COLUMBIA, S.C. — A lengthy rain delay and an initial offensive sputter weren’t enough to stop the South Carolina Gamecocks from their second straight win, as special teams and second-half fireworks secured a 38-10 victory over the visiting South Carolina State Bulldogs.
The game was delayed for more than two hours due to rain, and when play finally began, it was a defensive battle. The Bulldogs were the first to score with a field goal. Neither offense found a rhythm early on; Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers was limited to 6 of 13 for 63 yards, while Bulldogs quarterback William Atkins IV was a more efficient 8 of 12 for 92 yards.
The Gamecocks’ special teams unit provided the first-half spark, with Vicari Swain returning two Bulldog punts for touchdowns, including a 65-yard run. With a field goal added, South Carolina went into halftime with a 17-3 lead.
The offense came alive in the third quarter. Running back Oscar Adaway III scored on a quick rush, finishing the night with 7 carries for 20 yards and a touchdown. Sellers then connected on a deep pass to Vandrevius Jacobs for a touchdown. Jacobs had 4 receptions for 57 yards on the night.
The Gamecocks defense, which had been dominant, finally allowed a touchdown late in the third quarter. Bulldogs quarterback Ryan Stubblefield led a drive that culminated in a touchdown reception by Nicholas Sowell.
With the win, the Gamecocks improve to 2-0. They will host Vanderbilt in their first SEC matchup next Saturday.
