Here are some quick thoughts on South Carolina’s 24-21 win against Miami in the Independence Bowl.

What it means: After entering the season as the SEC East favorite with three consecutive 11-win seasons, (most picked the Gamecocks over Georgia), the Independence Bowl win prevented an improbable losing record. It fits the narrative South Carolina wants to present this offseason: the sky is not falling. The team has some young talent returning on both sides of the ball. Yes, the media overrated this team before the season, but SC isn’t far off from threatening double-digit wins again.

What I liked: South Carolina’s defense came to play, even without J.T. Surratt. The Gamecocks pressured and sacked Brad Kaaya (where has that been all season?), forced two turnovers and frequently stacked eight defenders in the box to stop the run. Duke Johnson got his yards, but no other player stood out for Miami’s offense. The Gamecocks also took care of the football and avoided any terrible mistakes. The running game put away the outcome late in the fourth quarter.

What I didn’t like: South Carolina rushed for just 70 yards against a Miami defense that hasn’t played all that well. Miami standout linebacker Denzel Perryman loomed large, but with a pair of potential draft picks along the offensive line and a rested running back looking to make an impression on NFL scouts in Mike Davis, the running game didn’t produce as it should’ve. The defense missed a few tackles and Elliott Fry missed a very makable field goal in the first half.

Who’s the man: Jonathan Walton is deserving with a couple of tackles for loss, an interception and a pass breakup. But Pharoh Cooper accounted for 182 yards of total offense, making the play of the game for South Carolina and then adding a sick catch to set up the team’s final touchdown in the fourth quarter. He gave the Gamecocks an offensive standout on par with Miami’s Johnson and added life to an otherwise-mundane offensive performance.

Key play: Cooper’s 78-yard touchdown reception midway through the second quarter changed the game completely. K.J. Brent threw a downfield block that took out two Miami defenders and allowed Cooper to score. The Hurricanes dominated up to that point, but only led 6-0 on a pair of field goals. Watch:

What’s next: South Carolina’s recruiting class took a hit after coach Steve Spurrier told the media he planned to coach for two or three more years. Finishing the season with a winning record won’t rearrange the entire feel, but it prevents further entrenching of the negative narrative. There are two priorities for the offseason: defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward must find a way to mature this defense, both along the line of scrimmage with a measurable pass rush and in the secondary. Also, the Gamecocks must find a quarterback capable of replacing Dylan Thompson. The SEC East should continue to get better, and South Carolina won’t be in the hunt without some major improvements, but that seems possible if the defense continues to improve.