Having a coaching background (HS Hoops), I can attest that coaches always being concerned going into homecoming games. Any game that has more pageantry going in or a ceremony surrounding it, makes it different that the norm. Knowing that athletes are creatures of routine, special circumstances can produce problems. South Carolina has problems on Saturday, the Gamecocks came out flat and started sluggish in their 23-10 homecoming loss to Mizzou.
The Tigers got off to a start that was as good as they could've hoped for. They would go up 17-0 in the 1st half, before South Carolina responded. Missouri scored 1st on a 3 yard TD run from QB Brady Cook, to go up 7-0 after the 1st. Mizzou put together a scoring drive of 84 yards and 10 plays, that took over 5 minutes off the clock. The drive was capped by a 1 yard TD run by Cody Schrader. Another long Tiger drive ended with a 19 yard FG to make it 17-0 with 5 minutes left in the 1st half. South Carolina then answered with 47 seconds left before the break with a 7 yard TD run from Spencer Rattler. Mizzou would lead 17-7 at the half.
The two teams traded field goals in the 3rd. Missouri Kicker Harrison Mevis made one from 50 yards out, after SC K Mitch Jeter made one from 39 yards out. Mizzou maintained a 10 point lead at 20-10 going into the 4th.
The SC offense was unable to muster any point in the 4th. Missouri got the 3rd FG of the game from Mevis with 12:30 left. That prove to be the final margin at 23-10.
The Gamecock offense struggled gaining just 203 total yards for the game. Most concerning for South Carolina would be that they reverted back to their early season struggles with running the football. The Gamecocks had just 32 rushing yards on 23 carries for a subpar average of 1.4 yards per attempt. SC was also minus two in the turnover margin, as Missouri played virtually mistake free and didn't turn it over. The Tigers also had a decided edge in time of possession at 36:35 to 23:25.
South Carolina falls to 5-3 on the season and 2-3 in the SEC with the loss. They are at Vandy on Saturday for a night game in Nashville. The Gamecocks can gain bowl eligibility and cement at least a .500 finish for the regular season with the win.
