of kickoffs decent and dropped one, but fortunately that didn't hurt us at all.</p>
</blockquote>
<h4>On assigning blame for the dropped passes</h4>
<blockquote>
<p>Dylan threw it where he thought he had to throw it. It would have been a good catch if our guys coulda held on, but we just didn't quite hold on. Several times sorta got hit right after the ball got there. On the interception, Shaq was sort of expecting the ball a little more inside. But Dylan actually threw where he had to according to the defense, and he got one hand on it and ricocheted it. Their player made an excellent interception, a little shoestring catch. He picked it off the turf. Sometimes that happens.</p>
</blockquote>
<h4>On whether South Carolina had any injuries against ECU</h4>
<blockquote>
<p>No. None at all. In fact, while I'm talking to you guys I've got the Houston Texans on. You know, they've got three of our guys starting. They ran a reverse towards Clowney and he went and checked up the running back and ran down the reverse guy. So he's making plays all over the place, just to let you guys know.</p>
</blockquote>
<h4>On stopping <span>Todd Gurley</span>
</h4>
<blockquote>
<p>We've got to have hopes and beliefs that we can, certainly. We'll see if we can or not. But he is a big, strong back. Either he or the quarterback at Oregon I guess are the Heisman leaders right now. Hopefully we can slow him down a little bit. But he's going to get his yards against everybody. They ran out the last nine minutes of the game on us last year, so we certainly know what they're capable of doing.</p>
</blockquote>
https://www.garnetandblackattack.com/2014/9/7/6118089/steve-spurrier-press-conference-quotesConnor Tapp2014-09-07T14:04:45-04:002014-09-07T14:04:45-04:00Advanced Box Score: Finishing the difference
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<img alt="Mike Davis runs for a touchdown against ECU. Finishing drives was the difference between the teams." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dufz6t805hBIeh8p12t3-XgK2-I=/0x60:2672x1841/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/38151886/20140906_rnb_db2_301.JPG.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mike Davis runs for a touchdown against ECU. Finishing drives was the difference between the teams. | Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Gamecocks and Pirates each crossed the opposing 40-yard line seven times on Saturday night. But while the Gamecocks scored all seven trips, the Pirates turned the ball over once and had a field goal blocked, which led to the 10-point difference between the teams. </p> <p>New here? Welcome! Every week, we break down the advanced statistics underlying the Gamecocks performance on Saturday, and add our thoughts. If you don't like the numbers, don't worry about it - just skip to the bottom where we explain what matters.</p>
<p>With that introduction, let's go to the box score.</p>
<table style="table-layout: fixed; font-size: 13px; font-family: arial,sans,sans-serif; border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid #ccc;" border="1" dir="ltr" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<colgroup>
<col width="145">
<col width="100">
<col width="100">
<col width="110">
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Advanced Box Score"]' colspan="4" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">Advanced Box Score</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"ECU"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;">ECU</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"USC"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;">USC</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Advantage"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; text-align: center;">Advantage</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Points"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; font-weight: bold;">Points</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,23]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">23</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,33]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">33</td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Drives"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; font-weight: bold;">Drives</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,10]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">10</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,9]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">9</td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Pts/Drive"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; font-weight: bold;">Pts/Drive</td>
<td data-sheets-formula="=R[-3]C[0]/R[-1]C[0]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,2.3]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">2.30</td>
<td data-sheets-formula="=R[-3]C[0]/R[-1]C[0]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,3.6666666666666665]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">3.67</td>
<td data-sheets-formula='=if(R[0]C[-2]>R[0]C[-1],R2C2,IF(R[0]C[-2]=R[0]C[-1],"DRAW",R2C3))' data-sheets-numberformat="[null,0]" data-sheets-value='[null,2,"USC"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: center;">USC</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Plays"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;">Plays</td>
<td data-sheets-formula="=Opp.!R[-5]C[5]" data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,68]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">68</td>
<td data-sheets-formula="=SC!R[-5]C[4]" data-sheets-numberformat="[null,0]" data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,76]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">76</td>
