Scoop and score! Gamecocks block two punts for touchdown in season opener

South Carolina got contributions from its special teams throughout Saturday night’s game, highlighted by two blocked punts for touchdowns.

They got a huge boost from that unit midway through the third quarter against Georgia State.

Up 20-14, running back Rashad Amos broke through protection and blocked GSU’s punt. Freshman defender DQ Smith scooped it up for the recovery and 26-yard touchdown.

USC converted on the two-point conversion to go up 28-14 on the Panthers.

It was the program’s first blocked punt for a touchdown since the 2000 season.

In the fourth quarter, the team somehow got through again and Traevon Kenion came up with the block. Ahmarean Brown was there to scoop it up and extend the Gamecock lead to 35-14.

Earlier in the game, Mitch Jeter added two field goals, each longer than 50 yards. Kai Kroeger included a 79-yarder among his punts.