SEC Power Rankings: Egg Bowl, Iron Bowl to decide SEC West champ

Nov 21, 2015; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks tight end Jerell Adams (89) runs for yards after the catch chased by Citadel Bulldogs linebacker Dondray Copeland (22) during first half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

The way things have gone this season, it’s amazing to think that a 17-13 South Carolina victory over North Carolina in the season opener is the only thing standing between the Tar Heels and an undefeated season – and quite possibly a spot in the College Football Playoff.

After that win, the Gamecocks lost four of their next five games and legendary head coach Steve Spurrier announced his immediate resignation. Interim head coach Sean Elliott guided the team to a 19-10 victory over Vanderbilt and the Gamecocks gave great effort in losses to Texas A&M, Tennessee and Florida. It’s too bad that things hit a low point Saturday with a 23-22 loss to in-state FCS opponent The Citadel.

The loss was the first for the SEC against a FCS opponent since 2010. So much for Cupcake Week.

South Carolina quarterback Perry Orth had a career day with 367 passing yards – 95 yards more than his previous best – and a touchdown. However, Orth could have had a second TD to save the game – a 94-yarder with less than a minute left in regulation – but the play was called back because of a penalty.

Wide receiver Pharoh Cooper, who would have been on the receiving end of the miracle scoring pass, caught 11 passes for 191 yards and a 41-yard touchdown officially. Tight end Jerrell Adams added 105 yards on six catches.

Already ranked dead last in the SEC in rush defense, the Gamecocks allowed 350 rushing yards to the triple-option Bulldogs, which gives South Carolina a newly inflated average of 215.7 rushing yards allowed per game.

It doesn’t get any easier next week as the Gamecocks host No. 1, undefeated Clemson.

Next Game: Saturday November 28 vs. Clemson

Next: Vanderbilt