# 2018 South Carolina Gamecocks football team

The 2018 South Carolina Gamecocks football team (variously USC, SC, South Carolina, or The Gamecocks) represented the University of South Carolina in the 2018 NCAA Division I FBS football season. This season marked the Gamecocks 125th overall season, 27th as a member of the SEC, and 3rd under head coach Will Muschamp. The Gamecocks played their home games at Williams–Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina and compiled an overall record of 7–6, and 4–4 in SEC play.
South Carolina entered the season with high expectations after overachieving the previous year. The Gamecocks won their season-opener, and entered the AP Top 25 for the first time since 2014. Through the regular season, they defeated every unranked opponent and lost to every ranked opponent. By the end of the regular season, Muschamp had become the first coach in school history to win 22 games and reach three bowl games in his first three seasons. However, the season ended with a "disaster" in the Belk Bowl, and this would be Muschamp's final winning season; it would also be South Carolina's final winning season until 2021.
Gamecock fan Marcus Washington's trap remix of "Sandstorm" also made its debut at Williams–Brice Stadium, and has since become a "staple" at home football games.

## Background
### Offseason departures

| Name | Number | Pos. | Height | Weight | Year | Hometown | Note |
| Hayden Hurst | #81 | TE | 6'5 | 253 | Junior | Jacksonville, FL | Declared for NFL Draft |
| Skai Moore | #10 | LB | 6'2 | 221 | RS Senior | Cooper City, FL | Graduated |
| Jamarcus King | #7 | CB | 6'1 | 186 | Senior | Eight Mile, AL | Graduated |
| Dante Sawyer | #95 | DE | 6'3 | 265 | Senior | Suwanee, GA | Graduated |
| Chris Lammons | #3 | S | 5'9 | 188 | Senior | Sunrise, FL | Graduated |
| Alan Knott | #70 | C | 6'4 | 274 | RS Senior | Tyrone, GA | Graduated |
| Taylor Stallworth | #90 | DT | 6'3 | 308 | Senior | Mobile, AL | Graduated |
| Ulric Jones | #93 | DT | 6'6 | 309 | RS Senior | Oxford, AL | Graduated |
| D.J. Smith | #24 | S | 5'9 | 188 | Senior | Marietta, GA | Graduated |
| Corey Helms | #51 | OG | 6'5 | 308 | RS Senior | Alpharetta, GA | Graduated |
| D.J. Park | #69 | RT | 6'5 | 332 | RS Senior | Dillon, SC | Graduated |
| Kaleb Chalmers | #12 | CB | 5'10 | 181 | RS Sophomore | Greenwood, SC | Transferred |
| C.J. Freeman | #36 | RB | 5'11 | 204 | RS Sophomore | Greensboro, NC | Transferred |
| Jerad Washington | #9 | WR | 5'8 | 171 | RS Sophomore | Jacksonville, FL | Transferred |
| Antoine Wilder | #29 | LB | 5'10 | 198 | RS Junior | Riverdale, GA | Transferred |
| Aaron Thompson | #96 | DT | 6'3 | 300 | RS Sophomore | Fort Lauderdale, FL | Transferred |
| Terry Googer | #6 | WR | 6'4 | 217 | RS Junior | Atlanta, GA | Retired |
| Davonne Bowen | #54 | LB | 6'1 | 218 | RS Freshman | Simpsonville, SC | Retired |

## Preseason
### Returning starters

South Carolina will have sixteen returning players on offense, nine on defense and two on special teams that started games in 2017.

#### Offense
### Award watch lists

Listed in the order that they were released
| Award | Player | Position | Year |
| Rimington Trophy | Donell Stanley | C | JR |
| Chuck Bednarik Award | D. J. Wonnum | DE | JR |
| Maxwell Award | Jake Bentley | QB | JR |
| Maxwell Award | Deebo Samuel | WR | SR |
| Davey O'Brien Award | Jake Bentley | QB | JR |
| Doak Walker Award | Rico Dowdle | RB | JR |
| Fred Biletnikoff Award | Deebo Samuel | WR | SR |
| John Mackey Award | K.C. Crosby | TE | SR |
| Paul Hornung Award | Deebo Samuel | WR | SR |
| Wuerffel Trophy | T. J. Brunson | LB | JR |
| Walter Camp Award | Jake Bentley | QB | JR |
| Ted Hendricks Award | D. J. Wonnum | DE | JR |
| Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award | Jake Bentley | QB | JR |
| Manning Award | Jake Bentley | QB | JR |

### SEC media poll

The SEC media poll was released on July 20, 2018, with the Gamecocks predicted to finish in second place in the East Division.
Media poll (East) :
| Predicted finish | Team | Votes (1st place) |
| 1 | Georgia | 1,977 (271) |
| 2 | South Carolina | 1,535 (8) |
| 3 | Florida | 1,441 (2) |
| 4 | Missouri | 1,057 |
| 5 | Kentucky | 874 (1) |
| 6 | Tennessee | 704 (1) |
| 7 | Vanderbilt | 392 |

### Preseason All-SEC teams

The Gamecocks had three players at five positions selected to the preseason all-SEC teams.

