South Carolina is not as good as Clemson, so competing with the Tigers requires some creativity. And I like the idea of what Will Muschamp’s bunch was trying to do here. I just don’t like the execution of it, unless this was somehow an intentional result.
South Carolina fake punt fails when player decks teammate carrying the ball
A reasonable idea doesn’t work out.
For a failed fake punt, this play offers a lot to go over.
It’s a direct snap to the punter’s backfield blocker, Hayden Hurst. Once he gets the snap, Hurst has the option to hand off to motioning gunner Jamari Smith, or he can keep the ball and throw it. Hurst opts for the latter, but he doesn’t see anybody open enough to warrant throwing the ball.
So, what does Hurst do? The natural thing. He takes off scrambling, trying to get the five yards South Carolina needs for a first down. But a teammate is blocking for Hurst, and Hurst runs directly into him, along with a few Clemson defenders who hit him both high and low. The play falls three yards short. It’s a turnover on downs.
Hurst is a solid player. He’s got over 500 receiving yards this year. He’s also got a knack for showing up in fascinating bloopers. From earlier in the year:
Like this failed hurdle, hopefully this failed fake will be something that can eventually be laughed at without any significant regret.
See More:
