Quarterback Zeb Noland looked every bit the part of a seasoned veteran when he led South Carolina to a dominant first half over Eastern Illinois.

Noland was an efficient 10-for-17 passing for 95 yards and 4 touchdowns as he connected with 5 different receivers. The Gamecocks led 29-0 at halftime in the opening game of the Shane Beamer era in Williams-Brice Stadium. Noland also found 4 different receivers for the touchdowns, and the Gamecocks used a trick play to convert a 2-point conversion on the opening touchdown. Just what Gamecock fans hoped for to begin the Beamer era.

The Gamecocks also got 2 blocked punts as the expected upgrade on special teams thanks to Beamer’s career background paid dividends early. The Gamecocks also had 13 first downs and converted 6-of-8 third downs.

Noland, of course, is most known for his unique personal story of starting his career at Iowa State and North Dakota State, then becoming a graduate transfer at South Carolina. When incumbent starter Luke Doty went down with a foot injury, the coaching staff turned to Noland, and he won the QB competition.