### Recruiting
#### Position key

| Back | B | Center | C | Cornerback | CB | Defensive back | DB |
| Defensive end | DE | Defensive lineman | DL | Defensive tackle | DT | End | E |
| Fullback | FB | Guard | G | Halfback | HB | Kicker | K |
| Kickoff returner | KR | Offensive tackle | OT | Offensive lineman | OL | Linebacker | LB |
| Long snapper | LS | Punter | P | Punt returner | PR | Quarterback | QB |
| Running back | RB | Safety | S | Tight end | TE | Wide receiver | WR |

#### 2018 recruiting class

College recruiting information (2018) :
| Name | Hometown | High school / college | Height | Weight | Commit date |
| Rick Sandidge DT | Concord, NC | Concord | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) | 290 lb (130 kg) | Feb 7, 2018 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 80 |||||||
| Josh Vann WR | Tucker, GA | Tucker | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) | 177 lb (80 kg) | Aug 19, 2017 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 82 |||||||
| Dylan Wonnum OT | Tucker, GA | Tucker | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) | 291 lb (132 kg) | Feb 3, 2018 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 84 |||||||
| Dakereon Joyner QB | North Charleston, SC | Fort Dorchester | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | 202 lb (92 kg) | Jun 18, 2017 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 82 |||||||
| Jaycee Horn CB | Alpharetta, GA | Alpharetta | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) | 180 lb (82 kg) | Dec 18, 2017 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 83 |||||||
| Kingsley Enagbare DE | Atlanta, GA | Hapeville Charter | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) | 257 lb (117 kg) | Jul 26, 2017 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 80 |||||||
| Jovaughn Gwyn OG | Charlotte, NC | Harding | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 294 lb (133 kg) | Dec 20, 2017 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 79 |||||||
| Rosendo Louis ILB | Deerfield Beach, FL | Deerfield Beach | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 237 lb (108 kg) | Dec 20, 2017 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 81 |||||||
| Jonathan Gipson CB | Hoschton, GA | Mill Creek | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | 183 lb (83 kg) | Jul 31, 2017 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 81 |||||||
| Maxwell Iyama OT | Murfreesboro, TN | Siegel | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) | 300 lb (140 kg) | Apr 2, 2017 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 77 |||||||
| Deshaun Fenwick RB | Bradenton, FL | Braden River | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 208 lb (94 kg) | May 3, 2017 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 79 |||||||
| Hank Manos C | Chapin, SC | Chapin | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) | 270 lb (120 kg) | Mar 28, 2017 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 79 |||||||
| Lavonte Valentine RB | Melbourne, FL | Melbourne Central Catholic | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | 190 lb (86 kg) | Jul 4, 2017 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 77 |||||||
| Tyquan Johnson WR | Sylvania, GA | Screven County | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) | 192 lb (87 kg) | Jul 22, 2017 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 78 |||||||
| Jabari Ellis DT | Santee, SC | Georgia Military College | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | 285 lb (129 kg) | Jul 4, 2017 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 79 |||||||
| Israel Mukuamu CB | Bossier City, LA | Parkway | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) | 187 lb (85 kg) | Dec 9, 2017 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 77 |||||||
| Jesus Gibbs OG | Dumfries, VA | Potomic | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) | 270 lb (120 kg) | Jul 22, 2017 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 79 |||||||
| Ernest Jones OLB | Waycross, GA | Ware County | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 215 lb (98 kg) | May 5, 2017 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 76 |||||||
| Wyatt Campbell OT | Lugoff, SC | Lugoff-Elgin | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) | 290 lb (130 kg) | Jun 15, 2017 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 77 |||||||
| Darius Rush WR | Greeleyville, SC | C.E. Murray | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 173 lb (78 kg) | Feb 27, 2017 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 77 |||||||
| R.J. Roderick S | Summerville, SC | Cane Bay | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) | 205 lb (93 kg) | Jun 3, 2017 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 75 |||||||
| Overall recruiting rankings: Scout: 19 Rivals: 19 247Sports: 19 ESPN: 18 |||||||
| Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight. In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale. Sources: "2018 South Carolina Football Commitment List". Rivals.com. "2018 South Carolina Commits". Scout.com. "2018 commits". ESPN.com. "Scout.com Team Recruiting Rankings". Scout.com. "2018 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. "2018 South Carolina Gamecocks football team". 247sports.com. |||||||

#### Incoming transfers

South Carolina added two grad transfers, and two regular transfers to the 2018 roster.
| Name | Pos. | Height | Weight | Year | Hometown | Prev. School |
| Nick Harvey | CB | 5'10" | 185 | Senior (Grad Transfer) | Richmond, TX | Texas A&M |
| J.T. Ibe | S | 6'0" | 190 | Senior (Grad Transfer) | Mansfield, TX | Rice |
| Jamel Cook | S | 6'4" | 186 | RS Sophomore | Miami, FL | Southern Cal |
| Josh Belk | DT | 6'3" | 359 | Freshman | Richburg, SC | Clemson |

## Schedule
### Spring game

| | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| • Black | 14 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 34 |
| Garnet | 3 | 17 | 0 | 0 | 20 |
The 2018 South Carolina Gamecocks Garnet and Black spring game took place in Columbia, South Carolina on March 31, at 12:00 p.m. EST. The game was broadcast live on the SEC Network. The Black team defeated the Garnet team by a score of 34–20, QB Jake Bentley completed 15 of 25 passes for 174 yards and 2 TD's.

