We’ve noted that the Chick-fil-A Bowl is a matchup between two teams that just missed the BCS. They’ve spent most of the first quarter showing why they missed the BCS.
Chick-Fil-A Bowl, South Carolina Vs. Florida State: Gamecocks Turnovers Leading To Seminoles Field Goals
South Carolina has already turned the ball over three times; not to be outdone, Florida State has almost turned the ball over twice. A South Carolina fumble on the first drive led to a field goal by the Seminoles.
South Carolina starts to move the ball again on the next drive, getting into Florida State territory before Stephen Garcia lobs a ball to the one-yard line — and into the waiting arms of Mike Harris. Who is not on Garcia’s team.
But the South Carolina defense holds and forces a punt, which along with an illegal block forces the Gamecocks to start at its own 27-yard line — which is exactly where Florida State takes over when Stephen Garcia is intercepted by Kendall Smith. Christian Ponder is promptly sacked, knocking the ball loose. Florida State recovers, but has to settle for another Dustin Hopkins field goal.
The next drive by the Gamecocks features two Garcia sacks, but seems harmless enough when Spencer Lanning booms a deep punt. Unfortunately, Lanning’s teammates have to make a tackle, something they have trouble doing as Greg Reid carries it inside the Gamecocks 40. The first quarter ends with Florida State trying to score something more than a field goal.
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