Garnet and Cocky
Fansided

South Carolina Football’s GOAT Series: Top-10 greatest defenses of all-time

By Kevin Miller

Skai Moore is one of the best linebackers to ever suit up for the South Carolina football program. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Skai Moore is one of the best linebackers to ever suit up for the South Carolina football program. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 11
Next
South Carolina Football
South Carolina football’s JT Surratt is one of the best leaders to ever play on the defensive line in Columbia. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports /

South Carolina Football’s No. 6 Greatest Defense of All-Time:
2013

One of the best seasons in Gamecock history, 2013 was more known for its offense than its defense. However, the defense was very good in its own right. The most famous member of the defense was defensive end Jadeveon Clowney who was drafted with the 1st-overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, but fellow defensive linemen Kelcy Quarles, JT Surratt, and Chaz Sutton were very good for the garnet and black.

A few cracks showed in the defense after losing elite players like Stephon Gilmore, Melvin Ingram, DJ Swearinger, Byron Jerideau, Devin Taylor, and Devonte Holloman the previous two seasons (and defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson), but the 2013 Gamecocks made up for it with a knack for causing turnovers. Carolina averaged almost 2.5 takeaways per game that season to limit their opponents to 28 points or less in every game but one for the year.

Home/South Carolina Football