Tackling optional? Social media reaction focuses on porous defenses in scoring fest of South Carolina-Ole Miss
South Carolina and Ole Miss came into Saturday as 2-4 teams looking for traction following lackluster performances in recent weeks.
Like the Gamecocks have done multiple times this season, they got off to a great start on their opening drive and marched down the field with ease. Then Ole Miss responded with a touchdown Matt Corral to Dontario Drummond, the Rebels got an interception by AJ Finley on a bad pass by Collin Hill, and Corral cashed in with another touchdown.
The Rebels were 2-for-2 on fourth down, including a fourth and eight play where Corral found Elijah Moore for a 23-yard pass. Corral had a strong start, with a 13-for-15 passing start for 131 yards and two TDs by midway through the second quarterback.
There was frustration among the Gamecock fan base about Hill after the coaching staff opened the quarterback job during the week, but ultimately settled on Hill, who has started every game this season. He struggled in the last two losses to LSU and Texas A&M. But the only incompletion on his first eight passes on Saturday was the interception.
Ole Miss kicked a late field goal to go up 24-21 at halftime as coach Will Muschamp was very upset with the officials about one second being left on the clock.
Here’s a sampling of fan and media reaction to the first half:
I might disagree with Ole Miss claiming conscientious objector status regarding defense, but I do respect their right to have those beliefs.
— Banks (@BanksW) November 15, 2020
End Q1:#OleMiss up 14-7. Difference in the game is obviously A.J. Finley’s INT but South Carolina is still averaging 6.9 yards per play so South Carolina should still feel pretty good about keeping itself in this one.
— Nick Suss (@nicksuss) November 15, 2020
Ole Miss is 2-4 and the announcers are fawning over them like they’re Alabama. Probably because they look at us and struggle to find any positives.
— TRC (@RubrChickens) November 15, 2020
Ole miss has zero respect towards South Carolina going for in on 4th&8 get it together Carolina
— Sean Cooley (@SEANCOOLEY781) November 15, 2020
How bad the gamecock offense would be without Kevin Harris and Shi Smith is terrifying
— Nathan Boone (@BooneGod) November 15, 2020
KEVIN HARRIS. He continues to impress. Let’s keep feeding him
— The Soda City Sitdown (@SodaCitySitdown) November 15, 2020
Kevin Harris gives us the best chance to win. Run him in the wildcat so he has an extra blocker.
— Brandt Farmer (@brandtfarmer) November 15, 2020
14-7 Rebels as Corral runs it in. Hill’s pick does maximum damage.
Gamecocks’ defense isn’t going to stop this offense but looked particularly bad on that fourth-and-8. Corral wasn’t touched on the throw and three defenders couldn’t contain Moore.
— David Cloninger (@DCPandC) November 15, 2020
Kevin Harris takes his time on the handoff, sees the hole and … bye. Out-runs the two guys running in a V to stop him and he’s untouched to the house.
14-14 on the second play of the quarter, 14:18, second.
— David Cloninger (@DCPandC) November 15, 2020
Soft ass defense. Thanks a lot, Muschamp.
— The Spurs Up Show (@TheSpursUpShow) November 15, 2020
Let’s just split Muschumps salary between Kevin Harris and Shi Smith?
— Billy (@GarnetndBlack) November 15, 2020
WE LOVE SHI SMITH IN THIS HOUSE https://t.co/Bac4zMEXAV
— Zach (All-22 Addict) Gartin (@All22_Addict) November 15, 2020
.@CoachWMuschamp As someone who is not a Gamecocks fan it’s pretty clear Hill should only touch the ball if he’s handing it off to Harris or throwing to Shi Smith
— Cole (@ColeBaldyga) November 15, 2020
We could probably win this game if Collin Hill never actually touched the ball.
— Josh Cairns (@joshc5213) November 15, 2020
3rd and 35 may be 1st and 10 for EVERY team playing against Ole Miss’ defense.
— Nate Mills (@NateMills11) November 15, 2020