South Carolina football alum has great game on Monday Night Football
South Carolina football alum Rico Dowdle has been the primary starter this year at running back for the Dallas Cowboys. The former Gamecock had a slow opening to the year in his first starting opportunities, but he has really come on as of late. Last week, Dowdle ran for his first 100-yard performance in a win over the rival New York Giants. On Monday Night Football versus the Cincinnati Bengals, America’s Team’s top back was even better.
Rushing for 131 yards on 18 carries, Dowdle set a new career-high mark against the Bengals. His effort on the ground kept Dallas in the game despite a not-so-great showing from quarterback Cooper Rush. The Cowboys likely would have won the contest, too, but one of the worst special teams blunders in recent memory (maybe since Leon Lett?) gifted Cincinnati a late-game touchdown and the win.
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For Dowdle, the past two weeks could be the start of something big in Dallas. The Cowboys have struggled to run the ball the past couple of seasons, but Dowdle has over 260 yards from scrimmage in his last two games. If he continues playing well, he might earn a long-term spot with the franchise—or another team via free agency.
During his South Carolina football career, injuries held Dowdle back at times. However, when he was healthy, he was a stud for the Gamecocks. One of many former high school quarterbacks who had successful USC careers after switching to a different position, Dowdle finished his time in garnet and black with 2167 rushing yards, a number that is good for 14th-best in program history. He also is one of just eight Carolina backs ever to rush for 200 yards in a single game.