### Regular season

South Carolina announced its 2018 football schedule on September 19, 2017. The schedule consists of 7 home games and 5 away games for the regular season. The Gamecocks hosted SEC opponents Georgia (rivalry) on September 8, Missouri on October 6, Texas A&M on October 13, and Tennessee, on October 27. South Carolina traveled to four SEC opponents: Vanderbilt, Kentucky, Ole Miss and Florida.
South Carolina's out of conference opponents represent the ACC, MAC, SoCon and Sun Belt conferences. The Gamecocks hosted three non–conference games which are against Coastal Carolina of the Sun Belt, Akron of the MAC and Chattanooga of the SoCon. South Carolina traveled to archrival Clemson of the ACC for 116th annual Palmetto Bowl to finish the regular season. The Gamecocks were originally scheduled to face Conference USA opponent Marshall on September 15, but this game was cancelled due to Hurricane Florence. Akron was then scheduled as a replacement.
| Date | Time | Opponent | Rank | Site | TV | Result | Attendance |
| September 1 | 12:00 p.m. | Coastal Carolina* | | Williams–Brice StadiumColumbia, SC | SECN | W 49–15 | 75,126 |
| September 8 | 3:30 p.m. | No. 3 Georgia | No. 24 | Williams–Brice StadiumColumbia, SC (rivalry / SEC Nation) | CBS | L 17–41 | 83,140 |
| September 22 | 4:00 p.m. | at Vanderbilt | | Vanderbilt StadiumNashville, TN | SECN | W 37–14 | 26,078 |
| September 29 | 7:30 p.m. | at No. 17 Kentucky | | Kroger FieldLexington, KY | SECN | L 10–24 | 63,081 |
| October 6 | 12:00 p.m. | Missouri | | Williams–Brice StadiumColumbia, SC | SECN | W 37–35 | 73,393 |
| October 13 | 3:30 p.m. | No. 22 Texas A&M | | Williams–Brice StadiumColumbia, SC | SECN | L 23–26 | 76,871 |
| October 27 | 7:30 p.m. | Tennessee | | Williams–Brice StadiumColumbia, SC (rivalry) | SECN | W 27–24 | 80,614 |
| November 3 | 12:00 p.m. | at Ole Miss | | Vaught–Hemingway StadiumOxford, MS | SECN | W 48–44 | 56,798 |
| November 10 | 12:00 p.m. | at No. 19 Florida | | Ben Hill Griffin StadiumGainesville, FL | ESPN | L 31–35 | 82,696 |
| November 17 | 7:30 p.m. | Chattanooga* | | Williams–Brice StadiumColumbia, SC | SECN | W 49–9 | 72,832 |
| November 24 | 7:00 p.m. | at No. 2 Clemson* | | Memorial StadiumClemson, SC (Palmetto Bowl) | ESPN | L 35–56 | 81,436 |
| December 1 | 12:00 p.m. | Akron* | | Williams–Brice StadiumColumbia, SC | SECN | W 28–3 | 53,420 |
| December 29 | 12:00 p.m. | vs. Virginia* | | Bank of America StadiumCharlotte, NC (Belk Bowl) | ABC | L 0–28 | 48,263 |
| *Non-conference gameRankings from AP Poll released prior to the gameAll times are in Eastern time ||||||||

## Personnel
### Coaching staff

South Carolina head coach Will Muschamp entered his third-year in 2018. Muschamp led the Gamecocks to 15 wins and 11 losses over his first two years, tying Steve Spurrier, and Joe Morrison for most wins in the first two seasons as a Gamecock head coach. On December 6, Offensive Coordinator Kurt Roper was terminated after offensive struggles. Co-offensive coordinator/wide receivers coach Bryan McClendon served as the offensive coordinator for the Outback Bowl win against Michigan, and was promoted to permanent offensive coordinator to replace Roper. On January 5, Dan Werner accepted the role of quarterbacks coach. Werner has previously been on Ole Miss, Miami, and Alabama's coaching staff.
On January 11, it was announced that former South Carolina star running back Marcus Lattimore would be joining the staff as the director of player development.
| Name | Position | Consecutive season |
| Will Muschamp | Head coach | 3rd |
| Lance Thompson | Assistant head coach and defensive line coach | 3rd |
| Travaris Robinson | Defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach | 3rd |
| Bryan McClendon | Offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach | 3rd (1st as OC) |
| Bobby Bentley | Running backs coach | 3rd |
| Eric Wolford | Offensive line coach | 2nd |
| Coleman Hutzler | Linebackers coach and special teams coordinator | 3rd |
| Mike Peterson | Outside linebackers coach | 3rd |
| Pat Washington | Tight ends coach | 3rd |
| Dan Werner | Quarterbacks coach | 1st |
| Kyle Krantz | Nickelbacks and strong side linebackers coach, assistant special teams coach | 1st |
| Jeff Dillman | Director of Player Strength and Conditioning | 3rd |
| Matthew Lindsey | Director of Player Personnel | 2nd |
| Marcus Lattimore | Director of Player Development | 1st |

### Depth chart

Defense :
* FS
* Steven Montac
* Jamyest Williams
| WLB | MLB | MLB |
| Sherrod Greene | T. J. Brunson | Bryson-Allen Williams |
| ⋅ | Rosendo Louis Jr. | Daniel Fennell |
* SS
* J.T. Ibe
* Nick Harvey
* CB
* Keisean Nixon
* Jaycee Horn
| DE | DT | DT | DE |
| D. J. Wonnum | Keir Thomas | Javon Kinlaw | Aaron Sterling |
| Daniel Fennell | Kingsley Enagbare | Kobe Smith | Shameik Blackshear |
| Brad Johnson | ⋅ | ⋅ | ⋅ |
* CB
* Rashad Fenton
* Israel Mukuamu
Offense :
* WR
* Deebo Samuel
* Josh Vann
* WR
* Bryan Edwards
* OrTre Smith
| LT | LG | C | RG | RT |
| Dennis Daley | Zack Bailey | Donnell Stanley | Sadarius Hutcherson | Blake Camper |
| Malik Young | Jovaughn Gwyn | Chandler Farrell | Jordan Rhodes | Dylan Wonnum |
* TE
* Jacob August
* K.C. Crosby
* Kyle Markway Kiel Pollard
* WR
* Shi Smith
* Randrecous Davis
* QB
* Jake Bentley
* Michael Scarnecchia
* RB
* Rico Dowdle
* AJ Turner
* Ty'Son Williams Mon Denson
* Special teams
* PK Parker White
* PK Alexander Woznick
* P Joseph Charlton
* P Michael Almond
* KR Deebo Samuel
* PR Bryan Edwards
* LS Ben Asbury
* H Danny Gordon

