The South Carolina Gamecocks had no trouble with Mississippi State on Saturday afternoon, cruising to a 34-16 win behind yet another impressive day from Connor Shaw and their defense. The win keeps USC firmly in the chase for the SEC East title.
Mississippi State vs. South Carolina 2013 final score: Gamecocks dominate Bulldogs, 34-16
The Bulldogs had no answers for Connor Shaw, Mike Davis and South Carolina’s offensive arsenal.
Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
MSU walked the ball down the field on its opening possession to take an early 7-0 lead. That would be the only touchdown the Bulldogs would score for a long time, though, as South Carolina turned it up after hearing some groans at Williams-Brice Stadium.
Shaw connected with Shaq Roland twice in the first quarter to put the Gamecocks up 14-7 and then a 44-yard field goal off the foot of Elliott Fry pushed the lead to 17-7. And then things got really weird right before halftime.
South Carolina completely dominated the second half, taking a 34-10 lead by the end of the third quarter. The Bulldogs added a touchdown in garbage time, though USC had already begun pulling their starters by that point.
With the win, the Gamecocks improved to 7-2 overall and 5-2 against SEC foes.
Box Score Hero:
Connor Shaw: 10/20, 147 yards, 4 TD
Mike Davis: 15 carries, 128 yards, 2 receptions, 26 yards
Dak Prescott: 25/40, 209 yards, 0 TD, 3 INT, 15 carries, 78 yards, 2 TD
Rankings Ramifications: South Carolina should remain right around No. 14 when the next BCS poll is unveiled on Sunday night. Unless a couple of teams ahead of them lose, it’s tough to see the Gamecocks moving up much more until they play Clemson on Nov. 30.
But Did They Cover? South Carolina came in as a 13-point favorite. They covered the spread.
For More On This Game: For more on Cocks football, visit South Carolina community Garnet And Black Attack, plus SEC community Team Speed Kills. For more on Bulldogs football, visit Mississippi State community For Whom The Cowbell Tolls.
Next Week’s Schedule:
South Carolina: 11/16, vs. Florida, time TBD
Mississippi State: 11/9, @ Texas A&M, 3:30 p.m. ET
More from SB Nation college football:
• Long read: Inside Chip Kelly’s New Hampshire laboratory
See More:
