Gamecocks get well against Furman: 5 takeaways

COLUMBIA — Had to improve, had to feel better, had to win.

Check, times three. 

South Carolina posted a much-needed victory over Furman on Saturday, but perhaps not by the expected score. Many, including this writer, thought this would be a tight game throughout, but were right only until O’Mega Blake — not so coincidentally, from Rock Hill, South Carolina — caught the Gamecocks’ second touchdown in a 40-second span and put the game on ice.

A 47-21 win put everyone in a good mood and propelled USC into a week where it will need every bit of pleasant it can find. The Georgia Bulldogs wait between the hedges next week.

Can the Gamecocks channel Foghorn Leghorn? From the vibes on Saturday — i.e. pure emotion — why not?

Takeaways from a win in which some goals were met:

Winning the unwinnable

If the performance had been bad, as in only slightly better than last week, or unthinkably worse, USC would have lost even if it had won. Yet because they looked good, and really good, the Gamecocks will only get the “Yeah, but … ” from outside the program.

Sure, offensive-line play was improved. But it was against Furman. It was supposed to improve, considering the sheer height/weight advantage the Gamecocks’ enjoyed. The Paladins, while a very good team that should be in the FCS playoffs come November, are not in the FBS, much less the SEC.

USC will have to be satisfied with the numbers. Only one sack allowed (against the backup QB), where it allowed nine last week. Seven Furman tackles for loss — not great, but a galaxy away from the 16 the Tar Heels amassed.

It was the same five linemen (with Tyshawn Wannamaker, who played a lot in relief of the injured Cason Henry last week, starting over Henry) to start and then seven subs. Freshmen Tree Babalade and Trovon Baugh got the most work among the newbies and did well.