Another quarter of lackluster effort nearly drained Saturday night against East Carolina, Mike Davis finally woke up the South Carolina offense.
The junior tailback’s 36-yard touchdown run followed by a 3-yard scoring burst has provided the Gamecocks with a 20-16 lead at halftime in a competitive battle at Williams-Brice Stadium. Davis has 59 yards on eight carries after registering just six yards on 15 tries in the season opener.
Not all has gone right for No. 21 South Carolina.
Last week’s problems on defense for the Gamecocks — poor tackling, breakdowns in coverage, lack of pressure — have continued against the Pirates. East Carolina scored on its first three drives and has out-gained the Gamecocks, 277-225, but South Carolina did block a field goal to escape a previous 44-yard rush from Breon Allen late in the second quarter.
“Our defense is hanging in there,” Spurrier said. “It’s going to be a tough game.”
If South Carolina holds on, it would be Steve Spurrier’s 200th career coaching victory and third in four years over the Pirates.
