Dynamic Samuel helps Gamecocks win

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Deebo Samuel returned the opening kickoff 97 yards for a score and caught two touchdown passes from Jake Bentley as South Carolina defeated NC State 35-28 on Saturday in the season opener for both teams.

Bentley threw for 215 yards and three touchdowns, including strikes of 39 and 6 yards to Samuel as the Gamecocks won their 17th season opener in the last 18 years.

Gamecocks safety D.J. Smith broke up a pass from Ryan Finley in the end zone on fourth and goal with six seconds left to preserve the win.

Finley threw for 415 yards and two touchdowns on 45-of-64 passing for NC State. Jaylen Samuels had 15 catches for 81 yards and a touchdown and Kelvin Harmon had 10 for 114 yards for the Wolfpack.

The game turned in the third quarter.

With the score tied at 21, Bentley rolled out to the right, avoided a pass rusher and heaved a perfectly thrown pass to Samuel, who made a one-handed grab in the corner of the end zone.

On NC State’s next possession, defensive end Dante Sawyer came crashing through the line and sacked Ryan Finley, stripping him of the ball. Bryson AllenWilliams hopped on the loose ball at the Wolfpack 13. Two plays later Rico Dowdle scored on a 7-yard run for a 14-point lead.

State cut the lead to 7 on a 1-yard touchdown catch by Samuels and had two chances to tie the game late in the fourth quarter. However, Samuels was stopped short of the first down marker on a fourth-and-5 play and Smith knocked away Finley's pass to save the game.

Samuel got the season started in style for South Carolina, taking the opening kickoff and bouncing to the outside and racing up the field. Only one player touched him as he turned on the afterburners and outran the field.

South Carolina won despite being limited to 31 yards rushing and being outgained 504-246.