THUMBS UP

Bruce Ellington

The sophomore receiver collected his second consecutive 100-yard performance after switching positions with Ace Sanders. Ironically, the move was made to get Sanders more looks.

USC Band

During halftime, the band spelled out “We (heart) 21!” to honor Marcus Lattimore.

D.J. Swearinger

The safety was flagged for a questionable personal foul, but responded on the next play with a pick-six ... then was flagged again for throwing the ball in the stands. Net gain: Thumbs up.

Jadeveon Clowney

What more can be said about the sophomore defensive end? Arkansas slid virtually its entire line toward him Saturday, which freed Chaz Sutton, Devin Taylor and Aldrick Fordham to wreak havoc.

The tight ends

Justice Cunningham had a nice 26-yard gain and Jerell Adams caught a 29-yard touchdown - all on the same drive. Rory Anderson had a 29-yard reception in the third quarter, with Mike Davis scoring afterward.

Playing time for the backups

It's always a good sign when everyone gets to play. It's even better when that comes against an SEC team. USC was able to get some playing time late for linebacker Mason Harris, tailback Jacob Baker, tailback Joshua Blue and lineman Travis Ford, among others.

Connor Shaw

Give the USC quarterback credit for playing with a foot injury that clearly limited his trademark running ability.

THUMBS DOWN

Secondary

Yes, there were interceptions, but this unit is turning into a legitimate concern heading into the Clemson game. Trouble is, with run-heavy Wofford up next, there won’t be much opportunity to work out kinks.

The USC Equestrian Team

The 2012-13 squad was recognized on the field during a timeout. Nothing wrong with that, but come on — where are the horses? Now THAT would have been a quality tribute.

Jumbotron timing

During a timeout just after the USC pass defense was gouged, the videoboard displayed former Gamecocks in the NFL, which featured a great many standout defensive backs.

Sandstorm

The popular student towel-waving anthem was benched following USC’s first score in the second half in favor of a Darius Rucker ditty.

Run blocking

USC's run game finished with 104 yards, and there were several plays where there was no holes for the tailbacks. Kenny Miles alone lost 17 yards on the ground.

- Dwayne McLemore contributed to this report