WATCH GAME HIGHLIGHTS
By Scott Crumbly
Twitter: @ScottCrumbly
SEC Digital Network
COLUMBIA, S.C. – No. 9 South Carolina took the field against ECU on Saturday without the help of starting quarterback Connor Shaw, who was sidelined with a shoulder injury. That did not matter much for Steve Spurrier’s Gamecocks, as South Carolina rode the arm of backup Dylan Thompson to a 48-10 win over the Pirates.
Thompson struggled in limited action for South Carolina (2-0) in its win at Vanderbilt last week, but the sophomore looked comfortable at the helm inside Williams-Brice Stadium. On the game’s opening drive, Thompson connected with Damiere Byrd for a 53-yard bomb that set up a six-yard touchdown run the following play for Marcus Lattimore.
Thompson proceeded to throw two touchdown passes in South Carolina’s next three possessions on his way to 216 yards in the first half, and USC cruised into halftime with a three-touchdown advantage over ECU (1-1).
Thompson led the Gamecocks on a three-play scoring drive to open the third quarter that was capped by another touchdown pass to D.L. Moore, and South Carolina went into cruise control. Thompson finished the day with 300 yards through the air to go along with three touchdown passes for USC, which was able to rest Lattimore after only 13 carries.
Statistical Leaders
South Carolina
Passing – Dylan Thompson, 21-of-37, 330 yards, 3 TD
Rushing – 13 car, 40 yards, TD
Receiving – Rory Anderson, 4 rec, 90 yards, 2 TD
ECU
Passing – Rio Johnson, 18-of-29, 193 yards, 3 INT
Rushing – Vintavious Cooper, 6 car, 31 yards
Receiving – Justin Hardy, 8 rec, 11 yards, 1 TD