With some help from its special teams, the South Carolina defense played its most complete game of the season last week against Florida.
And a year filled with many trials and tribulations may be shifting into the unit’s favor for once.
“It was big, definitely — going into a hostile environment, showing that we won’t break,” redshirt senior spur Sharrod Golightly said about beating the Gators. “We kept on getting better during the game and just took advantage of every snap and what we did in practice. It showed on the field.”
Instead they're asking the "What have you done for me lately?" question.
The answer is a lot.
group kept South Carolina in the game last week and, while special teams did play a factor, there are defensive players who contribute in that facet of the game as well. Senior defensive back Brison Williams blocked a Gators’ field goal attempt to keep the game from getting out of reach.
It seemed that finally, when it mattered most, the Gamecock defense wanted to win more and made the necessary plays to do so.
is not as potent of a dual-threat quarterback as others the Gamecocks have faced thus far, but he's shown he can still make some explosive plays. He has rushed for 258 yards and three touchdowns this year with his longest attempt going for 65 yards.
to throw the ball more as he has only completed a little more than half of his pass attempts.
is also dealing with an ankle injury and missed the past two games. If Bridge cannot play, sophomore Hunter Vaughn will take the reins once again after leading the Jaguars to a win over Texas State last week.
Williams, defensive tackle J.T. Surratt and safety Kadetrix Marcus will play at Williams-Brice Stadium for the final time.
said it probably won't set in that Saturday will be his last home game until the first kickoff, and that he is grateful for every moment he’s had in front of the Gamecock faithful.
He has one wish in capping off his South Carolina career.
said. “Go out being a leader and just show them how it's done and try to come out on top.”