SportsDirect Inc. staff
Oct 1, 2011
In a rematch of last year’s SEC Championship Game, Auburn overcame four turnovers and No. 9 South Carolina’s tenacious defense to rally for a 16-13 victory Saturday in Columbia, S.C.
The Tigers (4-1, 2-0 SEC) marched 57 yards on 12 plays late in the fourth quarter on the winning drive. Auburn’s Barrett Trotter hit tight end Philip Lutzenkirchen on a 9-yard touchdown with 1:38 remaining.
The Gamecocks (4-1, 2-1 SEC) moved into Auburn territory in the final seconds, but time expired with South Carolina out of timeouts and at the Tigers' 30.
The Tigers dominated time of possession, thanks to running back Michael Dyer’s 141 yards on a career-high 41 carries. His 1-yard touchdown in the opening minute of the second quarter gave the Tigers a 9-6 advantage.
South Carolina quarterback Stephen Garcia threw two interceptions, but connected with Bruce Ellington on a 35-yard pass in the third quarter. Marcus Lattimore scored from 15 yards out on the next play, giving South Carolina a 13-9 lead with 5:58 left in the quarter.
Lattimore, the SEC’s leading rusher, finished with 66 yards on 17 carries. The Gamecocks finished with four turnovers. Alshon Jeffery caught a 50-yard touchdown pass from Garcia in the first quarter.
Auburn got two big injury scares in the third quarter. Dyer left the game briefly with an injured right ankle. Wide receiver Emory Blake injured his knee and limped off the field. He did not return.
Auburn plays at No. 18 Arkansas next Saturday, while the Gamecocks play host to Kentucky.