2009 South Carolina Gamecocks football team

American college football season From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

2009 South Carolina Gamecocks football team

The 2009 South Carolina Gamecocks football team represented the University of South Carolina in the 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team's head coach was Steve Spurrier, who was in his fifth season at USC. The Gamecocks played their home games at Williams–Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina. Carolina finished the season 7–6, winning the Palmetto Bowl over in-state rival Clemson 34–17 in their final regular season game,[1] before losing in the PapaJohns.com Bowl 20–7 against Connecticut.[2]

Quick Facts South Carolina Gamecocks football, Palmetto Bowl champion ...
2009 South Carolina Gamecocks football
Palmetto Bowl champion
ConferenceSoutheastern Conference
DivisionEastern Division
Record7–6 (3–5 SEC)
Head coach
Offensive schemeMultiple
Defensive coordinatorEllis Johnson (2nd season)
Base defense4–2–5
Home stadiumWilliams-Brice Stadium
Uniform
Seasons
 2008
2010 
Close
More information Conf., Overall ...
2009 Southeastern Conference football standings
Conf.Overall
Team W L  W L 
Eastern Division
No. 3 Florida x%  8 0   13 1  
Georgia  4 4   8 5  
Tennessee  4 4   7 6  
Kentucky  3 5   7 6  
South Carolina  3 5   7 6  
Vanderbilt  0 8   2 10  
Western Division
No. 1 Alabama x$#  8 0   14 0  
No. 17 LSU  5 3   9 4  
No. 20 Ole Miss  4 4   9 4  
Arkansas  3 5   8 5  
Auburn  3 5   8 5  
Mississippi State  3 5   5 7  
Championship: Alabama 32, Florida 13
  • # BCS National Champion
  • $ BCS representative as conference champion
  • % BCS at-large representative
  • x Division champion/co-champions
Rankings from AP Poll
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South Carolina avoided a repeat of the quarterback controversy from last season,[3] as Stephen Garcia earned a start in every game with "one of the top-five single seasons for a quarterback in Gamecock history".[4] However, the Gamecocks returned very few proven skill players and faced what was called the most difficult schedule in the country.[5][6] The Gamecocks still won most of the games on that schedule, including two against top-15 teams, though postseason struggles under Spurrier continued.[2]

"Sandstorm" became a phenomenon.[a] The 1999 Finnish trance song was played before two decisive plays during a home game against No. 4 Ole Miss. With these plays, South Carolina sealed a historic upset, their first win against a top-5 team since 1981. After this, "Sandstorm" became cemented with the program and its fans. By 2010, it would be described as South Carolina's "unofficial anthem" and "second fight song".[11][12]

Despite the 7–6 record and "embarrassing" bowl loss,[2] the upsets over Ole Miss and Clemson has been described as catalysts to the most successful era in program history: an SEC East Championship in 2010 and 11-win seasons in 2011, 2012 and 2013. Each of those years also saw victories over Clemson – South Carolina's longest winning streak in the rivalry.[13][14][15]

Preseason

On April 11, 2009, the Garnet squad defeated the Black squad, 30–14, in the annual Garnet & Black Spring Game, in front of a crowd of 25,157. Redshirt sophomore quarterback Stephen Garcia finished the game 13–20 with 144 yards and two touchdowns, while true freshman Jarvis Giles led the ground game with 114 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries.

Schedule

Summarize
Perspective
More information Date, Time ...
DateTimeOpponentRankSiteTVResultAttendance
September 37:30 pmat NC State*ESPNW 7–357,583[16]
September 127:00 pmat No. 21 GeorgiaESPN2L 37–4192,746[17]
September 197:00 pmFlorida Atlantic*PPVW 38–1672,017[18]
September 247:30 pmNo. 4 Ole Miss
  • Williams-Brice Stadium
  • Columbia, South Carolina
ESPNW 16–1074,724[19]
October 37:00 pmSC State*
  • Williams-Brice Stadium
  • Columbia, South Carolina
ESPNCW 38–1477,066[20]
October 1012:30 pmKentuckyNo. 25
  • Williams-Brice Stadium
  • Columbia, South Carolina
SECRNW 28–2668,278[21]
October 177:45 pmat No. 2 AlabamaNo. 22ESPNL 6–2092,012[22]
October 247:00 pmVanderbiltdaggerNo. 23
  • Williams-Brice Stadium
  • Columbia, South Carolina
ESPNUW 14–1075,624[23]
October 317:45 pmat TennesseeNo. 21ESPNL 13–3196,263[24]
November 712:21 pmat ArkansasSECNL 16–3368,865[25]
November 143:30 pmNo. 1 Florida
  • Williams-Brice Stadium
  • Columbia, South Carolina
CBSL 14–2479,297[26]
November 2812:00 pmNo. 15 Clemson*
ESPNW 34–1780,574[27]
January 22:00 pmvs. Connecticut*ESPNL 7–2045,254[28]
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[29]

