South Carolina celebrates a victory. (Getty)
Final Score
North Carolina 7-6-0-0 — 13
South Carolina 0-10-0-7 — 17
Box Score
South Carolina defeated North Carolina in a game that was far from polished. North Carolina quarterback threw three interceptions and could not capitalize on redzone opportunities. South Carolina’s new quarterback Connor Mitch was 9-of-22 for 122 yards and 1 touchdown. North Carolina’s Marquise Williams had a night he would like to have back. Williams finished the night. Williams threw for 232 yards and a touchdown. However, it was the 3 critical interceptions that most will remember.
Here are the key highlights from the game:
Marquise Williams Threw an Interception Early On
Interception! South Carolina picks off North Carolina QB Williams in the endzone to keep the Heels off the board. #UNCvsUSC
North Carolina was able to drive the ball down the field using primarily their running game. On 3rd and goal UNC quarterback Marquise Williams threw an interception in the end zone.
South Carolina Converted a Fake Punt in the First Quarter
South Carolina lined up in a punt formation. Punter Sean Kelly took the ball and ran for a first down instead of punting. Unfortunately for Gamecocks fans, the possession ultimately ended in a punt.
“Bug” Howard Caught a Touchdown for North Carolina
Wide receiver “Bug” Howard came up big on a number of plays during a first quarter offensive drive for North Carolina. Marquise Williams connected with Howard over the middle right in front of the goal line as Howard ran into the endzone for the touchdown.
Pharoh Cooper Is Good at Football
South Carolina’s Pharoh Cooper did a little bit of everything in the game, including catching this touchdown pass early in the second quarter. Cooper lined up in the wildcat formation several times in addition to spending the majority of the time at receiver.
Connor Mitch Has Mixed Results in His First Game
Mitch was 5-of-14 for 76 yards and a touchdown at halftime. His second half was not any better. He did not made any critical mistakes for South Carolina, but failed to really move the offense. He struggled early with his accuracy and also cramped up throughout the first half. Mitch was helped out by the defense’s three interceptions.
Marquise Williams Threw a Second Interception in the Third Quarter
And Marquise Williams’ 2nd INT of the game leaves UNC holding onto a 13-10 lead despite outgaining South Carolina 322-224
It was the second (of three) critical errors for Williams of the game. It was been an ugly, scoreless third quarter.
Shon Carson Scored a 4th Quarter Touchdown for South Carolina
Shon Carson 48-yard touchdown run!
Running back Shon Carson rand for a 48-yard touchdown. After a third quarter drought, it marked the only touchdown for either team in the second half. It would turn out to be the game winning touchdown
Marquise Williams’ Third Interception Sealed the Game
Marquise Williams throws an interception in the end zone on 4th-and goal. USC has the ball up 17-13 with 3:29 left.
With just over three minutes left in the game, North Carolina went for it on fourth and goal with the opportunity to score the go ahead touchdown. Instead, Williams threw his third interception in the endzone.
