COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) – After a heartbreaking loss to LSU last weekend, the Gamecocks dominated the Akron Zips to get to their first 3-1 start in seven years.
The Gamecocks’ running attack was effective, totaling an incredible 256 yards and 4 touchdowns in the game. After Raheim Sanders left the game early due to injury, the Gamecocks remained in control with the committee-running attack.
This was the first game without LaNorris Sellers as starting quarterback. After an impressive performance against LSU, the redshirt freshman had to leave the game due to a lower-body injury.
Robby Ashford gave the Gamecocks a much-needed boost in Sellers’ absence, leading the team in rushing with 133 yards and throwing two touchdowns.
Special teams, special players
South Carolina’s secret MVP of the game was the special teams play. In the first quarter, punter Kai Kai Kroger ran the ball in and scored a two-point conversion. Daleveon Campbell threw a punt at the one-yard line, giving the Gamecocks defense a boost.
Akron’s top receiver and key player Adrian Norton threw a 42-yard pass from Ben Finley to give the Zips their first touchdown of the game late in the first half.
Akron will rely on its passing attack and scrimmage yard leader Jordon Simmons to combat Carolina’s strong defense over the next two quarters.
After a slow start to the third quarter for both offenses, Ashford came alive. The quarterback didn’t let the Zips down in the third quarter, hitting Mazeo Bennett Jr. on a 30-yard pass that put the Gamecocks in the red zone. A run by Oscar Adaway III put South Carolina up 29-0 midway through the third quarter.
After a solid first half, Ben Finley struggled in the second half. A hard hit from Demetrius Knight Jr. seemed to unsettle the quarterback, who missed several throws that would have given the Zips a huge boost.
The fourth quarter was a similar story for the Gamecocks. After a 36-yard touchdown run by Ashford, USC called the starters off the field to give some young players a chance to get on the field. The substitutes performed well, scoring two touchdowns, making the final score 50-7.
The Gamecocks have a week off next Saturday, giving them plenty of time to recover and prepare for an important matchup against #5 Ole Miss at Williams-Brice Stadium.
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