Report card from South Carolina football's disappointing loss to LSU Tigers

South Carolina Gamecocks vs. LSU Tigers. Gamecock fans were phenomenal on Saturday. The South Carolina faithful started camping out shortly after midnight for College GameDay, created the best GameDay atmosphere so far in 2024, and were a difference-making factor during the sold-out game against the Tigers. Fans in the stands were getting decibel warnings on their smart watches, and the crowd noise seemed to be what caused an ill-timed snap from LSU center DJ Chester that resulted in a Gamecock fumble recovery. They also let the referees hear it when the officiating was subpar. USC fans can pat themselves on the back for this one.. FANS. FANS. A+

C+. South Carolina Gamecocks vs. LSU Tigers. The coaching was a mixed bag for the Gamecocks against LSU. Offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains seemed to have a great opening script, and defensive coordinator Clayton White had his unit playing aggressively and disruptively. Special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis had Moe Brown block a punt, Things were going well. Then, the offensive play-calling dipped to mediocre, the defensive game plan became conservative, and the special teams was just solid instead of game-changing like early in the game. The offensive decision-making got worse after LaNorris Sellers left the game with an ankle injury as it seemed like there wasn't a real plan for what to do with backup Robby Ashford. Then, in the late-game situation, Shane Beamer and Loggains let the foot off the gas to play for a long field goal instead of spiking the ball to get an extra play or two to move the ball closer. The potential game-tying field goal was missed from 49 yards out. Some really good coaching and some really not-so-good coaching combine to earn this grade.. COACHING. COACHING

South Carolina Gamecocks vs. LSU Tigers. The special teams success on Saturday starts with Moe Brown's acrobatic blocked punt, something that came for a player who couldn't deserve it more. Alex Herrera made all of his extra points and two field goals but ultimately missed one that would have tied the game as the clock expired. The coverage units seemed to be in good position most of the time, but they let LSU returners squeak ahead for a little extra yardage on more than occasion after seeming to have them boxed into a tight spot. Kai Kroeger was fine but wasn't the field-flipping weapon he can be. It was a good day on special teams that nearly was great.. SPECIAL TEAMS. SPECIAL TEAMS. B+