:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57470031/usa_today_10391479.0.jpg)
The South Carolina Gamecocks gave it their all, but it still wasn’t to topple No. 1 Georgia, as the top-ranked Bulldogs reigned supreme 24-10.
USC stayed with the ‘Dawgs from the start, trailing just 14-7 at the half. This was despite a day in which the Gamecocks managed only 270 total yards, including just 43 on the ground against UGA’s stifling defense.
With the win, Georgia moves to 9-0 and 6-0 in the SEC. South Carolina drops to 6-3 and 4-3 in conference play.
Jake Fromm was the better quarterback
On a day when South Carolina needed quarterback Jake Bentley to play a near-perfect game in order to pull off the upset, it was Georgia’s freshman passer who stole the show.
Jake Fromm had perhaps the best game of his young career, completing 16 of 22 passes for 196 yards and two scores. Whenever the ‘Dawgs needed a big first down, Fromm delivered.
With Georgia continuing to roll, there’s no doubt which quarterback should finish the season under center for the Bulldogs. Fromm continues to improve and at the right time.
Georgia’s ground game is elite
Nick Chubb went over 100 yards, while Sony Michel racked up 81 yards on the ground and a score. Overall, the Bulldogs rushed for 242 yards on 53 attempts, an average of 4.6 yards per attempts. That’s the definition of controlling a football game. The ‘Dawgs ran 75 offensive plays, compared to just 53 for the Gamecocks.
Head coach Kirby Smart is following the Alabama blueprint, winning with a dominant defense and strong running game. At this point, it’s tough to see anyone stopping them, save for a showdown with the Crimson Tide in the SEC championship game.
South Carolina put up a valiant effort
USC head coach Will Muschamp, a Georgia alum, has every reason to be proud of his squad after Saturday’s effort. Georgia is on a different level right now than the Gamecocks, yet Carolina stuck with them for the better part of three quarters. That’s progress for the second-year coach.
The biggest issue for the Gamecocks was third-down defense. The ‘Dawgs converted eight of their first 12 third-down plays, which proved too much to overcome for Carolina.