## Game summaries
### Coastal Carolina

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Coastal Carolina | 0 | 3 | 3 | 9 | 15 |
| South Carolina | 14 | 14 | 14 | 7 | 49 |
at Williams–Brice Stadium • Columbia, South Carolina
* Date: September 1, 2018
* Game time: 12:00 p.m.
* Game weather: Temperature: 88 °F (31 °C) • Wind: ESE 3 mph (4.8 km/h) • Weather: Partly Cloudy
* Game attendance: 75,126
* Referee: Marc Curles
* TV announcers (SECN): Taylor Zarzour (play-by-play), Matt Stinchcomb (color), Kris Budden (sideline)
Game information :
First Quarter
(12:02) USC – Dowdle 5 yard TD rush, White kick (USC 7–0)
(05:02) USC – Pollard 8 yard TD pass from Bentley, White kick (USC 14–0)
Second Quarter
(12:01) CCU – Biscardi 39 yard FG (USC 14–3)
(06:03) USC – Edwards 24 yard TD pass from Bentley, White kick (USC 21–3)
(00:14) USC – Dowdle 22 yard TD pass from Bentley, White kick (USC 28–3)
Third Quarter
(10:03) CCU – Biscardi 39 yard FG (USC 28–6)
(06:52) USC – Williams 9 yd TD rush, White kick (USC 35–6)
(01:02) USC – Samuel 8 yard TD pass from Bentley, White kick (USC 42–6)
Fourth Quarter
(09:49) CCU – Heiligh 8 yard TD pass from Carpenter (USC 42–12)
(06:45) USC – Davis 27 yard TD pass from Scarnecchia (USC 49–12)
(02:54) CCU – Biscardi 27 yard FG (USC 49–15)
Total Yards
CCU – 238; 112 passing yards, 126 rushing yards
USC – 557; 294 passing yards, 263 rushing yards
Passing leader
CCU – Keaton Anderson; 11-13, 91 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT
USC – Jake Bentley; 22-29, 250 yards, 4 TD, 0 INT
Rushing leader
CCU – Marcus Outlow; 12 rushes, 59 yards, 0 TD
USC – Rico Dowdle; 15 rushes, 105 yards, 1 TD
Receiving leader
CCU – Malcolm Williams; 6 catches, 49 yards, 0 TD
USC – Deebo Samuel; 7 catches, 56 yards, 1 TD
Defensive leader
CCU – Silas Kelly; 8 tackles, 1 TFL
USC – Bryson Allen-Williams; 5 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 sack :

### vs No. 3 Georgia

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| No. 3 Georgia | 17 | 3 | 21 | 0 | 41 |
| No. 24 South Carolina | 7 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 17 |
at Williams–Brice Stadium • Columbia, South Carolina
* Date: September 8, 2018
* Game time: 3:30 p.m.
* Game weather: Temperature: 92 °F (33 °C) • Wind:SE 5 mph (8.0 km/h) • Weather: Sunny
* Game attendance: 83,140
* Referee: Matt Loeffler
* TV announcers (CBS): Brad Nessler (play-by-play), Gary Danielson (color), Jamie Erdahl (sideline)
Game information :
First Quarter
(14:13) UGA – Taylor 0 yard fumble recovery, Blankenship kick (UGA 7–0)
(11:50) UGA – Swift 17 yard run, Blankenship kick (UGA 14–0)
(07:18) USC – Edwards 13 yard pass from Samuel, White kick (UGA 14–7)
(00:30) UGA – Blankenship 45 yard field goal (UGA 17–7)
Second Quarter
(05:57) USC – White 26 yard field goal (UGA 17–10)
(00:00) UGA – Blankenship 44 yard field goal (UGA 20–10)
Third Quarter
(12:55) UGA – Hardman 34 yard pass from Fromm, Blankenship kick (UGA 27–10)
(09:12) UGA – Holyfield 5 yard run, Blankenship kick (UGA 34–10)
(03:00) UGA – Herrien 15 yard run, Blankenship kick (UGA 41–10)
Fourth Quarter
(09:59) USC – Edwards 44 yard pass from Bentley, White kick (UGA 41–17)
Total Yards
UGA – 473; 202 passing yards, 271 rushing yards
USC – 336; 282 passing yards, 54 rushing yards
Passing leader
UGA – Jake Fromm; 15-18, 194 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
USC – Jake Bentley; 30-47, 269 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
Rushing leader
UGA – Elijah Holyfield; 9 rushes, 79 yards, 1 TD
USC – Ty'Son Williams; 6 rushes, 26 yards, 0 TD
Receiving leader
UGA – Mecole Hardman; 6 catches, 103 yards, 1 TD
USC – Bryan Edwards; 7 catches, 111 yards, 2 TD
Defensive leader
UGA – Richard LeCounte; 7 tackles
USC – Steven Montac; 4 tackles :

