Gamecock Sports: Game Recap - USC vs. Missouri

{photo credit: The Greenville News}

USC v. MU Post Game Summary: Connor Shaw's Record Breaking Day

This Saturday several unexpected things happened at Williams-Brice Stadium...the first of which was the blowout win we dealt to Missouri. After Missouri's performance against UGA, last Saturday's was expected to be a close game. However, with the help of Ace Sanders and the special teams unit, Carolina was able to blow the Tigers away. Historically Carolina's special teams have been the Achilles heel, but this week it was the spark we needed to get over the hump. Ace Sanders' stealer performance all over the field was the breakout game all the Gamecock faithful were hoping for all season. Here's to hoping this will continue throughout the rest of the season!

After watching Dylan Thompson shine from the sideline for much of the last two weeks, Connor Shaw came out and completed 20 passes in a row after missing his target on the first attempt of the game. What was most impressive about this showing was his ability to hit passes at all levels. He was accurate to all depths and he spread the ball around. While it seems that his new favorite target may be Justice Cunningham, he used him to exploit the holes in the Missouri defense on the short passes over the middle.

Saturday also brought good news on the Marcus Lattimore front. He seems to be improving every week and looked to be almost completely back to 100% this week. He was able to make all the cuts and runs we are used to seeing, and also tacked on two more touchdown runs, the first of which put him in sole possession of the all time lead in rushing touchdowns for South Carolina. Let's just take a moment to think about this feat... Lattimore passed Heisman Trophy winner George Rogers, all while missing the second half of last season! If Carolina has any hope of a Heisman Trophy in the near future that hope rests on the shoulders of Marcus Lattimore and Jadeveon Clowney.

Once again Clowney and the Gamecock defense came up big by disrupting the Tigers' offense all day. Their constant pressure never allowed Missouri quarterback James Franklin to get into any kind of rhythm. This allowed for a great starting field position for the Gamecock offense all afternoon. And in SEC football, field position can make all the difference!

Final Score: USC 31, Missouri 10

Post written by Gamecock Girl Sports Bloggess Lauren Hall.