<td data-sheets-formula='=if(R[0]C[-2]>R[0]C[-1],R2C2,IF(R[0]C[-2]=R[0]C[-1],"DRAW",R2C3))' data-sheets-numberformat="[null,0]" data-sheets-value='[null,2,"USC"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: center;">USC</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"1st Down"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">1st Down</td>
<td data-sheets-formula="=Opp.!R[-6]C[13]/R8C[0]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.5]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">50.0%</td>
<td data-sheets-formula="=SC!R[-6]C[12]/R8C[0]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.42105263157894735]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">42.1%</td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"2nd Down"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">2nd Down</td>
<td data-sheets-formula="=Opp.!R[-6]C[13]/R8C[0]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.3088235294117647]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">30.9%</td>
<td data-sheets-formula="=SC!R[-6]C[12]/R8C[0]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.39473684210526316]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">39.5%</td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"3rd Down"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">3rd Down</td>
<td data-sheets-formula="=Opp.!R[-6]C[13]/R8C[0]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.17647058823529413]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">17.6%</td>
<td data-sheets-formula="=SC!R[-6]C[12]/R8C[0]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.17105263157894737]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">17.1%</td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"4th Down"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">4th Down</td>
<td data-sheets-formula="=Opp.!R[-6]C[13]/R8C[0]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.014705882352941176]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">1.5%</td>
<td data-sheets-formula="=SC!R[-6]C[12]/R8C[0]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.013157894736842105]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">1.3%</td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Yards"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;">Yards</td>
<td data-sheets-formula="=Opp.!R7C7" data-sheets-numberformat="[null,0]" data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,453]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">453</td>
<td data-sheets-formula="=SC!R7C7" data-sheets-numberformat="[null,0]" data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,441]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">441</td>
<td data-sheets-formula='=if(R[0]C[-2]>R[0]C[-1],R2C2,IF(R[0]C[-2]=R[0]C[-1],"DRAW",R2C3))' data-sheets-numberformat="[null,0]" data-sheets-value='[null,2,"ECU"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: center;">ECU</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Yds. per Play"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; font-weight: bold;">Yds. per Play</td>
<td data-sheets-formula="=Opp.!R6C7" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,6.661764705882353]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">6.66</td>
<td data-sheets-formula="=SC!R6C7" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,5.802631578947368]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">5.80</td>
<td data-sheets-formula='=if(R[0]C[-2]>R[0]C[-1],R2C2,IF(R[0]C[-2]=R[0]C[-1],"DRAW",R2C3))' data-sheets-numberformat="[null,0]" data-sheets-value='[null,2,"ECU"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: center;">ECU</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Standard Downs"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">Standard Downs</td>
<td data-sheets-formula="=Opp.!R6C11" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,7.166666666666667]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">7.17</td>
<td data-sheets-formula="=SC!R6C11" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,5.321428571428571]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">5.32</td>
<td data-sheets-formula='=if(R[0]C[-2]>R[0]C[-1],R2C2,IF(R[0]C[-2]=R[0]C[-1],"DRAW",R2C3))' data-sheets-numberformat="[null,0]" data-sheets-value='[null,2,"ECU"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: center;">ECU</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Passing Downs"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">Passing Downs</td>
<td data-sheets-formula="=Opp.!R7C11" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,5.45]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">5.45</td>
<td data-sheets-formula="=SC!R7C11" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,7.15]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">7.15</td>
<td data-sheets-formula='=if(R[0]C[-2]>R[0]C[-1],R2C2,IF(R[0]C[-2]=R[0]C[-1],"DRAW",R2C3))' data-sheets-numberformat="[null,0]" data-sheets-value='[null,2,"USC"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: center;">USC</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"1st Down"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">1st Down</td>
<td data-sheets-formula="=Opp.!R[-10]C[15]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,6.852941176470588]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">6.85</td>
<td data-sheets-formula="=SC!R[-10]C[14]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,3.65625]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">3.66</td>
<td data-sheets-formula='=if(R[0]C[-2]>R[0]C[-1],R2C2,IF(R[0]C[-2]=R[0]C[-1],"DRAW",R2C3))' data-sheets-numberformat="[null,0]" data-sheets-value='[null,2,"ECU"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: center;">ECU</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"2nd Down"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">2nd Down</td>
<td data-sheets-formula="=Opp.!R[-10]C[15]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,7.285714285714286]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">7.29</td>
