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The 3-2-1: Three key plays, two game balls, one burning question from South Carolina's loss to Georgia

On3 imageby:Chris Wellbaum•09/16/23•

ChrisWellbaum

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Spencer Rattler (Chris Gillespie/GamecockCentral)

Three Key Plays
1. Juice Wells’ touchdown
South Carolina had third and 16 from the Georgia 17. With an easy field goal to fall back on, South Carolina played it safe, calling a screen to Antwane Wells. But outstanding blocking, plus a Georgia blitz, allowed Wells to weave a path to the end zone. The score was the first touchdown the Georgia defense had allowed in the first half this season and gave South Carolina confidence it could make plays, but it came at a cost. Wells apparently broke a bone in his left foot on the play. He did not return to the game and will likely be sidelined for an extended period.

2. Holding on the kick return
On its first possession of the second half, Georgia put together an emphatic touchdown drive to cut into South Carolina’s lead. The Gamecocks needed a long drive to answer, but it was practically doomed before it started. Xavier Legette opted to return the kick despite being a yard in the end zone and was brought down just around the 15. Making matters worse, South Carolina was flagged for holding so the Gamecocks started on their own eight-yard line. Backed up against the goal line, South Carolina’s playcalling had to be conservative and the Gamecocks went three and out. Georgia took its first lead on the ensuing drive.

3. Incomplete pass to Trey Knox (twice)
Once Georgia had the lead, its pass rush was able to tee off on Spencer Rattler. He did a good job of avoiding sacks but was often throwing off-balance. That was the case on consecutive drives when Rattler was pressured but found Trey Knox open. Rattler wasn’t able to step into the first throw and Knox couldn’t make the diving catch on the underthrow. On the second throw Rattler had to slide away from the rush and was off-target just enough for Malaki Starks to break up the catch. Both throws were inches away from being first downs, but instead the drives ended in punts.

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Two Game Balls
Spencer Rattler
The Gamecocks knew they wouldn’t be able to run against the Bulldogs so they put the game in Rattler’s hands. He was nearly perfect in the first half, leading the Gamecocks to a surprising 14-3 lead. Rattler spent most of the second half running for his life as Georgia’s defense began to dominate South Carolina’s struggling offensive line. Rattler finished 22-42 for 256 yards and a touchdown and threw his first two interceptions of the season, but he did all he could to give South Carolina a chance. 

T.J. Sanders
Sanders had nine tackles, with two tackles for a loss and a sack. He also had a pass breakup. He wore down in the second half like the rest of the team, but Sanders was disruptive all game.

One Burning Question
How long will Juice Wells be sidelined?
Wells played just one possession before leaving with an apparent broken bone in his foot. In that brief time, he had two catches for 32 yards and a touchdown and reminded everyone that he is South Carolina’s best playmaker. Xavier Legette had another big game, but without another threat on the field, Georgia was able to focus on Legette and take him out of the game. Depending on the severity of the injury, South Carolina could be without its best playmaker for a long time.

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