### At Vanderbilt

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| South Carolina | 10 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 37 |
| Vanderbilt | 0 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 14 |
at Vanderbilt Stadium • Nashville, Tennessee
* Date: September 22, 2018
* Game time: 4:00 p.m.
* Game weather: Temperature: 72 °F (22 °C) • Wind: NE 11 mph (18 km/h) • Weather: Cloudy
* Game attendance: 26,078
* Referee: Matt Austin
* TV announcers (SECN): Taylor Zarzour (play-by-play), Matt Stinchcomb (color), Kris Budden (sideline)
Game information :
First Quarter
(14:05) SC – Smith 38 yard pass from Bentley, White kick (USC 7–0)
(05:05) SC – White 33 yard FG (USC 10–0)
Second Quarter
(11:40) VU – Vaughn 2 yard run, Guay kick (USC 10–7)
(10:22) SC – Dowdle 2 yard run, White kick (USC 17–7)
(05:23) VU – Lipscomb 2 yard pass from Shurmur, Guay kick (USC 17–14)
(00:00) SC – White 35 yard FG (USC 20–14)
Third Quarter
(10:16) SC – White 36 yard FG (USC 23–14)
(04:06) SC – Denson 1 yard run, White kick (USC 30–14)
Fourth Quarter
(02:04) SC – Williams 1 yard run, White kick (USC 37–14)
Total Yards
SC – 534; 261 passing yards, 273 rushing yards
VU – 284; 192 passing yards, 92 rushing yards
Passing leader
SC – Jake Bentley; 19–28, 261 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
VU – Kyle Shurmur; 18–38, 180 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing leader
SC – Rico Dowdle; 20 rushes, 112 yards, 1 TD
VU – Jamauri Wakefield; 14 rushes, 74 yards, 0 TD
Receiving leader
SC – Shi Smith; 5 catches, 119 yards, 1 TD
VU – Kalija Lipscomb; 9 catches, 72 yards, 1 TD
Defensive leader
SC – Javon Kinlaw; 4 tackles, 3 TFL, 2 sacks, 2 FF
VU – LaDarius Wiley; 4 tackles :

### At Kentucky

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| South Carolina | 3 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 10 |
| No. 17 Kentucky | 3 | 21 | 0 | 0 | 24 |
at Commonwealth Stadium • Lexington, Kentucky
* Date: September 29, 2018
* Game time: 7:30 p.m.
* Game weather: Temperature: 70 °F (21 °C) • Wind: NE 6 mph (9.7 km/h) • Weather: Clear
* Game attendance: 63,081
* Referee: Lee Hedrick
* TV announcers (SECN): Tom Hart (play-by-play), Jordan Rodgers (color), Cole Cubelic (sideline)
Game information :
First Quarter
(10:06) UK – Butler 29 yard FG (UK 3–0)
(05:07) SC – White 29 yard FG (3–3)
Second Quarter
(14:21) UK – Wilson 1 yard run, Butler kick (UK 10–3)
(09:15) UK – Rose 24 yard run, Butler kick (UK 17–3)
(04:53) UK – Snell 4 yard run, Butler kick (UK 24–3)
Third Quarter
(05:07) SC – Samuel 58 yard pass from Bentley, White kick (UK 24–10)
Total Yards
SC – 321; 193 passing yards, 128 rushing yards
UK – 327; 132 passing yards, 195 rushing yards
Passing leader
SC – Jake Bentley; 13–28, 148 yards, 1 TD, 3 INT
UK – Terry Wilson; 13–20, 132 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT
Rushing leader
SC – Rico Dowdle; 13 rushes, 51 yards, 0 TD
UK – Benny Snell; 28 rushes, 107 yards, 1 TD
Receiving leader
SC – Deebo Samuel; 2 catches, 61 yards, 1 TD
UK – C. J. Conrad; 3 catches, 31 yards, 0 TD
Defensive leader
SC – T. J. Brunson; 8 total tackles, 2 TFL
UK – Josh Allen; 8 total tackles, 4 TFL, 3 sacks, 1 FF :

### Missouri

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Missouri | 14 | 9 | 0 | 12 | 35 |
| South Carolina | 7 | 7 | 17 | 6 | 37 |
at Williams–Brice Stadium • Columbia, South Carolina
* Date: October 6, 2018
* Game time: 12:00 p.m.
* Game weather: Temperature: 86 °F (30 °C) • Wind: ESE 2 mph (3.2 km/h) • Weather: Partly cloudy
* Game attendance: 73,393
* Referee: David Smith
* TV announcers (SECN): Taylor Zarzour (play-by-play), Matt Stinchcomb (color), Kris Budden (sideline)
Game information :
First Quarter
(11:58) MU – Rountree 1 yard TD run, Tucker kick (MU 7–0)
(11:02) SC – Edwards 5 yard pass from Scarnecchia, White kick (7–7)
(04:25) MU – Crockett 1 yard TD run, Tucker kick (MU 14–7)
Second Quarter
(14:53) MU – McCann 22 yard field goal (MU 17–7)
(12:57) SC – Edwards 17 yard pass from Scarnecchia, White kick (MU 17–14)
(06:16) MU – McCann 32 yard field goal (MU 20–14)
(00:23) MU – McCann 22 yard field goal (MU 23–14)
Third Quarter
(09:34) SC – Samuel 8 yard pass from Scarnecchia, White kick (MU 23–21)
(05:15) SC – White 42 yard field goal (SC 24–23)
(05:00) SC – Greene 12 yard interception, White kick (SC 31–23)
Fourth Quarter
(13:54) MU – Rountree 2 yard TD run, Lock pass failed (SC 31–29)
(11:01) MU – McCann 44 yard field goal (MU 32–31)
(06:23) SC – White 42 yard field goal (SC 34–32)
(01:18) MU – McCann 57 yard field goal (MU 35–34)
(00:02) SC – White 33 yard field goal (SC 37–35)
Total Yards
MU – 490; 204 passing yards, 286 rushing yards
SC – 377; 249 passing yards, 128 rushing yards
Passing leader
MU – Drew Lock; 17–36, 204 yards, 0 TD, 2 INT
SC – Mike Scarnecchia; 20–35, 249 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT
Rushing leader
MU – Damarea Crockett; 20 rushes, 158 yards, 1 TD
SC – Rico Dowdle; 21 rushes, 62 yards, 0 TD
Receiving leader
MU – Jalen Knox; 2 catches, 50 yards, 0 TD
SC – Deebo Samuel; 4 catches, 88 yards, 1 TD
Defensive leader
MU – Terez Hall; 11 total tackles, 3 TFL, 1 sack
SC – Bryson Allen-Williams; 6 total tackles, 3 TFL, 1 sack :