<td data-sheets-formula="=SC!R[-10]C[14]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,7.6]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">7.60</td>
<td data-sheets-formula='=if(R[0]C[-2]>R[0]C[-1],R2C2,IF(R[0]C[-2]=R[0]C[-1],"DRAW",R2C3))' data-sheets-numberformat="[null,0]" data-sheets-value='[null,2,"USC"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: center;">USC</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"3rd Down"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">3rd Down</td>
<td data-sheets-formula="=Opp.!R[-10]C[15]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,5.25]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">5.25</td>
<td data-sheets-formula="=SC!R[-10]C[14]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,7.153846153846154]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">7.15</td>
<td data-sheets-formula='=if(R[0]C[-2]>R[0]C[-1],R2C2,IF(R[0]C[-2]=R[0]C[-1],"DRAW",R2C3))' data-sheets-numberformat="[null,0]" data-sheets-value='[null,2,"USC"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: center;">USC</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"4th Down"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">4th Down</td>
<td data-sheets-formula="=Opp.!R[-10]C[15]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,4]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">4.00</td>
<td data-sheets-formula="=SC!R[-10]C[14]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,3]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">3.00</td>
<td data-sheets-formula='=if(R[0]C[-2]>R[0]C[-1],R2C2,IF(R[0]C[-2]=R[0]C[-1],"DRAW",R2C3))' data-sheets-numberformat="[null,0]" data-sheets-value='[null,2,"ECU"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: center;">ECU</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Rush Yds"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">Rush Yds</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,132]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">132</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,175]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">175</td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Rush Yds/Play"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">Rush Yds/Play</td>
<td data-sheets-formula="=132/21" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,6.285714285714286]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">6.29</td>
<td data-sheets-formula="=175/38" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,4.605263157894737]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">4.61</td>
<td data-sheets-formula='=if(R[0]C[-2]>R[0]C[-1],R2C2,IF(R[0]C[-2]=R[0]C[-1],"DRAW",R2C3))' data-sheets-numberformat="[null,0]" data-sheets-value='[null,2,"ECU"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: center;">ECU</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Pass Yds"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">Pass Yds</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,321]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">321</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,266]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">266</td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Pass Yds/Play"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">Pass Yds/Play</td>
<td data-sheets-formula="=321/46" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,6.978260869565218]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">6.98</td>
<td data-sheets-formula="=266/38" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"#,##0.00",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,7]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">7.00</td>
<td data-sheets-formula='=if(R[0]C[-2]>R[0]C[-1],R2C2,IF(R[0]C[-2]=R[0]C[-1],"DRAW",R2C3))' data-sheets-numberformat="[null,0]" data-sheets-value='[null,2,"USC"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: center;">USC</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Penalty "]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">Penalty</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,60]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">60</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,40]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">40</td>
<td data-sheets-formula='=if(R[0]C[-2]>R[0]C[-1],R2C2,IF(R[0]C[-2]=R[0]C[-1],"DRAW",R2C3))' data-sheets-numberformat="[null,0]" data-sheets-value='[null,2,"ECU"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: center;">ECU</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Success Rate"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;">Success Rate</td>
<td data-sheets-formula="=Opp.!R[-28]C[5]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.5147058823529411]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">51.47%</td>
<td data-sheets-formula="=SC!R[-28]C[4]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.5]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">50.00%</td>
<td data-sheets-formula='=if(R[0]C[-2]>R[0]C[-1],R2C2,IF(R[0]C[-2]=R[0]C[-1],"DRAW",R2C3))' data-sheets-numberformat="[null,0]" data-sheets-value='[null,2,"ECU"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: center;">ECU</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Standard Downs"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">Standard Downs</td>
<td data-sheets-formula="=Opp.!R[-31]C[10]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.6041666666666666]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">60.42%</td>
<td data-sheets-formula="=SC!R[-31]C[9]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.5535714285714286]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">55.36%</td>
