BLAST FROM THE PAST: NEBRASKA 30, SOUTH CAROLINA 21 -- October 3, 1987

South Carolina and Nebraska met twice in the 1980s and both times the Huskers prevailed.  The very close loss at Williams-Brice Stadium in 1986 may have been a more “exciting” game for Gamecock fans to remember as a late turnover cost us the game, but for me I will always have fond memories of the 1987 contest in Lincoln. 

Carolina had just come off of a VERY frustrating loss in Athens that season, having dominated Georgia and lost 13-6.  Although this game would also end in a loss, the Black Death defense found an identity and the Gamecocks discovered just how much big-play octane they had in the tank. 

Todd Ellis rolled out, turned around and threw back the other way deep to Ryan Bethea for 35 yards to get us on the board and grab the lead at 7-6. Nebraska took a 13-7 lead into the half. 

Sterling Sharpe and Bethea gave Gamecock fans one of the most exciting 3rd quarters ever to grab the lead back and position USC for the upset.  On Carolina’s first play of the second half, Ellis fired over the middle to Sharpe who pranced 80 yards for a touchdown and the score was 14-13.  Nebraska fumbled on their next possession and Ryan Bethea came around on a reverse from 17 yards to make it 21-13.

Carolina’s blitzing defense proceeded to hammer Husker QB Steve Taylor until he left the game but that might have actually been a bad thing.  When Nebraska went to their backup QB Clete Blakeman, they started focusing on giving the ball to Keith “End Zone” Jones and the stout Gamecock D was worn down. 

Carolina went on to a very successful 8-4 campaign and a bid to the Gator Bowl.