The hits keep coming for South Carolina in the Chick-fil-A Bowl: Marcus Lattimore, the running back credited with helping power the Gamecocks to the first SEC East championship in school history, is out. Steve Spurrier told ESPN at halftime that Lattimore has a concussion and won’t return after getting shellacked by Greg Reid early in the game.
Chick-Fil-A Bowl, South Carolina Vs. Florida State: Marcus Lattimore Out After Sloppy First Half
It’s hard to overstate the importance of Lattimore to the South Carolina offense. With him, South Carolina can either run the ball effectively or help free up wide receiver Alshon Jeffery by forcing the defense to focus on stopping the run. Without him, the Gamecocks have a difficult time running as well, and allow the defense to devote more time to stopping Jeffery — the only other truly explosive offensive threat on the field.
Not that everything is well on the other sideline. After looking largely ineffective at the beginning of the game, Christian Ponder is doubtful for reasons that haven’t been completely explained. E.J. Manuel is filling in for Ponder right now, and actually led the Seminoles to the first touchdown of the game.
So those expecting for the sloppy first half to be followed by more points in the second half are likely to be disappointed. At this point, both teams are going to be doing well to field an offense. With 13 points on the board at halftime, Florida State might have already won.
See More:
