COLUMBIA - Blake Mitchell threw for 177 yards and two touchdowns before leaving with an injury, and 40-year-old walk-on Tim Frisby caught a 9-yard pass late in South Carolina's 45-20 win over Troy on Saturday night.
South Carolina's offense wasn't as explosive as the score might indicate. But each time the Gamecocks (2-2) struggled, the defense came up with a turnover - whether it was a fumble at the South Carolina 8 on the Trojans' first drive or an 11-yard fumble return for a touchdown in the third quarter when South Carolina's offense had stalled twice ahead 24-13.
Gamecocks coach Steve Spurrier delivered on his promise to play some of his freshmen. Mike Davis got the ball on the team's first 11 running plays and ended with 78 yards on 19 carries.
Backup quarterback Antonio Heffner came in for several series and was 6-for-9 for 91 yards, including a 43-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter to a leaping Michael Flint. Heffner also carried seven times for 45 yards.
Heffner finished the game after Mitchell went out with an injury. He left the field on crutches for X-rays, which showed no broken bones.
Spurrier also got his old guy involved, having Heffner throw a short pass to Frisby with 3 minutes to go. Frisby, a father of six, walked on last year after 20 years in the U.S. Army. The crowd roared as Frisby lined up for the next play.
South Carolina ran for 116 yards Saturday. It certainly wasn't a spectacular total, but the Gamecocks will take it after averaging 49 yards per game on the ground coming in.
Mitchell went 11-for-14 and South Carolina's two quarterbacks combined for 268 yards. Sidney Rice caught five passes for 91 yards and a score, and Syvelle Newton had five catches for 74 yards and a touchdown.
Former Augusta Christian standout Joel Whinghter led all rushers with 102 yards on 14 carries for Troy.
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