South Carolina’s 38-10 victory over South Carolina State may not have been the cleanest offensive performance of the Shane Beamer era, but it featured one of the most electrifying special teams showcases in recent Gamecock history. That star moment came from defensive back and return specialist Vicari Swain, who not only swung momentum but also etched his name deeper into USC’s record books with two punt return touchdowns in the same game.
The First Spark – A 65-Yard Return
Midway through the second quarter, the Gamecocks trailed 3-0, struggling to find rhythm on offense. Then came Swain’s game-changing play. Fielding a 44-yard punt from SC State, Swain shook off the first would-be tackler with a quick spin move before cutting across the right side of the field. With a wall of blockers leading the way, he weaved through defenders and sprinted untouched into the end zone for a 65-yard touchdown return.
“They blocked their tails off for me to be able to even score,” Swain said after the game. “I’d say it was a huge factor because we needed a spark when we were down. Somebody had to spark the team.”
That return not only shifted momentum but gave the Williams-Brice crowd the jolt of energy it had been waiting for.
The Second Strike – Situational Awareness on Display
Just minutes later, Swain showed that his football IQ was just as valuable as his speed. After Maurice Brown II blocked a punt that deflected off an SC State player, the ball rolled into the open field. Swain scooped it up at the 42-yard line, immediately recognizing the “no consequence” rule that allowed him to advance the ball without risk of turnover. With that awareness, he darted to the end zone for his second touchdown of the night.
“When it was blocked, it’s a rule called no consequence,” Swain explained. “If it hits off the opponent and they don’t pick it up, I can do whatever. If I fumble, whatever, it’s still going to be our ball. So I used my situational awareness and picked it up and scored.”
History in the Making
Swain’s two punt return touchdowns made him the first Gamecock ever to record multiple return scores in a single game. Through just two weeks of the season, he already has three punt return touchdowns, tying the program’s single-season record originally set by Dickie Harris in 1971. He’s also now one away from tying Harris’ career record of four.
Head coach Shane Beamer praised Swain’s ability to change the game: “Vicari has been unbelievable for us. Special teams are about momentum, and he’s giving us that every week. He’s the type of player who makes everyone around him believe.”
What It Means Moving Forward
With Swain emerging as one of the most dangerous return men in the country, opposing teams will be forced to reconsider how they approach their punt strategies. For South Carolina, his impact provides a critical advantage in field position and scoring opportunities, particularly as the Gamecocks prepare for tougher SEC competition.
South Carolina will lean on Swain’s explosiveness again this Saturday as they open conference play at home against Vanderbilt. Kickoff is set for 7:45 p.m. on SEC Network.
