Senior records career-high in tackles, returns fumble for touchdown
CHARLOTTE - Senior Antonio Allen doesn’t appear to have lost a step from his impressive campaign last season.
Starting at spur on South Carolina’s defense, Allen headlined a four-turnover night with a fumble return for a touchdown while also recording a career-high 16 tackles against East Carolina’s quick-pass offense.
“I was gassed. They get the ball out in two or three second every time,” Allen said. “You really have to respect and honor that and try to disrupt the timing of their routes.”
The fumble occurred on a kick return in the third quarter, when ECU running back Michael Dobson was stripped at his own 25-yard line. Allen scooped up the ball and trotted in for the score.
“I made contact with him and I guess some of my teammates held him up,” Allen said. “Once they held him up, I went in to strip the ball and got it, then made a big play.”
Byrd held out: Among the faces missing from the field for USC in Saturday’s win over the Pirates was freshman wide receiver Damiere Byrd.
The New Jersey native was ruled ineligible prior to the game due to a compliance concern.
“Damiere has a little issue that we hope gets cleared up before next week,” coach Steve Spurrier said. “We’ve just got to let that work its way out right now.”
Spurrier had no further update on his Sunday teleconference.
Clowney makes strong debut: Former No. 1 overall recruit Jadeveon Clowney got the start at defensive end in Saturday’s opener and proceeded to put up an impressive opening showing.
The freshman finished the night with seven tackles, assisting on one that was for loss, while also adding a quarterback hurry.
“I told them I wasn’t expecting it, but they had me start. I think I did well for my first one,” Clowney said. “Once I got the first play out of the way, I was ready. I turned it up a little bit.”