<td data-sheets-formula='=if(R[0]C[-2]>R[0]C[-1],R2C2,IF(R[0]C[-2]=R[0]C[-1],"DRAW",R2C3))' data-sheets-numberformat="[null,0]" data-sheets-value='[null,2,"ECU"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: center;">ECU</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Passing Downs"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">Passing Downs</td>
<td data-sheets-formula="=Opp.!R[-31]C[10]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.3]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">30.00%</td>
<td data-sheets-formula="=SC!R[-31]C[9]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.35]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">35.00%</td>
<td data-sheets-formula='=if(R[0]C[-2]>R[0]C[-1],R2C2,IF(R[0]C[-2]=R[0]C[-1],"DRAW",R2C3))' data-sheets-numberformat="[null,0]" data-sheets-value='[null,2,"USC"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: center;">USC</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"1st Down"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">1st Down</td>
<td data-sheets-formula="=Opp.!R[-34]C[15]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.5294117647058824]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">52.94%</td>
<td data-sheets-formula="=SC!R[-34]C[14]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.40625]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">40.63%</td>
<td data-sheets-formula='=if(R[0]C[-2]>R[0]C[-1],R2C2,IF(R[0]C[-2]=R[0]C[-1],"DRAW",R2C3))' data-sheets-numberformat="[null,0]" data-sheets-value='[null,2,"ECU"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: center;">ECU</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"2nd Down"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">2nd Down</td>
<td data-sheets-formula="=Opp.!R[-34]C[15]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.47619047619047616]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">47.62%</td>
<td data-sheets-formula="=SC!R[-34]C[14]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.5666666666666667]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">56.67%</td>
<td data-sheets-formula='=if(R[0]C[-2]>R[0]C[-1],R2C2,IF(R[0]C[-2]=R[0]C[-1],"DRAW",R2C3))' data-sheets-numberformat="[null,0]" data-sheets-value='[null,2,"USC"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: center;">USC</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"3rd Down"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">3rd Down</td>
<td data-sheets-formula="=Opp.!R[-34]C[15]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.5]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">50.00%</td>
<td data-sheets-formula="=SC!R[-34]C[14]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.5384615384615384]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">53.85%</td>
<td data-sheets-formula='=if(R[0]C[-2]>R[0]C[-1],R2C2,IF(R[0]C[-2]=R[0]C[-1],"DRAW",R2C3))' data-sheets-numberformat="[null,0]" data-sheets-value='[null,2,"USC"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: center;">USC</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"4th Down"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">4th Down</td>
<td data-sheets-formula="=Opp.!R[-34]C[15]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">100.00%</td>
<td data-sheets-formula="=SC!R[-34]C[14]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">100.00%</td>
<td data-sheets-formula='=if(R[0]C[-2]>R[0]C[-1],R2C2,IF(R[0]C[-2]=R[0]C[-1],"DRAW",R2C3))' data-sheets-value='[null,2,"DRAW"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: center;">DRAW</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Turnovers"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;">Turnovers</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,2]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">2</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">1</td>
<td data-sheets-formula='=if(R[0]C[-2]<R[0]C[-1],R2C2,IF(R[0]C[-2]=R[0]C[-1],"DRAW",R2C3))' data-sheets-numberformat="[null,0]" data-sheets-value='[null,2,"USC"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: center;">USC</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Scoring Trips"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;">Scoring Trips</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,7]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">7</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,7]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">7</td>
<td data-sheets-formula='=if(R[0]C[-2]>R[0]C[-1],R2C2,IF(R[0]C[-2]=R[0]C[-1],"DRAW",R2C3))' data-sheets-value='[null,2,"DRAW"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: center;">DRAW</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Points"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; font-weight: bold;">Points</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,23]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">23</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,33]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">33</td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Pts/Trip"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; font-weight: bold;">Pts/Trip</td>
<td data-sheets-formula="=R[-1]C[0]/R[-2]C[0]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"0.0"]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,3.2857142857142856]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">3.3</td>
<td data-sheets-formula="=R[-1]C[0]/R[-2]C[0]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"0.0"]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,4.714285714285714]" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right;">4.7</td>
