South Carolina vs. Central Florida: Mike Davis Helps Gamecocks Avoid Upset in Second Half
By Jack Crosby
Sep 28, 2013; Orlando, FL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Steve Spurrier before the game against the UCF Knights at Bright House Networks Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports
It appeared in the first half of today’s matchup between South Carolina and Central Florida that the Knights from the lowly AAC were ready to make a huge national statement by taking down one of the perennial powers of the SEC. Much of that was not only because of the effective play of the Knights in the first 30 minutes, but also the poor play–especially offensively–of South Carolina.
Granted, although they lost their top receiving threat before the game to suspension plus their starting QB early on to a shoulder injury, it was still obvious what the problem was.
Powerhouse running back Mike Davis only had five carries for 17 yards. It was more than clear that head coach Steve Spurrier needed to make an adjustment, and that he absolutely did.
Davis literally carried the Gamecocks to victory on the road in the second half, helping his squad avoid the huge upset by a final score of 28-25.
After being virtually non-existent in the first half, the bruising back torched the UCF defense for three scores, while he ended up finishing up the game with 26 carries for 167 yards.
Still though, it wasn’t easy by any means right until the end for the Gamecocks as they had to fend off two fourth quarter TD passes from QB Blake Bortles, one being a 73-yard strike to Rannell Hill.
South Carolina now moves to 3-1 on the year and they’ll welcome in the Kentucky Wildcats for a home game next weekend. This was the first loss of the season for the Knights as they now drop to 3-1 on the year and will travel to Memphis next weekend to take on the Tigers.