UNC-South Carolina live updates: Gamecocks strike first in Duke’s Mayo Bowl
North Carolina makes its third straight bowl game appearance during coach Mack Brown’s second tenure in Chapel Hill. The Tar Heels (6-6) will face South Carolina (6-6) in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl in Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. It could be the final collegiate game for UNC quarterback Sam Howell, who made his debut as a freshman in the 2019 season opener by leading the Heels to a 24-20 win over the Gamecocks. News & Observer UNC beat writer C.L. Brown is at Bank of America Stadium Charlotte for all the action. Check back here for updates during the game.
White FG. Gamecocks 38, UNC 21. 4Q
Parker White kicked a 33-yard field goal with 50 seconds left in the game.
White FG. Gamecocks 35, UNC 21. 4Q
UNC held at the goal line despite allowing the Gamecocks to reach the UNC 4. Parker White chipped in a field goal from 22 yards out to put South Carolina up two touchdowns.
Walston TD catch. UNC 21, Gamecocks 32. 3Q
UNC reverted to trickery with a double reverse pass. Ty Chandler took a handoff, reversed it to receiver Stephen Gosnell, who then flipped it back to quarterback Sam Howell, who found Garrett Walston wide open for a 37-yard score.
Harris TD run. Gamecocks 32, UNC 13. 3Q
Kevin Harris scored on a 1-yard run as the Gamecocks took the opening drive of the second half 75 yards in nine plays.
Atkins FG. UNC 13, Gamecocks 25. 2Q
UNC was set to go for it on fourth-and-1 at the SC 14, but a false start penalty by Justin Tucker moved coach Mack Brown to kick a field goal instead. Atkins made his second attempt of the game from 36 yards.
McDowell TD run. Gamecocks 25, UNC 10. 2Q
JuJu McDowell’s 35-yard touchdown run gives the Gamecocks more than 300 yards in total offense for the half. Their scoring drive took just six plays and covered 75 yards.
Atkins FG. UNC 10, Gamecocks 18. 2Q
Josh Downs caught a 34-yard pass and Antoine Green hauled in a pass for 23. But after reaching the South Carolina 13, the Heels had to settle for a 40-yard field goal from Grayson Atkins. The drive stalled after Sam Howell was dropped fora 10-yard loss on second down.
Brooks TD run. UNC 7, Gamecocks 18. 2Q
Running back British Brooks made a Duke’s Mayo Bowl record 63-yard run up the middle against South Carolina. He broke the previous long of 61 yards set by Kentucky’s Lynn Bowden.
White FG. Gamecocks 18, UNC 0. 1Q
South Carolina kicker Parker White became the program’s career-leader in points with a 30-yard field goal. The Gamecocks ran on nine straight plays to march 54 yards and score on their third straight possession.
Bell TD reception. Gamecocks 15, UNC 0. 1Q
Tight end Jaheim Bell recorded his second big play for the Gamecocks. This time he caught a 66-yard strike from quarterback Zeb Noland beating the outstretched arms of safety Giovanni Biggers to run largely untouched to the end zone. The Gamecocks passed for a two-point conversion.
Bell TD reception. Gamecocks 7, UNC 0. 1Q
South Carolina scored on a 93-yard drive punctuated by big plays. Dakereon Joyner, a receiver, lined up at quarterback and ripped off a 20-yard run on their first play. He connected with tight end Jaheim Bell for a 69-yard touchdown pass two plays later.
UNC players out
Defensive tackle RaRa Dilworth (upper body) and running back D.J. Jones (lower body) are both out with injuries. Defensive end Tomari Fox was held out of bowl practice and will not play today after using a workout supplement that was not pre-approved by the NCAA. UNC is appealing for Fox’s eligibility. If it is denied, Fox will be ruled ineligible for the 2022 season.
This story was originally published December 30, 2021 at 11:48 AM.