<td data-sheets-formula='=if(R[0]C[-2]>R[0]C[-1],R2C2,IF(R[0]C[-2]=R[0]C[-1],"DRAW",R2C3))' data-sheets-numberformat="[null,0]" data-sheets-value='[null,2,"USC"]' style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; text-align: center;">USC</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"*Standard downs - all 1st downs, 2nd and less than 8, 3rd/4th and less than 5"]' colspan="4" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">*Standard downs - all 1st downs, 2nd and less than 8, 3rd/4th and less than 5</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"*Passing downs - all other downs"]' colspan="4" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">*Passing downs - all other downs</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td data-sheets-value="[null,2," trips inside the opposing team line colspan="4" style="padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">*Scoring trips - trips inside the opposing team's 40-yard line</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><span><br>Here are five thoughts on the numbers above:</span></p>
<p><b>1. Carolina finished their drives, ECU didn't, and that's the difference</b></p>
<p>Normally, two teams go about things somewhat differently, and it's somewhat easy to get five thoughts about the box score, at least when it comes to contrasts between the two performances.</p>
<p>This week? Not really. The Pirates were a little better on first down, the Gamecocks on second and third, but the main difference between the teams came when the drives ended - Carolina put up points on all seven trips, while the Pirates left points on the board twice. Both teams could've done better - the game had seven field goals between the two teams - but rather than make Carolina pay for not finishing their own drives, the Pirates did them one worse. It's an oddly brutal thing to gain 45.3 yards per drive and only score 2.3 points per drive.</p>
<p><b>2. Outside of bowing up at the end of drives, the defense really didn't do a lot</b></p>
<p>The upside of the first point is that the Gamecocks bent, but didn't break. The downside is there's no reason to think they won't start breaking again, starting next week against Georgia.</p>
<p>South Carolina did do a good job of finishing the Pirates when they got them behind schedule. The Pirates only succeeded on 30% of their passing downs, and averaged just 5.45 yards per play on those plays. The problem was that Carolina couldn't put them in enough passing downs, giving up a success rate of over 60% on standard downs for 7.2 yards per play. If you're going to specialize in passing downs - and given last week's performance, there's no reason to think the Gamecocks do - you need to at least get people behind schedule at times.</p>
<p><b>3. On the other hand, the Gamecocks caught up when they had to, but still weren't efficient</b></p>
<p>Carolina went the other way. While they succeeded on over 55% of their standard downs, they weren't doing so with big chunks of yards, averaging just 5.3 per play. But when they got behind, while they still didn't succeed a ton, they went and got yards, averaging 7.2 yards per play on passing downs. If you think of <span>Dylan Thompson</span> as a boom-or-bust quarterback, nothing about these numbers surprises you.</p>
<p><b>4. The Gamecocks have to get better on first down</b></p>
<p>It's only one number, but 3.7 yards per play on first down is setting your offense up for trouble. A lot of that is a mix of 5-yard rushes and incompletions, but the Gamecocks can't spend a lot of next Saturday in 2nd and 3rd and long and expect to come out of it alive.</p>
<p><b>5. Special teams played to a draw, and that's enough on nights like Saturday</b></p>
<p>Elliott Fry made all four of his field goals, the field goal defense blocked one of ECU's attempts. The Gamecocks averaged 20.7 yards per return, while ECU put up 21 yards per attempt. <span>Landon Ard</span> knocked five touchbacks out of his eight attempts, with none out of bounds. <span>Tyler Hull</span> only punted once, but boomed a 52-yarder that the Gamecocks downed within the five.</p>
<p>None of these plays won the game, but they represent dozens of extra yards that Carolina gave away last season. This year, with a team that doesn't appear to be as good on either side of the ball, they'll need those extra yards. While this one performance doesn't indicate that the Gamecocks have cured every special teams problem they have, right now, a draw is good enough on this side of the ball.</p>
https://www.garnetandblackattack.com/south-carolina-gamecocks-football/2014/9/7/6117997/ecu-vs-south-carolina-gamecocks-2014-final-score-stats-resultsChickenHoops2014-09-07T12:10:09-04:002014-09-07T12:10:09-04:00Gamecocks fall in both Coaches and AP Polls
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6ffrFld3fjMhAxzaQGoe1MUmP0g=/0x320:2752x2155/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/38156464/454818564.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Grant Halverson</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>South Carolina falls two spots to No. 23 in the Amway Coaches poll and hold steady at No. 21 in the AP Top 25.</p> <p>South Carolina fell to No. 24 in the AP Top 25 and to No. 23 in the new Amway Coaches poll after being ranked 21st in both a week ago. The Gamecocks dropped below Missouri -- the Tigers held steady at No. 22 with a 49-24 win over Toledo -- and were overtaken by No. 19 Virginia Tech. The Hokies were unranked last week but surged past South Carolina and several others on the strength of an impressive 35-21 win over Ohio State in Columbus. Clemson also moved past Carolina in the AP poll after destroying S.C. State.</p>
<p> </p>
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" dir="ltr" border="1">
