SEC Power Rankings, Week 5: Auburn, Arkansas nearing rock bottom
Sep 26, 2015; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Lorenzo Nunez (19) eludes UCF Knights defensive back Tre Neal (33) and defensive back Jerod Boykin (47) during the second quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
The defense – which has struggled all year – also responded with a shutout in the second half. The Gamecocks held UCF to just 230 total yards and forced two turnovers – both interceptions by linebacker TJ Holloman – and also forced a safety in the first half.
The much-needed victory should give South Carolina both confidence and momentum heading into next week’s SEC East battle with Missouri.
Next Game: Saturday October 3 at Missouri
" >
11
S. Carolina Gamecocks 2-2 (0-2)
Last week: Beat UCF 31-14
Last rank: 13th
After two straight losses to conference opponents, it felt good for South Carolina to get back in the win column with a 31-14 victory against UCF. And the way the Gamecocks controlled the second half is very encouraging moving forward.
South Carolina trailed 14-8 when the teams headed to the locker room, but there was no panic from the team or head coach Steve Spurrier, who stayed patient with true freshman quarterback Lorenzo Nunez in his first career start. Nunez led the Gamecocks with 123 rushing yards on 18 carries (6.8 yards per attempt) and completed 12 of 22 passes for 184 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. One of Nunez’s TDs went to Pharoh Cooper (who had four receptions for 69 yards and scored a TD on the ground), and the other to Jacob August.
The defense – which has struggled all year – also responded with a shutout in the second half. The Gamecocks held UCF to just 230 total yards and forced two turnovers – both interceptions by linebacker TJ Holloman – and also forced a safety in the first half.
The much-needed victory should give South Carolina both confidence and momentum heading into next week’s SEC East battle with Missouri.
Next Game: Saturday October 3 at Missouri
Next: Missouri