COLUMBIA — Because of doctors’ orders, star South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore wasn’t able to be at Saturday’s game against Arkansas when the painting of his school-record of 38 rushing touchdowns was recognized inside Williams-Brice Stadium. But the injured junior recorded a short video that was played on the big screen during an injury timeout about a minute and a half into the first quarter to a loud reception from the fans.
“Hey Gamecock Country, I just wanted to take a minute to thank you very much for all the notes, for all the cards, all the emails that I got,” Lattimore said in the video. “I appreciate all your support. I’m feeling fine and I’m working hard to get back on the football field again. And to my teammates, one message: beat Arkansas.”
Lattimore suffered a devastating injury to his right knee two weeks ago against Tennessee, and he had surgery last week to repair several ligaments.
Several players had Lattimore’s number written on them, and defensive back D.J. Swearinger dedicated his game ball to his injured teammate.
“It’s different without him on the field, emotionally and physically, but our guys were really amped up for this one,” USC QB Connor Shaw said. “I think our guys came out and played for him.”
Tough sledding for miles
With Lattimore out for the season, senior Kenny Miles got his first start of 2012 and finished with 37 yards on 14 carries, an average of 2.6 per carry for a team that finished with 104 yards on 41 rushes. Miles did catch three passes for 44 yards, second most on the team Saturday.
“I don’t think I did that great,” he said after the game. “There were a few plays I feel I could’ve broke, but I got tripped up and things like that. I feel like we’ve got a lot of improvement to make as a whole.”
Freshman Mike Davis was USC’s leading rusher, gaining 53 yards on 13 carries and scoring on a 2-yard touchdown late in the game. He also had the longest run of the day for the Gamecocks, a 20-yard scamper in the second half.
Spurrier closing in on record
With the 38-20 win over Arkansas, Spurrier’s record at USC is now 63-37 through 100 games. He’s one win shy of tying Rex Enright for the most wins in a career at South Carolina. He’ll get that chance next week against FCS foe Wofford, meaning the game at Clemson on Nov. 24 could be for the record.
Ellington goes over 100 again
For the second consecutive game, USC receiver Bruce Ellington went over 100 yards. He caught five passes for 104 yards, a career-high, and a touchdown against the Razorbacks. He’d never reached triple digits in yards before the game against Tennessee two weeks ago. One of the reasons for the increase in production could be because of a move to the outside receiver position.
Frustrated Clowney
USC defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, who’s considered by many pundits and coaches to be one of the best defenders in the country, hasn’t seen too many flags thrown for offensive players holding him illegally. He did get one early in Saturday’s game, but after a couple other plays, he was asking officials for more yellow.
“I get frustrated all the time, but I know that’s a call they’re not even going to call no more in this league,” he said after Saturday’s game. “It’s got to be real clear; they got to tackle you down to the ground to call holding. I get frustrated by it, but I try to keep my cool out there on the field.”
link: http://bleacherreport.com/tb/d8Wja?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=south-carolina-football
“Hey Gamecock Country, I just wanted to take a minute to thank you very much for all the notes, for all the cards, all the emails that I got,” Lattimore said in the video. “I appreciate all your support. I’m feeling fine and I’m working hard to get back on the football field again. And to my teammates, one message: beat Arkansas.”
Lattimore suffered a devastating injury to his right knee two weeks ago against Tennessee, and he had surgery last week to repair several ligaments.
Several players had Lattimore’s number written on them, and defensive back D.J. Swearinger dedicated his game ball to his injured teammate.
“It’s different without him on the field, emotionally and physically, but our guys were really amped up for this one,” USC QB Connor Shaw said. “I think our guys came out and played for him.”
Tough sledding for miles
With Lattimore out for the season, senior Kenny Miles got his first start of 2012 and finished with 37 yards on 14 carries, an average of 2.6 per carry for a team that finished with 104 yards on 41 rushes. Miles did catch three passes for 44 yards, second most on the team Saturday.
“I don’t think I did that great,” he said after the game. “There were a few plays I feel I could’ve broke, but I got tripped up and things like that. I feel like we’ve got a lot of improvement to make as a whole.”
Freshman Mike Davis was USC’s leading rusher, gaining 53 yards on 13 carries and scoring on a 2-yard touchdown late in the game. He also had the longest run of the day for the Gamecocks, a 20-yard scamper in the second half.
Spurrier closing in on record
With the 38-20 win over Arkansas, Spurrier’s record at USC is now 63-37 through 100 games. He’s one win shy of tying Rex Enright for the most wins in a career at South Carolina. He’ll get that chance next week against FCS foe Wofford, meaning the game at Clemson on Nov. 24 could be for the record.
Ellington goes over 100 again
For the second consecutive game, USC receiver Bruce Ellington went over 100 yards. He caught five passes for 104 yards, a career-high, and a touchdown against the Razorbacks. He’d never reached triple digits in yards before the game against Tennessee two weeks ago. One of the reasons for the increase in production could be because of a move to the outside receiver position.
Frustrated Clowney
USC defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, who’s considered by many pundits and coaches to be one of the best defenders in the country, hasn’t seen too many flags thrown for offensive players holding him illegally. He did get one early in Saturday’s game, but after a couple other plays, he was asking officials for more yellow.
“I get frustrated all the time, but I know that’s a call they’re not even going to call no more in this league,” he said after Saturday’s game. “It’s got to be real clear; they got to tackle you down to the ground to call holding. I get frustrated by it, but I try to keep my cool out there on the field.”
link: http://bleacherreport.com/tb/d8Wja?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=south-carolina-football