<colgroup> <col width="100"> <col width="100"> <col width="100"> <col width="100"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"AP"]'>AP</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Coaches"]'>Coaches</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Sagarin"]'>Sagarin</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1]">1</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Florida State (38)"]'>Florida State (38)</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Florida State (51)"]'>Florida State (51)</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Oregon"]'>Oregon</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,2]">2</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Oregon (16)"]'>Oregon (16)</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Alabama (1)"]'>Alabama (1)</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Georgia"]'>Georgia</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,3]">3</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Alabama (1)"]'>Alabama (1)</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Oklahoma (3)"]'>Oklahoma (3)</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Oklahoma"]'>Oklahoma</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,4]">4</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Oklahoma (2)"]'>Oklahoma (2)</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Oregon (6)"]'>Oregon (6)</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Texas A&M"]'>Texas A&M</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,5]">5</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Auburn"]'>Auburn</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Auburn"]'>Auburn</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Auburn"]'>Auburn</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,6]">6</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Georgia (1)"]'>Georgia (1)</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Georgia (1)"]'>Georgia (1)</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"LSU"]'>LSU</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,7]">7</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Texas A&M (2)"]'>Texas A&M (2)</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Baylor"]'>Baylor</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Florida"]'>Florida</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,8]">8</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Baylor"]'>Baylor</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Texas A&M"]'>Texas A&M</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Alabama"]'>Alabama</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,9]">9</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"USC"]'>USC</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"LSU"]'>LSU</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Notre Dame"]'>Notre Dame</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,10]">10</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"LSU"]'>LSU</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"USC"]'>USC</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"UCLA"]'>UCLA</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,11]">11</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Notre Dame"]'>Notre Dame</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Notre Dame"]'>Notre Dame</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Michigan State"]'>Michigan State</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,12]">12</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"UCLA"]'>UCLA</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"UCLA"]'>UCLA</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Ohio State"]'>Ohio State</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,13]">13</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Michigan State"]'>Michigan State</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Michigan State"]'>Michigan State</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"USC"]'>USC</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,14]">14</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Ole Miss"]'>Ole Miss</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Arizona State"]'>Arizona State</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Wisconsin"]'>Wisconsin</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,15]">15</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Stanford"]'>Stanford</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Ole Miss"]'>Ole Miss</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Virginia Tech"]'>Virginia Tech</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,16]">16</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Arizona State"]'>Arizona State</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Stanford"]'>Stanford</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"BYU"]'>BYU</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,17]">17</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Virginia Tech"]'>Virginia Tech</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Wisconsin"]'>Wisconsin</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Florida State"]'>Florida State</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,18]">18</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Wisconsin"]'>Wisconsin</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Ohio State"]'>Ohio State</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Ole Miss"]'>Ole Miss</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,19]">19</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Kansas State"]'>Kansas State</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Virginia Tech"]'>Virginia Tech</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Arizona"]'>Arizona</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,20]">20</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Missouri"]'>Missouri</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Kansas State"]'>Kansas