South Carolina EDGE rusher Dylan Stewart, a projected first-round draft pick next year, threw a punch at an Alabama player, Josh Ford, midway through the fourth quarter on Saturday night. This happened in a game where the No. 8 Crimson Tide were already up 42-18, a lead they wouldn’t relinquish as the Gamecocks eventually fell 49-18, dropping their record to a disappointing 2-2 on the season.
The Punch That Nobody Could Believe Was Missed
South Carolina’s frustrating night in Tuscaloosa hit a boiling point midway through the fourth quarter. Star EDGE rusher Dylan Stewart, a guy projected to be a first-round pick next year, was trying to prevent a rushing touchdown. The No. 8 Alabama Crimson Tide were already up 42-18, basically running away with the game. But after the play was over, Stewart appeared to throw a punch right at Alabama’s Josh Ford. I mean, c’mon! In a blowout like that, you expect some frustration, but a punch? What’s even crazier is that the refs, who looked like they were standing right there, didn’t call a thing. No penalty, no ejection, nothing. The announcers on the broadcast were absolutely stunned, and honestly, who wouldn’t be? Throwing a punch like that usually means an automatic trip to the locker room, especially when the score is that lopsided.
Coach Beamer’s Fury and the Price of Losing Control
While the officials might’ve missed it, South Carolina Head Coach Shane Beamer sure didn’t. He was caught on camera giving Stewart an absolute earful on the sideline. Beamer was “NOT happy with Dylan Stewart,” and who can blame him? You’ve got a projected first-rounder, a critical player who’s overcome a lot, losing his cool like that. Stewart had to rehab a back injury he played through for most of last season, even missing the first two games this year. This isn’t some bench warmer; this is a guy with 57 career tackles, 11 sacks, and six forced fumbles. He’s a key part of that defense! For him to throw a punch in frustration, with his team already down by multiple scores and the game out of reach, it’s just a terrible look. It speaks volumes about the level of frustration festering in the Gamecocks’ locker room after falling to 2-2.
Coming into Saturday night, the Gamecocks were already reeling a bit after a home loss to Mississippi State, holding a 2-1 record. Leaving Tuscaloosa at 2-2, things are definitely not looking up. This incident with Stewart is more than just a missed call; it’s a symptom of a team that’s struggling to keep it together when the going gets tough. South Carolina needs to regroup, find some leadership, and fast, because the season is still early, but these kinds of early trends can define an entire year.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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