USC 30 - Auburn 22: Thoughts on the Win

A Long Time Coming

Auburn is not a very good football team. They are certainly in the midst of one their down years that seems to happen about every 3 or 4 years. Doesn’t matter though. Auburn is one of the blue-blood programs in the SEC, and anytime you can take one of those programs down it enhances the perception of your own. A lot of great SC teams earlier in the decade were unable to take down mediocre Auburn teams. It was fantastic seeing this year’s version beating Auburn for the first time since ‘33.

The Gamecocks really needed this one, especially after the opening loss to what appears to be a very bad Tennessee team. In every game this season the Gamecocks have fought hard, and have shown improved play each week so far. The conditioning level of this team appears to be excellent as well, as they consistently get better as each game progresses and are currently dominating teams in the 4th quarter. I’m not sure what this win means in the big scheme of things or what it says about the future of the program, but the Gamecocks certainly have to start winning games like these to become relevant.

Teriyaki Chicken Wings

Guys most responsible for the win get wings.

Jaycee Horn

I’m not sure I can remember a more dominating performance by a cornerback in a Gamecock uniform.

Shi Smith

Keving Harris

Biggest surprise of the season. Another consistent performance from a big-time SEC running back.

Kier Thomas

Played with maximum effort, getting 2 sacks, and also made a critical stop to prevent a long run on Auburn’s final drive.

Shilo Sanders

Led the team in tackles with 10.

Deshaun Fenwick

Made some big-time runs coming off the bench

Hopefully the Gamecocks will be able to keep up the momentum and take down another SEC blue-blood that’s having a down year this week. Go Cocks.