(Shane) Beamer Ball debuts in South Carolina’s 46-0 win
South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer looks on during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Eastern Illinois, Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr)
South Carolina tight end Nick Muse (9) reacts after scoring against Eastern Illinois during the first half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)
South Carolina linebacker Brad Johnson (19) hits Eastern Illinois quarterback Chris Katrenick (9) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)
South Carolina running back ZaQuandre White (11) leaps for a touchdown over Eastern Illinoi safety Kaelin Drakeford (22) during the first half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)
Eastern Illinois linebacker Phoenix Porter (40) is helped to the locker room during the first half of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina, Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)
Eastern Illinois head coach Adam Cushing looks on during the first half of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina, Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)
South Carolina defensive end Jordan Burch (3) celebrates with head coach Shane Beamer after his pick six during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Eastern Illinois, Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)
South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer watches the scoreboard during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Eastern Illinois, Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr)
Eastern Illinois running back Kendi Young (29) runs into Eastern Illinois offensive lineman Elkhanan Tanelus (72) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina, Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)
Eastern Illinois quarterback Chris Katrenick (9) attempts pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina, Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)
South Carolina quarterback Jason Brown (15) throws during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Eastern Illinois, Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Columbia, S.C.(AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr)
South Carolina defensive end Jordan Burch (3) returns a pick six during the second half of an NCAA college football game against against the Eastern Illinois, Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr)
South Carolina offensive lineman Jakai Moore (55) celebrates with fans a victory over Eastern Illinois in an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)
South Carolina defensive end Jordan Burch (3) returns an interception during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Eastern Illinois, Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)
Eastern Illinois running back Kendi Young (29) receives handoff from quarterback Chris Katrenick (9) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against against South Carolina, Saturday, Sept.4, 2021, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)
South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer looks on during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Eastern Illinois, Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr)
South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer looks on during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Eastern Illinois, Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr)
South Carolina tight end Nick Muse (9) reacts after scoring against Eastern Illinois during the first half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)
South Carolina tight end Nick Muse (9) reacts after scoring against Eastern Illinois during the first half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)
South Carolina linebacker Brad Johnson (19) hits Eastern Illinois quarterback Chris Katrenick (9) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)
South Carolina linebacker Brad Johnson (19) hits Eastern Illinois quarterback Chris Katrenick (9) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)
South Carolina running back ZaQuandre White (11) leaps for a touchdown over Eastern Illinoi safety Kaelin Drakeford (22) during the first half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)
South Carolina running back ZaQuandre White (11) leaps for a touchdown over Eastern Illinoi safety Kaelin Drakeford (22) during the first half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)
Eastern Illinois linebacker Phoenix Porter (40) is helped to the locker room during the first half of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina, Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)
Eastern Illinois linebacker Phoenix Porter (40) is helped to the locker room during the first half of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina, Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)
Eastern Illinois head coach Adam Cushing looks on during the first half of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina, Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)
Eastern Illinois head coach Adam Cushing looks on during the first half of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina, Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)
South Carolina defensive end Jordan Burch (3) celebrates with head coach Shane Beamer after his pick six during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Eastern Illinois, Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)
South Carolina defensive end Jordan Burch (3) celebrates with head coach Shane Beamer after his pick six during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Eastern Illinois, Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)
South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer watches the scoreboard during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Eastern Illinois, Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr)
South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer watches the scoreboard during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Eastern Illinois, Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr)
Eastern Illinois running back Kendi Young (29) runs into Eastern Illinois offensive lineman Elkhanan Tanelus (72) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina, Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)
Eastern Illinois running back Kendi Young (29) runs into Eastern Illinois offensive lineman Elkhanan Tanelus (72) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina, Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)
Eastern Illinois quarterback Chris Katrenick (9) attempts pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina, Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)
Eastern Illinois quarterback Chris Katrenick (9) attempts pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina, Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)
South Carolina quarterback Jason Brown (15) throws during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Eastern Illinois, Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Columbia, S.C.(AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr)
South Carolina quarterback Jason Brown (15) throws during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Eastern Illinois, Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Columbia, S.C.(AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr)
South Carolina defensive end Jordan Burch (3) returns a pick six during the second half of an NCAA college football game against against the Eastern Illinois, Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr)
South Carolina defensive end Jordan Burch (3) returns a pick six during the second half of an NCAA college football game against against the Eastern Illinois, Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr)
South Carolina offensive lineman Jakai Moore (55) celebrates with fans a victory over Eastern Illinois in an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)
South Carolina offensive lineman Jakai Moore (55) celebrates with fans a victory over Eastern Illinois in an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)
South Carolina defensive end Jordan Burch (3) returns an interception during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Eastern Illinois, Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)
South Carolina defensive end Jordan Burch (3) returns an interception during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Eastern Illinois, Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)
Eastern Illinois running back Kendi Young (29) receives handoff from quarterback Chris Katrenick (9) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against against South Carolina, Saturday, Sept.4, 2021, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)
Eastern Illinois running back Kendi Young (29) receives handoff from quarterback Chris Katrenick (9) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against against South Carolina, Saturday, Sept.4, 2021, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina coach turned quarterback Zeb Noland threw for four touchdowns on 13 completions as the Gamecocks beat Eastern Illinois 46-0 on Saturday night.
