Four notes about South Carolina’s 26-19 win Monday against Michigan in the Outback Bowl:

Todd Shanesy Staff Writer @ToddShanesySHJ

FIRST DOWN

Getting coordinated

South Carolina fired offensive coordinator Kurt Roper following the regular season and there was optimism that Bryan McClendon, promoted into that spot from wide receivers coach for the bowl game, would get things rolling with a faster pace and more imaginative playbook. At halftime, even against one of the best defenses in the country, there had to be doubts that results would change. South Carolina had 89 yards and three points. But things picked up so much that McClendon now seems the likely permanent replacement. "I thought Bryan McClendon did an outstanding job preparing our team offensively," USC head coach Will Muschamp said. "We made a lot of adjustments at the half. … I’m not going to address any questions about the offensive coordinator job at this time, but I was really impressed with the job Bryan did."

SECOND DOWN

Bend, don’t break

South Carolina’s defense held Michigan to three field goals in the first half despite the Wolverines having field position that could have provided more. The Wolverines started at the USC 46 after a muffed punt return and had to settle for a field goal. They stared at the USC 31 after a fumble and got to the 8-yard line before kicking again. Then, after a 16-yard punt and beginning at their own 40, they needed a 45-yard field goal. "I was thinking that we only gave up nine points," Muschamp said. "That was a lot less than what they wanted out of those situations. We were still OK." In the third quarter, South Carolina had to punt from its end zone but Michigan actually went backwards on its possession before yet another field goal, a 48-yarder.

THIRD DOWN

Just being Shi

Shi Smith, a freshman wide receiver from Union County High School, returned from injury and made a big impact. Smith missed the Clemson game to end the regular season and seemed doubtful for a return until earlier in the week during practice for the Outback Bowl. He caught a 53-yard pass from quarterback Jake Bentley in the fourth quarter to give South Carolina its first lead. Smith had two other catches, one just a few plays before the TD, and finished the season with 29 receptions for 409 yards and three touchdowns. Smith was also involved on a play that looked like disaster but ended up being OK. On a punt return, he was bottled up and apparently stripped of the football by the Wolverines, who took it into the end zone. Referees, however, ruled Smith’s forward progress had stopped.

FOURTH DOWN

Skai high

South Carolina senior linebacker Skai Moore became just the 15th player in FBS history to lead his team in tackles for all four years. Moore came in with a five-tackle lead on teammate T.J. Brunson, who made a run at it with 13 tackles against Michigan, but Moore had five of his own and finished on top. Moore also ended the season with South Carolina’s career interceptions record of 14 and 353 tackles. "There are really no words for his contributions to this football program," Muschamp said. "He’s going to be a great pro. He’s an every-down linebacker. He’s instinctive. He’s really, really smart. After my brief time in the National Football League (2005 with the Miami Dolphins), I know he has the attributes that you need for longevity in the league."