Gamecocks 28, Ragin' Cajuns 14

Louisiana lost its fifth opener of the last six years -- two to South Carolina, one each to Texas A&M, Texas and LSU. Despite the lose, the Cajun performance was a surpise to Gamecock fans that expected to romp over a Sun Belt program.

South Carolina jumped out to an early 14-0 lead on Louisiana as Chris Smelley threw a 2-yard scoring pass to tight end Andy Boyd.Tommy Beecher, normally a third stringer, followed on the next series with a 19-yard TD strike to Kenny McKinley. To many in the announced crowd of 78,234, the rout looked on no matter who got took the snaps.

That's when Louisiana got back into it the game. The Ragin' Cajuns (0-1) fought back to tie it after South Carolina took a 14-0 lead less than 6 minutes into the season.

Quarterback Michael Desormeaux finished off an 80-yard drive with a 14-yard TD run.

One series later, Desormeaux moved the Ragin' Cajuns 89 yards to the end zone. Chancellor Robertson got the tying touchdown from 3 yards out.

Gamecock running back Corey Boyd answered with a go-ahead touchdown, diving in to end his 2-yard run with 24 seconds left before halftime.

The Gamecock defense stiffened in the second half,slowing down the Cajun offense early on in the third quarter.

Corey Boyd Boyd added the second half's only score on a 4-yard run that put South Carolina up two touchdowns.

Michael Desormeaux would lead the Cajun offense down the field, twice inside South Carolina's 5 yard line. But the Gamecock defense would stop Louisiana on fourth down on both drives to end Cajuns scoring threats and put the game away.

Desormeaux lead the Louisiana offensive attack, as he ran for 116 of the Ragin' Cajuns 252 yards rushing. He also completed 12 of 19 for 63 yards.

Junior Tyrell Fenroy added 88 yards on 16 carries.