South Carolina jumped out to a 14-0 lead early and — after several defensive or special teams lapses — coasted enough to insert players down the depth chart. In its season finale, the loss dropped Western Carolina to 0-52 all-time against FBS programs, 0-19 all-time against the SEC.

The 6-5 Gamecocks showed quite a turnaround from a midseason slump when they dropped three straight and fell to 2-4. It was quite a departure from last season’s 3-9 campaign, which ended a school-record seven straight bowl appearances for the Gamecocks.

The bowl appearance will be a great experience for many of the upperclassmen who might have redshirted during the last bowl game in 2014, the Duck Commander Independence Bowl in Shreveport, La. When those players signed with South Carolina, the program was in the midst of three straight 11-win seasons and regular bowl games.

The Senior Day game was a chance for Gamecock fans to say goodbye to one-time starting quarterback Perry Orth. The former walk-on saw his role on the team change from starter to mentor of freshmen Jake Bentley and Brandon McIlwain.

Orth started 11 games in his career, and positive memories include the season-opening 13-10 win over Vanderbilt, and last year’s near-upset of then-No. 1 Clemson when he threw three second-half TDs in a 37-32 result.

Another senior, Gamecocks kicker Elliott Fry passed Collin Mackie’s school record of 330 points against Missouri.

But what might be most memorable about this season was the emergence of Bentley at quarterback, and his journey to even make the roster during what otherwise would have been his high school senior season.

Against UMass in a win on Oct. 22, Bentley was 17-for-26 for 201 yards passing and 2 touchdown throws. The touchdowns were the Gamecocks’ first since Week 2.

Bentley went on to engineer wins over Tennessee and Missouri with six touchdowns and no interceptions in his first three games. His first loss — and interception — came at Florida last week.

It all culminated in a return to the bowl season, which was somewhat surprising, especially given the Gamecocks’ sluggish start. The signature win over Tennessee is so far a highlight this season for the program.

What it means

The win meant the Gamecocks doubled last year’s win total. The bowl berth allows for more practice time for a team that is among the youngest in the country. Of course, their key players are freshmen starters at quarterback, running back and receiver in Will Muschamp’s first season.

What I liked

In an early onslaught of points, the Gamecocks poured it on even after the Catamounts responded after a 14-0 deficit. Deebo Samuel returned the ensuing kickoff 100 yards and was barely touched for a 21-7 Gamecocks lead with 7:48 left in the first quarter.

What I didn’t like

South Carolina’s defense was gashed early by several rushing plays by Western Carolina quarterback Tyrie Adams and running back Detrez Newsome, including two on third down and a 39-yard touchdown. Then on fourth down, Connell Young muscled his way for a touchdown with 4:08 left in the first quarter. The South Carolina linebackers were nowhere to be found on both of those scoring plays. Adams had four third down conversions by early in the second quarter.

Then, similar to the UMass game, the South Carolina defense was caught sleeping again in the second half and allowed another rushing score and 2-point conversion.

With the starters still in the game and 1:25 left in the third quarter, a failed screen pass on fourth down gave the ball back to Western Carolina. It would have been a 51-yard field goal attempt.

Newsome then returned a kickoff for a touchdown with 9:13 left in the fourth quarter, though the 2-point conversion attempt pass was batted down. It was the first time South Carolina allowed 30 or more points this season, but the third game that South Carolina allowed a kickoff return for a touchdown.

Who’s the man

Deebo Samuel had three first-half touchdowns, including a stunning collision at the goal line on a rushing score with 14 seconds left in the first half. By halftime, he had 3 catches for 46 yards, and 4 rushes for 27 yards on top of the kickoff return TD.

Rico Dowdle also had a big game with more than 200 yards rushing, including two first-quarter touchdowns.

Key play

The first-half goal line stand by South Carolina’s defense after Western Carolina had a 57-yard pass play to the South Carolina 1-yard-line. The Catamounts were stuffed on three straight runs, then a fourth down pass was incomplete. It swung the momentum and setup the ensuing 98-yard scoring drive that ended with a Samuel touchdown.

What’s next

The Gamecocks travel to the Upstate to take on Clemson. South Carolina has won six of the last 10 in the series.