State</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Baylor"]'>Baylor</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,21]">21</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Louisville"]'>Louisville</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Nebraska"]'>Nebraska</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"TCU"]'>TCU</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,22]">22</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Ohio State"]'>Ohio State</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Missouri"]'>Missouri</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"UCF"]'>UCF</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,23]">23</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Clemson"]'>Clemson</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"South Carolina"]'>South Carolina</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Stanford"]'>Stanford</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,24]">24</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"South Carolina"]'>South Carolina</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Clemson"]'>Clemson</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Kansas State"]'>Kansas State</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,25]">25</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"BYU"]'>BYU</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"North Carolina"]'>North Carolina</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Louisville"]'>Louisville</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>Do you think South Carolina deserved to fall in the polls this week? The Gamecocks came up just a few yards short of punching it in the end zone and covering the spread (i.e. meeting expectations) in the final minutes of the game.</p>
<p>One thing is now clear: South Carolina needs to beat Georgia to keep alive its streak of 67 straight weeks in the top 25.</p>
https://www.garnetandblackattack.com/south-carolina-gamecocks-football/2014/9/7/6117583/2014-ncaa-football-rankings-ap-top-25-coaches-pollConnor Tapp2014-09-07T08:53:21-04:002014-09-07T08:53:21-04:00Questions remain after Gamecocks beat ECU
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/xAFH07KS09iqSY7FRpQvviITbXs=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/38137632/20140906_ajw_bd2_508.JPG.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Gamecocks will need to play better to beat Georgia next week.</p> <p>While I'm happy that we beat ECU in relatively convincing fashion, the <a href="https://www.garnetandblackattack.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Gamecocks</a> didn't answer many questions heading into a game against Georgia that's a must-win if Carolina is to stay in the divisional race in the SEC East. The Gamecocks had two big questions to answer after the ugly loss against Texas A&M: Can Dylan Thompson play well enough for us to have an elite offense, and can the defense resolve enough of its myriad problems for Carolina to be able to stop good offenses with any kind of consistency?</p>
<p>Let's start with Thompson. Statistically, Thompson had a solid game: 25-38 for 266 yards and a touchdown. However, statistics don't tell the whole story with Thompson's performance. Many of Thompson's completions, particularly in the second half, came on wide receiver screens. ECU had trouble shedding blocks on the perimeter, making these plays successful for Carolina. On the one hand, it was nice to see Carolina move the ball effectively with these plays and thus not to have to open up the playbook too much the week before the visit from Georgia.</p>
<p>On the other hand, it's unlikely we'll be able to run these plays over and over again for positive results against teams with good enough defensive talent on the perimeter to shed blocks and tackle in space better than ECU. Beating UGA is going to require Thompson to be effective throwing the ball downfield, and Thompson continued to struggle in that regard against ECU. He frequently overthrew receivers in the medium passing game, and he tanked a promising opportunity to blow the game open at the end of the first half by twice getting greedy and going deep into double coverage instead of taking what the defense gave him. Thompson had some good throws here and there, too, but they were too infrequent for me to feel more confident that he's going to have the kind of year necessary for our offense to transcend our defense's struggles.</p>
<p>As for that defense, it played moderately better in coverage, and <span>Sharrod Golightly</span> and <span>T.J. Gurley</span> made a couple of nice interceptions on bad throws from the ECU QB. The defense also did a good job of holding ECU to field goals once the Pirates got into the red zone. However, ECU still gained a ton of yards, principally by exploiting open spots in the middle of the field. For all the concern about our corners, I thought they played better in this game, particularly when they were allowed to play press-man coverage. The bigger problem was the play of the supposedly better-prepared safeties. <span>Chris Moody</span> particularly caught my eye as a player who was frequently out of position and looked tentative trying to finish plays. With both <span>Rico McWilliams</span> and Chris Lammons playing well, I wonder if there's any chance that we could move <span>Brison Williams</span> back to safety. McWilliams and Lammons at corner and Williams and Gurley at safety seems like our best bet back there right now. As for the linebackers, they tackled better in this game, but they weren't much help in coverage.</p>
<p>In short, I don't feel very confident about the UGA game. Carolina often plays one of its best games of the year against UGA and the coaches usually have a good gameplan, but the Gamecocks will need to play much, much better than they have thus far for this game to be competitive.</p>
