The game played out much like I predicted it probably would. I was predicting a typical SEC slug fest style game with USC taking a lead and Ole Miss needing a late 4th quarter drive for the win, but what I didn't count on was the stoutness of the Gamecock defense. Ole Miss never really looked comfortable in this game. And South Carolina really seemed to dominate the flow of play all night. The total yardage was close (285-248) but when you can muster just 1-13 on third downs as the Rebels did, you never look in control. The Rebels went for it on 4th down FOUR TIMES, including a failed fake FG attempt, converting just once.
Jevan Snead was just 7-21 for 107 yards and a TD on the night. Stephen Garcia looked a little bit better going 16-34 for 220 and a TD. Much of the Rebel offense came from Dexter McCluster out of the Wild Rebel. McCluster carried 15 times for 85 yards.This was the type of game that can't really be unexpected though. Conference game + road game + team not used to being there = recipe for an upset.
Now the only questions are how far the Rebels drop, and if the Gamecocks can crack the rankings next week. The AP top 9 area all undefeated so you have to think they drop at least that far. Oklahoma, Virginia Tech, USC, and Ohio State all have "better" losses and then Cincinnati and TCU sit undefeated back to #16. I would say if rankings came out today, the Rebels would be sitting around #15. As for the Gamecocks....they didn't even get a single top 25 vote last week. You have to figure that changes this week, but I doubt they crack the rankings unless lot of the 15-25 teams get some losses. If any SEC team finds the Top 25, I would expect Auburn to be that team.But this all depends on the week ahead. Before the weekend begins however, we've got another Friday Night Lights tune up game, Missouri @ Nevada. Check back a little later this morning for a preview of that one
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