Freshmen shine for Gamecocks

COLUMBIA -- It should come as no surprise that freshmen made critical plays in South Carolina's 34-17 victory Saturday against No. 15 Clemson.

After all, the Gamecocks have played so many all season. But, collectively, they'd never been better than the regular-season finale against the team's bitter rival.

"You're never too young to make a play," said red- shirt freshman receiver Tori Gurley, who had two catches for 50 yards, including a 14-yard touchdown.

USC has 17 freshmen on its two-deep roster, the most in the SEC.

Stephon Gilmore's work as quarterback and cornerback made him the freshman MVP of sorts. Playing in the Wildcat formation for the first time all season, he orchestrated a first-quarter scoring drive to tie the game.

Gilmore even completed a 39-yard pass to fellow freshman Alshon Jeffery.

"They practice him there all the time," said freshman safety DeVonte Holloman, who went to South Pointe High with Gilmore. "I wondered when they were going to do it."

In the second half, Gilmore recovered a C.J. Spiller fumble. Gilmore, who had four tackles, also stuffed Spiller for a loss. He made the stop on the talented back by himself.

Holloman got into the act, intercepting a Kyle Parker pass and returning it 54 yards to set up USC's second score.

Holloman read Parker's eyes, stepping in front of Clemson receiver Xavier Dye.

"I'd been watching film all week. They had certain tendencies," Holloman said. "It happened just like it always happens. I jumped in front of it, made the big play."

Holloman was once a Clemson commitment, vowing to be a Tiger in 10th grade. He said he "fell in love with" coach Billy Napier, who's an offensive assistant.

But Holloman plays defense. Hence the change of heart.

"Getting to beat them," he said, "that's big."

Gilmore also considered the Tigers.

The high school teammates talked about having this kind of outing. And it became reality.

"We came into the game saying we were going to make big plays," Holloman said, "and we did."

Gilmore and Holloman's takeaways -- along with a fumble recovery by senior linebacker Eric Norwood -- were the defense's first since the Oct. 17 game at Alabama.

"I guess our freshmen are going to have to teach the older guys how to do it," USC defensive head coach Ellis Johnson.