Bulldogs drop Heartbreaker to South Carolina

A pin drop could be heard through the first three quarters inside Williams Brice Stadium as Louisiana Tech dominated the Gamecocks of South Carolina. After a late third quarter interception by Tech quarterback, J'Mar Smith, the momentum quickly shifted, and a see-saw battle ensued throughout the fourth quarter.

With Tech leading 13-0 late in the third quarter, Smith made his only mistake of the afternoon that was intercepted by South Carolina defensive back, Jamarcus King. The Gamecocks would then drive 97 yards in 16 plays capped off by a OrTre Smith 28-yard touchdown catch.

The two teams then traded punts before the 'Cocks struck quickly by way of a two play drive that covered 74 yards to give them a 14-13 lead with 4:52 remaining in the game.

The young Bulldogs did not flinch. Smith promptly led the 'Dogs on a ten play, 84 yard drive that would end with a 25-yard Jonathan Barnes field goal to give Tech a 16-14 lead with 55 seconds remaining.

The 55 seconds proved to be too much time left on the clock as the Gamecocks drove the field and connected on a 31-yard Parker White field goal to give the 'Cocks a 17-16 victory.

On the afternoon J'Mar Smith finished 23-33 for 281 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Smith's favorite target, Teddy Veal, finished with 10 catches, 110 yards and a touchdown.

Louisiana Tech will be back in action next week as they host South Alabama at 6 PM inside beautiful Joe Aillet Stadium.