South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Akron Zips: First Half Analysis

The crowd is pumped as South Carolina takes on Akron in the first game of the 2024 season under the lights at Williams-Brice Stadium. QB Robby Ashford made his first start for the Gamecocks and has done well so far. Defensively, aside from one explosive game, South Carolina is as dominant as it has been all year.

South Carolina started the game with a 3-and-out but was able to score on three of the next four drives. Ashford finished the half 11/16 for 140 yards, 2 touchdowns and no interceptions and added 85 yards of ground work. Offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains has done a great job of getting his backup QB into a rhythm by combining the running and passing game.

RB Rocket Sanders went down early in the first quarter. The severity of his injuries is unknown.

On the other side of the ball, South Carolina has been troubling the Zips offense. Before Akron's 6-play, 70-yard drive that ended with a beautiful 42-yard touchdown pass from Ben Finley to receiver Adrian Norton, the Gamecocks defense held the Zips to 29 total yards of offense and four punts. Veteran linebacker Debo Williams was all over the field tonight, stopping the Zips' running game and recording a sack.

A fumble was the only turnover in the game. Ashford went under center as the Gamecocks pushed forward late in the first half, and the snap was fumbled, effectively ending the drive and the lead until halftime. Akron gets the kick in the second half.

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