Gamecocks fall just short vs. Notre Dame in Gator Bowl

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Tyler Buchner recorded five touchdowns to help offset two interception returns for TDs, and No. 19 Notre Dame defeated 20th-ranked South Carolina 45-38 in the wild TaxSlayer Bowl on Saturday.

The highest scoring game in Gator Bowl history was filled with big plays and memorable moments. But Buchner delivered the defeat when he found tight end Mitchell Evans wide open for a 16-yard touchdown on a third-and-7 play with 1:38 remaining.

Buchner, who earned the starting job after Drew Pyne entered the transfer portal after the regular season finale, threw for 274 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran for 61 yards and two scores.

But three interceptions almost proved too much to overcome.

O’Donnell Fortune returned one of them 100 yards for a score in the fourth quarter, and DQ Smith returned another 47 yards for a score in the first. But Buchner rebounded from two miscues to earn his first win in three career starts.

Notre Dame (9-4, No. 21 CFP) overcame a 14-point deficit and won despite South Carolina scoring on both pick-6s and on special teams. Punter Kai Kroger connected with the long-snapper Hunter Rogers for one of the oddest TDs in Bowl lore.

Spencer Rattler completed 29 of 44 passes for 246 yards for the Gamecocks (8-5, No. 19 CFP), with an interception and two touchdowns to Xavier Legette.

South Carolina has lost several key starters, including running back MarShawn Lloyd, versatile tight end Jaheim Bell, tight end Austin Stogner, defensive lineman Zacch Pickens, safety Devonni Reed, cornerbacks Cam Smith and Darius Rush, and receivers Josh Vann and Jalen Brooks.

Notre Dame played without all-American tight end Michael Mayer, standout edge rusher Isaiah Foskey, cornerback Cam Hart and defensive lineman Jayson Ademilola.

THE TAKEAWAY

Our Lady: The Irish gave coach Marcus Freeman his first win after a long layoff. Notre Dame lost last year’s bowl game to Oklahoma State after naming Freeman the head coach and dropping the season opener to Ohio State.

South Carolina: Special teams is usually coach Shane Beamer’s, but he has a few unforced errors along with the snapper’s touchdown pass. Dakereon Joyner was flagged for a block in the back in the second quarter, a call that infuriated Beamer so much that he took an unsportsmanlike penalty. The penalty resulted in a 45-yard swing. The Gamecocks were also flagged in the second half for having two men wear the same number on a punt and a second timeout.

UP NEXT

Our Lady: The Fighting Irish are expected to receive transfer quarterback Sam Hartman, a three-year starter at Wake Forest who holds the Atlantic Coast Conference record for passing touchdowns with 110. He will have one year of eligibility.

South Carolina: The Gamecocks have a lot of holes to fill, none bigger than their offensive coordinator after Marcus Satterfield left for Nebraska. All eyes will be on his replacement, former Arkansas tight ends coach Dowell Loggains, in spring practice.