Here are five takeaways from South Carolina’s sixth win of the season on Saturday, a 37-12 victory over South Alabama:

1. Defense bails out the offense. One of the first items on Steve Spurrier’s postgame agenda was sending praises to Lorenzo Ward’s defense, a unit responsible for a season-high five takeaways and a touchdown against the Jaguars. For the first time this fall, the Gamecocks kept the opposition out of the end zone and for the second straight week, gave up less than 300 yards of total offense. South Carolina’s tackled well down the stretch and has a shot at a crowning achievement next week against Chad Morris and Clemson’s spread.

2. Brison Williams’ star shines brightest on Senior Day. Back at his natural position in the secondary, the senior safety recorded two tackles, two interceptions including one he returned for a 21-yard touchdowns and deflected another during one of his best games this season. Sophomore linebacker Skai Moore, potentially South Carolina’s top returning defender, also picked off two passes.

3. Dylan Thompson nearing Steve Tanneyhill’s single-season touchdown record: The fifth-year senior quarterback needs seven touchdown passes over his final two career games to tie South Carolina’s single-season record of 29 set in 1995. Needing a couple scores to have a realistic shot at Tanneyhill’s mark, Thompson threw a 25-yard strike to Nick Jones in the first half, but that was it for Saturday’s production. He caught a touchdown pass from Pharoh Cooper in the second half.

4. Brandon Wilds runs hard, says he’s likely back: South Carolina’s junior tailback who was thought to be an NFL early entry lean said after the game he didn’t walk with seniors due to his intention to return next season. Against South Alabama, Wilds rushed for 77 yards on 16 carries.

5. A seventh regular-season win will salvage disappointing season. If there was any year to win the East for the Gamecocks it was this one thanks to the combination of a favorable schedule and several struggling contenders in the division. All will be somewhat well with a win next week however, a trip to Clemson to try and tame the Tigers for the sixth straight year. A seventh win could also push South Carolina into the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, much more satisfying than a trip to Shreveport or Birmingham.