COLUMBIA (WACH) - Dylan Thompson came into Saturday’s game as the great unknown. But by the end, everyone was talking all about the sophomore quarterback.
Thompson completed 21 of 37 attempts for 330 yards in South Carolina’s 48-10 victory over East Carolina. He threw three touchdown passes in relief of injured starter Connor Shaw.
In the first half, USC junior running back Marcus Lattimore scored on a 6 yard run. Lattimore tied George Rogers and Harold Green for the all-time school leader in touchdowns scored.
Rory “Buster” Anderson caught his fifth career touchdown pass from Thompson to bring the lead to 14-0.
But the big time score of the first half came when Thompson connected with DeAngelo Smith from 30 yards out.
South Carolina led at the half 21-0.
D.L. Moore sparked the Gamecock offense again with a catch from 6 yards out.
A Jimmy Legree pick six gave South Carolina its fifth touchdown. The play came two plays after a Legree forced fumble was overturned. The play was Legree’s first touchdown and his first interception.
Legree said, “I feel like a new person, much different than last year.”
“Jimmy Legree got the game ball,” head coach Steve Spurrier said.
Spurrier said of Thompson’s play, “Dylan was real good. He did what he needed to do. Dylan was great.”
But Spurrier made it clear. There is no quarterback controversy.
Shaw is still the man, which is just fine with Dylan Thompson
”I don’t think we should forget about how good of a quarterback Connor (Shaw) is,” Dylan Thompson said.
Marcus Lattimore said of Thompson’s confidence: “He progressed the whole week.”
Thompson remained humble and said,”I’m the worst athlete on the field. My job is to get the ball to the great players around me.” (Coach Spurrier) gave me a verse from the Bible. To build his confidence, Thompson said, “I gave it to Jesus Christ."
As for the praise heaped upon him today, ”I don’t think we should forget about how good of a quarterback Connor is.”
Thompson also talked about a meeting where the receivers and tight ends to whom he’d be passing the ball gathered to boost his confidence.
“We just went over there and told him to go out there and play,” said Bruce Ellington. “Once (Thompson) made that first play, you could see his confidence show.”
Thompson said he is content being the backup quarterback.
“To be honest I wasn’t nervous at all. Coach Spurrier gave me a verse from the Bible," said Thompson. "I’m coming back to work on Monday, We have to be ready for UAB."
The Gamecocks are now 2-0 this season and host UAB Saturday at 7pm.
Click here to view a photo gallery of the game (Photos by Kara Durrette)
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