South Carolina ‘Miracle’ Continues With 27-7 Win

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Even Coach Lou Holtz is amazed at how far South Carolina has come.

The 24th-ranked Gamecocks were the country’s biggest losers coming into the season with 21 consecutive losses, but now they’re 6-1 overall, 4-1 in the Southeastern Conference, and bowl-eligible after defeating Arkansas, 27-7, Saturday.

“I can’t account for it,” Holtz said. “It’s almost like a miracle.”

The Gamecocks put this one away with Phil Petty’s passing and a defense that held Arkansas (4-2, 1-2) to 89 yards in the first half.

Petty completed his first eight passes to spark an offense that gained only 14 yards rushing in the first half. He finished 12 for 21 for 170 yards and two touchdowns.

Derek Watson’s 68-yard, third-quarter touchdown run put the Gamecocks ahead, 27-0.

“I’m beginning to think we’re a little bit better than I or my players thought,” Holtz said. “They have a lot of self-confidence. But let’s not put them in the Hall of Fame yet.”