American college football season
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The 1987 South Carolina Gamecocks football team represented the University of South Carolina as an independent during the 1987 NCAA Division I-A football season. The team played its home games at Williams–Brice Stadium. Led by fifth-year head coach Joe Morrison, the Gamecocks compiled a record of 8–4 with a loss against LSU in the Gator Bowl.
After two consecutive losing seasons, the Gamecocks returned to success under Morrison in 1987. Led by quarterback Todd Ellis, wide receiver Sterling Sharpe, and the "Black Death" defense, the 1987 Gamecocks were considered "maybe the best South Carolina team ever" until then. Their four losses were all on the road against teams that would finish in the top-15 in the AP Poll, including eventual national champion Miami. The Gamecocks were ranked as high as No. 8 in the country in their final two games. South Carolina finished the season ranked No. 15 in the AP Poll, which was the third final ranking in school history and the second-highest final ranking in school history until then.
The "Black Death" defense was statistically the best in school history. They gave up an average 11.8 points and less than 240 yards per game. They held seven teams to less than eleven points, and held nine teams to less than fourteen points.
References.
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