There are a number of factors that led to South Carolina’s surprising 31-13 victory at Missouri.

South Carolina was the fan favorite to win — though Vegas favored Mizzou — most probably didn’t expect to see such a dominant win for Will Muschamp’s team.

Most thought it would be close, but it really wasn’t once South Carolina found its footing.

It’s easy to point to South Carolina wide receiver Deebo Samuel’s performance as being a key reason for that. Samuel played an incredible game, scoring a 25-yard rushing touchdown and a 97-yard kickoff return touchdown. He certainly helped reverse Mizzou’s early momentum in the game.

But perhaps the biggest reason for the South Carolina victory, long-term, was its ability to slow down Drew Lock in the red zone. The Gamecocks’ defense held its own when it mattered, and it helped set up the offense with solid field position.

Bend, but don’t break

Muschamp told ESPN after the game that his team “spent a lot of time in the red area” in practice leading up to the Missouri game.

“That’s part of who we are,” he said. “We knew they were going to gain some yards. … We gave them the one explosive play, which was disappointing, and a couple runs in the first half. But to get down in the red zone and play good red zone defense. … We did that.”

After allowing the Tigers to take an early 10-0 lead, South Carolina’s defense stepped up on the road. Jamyest Williams’ interception with his team down 10-7 led to that Samuel touchdown run. That pick was one of three turnovers South Carolina forced.

It’s not that the defense shut down Mizzou in terms of yardage. Lock was 14-of-32 for 245 yards — and the team had 423 total yards of offense.

The Gamecocks have been outgained in both games, an astonishing 927-605 overall, yet are 2-0. They rank dead last in the SEC — 108th nationally — in total defense, they they are 2-0.

As Muschamp noted, he knew the Tigers were going to move the ball. It was the way the drives stalled in the red zone that South Carolina should be most proud of.

We’re only two games into the young college football season, but South Carolina’s red zone defense ranks No. 16 in the nation. Opponents have driven inside their 20 nine times, but scored just four touchdowns and kicked one field goal.

It has only allowed opponents five scores on nine attempts — and that’s against two pretty good offenses. The Gamecocks’ red zone defense was No. 17 in the nation last season. It could end up winning Muschamp’s team a lot of ball games.

Next up for South Carolina is another SEC East game, this time at home, against Kentucky on Sept. 16.