[Tuck4Bama]

On a night when, as expected, not much went right for his S.C. State football team, Buddy Pough did have a pregame wish fulfilled.

Before South Carolina’s workman-like 38-3 victory against the Bulldogs in a Saturday contest with more history than drama, S.C. State’s coach was asked, given USC’s advantage in practically every category, what he was hoping for.

Pough talked about “a good-case scenario” — the best-case scenario would have been a stunning upset, of course — in which his team played well against the Gamecocks. Then he smiled.

“I want to give ’em a good shock,” he said. “I want to make it loud in Williams-Brice (Stadium).”

Mission accomplished, at least temporarily.

When defensive back Markee Hamlin intercepted USC quarterback Blake Mitchell on the game’s third play to put the Bulldogs at USC’s 12-yard line, the ensuing roar from the partisan USC crowd of 73,095 (largest ever to see S.C. State play) drowned out everything — including Bulldogs’ quarterback Cleveland McCoy’s signals, as three penalties (one declined) the next three plays demonstrated.

Still, when sophomore kicker Aaron Haire booted a 37-yard field goal, Pough had the satisfaction of his team putting a 3-0 lead on the scoreboard. This night, that would have to suffice.

USC, despite throwing three first-half interceptions, led 17-3 at the break. S.C. State back Jonathan Woods’ fumble at the USC 12 late in the half killed a promising drive, and two quick third-quarter scores by the Gamecocks removed any doubt as to the outcome.

GoGamecocks.com | Some shock, some awe, a lot of pride

[Stoney]

Can he bring some shock and awe to Tiger Stadium?