Gamecock win more impressive at first glance

Update August 30: The Post and Courier has another story that expresses Steve Spurrier's disappointment with Thursday's performance, saying:
Spurrier said Beecher was to blame on several occasions, but the line certainly didn't help him. Beecher was sacked five times and had to scramble several other times.

He never really set his feet and, as a result, completed very, very few downfield passes. Most were quick-hit routes and dumpoffs. The lauded tight ends, Jared Cook and Weslye Saunders, weren't a factor while Beecher was in.

Original post: The Gamecocks downed the N.C. State Wolfpack 34-0 before 80,616 in Columbia on Friday. But the general consensus is the win isn't as convincing as the number.

The Post and Courier quotes Steve Spurier:
"It wasn't that convincing if you ask me," said Spurrier, who now has four ugly wins in his four openers at USC. "Our offense really sputtered for three quarters ... We're not sitting around here bragging about it, that's for sure. Especially our offensive guys."

And The State seems to be in agreement:
Entering the game, there were many more questions about USC’s offense. How would quarterback Tommy Beecher handle his first starting assignment? Could the offensive line jell for the first time in the Spurrier era? Who would step up as a secondary receiver behind Kenny McKinley? Could USC establish a running game?

Beecher’s debut was less than sterling, to say the least. He played three quarters before leaving with a head injury. His numbers — 12-of-22 passing four 106 yards and four interceptions — must have given Steve Spurrier and his play-calling son, Steve Jr., headaches, as well.

Still, come the end of the season, a win is still a win.

For pictures, check out The State's gallery or The Post and Courier's smaller gallery.

You can get game statistics at USC' site.

Clemson has it's first game of the year Saturday, August 30 and not only do they have to measure up against no. 24 Alabama, but now a well-performing USC, too.

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