Clayton White speaks to the continuation of success on defense
The talent and depth on South Carolina’s defense have gained national attention throughout the season. The team’s 34-30 win over Mizzou continued to prove why the Gamecocks remain increasingly strong at stopping opponents.
In the first half, the Gamecock defense held the Tigers to just two field goals in the first quarter and zero points in the second. Defensive coordinator Clayton White was not surprised by his players success.
“That’s two games in a row we had a short field, and we came back with no points and a field goal,” White said. “It basically explains who we are as a football team, so we’re excited about that. Started the game out kind of on our heels defensively. Forced two field goals early.”
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Throughout the season, the Gamecocks have emphasized the need to play complimentary football. The defense remained strong through the adversity after LaNorris Sellers threw an interception in the second quarter. The unit responded by forcing a missed field goal to put the ball back in hands of their quarterback.
“Love how we played the second quarter, thought we rebounded, got us some momentum,” White said. “Got the offense the ball back twice during the two-minute drive at the end of the half. I thought that was strong as a team, just complimentary football.”
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However, Missouri gained momentum in the second half scoring 24 points and putting pressure on the Gamecocks. But the defense continued to fight, even when the Tigers fought back to take the lead not once but twice.
“Then third quarter, fourth quarter, it was a good fight back and forth. We came away victorious,” White said.
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Head coach Shane Beamer attributes some of the defense’s success to the veterans who returned from last season.
“That’s huge and it’s something that I think really gets overlooked when they talk about our defense or really even our team in a lot of ways,” Beamer said.
