Both quarterbacks in the South Carolina-Missouri game had forgettable performances in the first half.

Ryan Hilinski, making his first career road start, and Kelly Bryant each looked out of sorts as the SEC Network broadcast openly discussed if Hilinski was battling an injury.

Bryant began 3-for-7 passing for 48 yards, while Hilinski was 3-for-8 for one yard. The Gamecocks registered just nine total yards in the first quarter. South Carolina’s Dakereon Joyner saw some brief time at QB, but didn’t attempt a pass. The teams combined to start 2-for-15 on third down conversions, as South Carolina alone was 0-for-6. But Missouri was also stopped on fourth down at the South Carolina 1-yard line early in the first quarter.

It was a bizarre beginning as Hilinski had a pass batted down at the line of scrimmage, but he caught the rebound, and then threw the ball to the ground. After official review, the play was ruled a fumble as Missouri’s Cale Garrett scooped and scored on the play.

Bryant had his own play he’d like to have back. DL D.J. Wonnum appeared to confuse the Missouri quarterback as he moved in front of a pass, intercepted it and returned it 21 yards to the Tigers’ one-yard line.

With about four minutes remaining in the half, Hilinski was just 4-for-12 passing for three yards. He ended the half with three more incompletions.

Bryant found some offensive life with 4:06 remaining in the half as he connected with Albert Okwuegbunam for a three-yard score. That lifted him to 6-for-15 passing for 79 yards with one TD and one interception. He ended the half 10-for-20 passing for 120 yards as Missouri held a 17-7 lead.