### Texas A&M

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| No. 22 Texas A&M | 3 | 10 | 3 | 10 | 26 |
| South Carolina | 0 | 0 | 16 | 7 | 23 |
at Williams–Brice Stadium • Columbia, South Carolina
* Date: October 13, 2018
* Game time: 3:30 p.m.
* Game weather: Temperature: 76 °F (24 °C) • Wind: NNE 3 mph (4.8 km/h) • Weather: Sunny
* Game attendance: 76,871
* Referee: Hubert Owens
* TV announcers (SECN): Taylor Zarzour (play-by-play), Matt Stinchcomb (color)
Game information :
First Quarter
(00:31) A&M – Small 52 yard FG (A&M 3–0)
Second Quarter
(04:19) A&M – Sternberger 4 yard pass from Mond, Small kick (A&M 10–0)
(00:00) A&M – Small 20 yard FG (A&M 13–0)
Third Quarter
(08:36) A&M – Small 32 yard FG (A&M 16–0)
(04:54) USC – Smith 22 yard pass from Bentley, Edwards pass (A&M 16–8)
(00:24) USC – Dawkins 33 yard pass from Bentley, Edwards pass (16–16)
Fourth Quarter
(09:16) A&M – Small 39 yard FG (A&M 19–16)
(01:36) A&M – Williams 3 yard run, Small kick (A&M 26–16)
(00:48) USC – Samuel 6 yard pass from Bentley, White kick (A&M 26–23)
Total Yards
A&M – 458; 353 passing yards, 105 rushing yards
USC – 299; 223 passing yards, 76 rushing yards
Passing leader
A&M – Kellen Mond; 25–37, 353 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT
USC – Jake Bentley; 17–35, 223 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT
Rushing leader
A&M – Trayveon Williams; 19 rushes, 82 yards, 1 TD
USC – Ty'Son Williams; 7 rushes, 51 yards, 0 TD
Receiving leader
A&M – Jace Sternberger; 7 catches, 145 yards, 1 TD
USC – Deebo Samuel; 7 catches, 88 yards, 1 TD
Defensive leader
A&M – Donovan Wilson; 7 total tackles
USC – Sherrod Greene; 12 total tackles, 1 TFL :

### Tennessee

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Tennessee | 7 | 7 | 10 | 0 | 24 |
| South Carolina | 3 | 6 | 15 | 3 | 27 |
at Williams–Brice Stadium • Columbia, South Carolina
* Date: October 27, 2018
* Game time: 7:30 p.m.
* Game weather: Temperature: 60 °F (16 °C) • Wind: W 11 mph (18 km/h) • Weather: Partly Cloudy
* Game attendance: 80,614
* Referee: James Carter
* TV announcers (SECN): Tom Hart (play-by-play), Jordan Rodgers (color), Cole Cubelic (sideline)
Game information :
First Quarter
(04:53) UT – Wolf 5 yard pass from Guarantano, Cimaglia kick (UT 7–0)
(00:37) SC – White 19 yard field goal (UT 7–3)
Second Quarter
(02:11) UT – Jennings 6 yard pass from Guarantano, Cimaglia kick (UT 14–3)
(00:49) SC – Samuel 3 yard pass from Bentley (UT 14–9)
Third Quarter
(10:02) UT – Fils-Aime 14 yard run, Cimaglia kick (UT 21–9)
(08:05) SC – Dowdle 1 yard run, White kick (UT 21–16)
(01:47) UT – Cimaglia 45 yard field goal (UT 24–16)
(00:05) SC – Williams 1 yard run, Bentley rush (24–24)
Fourth Quarter
(05:52) SC – White 25 yard field goal (SC 27–24)
Total Yards
UT – 351; 207 passing yards, 144 rushing yards
SC – 376; 152 passing yards, 224 rushing yards
Passing leader
UT – Jarrett Guarantano; 27–39, 207 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT
SC – Jake Bentley; 11–16, 152 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing leader
UT – Tim Jordan; 12 rushes, 63 yards, 0 TD
SC – Rico Dowdle; 14 rushes, 140 yards, 1 TD
Receiving leader
UT – Marquez Callaway; 9 catches, 86 yards, 0 TD
SC – Bryan Edwards; 3 catches, 96 yards, 0 TD
Defensive leader
UT – Nigel Warrior; 9 total tackles
SC – T. J. Brunson; 14 total tackles :

