SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS FOOTBALL

This was supposed to be a year the Gamecocks put it all together in year four under Muschamp.

It still could be, but 2019 got off to a rough start Saturday.

The Gamecocks (0-1) blew an 11-point second half lead to ultimately drop their season opener 24-20 to North Carolina.

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It's the first season-opening loss since 2014 against Texas A&M and the first loss to North Carolina since 1991.

The Gamecocks struggled for any consistency in the first half, averaging 5.6 yards per play with their only touchdown coming on a 34-yard Tavien Feaster scamper complete with a devastating spin move, but led 13-6.

After the Heels cut the Gamecocks' lead to just four points halfway through the third quarter, Bentley responded with a six-play, 36-yard touchdown drive capped by a 22-yard touchdown pass to Kyle Markway, his second-career touchdown reception.

Needing a big stop after the score, they got it in the form of a Jaycee Horn forced fumble and a Javon Kinlaw recovery. Kinlaw finished his day with XX tackles, one sack, a fumble recovery and a blocked field goal.

North Carolina made it a game, using a nice touchdown grab to Dyami Brown and a Sam Howell run on a two-point conversion to make it a three-point game with 14:27 to play.

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The Gamecocks had a chance to extend a drive facing fourth and short from near midfield with less than 12 minutes to play and Will Muschamp opted to punt and pin North Carolina inside its 10-yard line.

It didn't work with true freshman Sam Howell connecting on a 31-yard gain on third and long before leading the Heels on a go-ahead touchdown drive.

Near the conclusion of the drive, Jaycee Horn just missed an interception with the ball going through his hands.

Howell, making his first career start, finished 15-for-24 with 245 yards and two touchdowns. Bentley finished the first game of his senior season going 16-for-30 for 142 yards, a touchdown and two picks.

After falling behind for the first time all day, the Gamecocks had a chance to drive down the field and score but mustered a three-and-out, capped by a Jake Bentley sack.

They'd get another chance, using a pass interference call to put them near midfield, but Bentley threw an interception on third down to effectively end the game.

They'd get yet another chance with two minutes to play after an electric return from Bryan Edwards gave them the ball inside UNC's 40-yard line. But, after a nice gain on first down, Bentley throws an interception to ice the game.

He'd finish going 2-for-9 in the fourth quarter with 15 yards and two interceptions.

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Up next: South Carolina comes back to Williams-Brice for its home opener next week against Charleston Southern. Kick off will be at noon on the SEC Network.