Here are some quick thoughts on South Carolina’s 31-14 win over UCF:

What it means: The narrative concerning Steve Spurrier’s future with the Gamecocks continues to pick up steam with every lackluster performance, but South Carolina’s bowl hopes improved drastically thanks to a spirited third-quarter rally against the winless Knights. The Gamecocks feel they’ve found their quarterback of the future in Lorenzo Nunez who threw two touchdown passes in his first career start.

What I liked: South Carolina’s defensive pressure, especially on third down, was the best its been all season. Boosie Whitlow provided a nice spark off the edge and linebacker T.J. Holloman, inserted into the starting lineup for Jonathan Walton, contributed two interceptions that led to points in the third quarter. For the game, South Carolina limited UCF to a 3-for-12 effort on third down and gave up 7 points (due to one drive starting at the 1). That’s winning football for Jon Hoke’s group.

What I didn’t like: The Gamecocks’ lack of energy offensively was disappointing, perhaps a hangover effect following last week’s abysmal outing in Athens. Redshirt sophomore running back David Williams has gone from preseason potential starter to non-factor as a third-teamer. He failed to pick-up several assignments in pass protection against the Knights and didn’t get going on the ground until South Carolina’s final possession, managing just 32 yards on 14 carries. With Brandon Wilds on the mend, UCF was Williams’ opportunity to impress the coaching staff.

Who’s the man: Nunez, a true freshman, tallied 307 yards of total offense and threw two touchdown passes during a decisive third quarter. He didn’t turn it over, ran well with the football in the zone read and did a good job finding check down options in long-yardage situations.

Key play(s): Pharoh Cooper made up for a muffed punt at the 1-yard line with two touchdowns in the third quarter, including one that gave South Carolina a one-point lead on a 29-yard burst. He broke four tackles and received a key block from Nunez on the play. Later, Nunez found Cooper for a 35-yard score in the middle of the end zone.

What’s next: With a new sense of self-worth offensively, the Gamecocks will try and avoid an 0-3 start in the SEC at Mizzou (noon, SEC Network).