Offensive Position Grades: South Carolina vs. Kentucky
When South Carolina played the Kentucky Wildcats this past Saturday night, the first and fourth-quarter performances from the Gamecocks' offense were what this fan base is used to seeing. However, the second and third quarters, which saw Dowell Loggains' unit accumulate just 30 total yards, allowed their SEC opponent to stay in the ball game. While this unit got it done when the team needed it the most, certain units will have to improve if the program is going to finish the regular season on a high unit.
Quarterback- B+
Spencer Rattler often ran for his life or didn't have enough time to progress through his reads this past weekend. While this grade may seem unfair, with the big sack he took late in the game that killed a promising drive and a couple of minor mistakes, I'm giving him a B+. That last touchdown drive, however, was a pure masterclass by Rattler, and he went to what's worked all season: find Xavier Legette.
Spencer Rattler attempting to throw the ball with pressure in his face (18th Nov., 2023)
Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
Running Back - B
It wasn't a game where the backs had a good statistical game by any means; more importantly, the plays made don't appear in the box sheet. Mario Anderson Jr. had a nice run on the touchdown drive that gave South Carolina the lead late in the game and made some nice catches to assist in the passing game. More importantly, Djay Braswell arguably made the biggest play of the game, picking up a blitzing linebacker when the Gamecocks got the go-ahead score.
Wide Receiver/Tight End - B
This was one of the better games for this group, and it didn't seem as such because of the offensive line issues. On different occasions, guys broke free, but Rattler couldn't get it to them as he had to either move out of the pocket or extend the play. Trey Knox and Legette came up big on that final touchdown drive as well.
Offensive Line: C-
The offensive line struggled for the majority of the game. It made it difficult to go out and execute the play calls coming in to help this unit. Kentucky defensive lineman Deone Walker was an absolute menace on Saturday for Kentucky and gave this line all they could handle and more. I will give them kudos for stepping up big on the 3rd down touchdown play to provide Rattler with enough time.
While it wasn't the prettiest offensive outing, the beauty of it all is they found a way to get it done when they needed it most, and they still have a chance to bounce back against a good Clemson team and get their team to a potential bowl game.
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