(Zack Plum photo)
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Heading into the game USC, ranked #21 in ARN’s latest Top 25, hoped to execute their game-plan by controlling possession of the ball.
This is imperative especially in Chapel Hill because of the narrow pitch.
According to USC head coach Geoff Mason, his team “was able to control the ball in the forwards” winning all but a handful of the game’s rucks.
Make no mistake, however, UNC played stiff defense all day. So stiff in fact, that South Carolina never touched the ball down for a try. However, as the game wore on North Carolina grew more frustrated with SC’s ball control and started committing penalties.
As a result, the Gamecocks got all of their points (21 to be exact) by converting seven penalty goals.
UNC made a few valiant offensive attempts, but the South Carolina defense was stout as well and the final score was USC 21 UNC 10.
According to coach Mason, USC’s standouts were flanker Corey Denov, and locks Steve Hengehold and Calvin Storey.
Meanwhile, upstart Division II NC State remained atop the CRL with a bonus-point win at home over East Carolina.
The final score there was 46-19. NC State has only one game remaining on their CRL schedule and they control their own destiny; they can win the league outright with a win and a bonus point at Clemson on Friday March 12.
South Carolina, on the other hand, turns around to play ECU tomorrow. They still have a shot at the top spot as well, but need to win out and hope NC State loses or fails to obtain a bonus point.
Also in the CRL today, Appalachian State blanked Clemson 30-0 at home.
League standings:
NC State (4-0-1) 20 pts
North Carolina (3-2) 15 pts
South Carolina (3-0-1) 14 pts
Appalachian State (2-3) 12 pts
Wake Forest (2-3) 10 pts
Clemson (1-3) 6 pts
East Carolina (0-4) 3 pts
In the Southeastern Conference it was a day for the home teams when Ole Miss beat Auburn 31-3 and Vanderbilt beat Mississippi State 28-12.
Alabama and Georgia will play Sunday because of trouble finding a referee.
