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Before we award the game balls, let me just say; what an incredible game by both South Carolina and NC State. This game was higher scoring than a lot of people expected. Credit to both teams for an incredible effort in an awesome season opener.
A few players stood out against the rest of them, and certain players deserved some game balls for their outstanding performance. Let’s take a look at both teams to see who stood out individually.
NC State Game Ball
Ryan Finley: Finley looked precise, poised, and accurate in his season debut. He completed 45-64 passes for 415 yards and three total touchdowns. He made some quality throws in big moments, like his fourth quarter bullet pass along the sideline to wide receiver C.J. Riley.
Finley was picking apart the South Carolina defense. There were times where this offense looked so under control and as if they couldn’t be stopped. After the Gamecocks’ opening kickoff return touchdown, Finley drove the Wolfpack down the field on a methodical drive that ended in a Finley touchdown run.
Although Finley drove his team down the field to potentially tie the game in the closing seconds, he couldn’t get the job done. But lets not overlook the incredible play by Finley Saturday afternoon.
South Carolina Game Ball
Deebo Samuel: What an incredible weapon this young man is. Samuel scored three touchdowns, highlighted by his impressive one-handed, toe tapping grab in the end zone. Lets not overlook his opening drive kickoff return, where he broke tackles and broke free down the sideline for the score. He also scored on a quick slant route from six yards out. He finished with five catches for 83 yards and three total touchdowns.
Samuel is such a versatile player and he proved that Saturday afternoon. He made huge plays, and kept his team alive. Expect to hear his name a lot this season, as it seemed only like a sign of things to come this season.
It was a high-powered game between NC State and South Carolina this Saturday in Charlotte. This game was wide open till the very end, and Ryan Finley and Deebo Samuel helped push their respective teams to the finish.