Schedule notes

  • Carolina's 2009 schedule was rated the toughest in the nation by college football guru Phil Steele.[30]
  • Radio coverage for all games was on the Gamecock Sports Radio Network.[31]
  • The week four game against Ole Miss was played on Thursday, September 24, as part of the ESPN College Football Thursday Primetime package.[32]
  • The week eleven game against Florida on November 14, 2009, featured the Gamecocks wearing special black and desert camouflage uniforms designed by Under Armour in support of the Wounded Warrior Project.[33]

Game summaries

Summarize
Perspective

NC State

More information Total ...
1 2 3 4 Total
Gamecocks 7 0 0 0 7
Wolfpack 0 0 3 0 3
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Georgia

More information Total ...
1 2 3 4 Total
Gamecocks 17 6 5 9 37
Bulldogs 14 17 7 3 41
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Florida Atlantic

More information Total ...
1 2 3 4 Total
Owls 3 13 0 0 16
Gamecocks 10 7 21 0 38
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Ole Miss

More information Total ...
1 2 3 4 Total
Rebels 3 0 0 7 10
Gamecocks 0 6 10 0 16
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SC State

More information Total ...
1 2 3 4 Total
Bulldogs 0 7 0 7 14
Gamecocks 0 10 21 7 38
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Kentucky

More information Total ...
1 2 3 4 Total
Wildcats 3 14 3 6 26
Gamecocks 7 7 7 7 28
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Alabama

More information Total ...
1 2 3 4 Total
Gamecocks 0 6 0 0 6
Crimson Tide 10 3 0 7 20
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Vanderbilt

More information Total ...
1 2 3 4 Total
Commodores 0 7 3 0 10
Gamecocks 0 7 0 7 14
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Tennessee

More information Total ...
1 2 3 4 Total
Gamecocks 0 3 10 0 13
Volunteers 14 7 7 3 31
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Arkansas

More information Total ...
1 2 3 4 Total
Gamecocks 3 7 6 0 16
Razorbacks 7 3 16 7 33
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Florida

More information Total ...
1 2 3 4 Total
Gators 10 7 0 7 24
Gamecocks 7 7 0 0 14
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vs Clemson (rivalry)

More information Quarter, Total ...
Quarter 1 2 34Total
No. 18 Clemson 7 0 01017
South Carolina 14 3 71034
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More information Game information ...
Game information
First quarter
  • (14:41) CLEM – CJ Spiller 88-yard kickoff return (Richard Jackson kick) (Clemson 7-0)
  • (5:21) SC – Brian Maddox 1-yard run (Spencer Lanning kick) (Drive: 7 plays, 60 yards, 3:23; Tied 7-7)
  • (2:01) SC – Weslye Saunders 9-yard pass from Stephen Garcia (Spencer Lanning kick) (Drive: 2 plays, 11 yards, 0:45; South Carolina 14-7)
Second quarter
  • (10:44) SC – Spencer Lanning 47-yard field goal (Drive: 11 plays, 47 yards, 4:03; South Carolina 17-7)
Third quarter
  • (7:47) SC – Tori Gurley 14-yard pass from Stephen Garcia (Spencer Lanning kick) (Drive: 4 plays, 55 yards, 1:26; South Carolina 24-7)
Fourth quarter
  • (11:23) CLEM – Richard Jackson 45-yard field goal (Drive: 6 plays, 41 yards, 1:52; South Carolina 24-10)
  • (5:22) SC – Spencer Lanning 38-yard field goal (Drive: 11 plays, 49 yards, 6:01; South Carolina 27-10)
  • (3:46) CLEM – Michael Palmer 22-yard pass from Kyle Parker (Richard Jackson kick) (Drive: 7 plays, 64 yards, 1:36; South Carolina 27-17)
  • (2:40) SC – Weslye Saunders 1-yard pass from Stephen Garcia (Spencer Lanning kick) (Drive: 4 plays, 4 yards, 1:06; South Carolina 34-17)
Close
Game Twelve– No. 18 Clemson Tigers (8-3) at South Carolina Gamecocks (6-5) – Game summary

