The Auburn Tigers won a shootout 42-35 against South Carolina Saturday night inside Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Let’s grade their performance in each phase of the game:

Offense: A

The offense finally clicked against the Gamecocks, gathering 551 yards of total offense in the win. The Tigers got back to its bread and butter, rushing for 395 yards behind strong efforts from Cameron Artis-Payne and Nick Marshall. Auburn’s offensive line played much better and won the line of scrimmage. Marshall added 12 of 14 passing for 156 yards. Seven different receivers (including Marshall) caught a pass. South Carolina boasts one of the SEC’s worst defenses, but it had no match for the Tigers who finally found its rhythm.

Defense: C-

It wasn’t the performance you were hoping for after a bye week in which they made changes on the defensive side of the football. Ellis Johnson’s defense gave up 535 yards of total offense, highlighted by a career night — 416 yards passing — by Gamecocks signal caller Dylan Thompson. Carolina converted six of 14 third downs and an astonishing five of six fourth downs. The only saving grace for Auburn on the defensive side of the football were the three interceptions.

Special Teams: B-

Daniel Carlson averaged a pedestrian 35 yards per punt, while Roc Thomas and Corey Grant both made questionable decisions returning kickoffs from deep in the end zone. Quan Bray broke several tackles on an impressive punt return, but fumbled near the end, giving the football back to South Carolina.

Coaching: B

There were no major gaffes by head coach Gus Malzahn and his coaching staff. Ellis Johnson’s defense left a lot to be desired, but his play calls were handcuffed by Steve Spurrier’s incredible play-calling in the first half. Malzahn and offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee got back to the run, which resulted in a very successful night for the Tigers’ offense.

Overall: B-

It was a different story for both sides of the football; the offense clicked and had arguably its best game of the season, while the defense played badly. The Tigers will see some good and some bad on film, but need to improve if they hope to win next week at Ole Miss. Despite the lack of defense, it was a win. But the Tigers can’t expect to ride this formula the rest of the way.