6 Outstanding Performances

When you win a game that starts with three interceptions followed by a fumble returned for a touchdown, you are lucky, have a good football team or both. Here are 6 players that turned in outstanding performances on Saturday night:

Alphonso Freeney, fullback. The one play UTC couldn't stop was Freeney up the middle. He rushed 7 times for 54 yards. By the way, Lequintez Reynolds is getting the second team snaps. Where is Jahron Brown?

John Houston Whiddon, wide receiver. Whiddon led the Gamecock receivers with 7 catches totalling 54 yards including one spectacular catch over the middle. Whiddon shows no signs of apprehension in making the tough catch after suffering a back injury against Georgia Tech last year.

Coty Blanchard, Punter, qb. Coty had 3 punts, averaging 39 yards, pinning UTC inside the 20 twice. As the back-up qb, Blanchard ran for one td and threw for another.

Michael Ellis and Jamison Wadley. You won't find these guys among the statistical leaders, but both of them turned in outstanding efforts as they were forced to play what seemed like almost every down. The Gamecocks were missing two key defensive linemen: 1) Tim McGee, who had an outstanding game against Ole Miss; and 2) Trio Tyson, who has been hurt all year but is expected to return against Georgia State.

Brannon Byrd, Linebacker. Byrd had 8 tackles and some really good hits. The JUCO transfer is making an immediate impact for the Gamecocks.