Editorial: South Carolina Gamecocks Overcome Distractions for SEC Win but What Happens Now?

Written by James Gray

Last Saturday started a new era for the South Carolina Gamecocks as they played their first game in over a decade without the HBC, Head Ball Coach, calling the shots.

South Carolina hosted the last place Vanderbilt Commodores and were victorious in a 19-10 defensive battle. As expected the Gamecocks left the tunnel with a new energy under interim coach Shawn Elliott. That energy carried onto the field as T.J. Holloman picked up a fumble from Vandy running back Ralph Webb on the first drive off a Jonathan Walton forced fumble. Unfortunately the Gamecocks would have to settle for a field goal, which would set the tone for the offense the rest of the day.

It wasn’t a pretty game and the first half for the Gamecocks was just flat out ugly as they went into the locker room down 7-6. In the second half the defense took over and forced four turnovers that began with a Bryson Allen-Williams interception. Sophomore linebacker Allen-Williams replaced starting linebacker T.J. Holloman who was ejected for targeting.

Later, sophomore cornerback Chris Lammons recorded his first career interception the play after Gamecock quarterback Perry Orth threw a bad pick. Both Allen-Williams and Lammons will be key to Carolina’s future on that side of the ball.

From there, the best defender the Gamecocks have took over the game. The most underrated SEC player entering the season, junior linebacker Skai Moore, once again proved why he should be first team All-SEC.

Early in the fourth, Moore picked off Johnny McCrary deep in Vanderbilt territory, but Carolina would have to settle for a field goal. Vandy, down nine in the fourth, was driving the ball in the Carolina red zone until Moore got McCrary to force the fumble and picked it up. This would end Vanderbilt’s chances of getting their first SEC win.

Moore ended the game with 11 tackles, a sack, an interception, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. Moore is tied for second in the SEC with three interceptions this season.

Now to the offense where statistics will lie to you.

Other than wide receiver Pharoh Cooper who caught 7 passes for 160 yards, and had a touchdown and Brandon Wilds, who ran for 120 yards, the offense wasn’t attractive.

On paper Perry Orth had a career passing day completing 17-28 for 272 yards, one touchdown, and an interception. That was a decent day, nothing special. However, the three straight drops by Gamecock receivers is unacceptable and didn’t help Orth’s numbers. Receivers are a dime a dozen, and if you can’t make the play, I’m sure someone else can.

Before I point out facts and give my criticism on Perry Orth, let me first congratulate Orth on walking onto USC’s football team and starting for a SEC school. That alone is an amazing accomplishment, one that he will be telling his grandkids about some day.

Now to the facts, Orth has only thrown four touchdowns this season and has also thrown four interceptions. What’s more disturbing than his lack of touchdowns are his red zone numbers. Orth has yet to score a red zone touchdown, which did cost Carolina the game against Kentucky and very well could’ve lost the game against Vandy.

Orth has looked above average in getting the Gamecocks down the field, but the inability to record red zone touchdowns will not cut it in the SEC. South Carolina cannot continue to put together impressive drives together and settle for field goals. The Gamecocks also can’t expect to only convert 2 of 13 3rd downs and win the game either.

I know the Gamecocks are very limited at quarterback this year, but there has to be someone who can score inside the 20.

True freshman Lorenzo Nunez has been unable to dress the last three games and has limited game experience. However, Nunez is the most athletic quarterback on the roster and is a duel-threat.

The starter to open the season, redshirt sophomore Connor Mitch, has been out since injuring himself against Kentucky. Mitch was hardly impressive against the Tarheels, but that was his first start, and Carolina did win the game.

If I am the Carolina coaching staff I would be very concerned about these red zone issues.

With Texas A&M, Tennessee, and Florida coming up after the bye, the Gamecocks will go 0-3 if they have to settle for 3 points on every long drive.

Aside from the defensive performance against Vandy, the other reason why Carolina won was because they were finally able to run the ball some. By the way, why didn’t Shon Carson get a touch?

Shawn Elliot’s offensive line has been very poor in run blocking this season, forcing inexperienced quarterbacks to throw the ball more than they should. Hopefully having some success on the ground last Saturday will lead to a more balanced offensive game.

A bye week couldn’t have come at a better time. The Gamecocks are fresh off their first SEC win, in a game that could’ve gone either way, and now have some time to figure out their new identity. The coaches will have some big decisions to make going forward, including who will start at quarterback against A&M.

It’s time to build on the defenses’ success and find a way to put up touchdowns in the red zone. Other players must step up and make big plays like Pharoh Cooper and Skai Moore have done all season.

I hope these next few weeks are a productive trial run for everybody, most importantly the coaches. What else can you do when your back is against the wall? Because honestly I don’t believe some of them should’ve been in their position of power to begin with.

There is a talented bunch of guys on this roster, let’s see if this staff can showcase their skills on the field.

Right now I don’t think Shawn Elliott has what it takes to take over as full time coach at South Carolina. Let’s see if he can prove me wrong halfway through the season and end it in a respectable manner.

Photo credit: thestate.com; Shawn Elliot runs along with Pharoh Cooper on touchdown run.