PHOTOS: Gamecocks fall to Tar Heels in season opener

The University of North Carolina and the University of South Carolina met at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, for the 2023 season's opening game. The Tar Heels defeated the Gamecocks 31-17 and now lead the series between the two teams 36-20-4. Redshirt senior quarterback Spencer Rattler was 30-39 with 353 yards in the season opener.

A University of North Carolina defensive player throws fifth-year wide receiver Ahmarean Brown to the ground. The Tar Heels defeated the Gamecocks 31-17.

Darius Rucker performs the national anthem on Sept. 2, 2023. Rucker attended the University of South Carolina and was featured on ESPN's College GameDay.

Senior punter Kai Kroeger practices on the sidelines during a timeout. Kroeger had five punts with an average of 48.4 yards during the Gamecocks' matchup against the Tar Heels.

FILE — Freshman defensive back Jalon Kilgore tackles a player from the University of North Carolina at the Duke's Mayo Classic on Sep. 2, 2023, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Tar Heels defeated the Gamecocks 31-17.

Sophomore linebacker Stone Blanton and graduate student edge Drew Tuazama celebrate after a successful defensive play. The Gamecocks fell to the Tar Heels 31-17 on Sept. 2, 2023.

The University of South Carolina fell to the University of North Carolina in the opening game of the 2023 football season. The Tar Heels defeated the Gamecocks 31-17.

Redshirt junior wide receiver Payton Mangrum gains yards for the Gamecocks' offense. Eight different Gamecocks completed receptions in the opening game of the season against the University of North Carolina.

A referee breaks up an argument between players on the University of South Carolina and University of North Carolina football teams. North Carolina now leads the overall series between the two teams 36-20-4.

Fifth-year wide receiver Ahmarean Brown is tackled after gaining yards for South Carolina. The Gamecocks lost to the Tar Heels 31-17 on Sept. 2, 2023.

Senior placekicker Mitch Jeter scores a field goal for the Gamecocks. The University of North Carolina defeated the University of South Carolina 31-17 on Sept. 2, 2023.

Fifth-year wide receiver Xavier Legette dodges a player from the University of North Carolina as he runs. Legette received nine balls for a combined 178 yards during the game.

South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer squats on the sidelines during a break in play. The Gamecocks lost to the Tar Heels 31-17 on Sept. 2, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The University of South Carolina football team sings its school's alma mater at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Gamecocks lost to the Tar Heels 31-17 on Sept. 2, 2023.