at Williams-Brice StadiumColumbia, South Carolina

  • Date: Saturday, November 28, 2009
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: Temperature: • Wind: • Weather: Clear
  • TV: ESPN
More information Statistics, CLEM ...
StatisticsCLEMSC
First downs1421
Total yards61–26080–388
Rushing yards19–4858–223
Passing yards226175
Passing: Comp–Att–Int22–42–111–22–1
Time of possession14:0927:54
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More information Team, Category ...
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
ClemsonPassingKyle Parker22/42, 212 yards, TD, INT
RushingCJ Spiller9 carries, 18 yards
ReceivingMichael Palmer8 receptions, 106 yards, TD
South CarolinaPassingStephen Garcia10/21, 126 yards, 3 TD, INT
RushingKenny Miles17 carries, 114 yards
ReceivingAlshon Jeffery4 receptions, 65 yards
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Connecticut

More information Total ...
1 2 3 4 Total
Huskies 10 3 0 7 20
Gamecocks 0 0 0 7 7
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Players

Summarize
Perspective

Depth chart

Projected starters and primary backups versus Clemson on November 28, 2009.

More information FS, WLB ...
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Awards

  • Devin Taylor - SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week, 9/7/09;[34] College Football News Third-Team Freshman All-American;[35] SEC Coaches All-Freshmen Team;[36] Rivals.com SEC All-Freshman Team[37]
  • Jarvis Giles – SEC Freshman of the Week, 9/21/09[38]
  • Eric Norwood – SEC Defensive Player of the Week, 9/28/09;[39] Butkus Award Finalist;[40] First-Team Coaches All-SEC;[41] First-Team AP All-SEC;[42] First-Team ESPN All-SEC;[43] Walter Camp First-Team All-American;[44] First-Team AP All-American[45]
  • Alshon Jeffery – SEC Freshman of the Week, 10/12/09;[46] College Football News First-Team Freshman All-American;[47] SEC Coaches All-Freshmen Team;[48] Rivals.com SEC All-Freshman Team;[49] Scout.com Freshman All-American Team;[50] FWAA Freshman All-American Team[51]
  • Ladi Ajiboye - SEC Co-Defensive Lineman of the Week, 11/30/09[52]
  • Cliff Matthews – Second-Team Coaches All-SEC;[53] Honorable Mention AP All-SEC[54]
  • Chris Culliver – Second-Team AP All-SEC[55]
  • Stephon Gilmore – College Football News First-Team Freshman All-American;[56] SEC Coaches All-Freshmen Team;[57] Rivals.com SEC Defensive Freshman of the Year;[58] Scout.com Freshman All-American Team[59]
  • T.J. Johnson – SEC Coaches All-Freshmen Team;[60] Rivals.com SEC All-Freshman Team[61]