It was the debut for South Carolina coach Shane Beamer. He promised “Beamer Ball” just like his dad Frank Beamer played at Virginia Tech and his team delivered, holding the Panthers (0-2) to 109 yards and getting its first shutout in 13 years,
The Gamecocks version of Beamer Ball blocked two punts, picked off two passes with one going back for a 61-yard touchdown, ran a successful two-point trick play with the kicking team on the field after their first touchdown, converted all three fourth downs it tried including a fourth-and-goal from the 3, had two sacks and hit hard.
“People talk about Beamer Ball — that’s what it was. You have the ability to score on offense, defense or special teams no matter who is on the field. We want to have that mentality,” Shane Beamer said.
Beamer, 44, brought joy and enthusiasm to a team that had lost six in a row and 11 of its past 14 games — at least for a night and against a Football Championship Subdivision opponent.
Beamer won his opener with an unusual quarterback. Noland came to Columbia this spring to be a graduate assistant after playing seven games for North Dakota State in a season delayed to spring 2021 because of COVID-19.
Chris Katrenick was 13-for-22 for 78 yards and Tyler Hamilton caught five passes for 32 yards for Eastern Illinois.
COACH TO QB
When Noland was hired as a graduate assistant, he watched the hype video the team shows recruits.
“I got chills. Man I really wish I could play in that environment,” Noland remembered.
Noland got that chance Saturday when expected starter Luke Doty sprained his foot in fall practice and couldn’t play in the opener. Beamer asked Noland to turn in his whistle and grab pads and a helmet a few weeks ago.
“It just hits different in the SEC,” said Noland, who played high school football in Georgia. ”It’s all surreal to me. I never thought I’d get to do it again.”
Noland was 13-for-22 for 121 yards and four touchdowns. He threw for five TDs last season n seven games at North Dakota State.
“I didn’t even worry once about the quarterback. He’s just very cool, calm, collected, confident, poised,” Beamer said. “There’s not a lot he hasn’t seen.”
ON THE RUN
South Carolina ran for 263 yards. ZaQuandre White had 12 carries for 133 yards and a touchdown and also led the Gamecocks with four catches, including a 10-yard touchdown that made it 29-0 just before halftime.
The three main Gamecocks running backs shared 36 carries.
“It was fun to watch all the backs tonight,” White said.
THE TAKEAWAY
Eastern Illinois: The Panthers fall to 6-37 against Football Bowl Subdivision teams and last beat one in 2016 with a 21-17 win over Miami of Ohio. They drop to 0-2 against Southeastern Conference teams.
South Carolina: One way the Gamecocks didn’t look like Beamer Ball were all the flags. South Carolina was penalized eight times for 61 yards, including a holding call that nullified a 65-yard-touchdown run and an offside call that eliminated an interception.
“We’ll start working on all of that tomorrow. We’re going to enjoy the hell out of this tonight,” Beamer said.
UP NEXT
Eastern Illinois: The Panthers travel to Dayton next Saturday in their ninth game in 2021. Eastern Illinois went 1-5 this spring after the 2020 season was delayed by COVID-19 and lost this season’s opener 26-21 to Indiana State.
South Carolina; The Gamecocks head to East Carolina. South Carolina has won the last four over the Pirates, but East Carolina was 5-3 in the occasional series in the 1990s.
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