### At Ole Miss

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | Total |
| South Carolina | 17 | 10 | 7 | 14 | 0 | 48 |
| Ole Miss | 3 | 24 | 10 | 7 | 0 | 44 |
at Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium • Oxford, Mississippi
* Date: November 3, 2018
* Game time: 12:00 p.m.
* Game weather: Temperature: 66 °F (19 °C) • Wind: • Weather: Sunny
* Game attendance: 56,798
* Referee: Marc Curles
* TV announcers (SECN): Taylor Zarzour (play-by-play), Matt Stinchcomb (color), Kris Budden (sideline)
Game information :
First Quarter
(14:43) USC – Samuel 90 yard kickoff return, White kick (USC 7–0)
(11:15) MISS – Logan 25 yard field goal (USC 7–3)
(09:12) USC – Williams 2 yard run, White kick (USC 14–3)
(02:38) USC – White 20 yard field goal (USC 17–3)
Second Quarter
(13:46) MISS – Phillips 9 yardd run, Logan kick (USC 17–10)
(07:52) MISS – Logan 26 yard field goal (USC 17–13)
(07:41) USC – Edwards 75 yard pass from Bentley, White kick (USC 24–13)
(06:22) MISS – Ta'amu 17 yard run, Logan kick (USC 24–20)
(02:01) USC – White 23 yard field goal (USC 27–20)
(00:10) MISS – Phillips 1 yard run, Logan kick (27–27)
Third Quarter
(11:56) MISS – Logan 31 yard field goal (MISS 30–27)
(10:05) USC – Vann 5 yard pass from Bentley, White kick (USC 34–30)
(02:50) MISS – Phillips 2 yard run, Logan kick (MISS 37–34)
Fourth Quarter
(14:15) MISS – Woullard 1 yard run (MISS 44–34)
(11:01) USC – Turner 3 yard run, White kick (MISS 44–41)
(05:50) USC – Bentley 4 yard run, White kick (USC 48–44)
Total Yards
USC – 510; 363 passing yards, 147 rushing yards
MISS – 616; 379 passing yards, 237 rushing yards
Passing leader
USC – Jake Bentley; 22–32, 363 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT
MISS – Jordan Ta'amu; 31–46, 379 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT
Rushing leader
USC – Mon Denson; 12 rushes, 102 yards, 0 TD
MISS – Scottie Phillips; 21 rushes, 150 yards, 3 TD
Receiving leader
USC – Bryan Edwards; 4 catches, 109 yards, 1 TD
MISS – Elijah Moore; 11 catches, 129 yards, 0 TD
Defensive leader
USC – T. J. Brunson; 15 total tackles, 3.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks
MISS – Mohamed Sanogo; 11 total tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack :

### At Florida

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| South Carolina | 14 | 7 | 10 | 0 | 31 |
| No. 19 Florida | 0 | 14 | 7 | 14 | 35 |
at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium • Gainesville, Florida
* Date: November 10, 2018
* Game time: 12:00 p.m.
* Game weather: Temperature: 68 °F (20 °C) • Wind: N 8 mph (13 km/h) • Weather: Cloudy
* Game attendance: 82,696
* Referee: David Smith
* TV announcers (ESPN): Dave Pasch (play-by-play), Greg McElroy (color), Tom Luginbill (sideline)
Game information :
First Quarter
(09:17) SC – August 2 yard pass from Bentley, White kick (SC 7–0)
(04:51) SC – Markway 19 yard pass from Bentley, White kick (SC 14–0)
Second Quarter
(13:46) UF – Perine 2 yard run, McPherson kick (SC 14–7)
(08:58) UF – Franks 10 yard run, McPherson kick (14–14)
(04:21) SC – Bentley 1 yard run, White kick (SC 21–14)
Third Quarter
(09:19) SC – White 34 yard field goal (SC 24–14)
(04:41) SC – Dowdle 4 yard run, White kick (SC 31–14)
(00:56) UF – Toney 18 yard pass from Franks, McPherson kick (SC 31–21)
Fourth Quarter
(11:03) UF – Perine 23 yard run, McPherson kick (SC 31–28)
(04:09) UF – Franks 1 yard run, McPherson kick (UF 35–31)
Total Yards
SC – 386; 239 passing yards, 147 rushing yards
UF – 528; 161 passing yards, 367 rushing yards
Passing leader
SC – Jake Bentley; 18–28, 239 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
UF – Feleipe Franks; 15–21, 161 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT
Rushing leader
SC – A.J. Turner; 12 rushes, 84 yards, 0 TD
UF – Jordan Scarlett; 18 rushes, 159 yards, 0 TD
Receiving leader
SC – Deebo Samuel; 4 catches, 120 yards, 0 TD
UF – Josh Hammond; 5 catches, 35 yards, 0 TD
Defensive leader
SC – T. J. Brunson; 16 total tackles, 3 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 FF
UF – David Reese; 10 total tackles :

### Chattanooga

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Chattanooga | 0 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 9 |
| South Carolina | 14 | 14 | 7 | 14 | 49 |
at Williams–Brice Stadium • Columbia, South Carolina
* Date: November 17, 2018
* Game time: 7:30 p.m.
* Game weather: Temperature: 72 °F (22 °C) • Wind: Calm • Weather: Clear
* Game attendance: 72,832
* Referee: Ken Williamson
* TV announcers (SECN): Mike Morgan (play-by-play), Barrett Jones (color), Alyssa Lang (sideline)
Game information :
First Quarter
(09:53) USC – Turner 16 yard pass from Bentley, White kick (USC 7–0)
(04:16) USC – Turner 6 yard pass from Bentley, White kick (USC 14–0)
Second Quarter
(14:55) UTC – Ulmo 36 yard field goal (USC 14–3)
(13:44) USC – Turner 16 yard run, White kick (USC 21–3)
(00:34) USC – Denson 1 yard run, White kick (USC 28–3)
Third Quarter
(13:32) USC – Smith 53 yard pass from Bentley, White kick (USC 35–3)
Fourth Quarter
(14:48) USC – Samuel 61 yard pass from Bentley, White kick (USC 42–3)
(10:51) USC – Fenwick 2 yard run, Woznick kick (USC 49–3)
(04:52) UTC – Tiano 2 yard pass from Nunnelly (USC 49–9)
Total Yards
UTC – 334; 256 passing yards, 78 rushing yards
USC – 602; 364 passing yards, 238 rushing yards
Passing leader
UTC – Nick Tiano; 17–36, 254 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT
USC – Jake Bentley; 25–29, 339 yards, 4 TD, 0 INT
Rushing leader
UTC – Tyrell Price; 9 rushes, 42 yards, 0 TD
USC – Deshaun Fenwick; 17 rushes, 115 yards, 1 TD
Receiving leader
UTC – Bryce Nunnelly; 5 catches, 141 yards, 0 TD
USC – Deebo Samuel; 5 catches, 112 yards, 1 TD
Defensive leader
UTC – Tavon Lawson; 11 total tackles, 1 TFL
USC – Ernest Jones; 5 total tackles, 1 FF :

