Report card from South Carolina football's blowout win over the Akron Zips

South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Akron Zips. The defensive line performance was good against Akron, but it wasn't elite. After displaying dynamic pass-rushing ability through the season's first three weeks, the Gamecocks didn't get much pressure on Saturday, only sacking each member of Akron's 2-quarterback system once. The run defense was stout, and there were some hurried throws thanks to the defensive front. . DEFENSIVE LINE. DEFENSIVE LINE. B

LINEBACKERS. A-. South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Akron Zips. As he so often is, linebacker Debo Williams was a leader (both in production and in voice) for the Gamecocks against the Akron Zips. The only players on the USC defense with more than 3 tackles were the team's three veteran linebackers. Williams, Bam Martin-Scott, and Demetrius Knight all made some nice stops for the USC defense as Carolina held Akron to 154 yards of total offense... LINEBACKERS

SECONDARY. B+. South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Akron Zips. Outside of a long play in which Akron earned over 1/4 of their total yards from the day, the Carolina secondary did exactly what they are supposed to do. USC DBs played well in coverage as the team gave up just 117 yards on 30 attempts. One of the Zips' few deep shots came in the 4th quarter, and defensive back DQ Smith intercepted the Ben Finley pass attempt. A slight bust from Judge Collier (resulting in a touchdown) and a near-touchdown over Vicari Swain (the pass was not completed) were the biggest blemishes for a secondary unit that had a good day overall.. SECONDARY

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