South Carolina Football: Thumbs Up and Thumbs Down for the Matchup Against ECU

There are lessons to be learned every week in college football, and that is some of the beauty of the sport. 

There are players who will step up and players who will step down every week. As the team grows and improves, the weekly drama will change. 

This week's thumbs up/thumbs down segment seemed pretty easy to me. These South Carolina players really earned their appending directions this week. 

Thumbs Up: Stephen Garcia

While he wasn't the prettiest passer I had ever seen, and it certainly wasn't his best performance, his gritty runs and rallying ability led this team to victory. 

Bravo, Garcia.

Thumbs Down: Connor Shaw

Shaw was leading a nice drive to open the game—and then he fumbled.

From then on, he looked like a deer in headlights.

He had two really nicely-thrown balls that hit the receiver Jason Barnes in the hands that he dropped.  If Barnes would have made those catches, the story this morning may have been about how great Connor Shaw was. 

We will never know.

Thumbs Up: Alshon Jeffery

Alshon did his usual, catching five passes for 92 yards. He looked faster and stronger. 

With a bit more consistent quarterback play, he will have a huge year.

Thumbs Down: Jason Barnes

Jason Barnes couldn't catch a cold standing naked in the Arctic. 

Thumbs Up: Marcus Lattimore

With 23 carries for 117 yards and three touchdowns, Lattimore begins his Heisman campaign on the right foot. 

Thumbs Down: Turnovers

No way the team fumbles this many times again, right?

Right?

Thumbs Up: Antonio Allen

What a huge game for the senior safety. Allen played lights out and even returned a fumble for a score. 

Thumbs Down: Stephon Gilmore

What has happened to Stephon Gilmore? He looked terrible in this game on coverage and even worse as the punt returner. 

Thumbs Up: The Defensive Line

The defensive line was incredible. Clowney was a machine, Devin Taylor was amazing, Melvin Ingram had an interception and the consistent rotation of solid players kept them fresh. 

Kudos. 

Thumbs Up: Bruce Ellington

Bruce Ellington played like a star football player and will be a great addition to the team. 

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