There were points in South Carolina’s 37-35 win against Missouri when the situation in the secondary was just short of catastrophic.
Former walk-on Javon Charleston saw meaningful snaps late the first half at safety, ahead of two four-star players. Corner Keisean Nixon got pulled several times for miscues, including a gratuitous personal foul. Safety Steven Montac, the veteran anchor on the back end, had several bad plays in run support, one that allowed a back to spring for 59 yards.
But in those struggles, young players were asked to step up, and several responded.