Will Muchamp: South Carolina 'understands how to win close games'
The South Carolina Gamecocks pulled off a remarkable turnaround in the second half of the Outback Bowl.
The Gamecocks managed just three points in the game until late in the third quarter. Plagued by multiple miscues, it looked like South Carolina may fall short in the game. Michigan had its own offensive struggles but found a way to go up by a score of 19-3 behind four field goals.
Somehow, head coach Will Muschamp was able to rally the troops and turn things around. RB Rico Dowdle scored the first South Carolina touchdown of the game, and QB Jake Bentley kept it rolling just minutes later with a beautifully thrown ball to WR Bryan Edwards for a 21-yard touchdown.
Once they got rolling, the Gamecocks never slowed and scored 23 unanswered points to finish the game. On the defensive side of the ball, South Carolina forced five turnovers and did its part in the second half of the 16-point comeback.
Immediately following the game, Muschamp said that South Carolina may not have what other programs do, but the Gamecocks certainly have grit and toughness:
https://twitter.com/jstbYOUtiful79/status/947933600342736896
Here is a look at Muschamp’s comments from his press conference after leading the Gamecocks to their ninth win of the season:
Muschamp: “Our players understand how to win close games.”
— Emery Glover (@EmeryGlover17) January 1, 2018
Muschamp said great win for the program, showed a lot of grit. Thought McClendon did great job preparing and adjusting.
— SportsTalk (@sportstalksc) January 1, 2018
Muschamp: “I’m not going to address anything else about the OC situation at this time, but really impressed with Bryan and the job he did.”
— Heath Cline (@heathradio) January 1, 2018
Muschamp: “We don’t have all the history and the trophies (like Michigan) but we have some grit… we’re gonna have those trophies soon.” @wachfox pic.twitter.com/5zI5hxTyeN
— Mike Uva (@Mike_Uva) January 1, 2018
Will Muschamp: ‘All the arrows for us are pointing up. … I’m real excited about our future.’
— GoGamecocks (@gogamecocks) January 1, 2018
McClendon made the call to go for the end zone immediately after the turnover, says Muschamp.
— Heath Cline (@heathradio) January 1, 2018
Muschamp says he knew Rico would be able to play yesterday. Says Rico felt good in pregame.
— Emery Glover (@EmeryGlover17) January 1, 2018
Muschamp says the program has to continue to move forward. Told the underclassmen “all gas, no brakes” when they come back in January.
— Emery Glover (@EmeryGlover17) January 1, 2018
Muschamp said going 9-4 shows the progress and they are still building, just scratched the surface.
— SportsTalk (@sportstalksc) January 1, 2018
Muschamp says,”We’ve come a long way and we still have miles to travel.”
— Joe Cook (@JoeCookSports) January 1, 2018