For the first time since 1981, when USC defeated No. 3 UNC, the South Carolina Gamecocks have defeated at Top 5 opponent, downing the No. 4 Ole Miss Rebels 16-10 in Columbia Thursday night. But in typical Gamecock fashion, it didn't come easy.
After dominating the first half, and most of the third quarter, the Gamecock offense sputtered, going three and out on four consecutive posessions. But once again it was the Gamecock offense that rose to the occassion. Except for one drive where the Rebels cut the lead to 16-10, the Gamecock defense had the Rebels offense reeling all night, putting pressure on quarterback Jevan Stead, and shutting down the running game. Only during the one touchdown-scoring series in the 4th quarter did Ole Miss put together any type of substantial drive.
South Carolina (3-1, 1-1 SEC) had been 1-31 all-time against Top 5 foes, but left Williams-Brice Stadium with the biggest win of coach Steve Spurrier's five seasons.
Spencer Lanning kicked three field goals and fullback Patrick DiMarco a key 2-yard TD catch for the Gamecocks. Ole Miss (2-1, 0-1) had one last chance at a go-ahead TD that
would've extended its eight-game winning streak. But Snead was sacked by Cliff Matthews, then had a fourth-down pass knocked away by Darian Stewart.
The Gamecocks take on the Bulldogs of South Carolina State next Saturday, then reenter SEC play by taking on Kentucky on October 10th in Columbia.
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