SEC Power Rankings, Week 11: Alabama back on top with big win vs LSU
Nov 7, 2015; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) during the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports.
Close losses are still losses, and despite a great effort over the last two weeks in road games against Texas A&M and Tennessee, South Carolina is now 3-6 overall and 1-6 in conference play. However, because the Gamecocks are playing a little better than Missouri at the moment, they have squeaked ahead of the Tigers in our weekly SEC Power Rankings and into the No. 13 spot.
Down 17-0 in the first half, South Carolina came back with a vengeance to tie the score at 17-17, and then 24-24 in the second half. Following a fourth-quarter Tennessee field goal, the Gamecocks had three opportunities to take a late lead, but the first two drives ended in punts and the third ended when tight end Jerrell Adams fumbled following a 25-yard reception with 0:32 left in the game.
It was Adams’ second catch of the game. He caught a 12-yard touchdown earlier from Perry Orth, who was 20-for-39 passing for 233 yards and three touchdowns. Pharoh Cooper and Jonathan Walton also had TD grabs, and Orth added 42 rushing yards. Running back Brandon Wilds gained 79 rushing yards on 20 carries.
The South Carolina defense played better against Tennessee than they did against Texas A&M, especially against the run. The Gamecocks came into the game with the SEC’s worst rushing defense statistically speaking at more than 200 rushing yards allowed per game, but held the Vols to a respectable 153 rushing yards on 41 carries (3.7 yards per attempt). Carolina also forced three turnovers, including an interception by Isaiah Johnson.
With six losses, the odds are not good that South Carolina will make it to a bowl game this year. Newly crowned SEC East champ Florida comes to town next week. Arch rival and No. 1-ranked Clemson will visit Williams-Brice Stadium Nov. 28 following what should be an easy win against The Citadel.
Next Game: Saturday November 15 vs. Florida
Next: Vanderbilt