South Carolina Gamecocks vs. LSU Tigers: First Half Game Notes

In this week's SEC game, the South Carolina Gamecocks welcomed the 16th-ranked LSU Tigers to Williams-Brice Stadium with great excitement. The Gamecocks received the opening kickoff and held on as they led LSU 24-16 at halftime. On the other hand, LSU had some offensive success later on, but is still looking for answers on defense.

South Carolina offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains started on the offensive side of the ball for the Gamecocks and has had a great game so far, combining the running and passing game well. The Gamecocks offensive line has done a good job of opening up gaps in the running game while Sellers has threatened the Tiger defense with his legs, which included a 75-yard touchdown run late in the second quarter.

Sellers has been hit and miss in the passing game so far. He finished the half 8/16 for 112 yards and one interception. If the Gamecocks can continue to open up gaps in the running game, that should result in more opportunities to move the ball forward. Sellers just needs to become more effective at hitting the throws forward more efficiently.

The Gamecocks will need to eliminate turnovers in the second half. LSU wins the turnover battle after an interception in the end zone and a recovered fumble at the South Carolina 20-yard line. This could cause problems for the Gamecocks as the game progresses.

Heading into the game, the biggest battle was between LSU's talented offensive line and South Carolina's dominant defensive line. So far, the Gamecocks' defensive line has won that battle in the two quarters. LSU's Garrett Nussmeier has had to face the pressure of that Gamecock front early and often. The Tigers have not found any open holes in the running game as the Gamecocks' defense, led by Debo Williams, has squashed it, limiting the Tigers to just 41 yards on 13 carries (3.2 yards per carry).

And of course, Beamer Ball is in full swing. After denying LSU's third offensive possession, the Tigers punted and the ball was blocked by South Carolina's Monkell Goodwine. Goodwine's blocked punt gave the Gamecocks offense a path inside the 10-yard line and led to a Rocket Sanders touchdown on the next play.

LSU had some success in the passing game in the second quarter. The offensive line began to stand up to Garrett Nussmeier, but that was the only positive for the Tigers offense. Defensively, the Tigers struggled to get the Gamecocks off the field, aside from turnovers. It will be interesting to see what adjustments LSU makes in the second half.

You might also like:

Join the community:

YYou can follow us for future reports by clicking “Follow” at the top right of the page. Also follow us on X at @GamecocksDigest And on Facebook!