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Video Box Score
By Scott Crumbly
Twitter: @ScottCrumbly
SEC Digital Network
COLUMBIA, S.C. – No. 13 South Carolina lost star running back Marcus Lattimore to a knee injury in the first half, but the Gamecocks were able to notch a 38-35 win over SEC rival Tennessee thanks in large part to 356 yards and three touchdowns from quarterback Connor Shaw.
Shaw finished the first half with a rushing touchdown to give the Gamecocks (7-2, 5-2 SEC) a two touchdown advantage at the break, but Tyler Bray and the Vols made things interesting in the second half. Bray tossed four touchdowns on the day to go along with 368 yards through the air, and two of his touchdown passes came in the second half to keep the game tight.
Before his premature exit, Lattimore was having a very good game for Steve Spurrier’s Gamecocks. He picked up 70 yards and a score on just 11 carries against Tennessee (3-5, 0-6) prior to sustaining his knee injury. A trio of wide-outs – Bruce Ellington, Ace Sanders and Rory Anderson – caught touchdowns for USC, while tight end Justice Cunningham led the way with 108 receiving yards.
Tennessee receiver Zach Rodgers had a big game, catching three touchdown passes to go along with 107 yards on six catches.
Statistical Leaders
South Carolina
Passing – Connor Shaw, 22-for-32, 356 yards, 3 TD, INT
Rushing – Marcus Lattimore, 11 car, 70 yards, TD
Receiving – Justice Cunningham, 6 rec, 108 yards
Tennessee
Passing – Tyler Bray, 27-for-43, 368 yards, 4 TD, INT
Rushing – Marlin Lane, 13 car, 56 yards
Receiving – Zach Rogers, 6 rec, 107 yards, TD
Quick Notes
· South Carolina has now won three straight games against Tennessee for the first time in school history.
· USC has now outgained Tennessee in 10 straight meetings, going 5-5 over that streak.
· Tennessee was the first opponent ranked outside the top-10 that USC has faced since Sept. 29 when it played Kentucky.