In Week 4, the South Carolina Gamecocks (2-1)(1-1) looked to start off their season 3-1 for the first time since 2017. They welcomed the Akron Zips (1-2)(0-0) into Columbia for the first meeting between these two teams in eight years.
Before the game, it was announced that both starting quarterback LaNorris Sellers, and wide receiver Jared Brown would not be playing. That meant backup Robby Ashford would start for the Gamecocks. Considering they have a bye next week, head coach Shane Beamer felt there was no reason to rush either back onto the field.
Putting points on the board first
Both defenses came out strong, forcing opening drive three-and-outs. After that, it didn’t take South Carolina much longer to get on the board. The Gamecocks found the end zone after a sustained 13 play, 89-yard touchdown drive finished by Oscar Adaway III on a two-yard rush.
That's six 🤙 pic.twitter.com/DTUAirfFyb
— Gamecock Football (@GamecockFB) September 22, 2024
Unfortunately for the Gamecocks, star running back Raheim “Rocket” Sanders was injured on this drive. He didn’t return for the rest of the game, and was wearing a walking boot on the sideline. After the game, coach Beamer confirmed Sanders was dealing with an ankle injury. However, said that he doesn’t think will be a long-term setback.
For the remainder of the game, most carries were handled by a combination of Ashford, Adaway, and Juju McDowell.
Also in the first quarter, freshman tight end Michael Smith went down and didn’t return. After the game, Beamer had positive news to report on Smith.
“He tweaked his hamstring last night, but I think he’ll be fine,” said Beamer. “We’ll keep an eye on him this week, but don’t expect it to be anything long term.”
South Carolina quickly got the ball back off another Akron punt by Avery Book, and scored again. This time, it was through the air as Ashford threw a dart to Mazeo Bennett Jr., from 30 yards out to put the Gamecocks up two touchdowns. They also tacked on a two-point conversion as the punter Kia Kroger ran in a PAT option play.
— Gamecock Football (@GamecockFB) September 22, 2024
Pulling away in the second quarter
The second quarter started off with three straight punts, two by Akron and one by South Carolina. The Gamecocks got the ball at their 20-yard line, and drove 70 yards deep into the red zone. There, they were faced with a 4th and 1 from the Akron 12-yard line. Beamer kept his offense on the field and it paid off with a touchdown. South Carolina went up 22-0.
One play at a time pic.twitter.com/GRIryzDwxs
— Gamecock Football (@GamecockFB) September 22, 2024
Akron would strike back on the next drive, scoring their first and only points of the game when quarterback Ben Finley found Adrian Norton on a 42-yard connection for a touchdown. The score was 22-7 going into halftime.
TD 🛞 Finley ✈️ Norton 42 yds😤👐💯
WellDone>WellSaid
DoOrDoNot pic.twitter.com/qPly13Vlqc— Akron Football (@ZipsFB) September 22, 2024
The second half blowout
The second half was similar to the first. South Carolina dominated in all three phases, while Akron struggled to move the ball. The Gamecocks out-scored the Zips 28-0 in the third and fourth quarters, scoring four touchdowns for a final score of 50-7.
The two biggest highlights were a Ashford 36-yard scamper for a TD, and third-string quarterback Davis Beville’s first touchdown since 2021 when he played for the University of Pittsburgh.
Heart and hustle 😤 pic.twitter.com/vxRVHzyOiT
— Gamecock Football (@GamecockFB) September 22, 2024
— Gamecock Football (@GamecockFB) September 22, 2024
Analysis
This game played out exactly how the Gamecocks drew it up. Even with a couple of key contributors out, South Carolina dominated a non power-four opponent with ease.
Without their three best offensive players, South Carolina still put up 50 points, the most since they scored 63 in a huge upset win over No. 5 Tennessee in 2022 when the Gamecocks were unranked. Ashford played well at the helm of the Gamecocks’ offense for his first start wearing garnet and white. He completed 15 of 21 passes for 243 yards and two touchdowns. In the ground game, he led the team in carries (16) and yards (133), in addition to his aforementioned touchdown.
Also in the ground game, Adaway had 14 runs for 42 yards and two touchdowns.
In the passing game, Ashford completed passes to 12 different receivers. The leaders in yards were Gage Larvadain who had two receptions for 79 yards, and Mazeo Bennett Jr. who had 5 catches for 71 yards and a touchdown.
Look Ahead for the South Carolina Gamecocks
Next week, is South Carolina’s bye week, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. The week off will give Sellers, Sanders, Brown, and the entire team a much-needed opportunity to give their bodies a rest and reset.
After a 3-1 start, the team and coaching staff are feeling good, but now is when the teeth of the SEC schedule starts. In two weeks on October 5, the Gamecocks will look for a potential season-altering upset if they can manage to knock off No. 6 Ole Miss Rebels. For now though, they will focus on recovery and prepare to play a conference rival in two weeks.