### At Clemson

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| South Carolina | 7 | 14 | 0 | 14 | 35 |
| No. 2 Clemson | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 56 |
at Memorial Stadium • Clemson, South Carolina
* Date: November 24, 2018
* Game time: 7:00 p.m.
* Game weather: Temperature: 49 °F (9 °C) • Wind: NNW 2 • Weather: Clear
* Game attendance: 81,406
* Referee: Matt Loeffler
* TV announcers (ESPN): Steve Levy (play-by-play), Brian Griese (color), Todd McShay (sideline)
Game information :
First Quarter
(10:41) SC – Samuel 9 yard pass from Bentley, White kick (SC 7–0)
(06:17) CU – Choice 1 yard run, Huegel kick (7–7)
(00:17) CU – Higgins 22 yard pass from Lawrence, Huegel kick (CU 14–7)
Second Quarter
(07:23) CU – Wilkins 1 yard run, Huegel kick (CU 21–7)
(06:29) SC – Pollard 67 yard pass from Bentley, White kick (CU 21–14)
(04:49) CU – Choice 2 yard run, Huegel kick (CU 28–14)
(04:37) SC – Samuel 75 yard pass from Bentley, White kick (CU 28–21)
Third Quarter
(10:21) CU – Etienne 2 yard run, Huegel kick (CU 35–21)
(06:46) CU – Feaster 13 yard run, Huegel kick (CU 42–21)
Fourth Quarter
(12:05) CU – Choice 15 yard run, Huegel kick (CU 49–21)
(09:10) SC – Samuel 32 yard pass from Bentley, White kick (CU 49–28)
(03:37) SC – Smith 20 yard pass from Bentley, White kick (CU 49–35)
(00:39) CU – Etienne 7 yard run, Huegel kick (CU 56–35)
Total Yards
SC – 600; 510 passing yards, 90 rushing yards
CU – 744; 393 passing yards, 351 rushing yards
Passing leader
SC – Jake Bentley; 32–50, 510 yards, 5 TD, 1 INT
CU – Trevor Lawrence; 27–36, 393 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT
Rushing leader
SC – Mon Denson; 17 rushes, 64 yards, 0 TD
CU – Travis Etienne; 28 rushes, 150 yards, 2 TD
Receiving leader
SC – Deebo Samuel; 10 catches, 210 yards, 3 TD
CU – Tee Higgins; 6 catches, 142 yards, 1 TD
Defensive leader
SC – R. J. Roderick; 10 total tackles
CU – Isaiah Simmons; 10 total tackles :

### Akron

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Akron | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| South Carolina | 14 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 28 |
at Williams–Brice Stadium • Columbia, South Carolina
* Date: December 1, 2018
* Game time: 12:00 p.m.
* Game weather: Temperature: 56 °F (13 °C) • Wind: SE 3 mph (4.8 km/h) • Weather: Showers
* Game attendance: 53,420
* Referee: James Carter
* TV announcers (SECN): Taylor Zarzour (play-by-play), Cole Cublic (color), Dawn Davenport (sideline)
Game information :
First Quarter
(09:29) SC – Samuel 15 yard pass from Bentley, White kick (SC 7–0)
(03:59) UA – Nick Gasser 45 yard field goal (SC 7–3)
(03:01) SC – Edwards 70 yard pass from Bentley, White kick (SC 14–3)
Second Quarter
(08:09) SC – Samuel 0 yard fumble recovery, White kick (SC 21–3)
(01:33) SC – Samuel 5 yard pass from Bentley, White kick (SC 28–3)
Total Yards
UA – 260; 178 passing yards, 82 rushing yards
SC – 384; 199 passing yards, 185 rushing yards
Passing leader
UA – Kato Nelson; 19–39 178 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT
SC – Jake Bentley; 14–27, 199 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT
Rushing leader
UA – Keyondre White; 13 rushes, 57 yards, 0 TD
SC – Mon Denson; 17 rushes, 113 yards, 0 TD
Receiving leader
UA – Kwad Smith; 6 catches, 69 yards, 0 TD
SC – Bryan Edwards; 5 catches, 109 yards, 1 TD
Defensive leader
UA – Zaire Jacobs ; 8 total tackles, 1 FF
SC – Kingsley Enagbare; 6 total tackles, 2 TFL, 1 sack :

### Vs. Virginia (Belk Bowl)

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | Total |
| Virginia | | | 0 |
| South Carolina | | | 0 |
at Bank of America Stadium • Charlotte, NC
* Date: December 29, 2018
* Game time: 12:00 p.m.
* Game weather: Temperature: • Wind: • Weather:
* TV announcers (ABC): Adam Amin (play-by-play), Anthony Becht (color), Rocky Boiman (color)
Game information :
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
Total Yards
UVA –
USC –
Passing leader
UVA –
USC –
Rushing leader
UVA –
USC –
Receiving leader
UVA –
USC –
Defensive leader
UVA –
USC – :

## Rankings

Ranking movements Legend: ██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking — = Not ranked RV = Received votes :
| | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week |
| Poll | Pre | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | Final |
| AP | RV | 24 | RV | RV | RV | — | RV | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Coaches | RV | 24 | RV | RV | RV | RV | RV | RV | RV | RV | RV | — | RV | — | — | — |
| CFP | Not released | Not released | Not released | Not released | Not released | Not released | Not released | Not released | Not released | — | — | — | — | — | — | Not released |

## Players drafted into the NFL

| Round | Pick | Player | Position | NFL club |
| 2 | 36 | Deebo Samuel | WR | San Francisco 49ers |
| 6 | 201 | Rashad Fenton | CB | Kansas City Chiefs |
| 6 | 212 | Dennis Daley | OT | Carolina Panthers |