South Carolina Football: Ranking the top-15 offensive performances in Gamecock history
By Kevin Miller
South Carolina Football’s No. 14 Greatest Offensive Performance of All-Time:
Ace Sanders vs. Michigan
In a game loaded with memorable moments, Ace Sanders was at the center of more Outback Bowl moments than any other player. Jadeveon Clowney had “The Hit,” Dylan Thompson and Bruce Ellington teamed up for the game-winning score, but Sanders provided the Gamecocks’ other three touchdowns.
The diminutive receiver shook approximately 237 different Michigan Wolverine defenders in the Tampa-based bowl game. He caught a touchdown in the 2nd quarter from Dylan Thompson and a clutch TD (an impressive toe-tapper in the back of the end zone) from Connor Shaw in the 4th.
The most Ace Sanders-y moment of the bowl matchup came in the 1st quarter. For reasons unknown, Michigan elected to punt to Sanders. That decision proved costly as #1 weaved in and out of the entire Wolverine coverage unit for a 63-yard touchdown.
The Gamecocks won a one-possession game, so Sanders’ efforts were essential in securing a second-straight 11-win season for the Gamecocks.