USC Survives LA Tech 17-16

(Columbia, SC, WOLO)–The Gamecocks returned to Williams Brice Stadium today in hopes of rebounding from not only a tough loss against Kentucky last week, but also the loss of their leading scorer, Deebo Samuel. They faced the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, a team they have never lost against.

USC started off on a weak note as their kicking woes continued. Freshman Parker White missed a 34-yard field goal that would have completed a strong opening drive. Instead, the Bulldogs took control by scoring a 33-yard field goal on their first drive.

After Gamecock QB Jake Bentley was intercepted by Aaron Roberson, Louisiana Tech capitalized and tacked on three more points with a 52-yard field goal. USC kicker Parker White had the opportunity to answer right back, but he missed the 46-yard attempt. The Gamecocks trailed the Bulldogs going into halftime, 6-0.

Bulldogs QB J’Mar Smith started the second half strong for his team, completing a 3-yard pass to Teddy Veal in the endzone for the first touchdown of the game. Louisiana Tech increased their lead to 13 points.

The Gamecocks were unable to get on the board until the fourth quarter. To cap off a huge 97-yard drive, Bentley found an open OrTre Smith, who ran it into the endzone for the 28-yard touchdown. USC cut their deficit down to only six points.

Bentley wasn’t ready to give the game up yet. He connected with Bryan Edwards for a 39-yard pass, setting up a 35-yard touchdown run by Ty’Son Williams on the very next play. The Gamecocks took their first lead of the game, 14-13.

The Bulldogs retaliated, coming right back with a 25-yard field goal by kicker Jonathan Barnes. They led the Gamecocks by three with only 55 seconds remaining in the game.

The Gamecock offense had to move fast, and that’s exactly what Bentley did. He lofted a couple passes down the field, only to be incomplete. On 3rd and 10 he decided to take care of it himself, rushing 24 yards for the first down plus more. The very next play, he completed a crucial 41-yard pass to Edwards, the leading receiver for the day.  This set up yet another field goal opportunity for Parker White, who still had not made his first career field goal as a Gamecock.

Battling the immense pressure of the game’s outcome being determined by him, White came through for his team. He nailed the 31-yard field goal to put USC on top, 17-16.

It was a close call, but ultimately a thrilling ending for the Gamecocks. For more on today’s game, be sure to watch Gamecock Saturday Night following the end of the Penn State vs. Iowa game.