2009 recruiting class

More information Name, Hometown ...
College recruiting information
Name Hometown High school / college Height Weight 40 Commit date
Corey Addison
DB
Jacksonville, Florida Andrew Jackson HS 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 185 lb (84 kg) - Aug 2, 2008 
Star ratings: Scout:Thumb   Rivals:Thumb   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 75
Nick Allison
OL
Asheville, North Carolina T.C. Roberson HS 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 285 lb (129 kg) 5.0 Jun 7, 2008 
Star ratings: Scout:Thumb   Rivals:Thumb   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 76
DeMario Bennett
WR
Douglas, Georgia Coffee County HS 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 4.49 Jul 18, 2008 
Star ratings: Scout:Thumb   Rivals:Thumb   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 76
Ronald Byrd
DE
Fork Union, Virginia Fork Union Military Academy 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 270 lb (120 kg) 4.8 Sep 25, 2008 
Star ratings: Scout:Thumb   Rivals:Thumb   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 70
Duane Chisolm
DE
Beaufort, South Carolina Beaufort HS 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 250 lb (110 kg) 4.75 Dec 7, 2008 
Star ratings: Scout:Thumb   Rivals:Thumb   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 79
Andrew Clifford
QB
Tampa, Florida Wharton HS 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 215 lb (98 kg) 4.8 Feb 1, 2009 
Star ratings: Scout:Thumb   Rivals:Thumb   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 75
Matt Coffee
ATH
Ft. Walton Beach, Florida Ft. Walton Beach HS 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) 214 lb (97 kg) 4.53 Jul 1, 2008 
Star ratings: Scout:Thumb   Rivals:Thumb   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 78
Justice Cunningham
TE
Pageland, South Carolina Central HS 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 242 lb (110 kg) 4.78 Apr 19, 2008 
Star ratings: Scout:Thumb   Rivals:Thumb   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 78
Josh Dickerson
LB
Milledgeville, Georgia Georgia Military College 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 215 lb (98 kg) 4.6 Sep 28, 2008 
Star ratings: Scout:Thumb   Rivals:Thumb   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: -
Aldrick Fordham
DE
St. Stephen, South Carolina Timberland HS 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 234 lb (106 kg) 4.75 Jul 1, 2008 
Star ratings: Scout:Thumb   Rivals:Thumb   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 79
Jarvis Giles
RB
Tampa, Florida Gaither HS 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 180 lb (82 kg) 4.5 Dec 9, 2008 
Star ratings: Scout:Thumb   Rivals:Thumb   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 83
Stephon Gilmore
DB
Rock Hill, South Carolina South Pointe HS 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 181 lb (82 kg) 4.5 Oct 14, 2008 
Star ratings: Scout:Thumb   Rivals:Thumb   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 85
Chaun Gresham
LB
Winder, Georgia Apalachee HS 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 205 lb (93 kg) - Aug 8, 2008 
Star ratings: Scout:Thumb   Rivals:Thumb   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 79
DeVonte Holloman
DB
Rock Hill, South Carolina South Pointe HS 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 214 lb (97 kg) 4.5 Nov 14, 2008 
Star ratings: Scout:Thumb   Rivals:Thumb   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 84
Charles Holmes
WR
Rock Hill, South Carolina South Pointe HS 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 197 lb (89 kg) 4.55 Jul 19, 2008 
Star ratings: Scout:Thumb   Rivals:Thumb   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 74
Alshon Jeffery
WR
St. Matthews, South Carolina Calhoun County HS 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 214 lb (97 kg) 4.5 Feb 4, 2009 
Star ratings: Scout:Thumb   Rivals:Thumb   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 81
Damario Jeffery
DB
Columbia, South Carolina Columbia HS 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 215 lb (98 kg) 4.5 Aug 1, 2008 
Star ratings: Scout:Thumb   Rivals:Thumb   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 81
Jimmy Legree
ATH
Beaufort, South Carolina Beaufort HS 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 172 lb (78 kg) 4.5 Aug 7, 2008 
Star ratings: Scout:Thumb   Rivals:Thumb   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 77
Leon Mackey
DE
Chatham, Virginia Hargrave Military Academy 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 260 lb (120 kg) 5.0 Feb 1, 2009 
Star ratings: Scout:Thumb   Rivals:Thumb   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 77
Chris Payne
DB
Columbia, South Carolina Columbia HS 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) 190 lb (86 kg) 4.49 Mar 6, 2008 
Star ratings: Scout:Thumb   Rivals:Thumb   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 82
Lamar Scruggs
WR
Jacksonville, Florida Duncan U. Fletcher HS 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 212 lb (96 kg) - Jan 27, 2009 
Star ratings: Scout:Thumb   Rivals:Thumb   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 80
Steven Singleton
OL
Milledgeville, Georgia Georgia Military College 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 310 lb (140 kg) 5.2 Dec 13, 2008 
Star ratings: Scout:Thumb   Rivals:Thumb   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: -
DeAngelo Smith
WR
Kingsland, Georgia Camden County HS 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 174 lb (79 kg) - Jul 18, 2008 
Star ratings: Scout:Thumb   Rivals:Thumb   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 77
Quin Smith
LB
Lenoir, North Carolina Hibriten HS 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 205 lb (93 kg) 4.63 Jun 10, 2008 
Star ratings: Scout:Thumb   Rivals:Thumb   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 77
Tony Straughter
LB
Milledgeville, Georgia Georgia Military College 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 215 lb (98 kg) 4.55 Sep 21, 2008 
Star ratings: Scout:Thumb   Rivals:Thumb   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: -
Chaz Sutton
DE
Fork Union, Virginia Fork Union Military Academy 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 240 lb (110 kg) 4.8 Sep 25, 2008 
Star ratings: Scout:Thumb   Rivals:Thumb   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 78
D.J. Swearinger
DB
Greenwood, South Carolina Greenwood HS 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) 196 lb (89 kg) 4.44 Nov 23, 2008 
Star ratings: Scout:Thumb   Rivals:Thumb   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 80
Rokevious Watkins
OL
Milledgeville, Georgia Georgia Military College 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 340 lb (150 kg) 5.3 Dec 13, 2008 
Star ratings: Scout:Thumb   Rivals:Thumb   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: -
Overall recruiting rankings: Scout: 13   Rivals: 12  ESPN: 12
  • ‡ Refers to 40 yard dash
  • Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height, weight and 40 time.
  • In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.

