WATCH: Controversial Xavier Legette touchdown catch gives South Carolina lead over Notre Dame

When South Carolina needed to make a move against Notre Dame in the Gator Bowl, Xavier Legette made a highlight-reel catch to put the Gamecocks back on top. It wasn’t without some controversy, though.

Legette hauled in an impressive 42-yard touchdown reception on a pass from Spencer Rattler, but officials went to the monitor to make sure he stayed in bounds. The call stood, and South Carolina took the momentum right back.

It was close, though.

THAT BALL WAS LAUNCHED 🚀@SpencerRattler throws a 42-yard dime to @XavierLegette for the TD!

📺 ESPN pic.twitter.com/bs7OwQnlbn

— Gamecock Football (@GamecockFB) December 30, 2022

South Carolina took a 24-17 lead into halftime, but Notre Dame struck first out of the break when Tyler Buchner ran in his second touchdown of the day to tie things up. Legette’s touchdown came at a good time for the Gamecocks as the third quarter rolled along. They used that momentum to pick up another interception on the ensuing drive to put the ball back in the offense’s hands.

South Carolina safety DQ Smith returns pick-six early in Gator Bowl

South Carolina jumped all over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish early in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl in Jacksonville. After the Gamecocks a fake punt into a touchdown, Notre Dame quarterback Tyler Buchner had a pass tipped at the line of scrimmage, where it fell into the awaiting arms of safety D.Q. Smith.

Smith then took the interception 53-yards for a touchdown to put the Gamecocks up 21-7 after the first quarter.

South Carolina scored a touchdown on offense, defense, and special teams in the first quarter to build their early 21-7 lead. The Gamecocks were one of the hottest teams in college football to end the regular season, and they didn’t slow down one bit out of the gate in Jacksonville.

Notre Dame finally countered with a 75-yard touchdown catch by Logan Diggs to cut the South Carolina score to 24-17 with 5:06 remaining in the first half.