Aug. 31, 2002
Recap?|? Box Score?|? Quotes?|? Photo Gallery
GAME NOTES – SOUTH CAROLINA VS. NEW MEXICO STATE – August 31, 2002
The two first half field goals by junior Daniel Weaver were the 15th and 16th of his career in 21 attempts. Weaver made one of two as a freshman and 13 of 17 attempts last season including the winning field goal as time expired in the 31-28 Outback Bowl win over Ohio State on New Year’s Day.
The second period touchdown by Ryan Brewer was the seventh of the senior’s career and his first rushing score since the 2001 Outback Bowl game. Brewer scored four touchdowns, including three in the Outback Bowl, as a sophomore. He scored two touchdowns during the 2001 season, both on pass receptions.
The 12 play 90 yard drive that ended with the Brewer second period touchdown was South Carolina’s longest scoring drive since the Gamecocks moved 92 yards to score against Vanderbilt Oct. 20, 2001.
The announced attendance of 83,717 was the largest opening day crowd in South Carolina football history and the fourth largest home crowd ever for the Gamecocks.
The third period 44 yard pass from Corey Jenkins to James Adkisson was the first career touchdown pass for Jenkins and also the first career touchdown reception for Adkisson.
Jenkins rushed for 113 yards against New Mexico State. The last time a South Carolina quarterback rushed for more than 100 yards was in 1975 when Jeff Grantz had 125 yards in a 56-20 win over Clemson. Jenkins also passed for 166 yards, giving him 279 yards total offense in his first career start.
The two yard fourth period touchdown run by true freshman Dacus Turman was his first collegiate rushing attempt.
The fourth period recovery of a New Mexico State fumble by senior Jonathan Martin was the first of Martin’s career.
The fourth period three yard run by Andrew Pinnock was his 21st career touchdown. The school record for career touchdowns is 33 held jointly by George Rogers (1980-84) and Harold Green (1986-89).
Pinnock followed his touchdown with a two point conversion, the first of his career and South Carolina’s first two point conversion since the 2000 season opener against New Mexico State.
South Carolina’s first punt came with 1:35 remaining in the game.
The 34-24 win over New Mexico State was South Carolina’s 70th victory in 109 season openers. The Gamecock record in the first game of a season is now 70-35-4.