Sources:

  • "South Carolina Signee List 2009". Rivals.com.
  • "Scout.com Football Recruiting: South Carolina". Scout.com.
  • "2009 Player Signees- South Carolina". ESPN.com.
  • "Scout.com Team Recruiting Rankings". Scout.com.
  • "2009 Team Ranking". Rivals.com.
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Rankings

More information Week, Poll ...
Ranking movements
Legend: ██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking
— = Not ranked
Week
PollPre1234567891011121314Final
AP25222321
Coaches222321
HarrisNot released2221Not released
BCSNot released2422Not released
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Statistics

Scores by quarter

More information Total ...
1 2 3 4 Total
South Carolina 65 69 87 40 261
Opponents 71 78 39 57 245
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Team

More information USC, Opp ...
USCOpp
Scoring261245
  Points per Game21.820.4
First Downs227188
  Rushing8697
  Passing12579
  Penalty1612
Total Offense43113656
  Avg per Play5.34.8
  Avg per Game359.2304.7
Fumbles-Lost23-1016–10
Penalties-Yards76-65471-586
  Avg per Game54.548.8
USCOpp
Punts-Yards62-259463–2460
  Avg per Punt41.839.0
Time of Possession/Game30:5429:06
3rd Down Conversions67/17363/172
4th Down Conversions10/196/19
Touchdowns Scored3029
Field Goals-Attempts17-2014–21
PAT-Attempts28-3027–28
Attendance527,580407,469
  Games/Avg per Game7/75,3695/81,494
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Offense

Rushing

More information Name, GP-GS ...
NameGP-GSAttGainLossNetAvgTDLongAvg/G
Kenny Miles12-6111616146025.412650.2
Brian Maddox12-5100324193053.051425.4
Jarvis Giles9-052298212775.313830.8
Stephen Garcia12-121053722421301.242110.8
Moe Brown11-115105010521.00509.5
Bryce Sherman11-17584547.70234.9
Patrick DiMarco12-810310313.1072.6
Stephon Gilmore12-125200204.0081.7
Total 409186036015003.71150125.0
Opponents 431195631216443.81561137.0
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Passing

More information Name, GP-GS ...
NameGP-GSEfficCmp-Att-IntPctYdsTDLngAvg/G
Stephen Garcia12-12124.5223-394-956.627331780227.8
Reid McCollum2-0176.34-6-066.73912019.5
Total 125.8228-402-956.728111880234.2
Opponents 114.1183-327-656.020121069167.7
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Receiving

More information Name, GP-GS ...
NameGP-GSNo.YdsAvgTDLongAvg/G
Alshon Jeffery12-64373517.168061.2
Moe Brown11-113247915.036943.5
Weslye Saunders11-93036012.033032.7
Tori Gurley12-52842615.224435.5
Jason Barnes12-62426611.102222.2
Brian Maddox12-5171357.922411.2
Kenny Miles12-6171146.70209.5
Patrick DiMarco12-814785.61156.5
D.L. Moore12-066110.21355.1
Jarvis Giles9-05265.20122.9
Dion Lecorn6-04276.80134.5
Total 228281112.31880234.2
Opponents 183201211.01069167.7
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Defense

More information Name, GP ...
Name GP Tackles Sacks Pass Defense Interceptions Fumbles Blkd
Kick
SoloAstTotalTFL-YdsNo-YdsBrUpQBHNo.-YdsAvgTDLongRcv-YdsFF
Total50526476977-26927-17244296-11318.815410-23134
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Special teams

More information Name, Punting ...
Name Punting Kickoffs
No.YdsAvgLongTBFCI20Blkd No.YdsAvgTBOB
Spencer Lanning62259441.856818150943748.601
Adam Yates48296361.712
Total62259441.85681815057340059.613
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More information Name, Punt Returns ...
Name Punt Returns Kick Returns
No.YdsAvgTDLongNo.YdsAvgTDLong
Chris Culliver2658522.5061
Bryce Sherman1940921.5035
Stephon Gilmore1314811.4035
Akeem Auguste6172.801311515.0015
Total211778.403549105621.6061
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Coaching staff

Notes and references

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