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South Carolina defeats UNC 17-13: Gamecocks win sloppy opener

By Jonathan Bass

Sep 3, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Bug Howard (84) scores a touchdown during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Bug Howard (84) scores a touchdown during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /
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The South Carolina Gamecocks defeat the North Carolina Tar Heels in both teams’ season opener.

It appears the schedule makers know exactly what they’re doing. College football season opened up on Thursday night with a tight game between the North Carolina Tar Heels and South Carolina Gamecocks at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.

It was rough early go for the Gamecocks. South Carolina game out of the gates sluggishly, going three-and-out on its first drive, and failing to put together much momentum. New co-defensive coordinator John Hoke’s unit was kept on his heels early by North Carolina’s up-tempo offense, and took a full half to finally slow the Tar Heels.

Despite controlling much of the game, the Tar Heels couldn’t get out of their own way. Marquise Williams threw interceptions in the end zone in both the first and fourth quarters to seal his team’s fate. Bug Howard and Elijah Hood both had monster games, but the turnovers proved to be a death knell for the Heels.

If there’s a storyline to come out of South Carolina it has to be Connor Mitch’s poor play. The sophomore QB started off with five consecutive completions and ended with a 9-for-22 performance before getting knocked out of the game. Mitch’s health and his progress within the offense will both be points to monitor over the week.

Three stars

Bug Howard (UNC) – 6 receptions, 114 yards, 1 TD

Elijah Hood (UNC) – 13 carries, 138 yards, 1 TD

Pharoh Cooper (SC) – 3 receptions, 45 yards, 1 TD, 4 carries, 20 yards

Odds

South Carolina covers the spread. The Gamecocks were favored by 2.5 points

Next Week

North Carolina’s next game is a home-opener against North Carolina A&T. The Gamecocks will open conference play next week against the Kentucky Wildcats. Both games are on Saturday, September 12.

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