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WATCH: Shane Beamer gets fired up after South Carolina returns blocked punt for touchdown

Chandler Vesselsby:Chandler Vessels•09/03/22•

ChandlerVessels

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Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

South Carolina came up with a big play right when it needed to Saturday, and Gamecocks coach Shane Beamer loved every moment. Clinging to a 20-14 lead in the third quarter, South Carolina blocked a punt that was scooped up and returned for a touchdown by DQ Smith.

Beamer was unable to contain his excitement after the play, which put the Gamecocks up by two touchdowns after Jaheim Bell converted the two-point attempt. The coach was seen jumping up and down on the sidelines and waving his arm around as he celebrated with his players.

The fun didn’t end with that blocked punt touchdown for South Carolina. Just three drives later, the Gamecocks once again forced Georgia State to punt and got their hands on it for a touchdown. This time it was Ahmarean Brown who came up with the big play to put South Carolina up 35-14.

Although the special teams has been nothing short of spectacular, the offense has struggled so far this game. New quarterback Spencer Rattler has already thrown a pair of interceptions, and didn’t record his first touchdown until midway through the third quarter. That has made plays such as the blocked punt touchdowns all the more important for South Carolina as it looks to hang on to win this game.

At one point in the second half, the Gamecocks actually found themselves trailing 14-12. However, thanks to the special teams touchdowns and the pass from Rattler, they are now in a comfortable position late in the fourth.

South Carolina has also gotten a solid day out of kicker Mitch Jeter. The junior went 2-of-2 on his field goal attempts for the day, including a 53-yarder. It’s safe to safe that if the Gamecocks ultimately come away with this victory, they will have their special teams to thank.