South Carolina Football: The Legend of Michael Scarnecchia
By Kyle Zartman
The legend of Michael Scarnecchia has found itself forever in South Carolina football lore.
Words can’t possibly describe the scene at Williams-Brice Stadium on Saturday. There could not possibly be more ups and downs in a single game for South Carolina football.
Truth be told, the Gamecocks looked dead in the water. And then at halftime, the sky opened up and it began to absolutely pour. At this moment, something changed, everything changed.
Thrust into the starting position, due to a Jake Bentley knee injury, Michael Scarnecchia had a lot to prove to Gamecocks’ fans. In his first collegiate start, Scarnecchia answered all of the questions, and proved to South Carolina football fans that he could lead this team.
Michael Scarnecchia answered the call on Saturday throwing for 249 yards and 3 touchdowns. The situation itself for South Carolina fans was an interesting one. If the Gamecocks lost, it was because they were starting a guy who had barely played in five years, if the Gamecocks won, it would somewhat miraculous due to the situation. It was miraculous.
Losing 23-14 at halftime, the torrential downpour changed the fortunes of the Gamecocks. They almost seemed ignited by the storm.
Just as soon as it seemed the Gamecocks’ fortunes had changed, the Tigers were able to make a comeback and take a late 4th quarter lead. They converted a 57-yard field goal with only 1:18 left in the game. Despite all of the effort, it looked like the Gamecocks were going to suffer a heartbreaking loss.
This is where the South Carolina lore for Michael Scarnecchia will live forever. The Gamecocks took over at their 31-yard line down by two. Scarnecchia hit on two passes to get the Gamecocks to their 46-yard line. That’s when Scarnecchia hit Kyle Markway for 27 yards, right down the middle of the field.
The completion to Markway put the Gamecocks in field goal range, and Parker White booted the game winning field goal with two seconds left on the clock.
At this moment, it appears Jake Bentley will be the starter on Saturday against Texas A&M. Even if he doesn’t take another snap, the legend of Michael Scarnecchia will live in Gamecocks’ lore forever.