https://www.garnetandblackattack.com/2014/9/7/6116349/ecu-pirates-at-south-carolina-gamecocks-questions-remain-forGamecock Man2014-09-06T22:51:34-04:002014-09-06T22:51:34-04:00Gamecocks run right over ECU to 33-23 win
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/K_sK0Ew6l5V-lxNe_cYGKJZT6SY=/0x0:2673x1782/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/38123984/20140906_rnb_db2_300.JPG.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Gamecocks survive mild scare from Pirates.</p> <p>It wasn't always pretty, but South Carolina rode its running and short passing game and decent red-zone defense to a 33-23 victory over upset-minded East Carolina.</p>
<p>The game got off to an ugly start when USC went three-and-out on its first possession. ECU quickly drove down the field, reminding <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.garnetandblackattack.com/">Gamecocks</a> fans of Texas A&M's offensive field day in Williams-Brice nine days ago. However, Carolina held the Pirates to a field goal. Carolina quickly gave the ball right back to the Pirates when <span>Dylan Thompson</span> threw an interception that bounced off Shaq Roland's hands into those of an ECU defender.</p>
<p>After that point, though, Carolina began playing much better, taking the lead on a long <span>Mike Davis</span> TD run. ECU retook the lead with a TD on the ensuing possession, but Carolina largely controlled the game after that score, playing particularly well on offense en route to the victory. Thompson settled down a little bit, and the USC running game got going pretty well, with Davis in particular impressing with a 101-yard rushing performance on 5.6 yards per carry. All of Carolina's remaining drives would end in points, although frequent field goals inhibited Carolina's bid to blow the game wide open.</p>
<p>As for the much-maligned defense, it struggled frequently throughout the game, only forcing a single punt during the contest. However, it did force a few field goal attempts, one of which was blocked, and it capitalized on a couple of ECU QB Shane Carden mistakes early in the second half, when Carolina extended the lead to two scores.</p>
<p>GABA will have more commentary on the game tonight and tomorrow, but for now, let's hear your thoughts: What did you think about the defense? The play of Dylan Thompson? Carolina's offensive line and running game? Our chances against UGA next week? Sounds off in the comments.</p>
https://www.garnetandblackattack.com/2014/9/6/6116189/ecu-pirates-at-south-carolina-gamecocks-recap-gamecocks-grind-out-winGamecock Man2014-09-06T18:53:08-04:002014-09-06T18:53:08-04:00Chris Moody starting at safety vs. ECU<h3 class="link-title"><a rel="nofollow" href="/rss/stream/5879256">Chris Moody starting at safety vs.&nbsp;ECU</a></h3>
<div class="description"><p><p>This wasn't a move that the coaching staff mentioned during the week (the Moody part), but it wasn't hard to see it coming based on the performances in the season opener. Moody and Gurley were two of the few defenders making plays for the Gamecocks.</p></p></div>
https://www.garnetandblackattack.com/2014/9/6/6115593/chris-moody-starting-at-safety-vs-ecuConnor Tapp2014-09-06T18:43:31-04:002014-09-06T18:43:31-04:00Wilds, Knott, Sport announced as starters vs. ECU<h3 class="link-title"><a rel="nofollow" href="/rss/stream/5879256">Brandon Wilds, Alan Knott, and Will Sport announced as&nbsp;starters</a></h3>
<div class="description"><p><p>None of this is out of step with what was expected. The switch from Waldrop to Sport was announced on Wednesday. Shawn Elliott said that Knott would probably start over Clayton Stadnik. Though Spurrier was optimistic about Mike Davis being available (and he still might be), it's not a huge surprise to see Wilds get the start.</p></p></div>
https://www.garnetandblackattack.com/2014/9/6/6115567/brandon-wilds-alan-knott-and-will-sport-announced-as-startersConnor Tapp2014-09-06T18:15:20-04:002014-09-06T18:15:20-04:00Gamecocks vs. Pirates GAME THREAD!
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/x4pCH15uvOp9bzUVB6mWjsWtrjA=/0x4:4000x2671/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/38105554/20140828_kkt_ay3_199.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>#SCARvsARRGH</p> <h3>How to witness</h3>
<h4>Kickoff</h4>
<p>7:00 p.m. ET, Williams-Brice Stadium (Columbia, S.C.)</p>
<h4>Television broadcast</h4>
<p><strong>Channel:</strong> ESPNU or <a href="http://espn.go.com/watchespn/index">ESPN3/WatchESPN</a><br><strong>Play-by-play:</strong> Anish Shroff<br><strong>Analysis:</strong> Kelly Stouffer<br><strong>Sideline:</strong> Cara Capuano</p>
<h4>Radio broadcast</h4>
<p><strong>Channel:</strong> <a href="http://www.gamecocksonline.com/sports/sports-network/scar-sports-network-affiliates.html">Gamecock IMG Sports Network</a> or Sirius 119/XM 203<br><strong>Play-by-play:</strong> Todd Ellis<br><strong>Analysis:</strong> Tommy Suggs<br><strong>Sideline:</strong> Langston Moore</p>
<h3>News and analysis</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.garnetandblackattack.com/ecu-vs-south-carolina-game-preview" target="_blank">Click here</a> for our <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.garnetandblackattack.com/">Gamecocks</a> vs. Pirates hub, where you'll find everything we've written about Saturday's game.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2014/4/29/5657974/east-carolina-football-2014-preview-schedule-roster">Click here</a> to read Bill Connelly's big 2014 East Carolina preview.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.underdogdynasty.com/">Click here</a> to visit Underdog Dynasty, SB Nation's site covering football programs that aren't in the Power 5 (such as ECU!).</p>
<h3>Now let's hear hear from you</h3>
<p>How are we feeling about the game? What are we drinking tonight?</p>
https://www.garnetandblackattack.com/2014/9/6/6114669/live-coverage-of-ecu-pirates-vs-south-carolina-gamecocksGamecock Man