Dylan Thompson Poised to Make History

Right before the yearly huge rivalry between South Carolina and Clemson, the starting quarterback injures his ankle, and the backup is forced to step in, lowering everyone’s expectations for his team’s chances.  No, we’re not talking Cole Stoudt possibly starting for Clemson this weekend, but instead we are talking about Dylan Thompson in 2012 for the Gamecocks, just after starter Connor Shaw sprained his ankle and was unable to play in the big game.  This past week, many fans have been saying that if Deshaun Watson doesn’t start, it somehow negates the significance if the Gamecocks win their sixth in a row against the Tigers.  However in that game Dylan Thompson beat future sixth round draft pick Tajh Boyd and the Clemson Tigers at home in Memorial Stadium.  Thompson threw for 310 yards and 3 touchdowns in a 27-17 win, which at that time was an unheard of 4th in a row victory for the Gamecocks.

Now 2 years later Dylan Thompson is the starting quarterback for the Gamecocks for the entire season, and not only heads back to Clemson for an opportunity to beat the Tigers for the 6th time in a row, but to set the single season passing yardage record for South Carolina.  Last week, Thompson had one of his lower games in terms of statistics, but seemed much more comfortable and in control, making only one or two mistakes and the rest was solidly in control of the offense.  His 237 yards moved him past Todd Ellis to 4th all-time for the passing yardage mark and is now only 176 yards away from moving all the way to first all-time in the record books.  He also threw one touchdown last week, now putting him only one behind tying Connor Shaw for 2nd all-time in single season passing touchdowns.

Sad to think in a year in which many fans have been nothing but critical of the senior quarterback, he will most likely set the all time record for passing set almost 30 years ago, as well as nearing the top in touchdowns, and possibly leading the Gamecocks to their sixth straight win over the rival Clemson Tigers.  Although he is not perfect, he has still played very well and deserves much better recognition from the South Carolina fans.