The South Carolina Gamecocks (3-3) fell to the No. 11 LSU Tigers(5-1) 20-10 on Saturday night in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This marks the Tigers' ninth straight win over the Gamecocks.
On the opening drive of the game, the South Carolina defense applied pressure to LSU senior quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, forcing an incompletion on third down that ended the drive.
The South Carolina offense faltered on its opening possession when redshirt sophomore quarterback LaNorris Sellers fumbled under center, leading to a turnover recovered by LSU. The Tigers failed to convert on a key third down, settling for a field goal and taking a 3-0 lead midway through the quarter.
Following a failed South Carolina field goal attempt, LSU’s attempts to regain control on offense were cut short when senior defensive back DQ Smith stripped the ball near the goal line, and senior edge Bryan Thomas Jr. recovered the fumble for a South Carolina turnover.
That momentum carried into the Gamecocks’ next possession. On the ensuing drive, redshirt freshman running back Matt Fuller broke through a gap in LSU’s front seven for a 72-yard rushing touchdown. The play shifted South Carolina's momentum, capping off the quarter with a 7-3 lead for the Gamecocks.
LSU regained its lead early in the second quarter, with a six-play, 72-yard drive ending in a 6-yard touchdown pass from Nussmeier to sophomore tight end Trey’Dez Green.
South Carolina's resulting drive was cut short by back-to-back penalties for a loss of 18 total yards, forcing the Gamecocks to punt and surrender valuable field position.
The Gamecocks' scoring potential was capped by an interception from LSU redshirt sophomore safety Tamarcus Cooley for South Carolina's second turnover of the half. The Gamecock defense was quick to answer back when Smith intercepted Nussmeier’s pass for his second forced turnover of the night.
Back on offense, penalties and a shifty offensive line prevented South Carolina from capitalizing before the half, keeping the score 10-7.
An the start of the second half, a series of failed run attempts by South Carolina forced a successful field goal attempt by redshirt senior kicker William Joyce, tying the score.
The Tigers were quick to respond on a four-play drive, resulting in a 43-yard touchdown pass caught and run by redshirt sophomore wide receiver Kyle Parker.
After a penalty forced South Carolina to punt, LSU’s run game exploded. The Tigers were then halted by another interception for South Carolina by redshirt junior defensive back Peyton Williams at the 1-yard line.
A crucial stop by LSU forced the turnover on downs, allowing the Tigers to score a final field goal to end the night 20-10.
Defensive standouts keep South Carolina in the game
South Carolina's defense anchored the team and produced multiple momentum-shifting plays.
“I’m so proud of our guys because of the way they battled. Our mantra on defense is to put the ball down,” head coach Shane Beamer said following the game.
Smith delivered a dominant first half with both a forced fumble and an interception. Even late in the game, the defensive backfield, including Williams, came up big, forcing two interceptions at the goal line to halt multiple LSU scoring threats.
Missed opportunities on third down
Penalties repeatedly derailed South Carolina's rhythm. The Gamecocks committed 13 penalties for 65 yards, including multiple false starts and an illegal formation that wiped out a fake punt opportunity.
The Gamecocks’ inability to extend drives kept them from capitalizing on their defensive stops. Beamer spoke about the lack of follow-through on offense.
“When you run the ball, when you win the turnover battle … you should win the game," Beamer said. "That was the story tonight, just missed opportunities and not finishing drives.”
Offensive miscommunication
Communication issues plagued the offense, from missed connections on routes to drive-killing penalties. Despite some strong early passes and a rushing touchdown from Fuller, South Carolina’s offense never found its rhythm.
South Carolina’s offensive line struggled to protect Sellers against the LSU defense, leading to throwaways and scrambles outside the pocket. Beamer addressed concerns about Sellers struggling with the offensive line and having trouble getting the ball out under pressure.
“We’ve got to do better on ... that intentional grounding," Beamer said. "If we’re going to throw it away, we’ve got to get out of the pocket.”
LSU came away with five sacks for the night, highlighting the offense’s weakness on third and long.
What’s next?
The South Carolina Gamecocks will take on the No. 6 Oklahoma Sooners on Saturday, Oct. 18, at Williams-Brice Stadium. Kickoff is to be determined, and the game will be broadcast on the SEC Network.