South Carolina came ready to play against LSU on Saturday

The Gamecocks got out to an early 10-0 lead. When the Tigers were faced with a 4th-and-21 near midfield, they had no chance but to punt, LSU was hoping to at least pin the Gamecocks deep in their own territory.

Instead, Shane Beamer’s famous special teams unit came through and blocked the punt.

The block set the Gamecocks up in a great position, and the offense didn’t waste much time before taking advantage.

Raheim Sanders took a 10-yard carry on the first play to score a TD and put the Gamecocks up 17-0.

Blocked punts and/or field goals are nothing new for Beamer’s team. Since taking the reigns in Columbia in 2021, Beamer’s teams have been in the top 10 in the country in blocked punts and kicks every single season. In 2021 and 2023, the team blocked 4, and in 2022, the team blocked 6.

This is clearly a point of emphasis for Beamer and it has been working for the team.

About halfway through the 2nd quarter, the Gamecocks have a 17-7 lead over the Tigers. LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier has been held to just 50 passing yards and the Tiger offense has been unable to gather much momentum.

With a win, the Gamecocks would improve to 3-0 overall and 2-0 in conference play already. A Gamecock victory would also give the Tigers their 2nd loss of the season and severely damage any postseason hopes the team may have.