South Carolina's return from its bye week offered glimmers of potential but ultimately ended in familiar frustration, as the Gamecocks fell 20-10 to No.11 LSU on Saturday night. Despite staying within striking distance for much of the game, several mistakes proved costly. The loss marks South Carolina's eighth straight loss to LSU, a streak that stretches back to 1995. The Gamecocks' last win over the Tigers came all the way back in 1994.
South Carolina's defense opened strong, forcing LSU three-and-out, continuing a season-long trend for the Tigers, who have yet to score on an opening drive this season. But the Gamecocks gave the ball right back moments later. Fortunately for South Carolina, the defense held firm, limiting LSU to a 27-yard field goal after the short-field turnover.
Pinned at their own goal line, South Carolina's defense forced a fumble in the end zone that flipped the possession. On the very next drive, redshirt freshman Matt Fuller broke loose for a 72-yard touchdown run, turning what could've been a double-digit deficit into a 7-3 lead.
While the defense delivered some takeaways, the Gamecock offense repeatedly sabotaged itself. South Carolina committed six first-half penalties for 40 yads, including four formation infractions that stalled drives and killed rhythm. The second quarter saw LSU reclaim the lead on a six-yard touchdown pass from Garrett Nussmeier to Trey'Dez Green, who became the Tigers' offensive X-factor.
After the half, South Carolina attempted to slow the pace with a deliberate, clock-draining drive that lasted more than six minutes. The 11-play series ended with Joyce redeeming himself by nailing a 47-yard field goal. South Carolina's defense refused to fold, forcing a second red-zone turnover when LSU coughed up the ball near the goal line. Yet, the Gamecock offense couldn't seize the momentum, starting from its own one-yard line and punting after a 13-play march that stalled shy of midfield.
Trailing by a touchdown late in the fourth, South Carolina crossed midfield again only to turn it over on downs inside LSU territory. The Tigers responded with a clock-chewing drive capped by a short field goal that extended the lead to two scores. By the time the Gamecocks went three-and-out on its next possession, the outcome was inevitable. LSU milked the remaining time to secure the win and extend its dominance in the series.
For Beamer's squad, the frustration lies in proximity. The Gamecocks were only a few plays away from taking over the game. But once again, early penalties, miscommunication, and missed red-zone exection left them chasing rather than controlling the game.
South Carolina will return to Columbia next week needing to rediscover consistency before the schedule tightens further.