Hats off to the Navy football team as they fought hard and made the game way too interesting. The Gamecocks won 24-21 over Navy and yet again the win for USC was ugly but it is a win.
Here are some quick impressions on the game as LOHD will report more later –
—The triple-option is a thing of beauty. Navy had 274 yards on the ground.
—Loads of respect for Navy as they have a great attitude and play tough.
—Defensive lineman Kelcy Quarles did not dress tonight because of a concussion.
—Spurrier said offensive lineman Brandon Shell will redshirt
—Not sure why Alshon only had 2 catches for 35 yards. He did not start due to a violation of a team rule but he still should have played better.
—Stephen Garcia was ok as he was 18 for 25 passing for 204 yards and one interception. No stellar by any means but not the worst he has ever played. He did a much better job of spreading the ball around.
—Nick Jones had three catches for 52 yards in his coming-out party for the Gamecocks.
—Jay Wooten is quietly being a solid SEC kicker as he has made two FGs in the last two games that have proven clutch.
—Lattimore was a man among boys tonight with 246 yards rushing and three TDs. H has 534 yards rushing on 87 carries and seven touchdowns. He has 6.1 yards per carry average, which screams impressive given the fact of whom the Gamecocks have played in the first three games (East Carolina, Georgia and Navy). For more on Lattimore, read this – 2011 Heisman Race: Marcus Lattimore Shines in Navy Win .
—What can you about Antonio Allen, always playing big at the right times as he had a key INT late.
—USC totaled 458 yards of offense compared to 335 for Navy, and piled up 27 first downs to 15 for the Middies.
—USC extended its winning streak in home openers to six.
I ask AD Eric Hyman to never schedule Navy again please.
Going forward, these things must improve:
—Linebackers have to a better job filling the gaps and the interior lineman need to get better penetration.
—Always can say better tackling.
—USC has to get better on offense. The WRs have to get open in space and Garcia has to connect. One of those “chicken and egg” scenarios.
The next game for USC is on Saturday at 7 p.m. against Vanderbilt. The game will be televised on ESPN or ESPN2. Vandy is 3-0 after a 30-7 win over Ole Miss Saturday.
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