It only took two whole weeks, but the Gamecocks’ grotesque style of play finally caught up with them.
Against N.C. State and Missouri, South Carolina was outgained, ran fewer plays, and generally just didn’t have the football as much. But the Gamecocks were able to force key turnovers, cash in on great field position, and use a couple of special teams touchdowns to gain the necessary separation for a pair of solid victories. It was a recipe for success, but not an easily replicated or sustainable one.
Enter the Kentucky Wildcats, who employed the “Do just enough to not lose, with the occasional great play sprinkled in” tactic en route to their own relatively surprising win.