2015 South Carolina vs North Carolina
Jon Hoke’s debut as South Carolina’s new co-defensive coordinator was a successful one in Charlotte as the Gamecocks held off North Carolina, 17-13, in the opener for both teams.
South Carolina linebacker Skai Moore’s second red-zone interception of the contest with less than four minutes to play preserved Steve Spurrier’s sixth win all-time against the Tar Heels and put the finishing touches on a surprisingly efficient effort against an up-tempo North Carolina attack.
The Gamecocks, who managed 14 sacks all of last season, brought down quarterback Marquise Williams four times behind the line of scrimmage and forced the senior passer into three interceptions inside the 25-yard line.
Connor Mitch’s first-career start for South Carolina featured a 9-yard touchdown pass to Pharoh Cooper, but the Gamecocks’ offensive player of the game was fifth-year senior Shon Carson, who scampered 48 yards for the go-ahead touchdown on his first carry of the contest.