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South Carolina defeats Kent State during record high temperatures at Williams-Brice Stadium

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 9, 2026, 9:00 AM

Last updated Sep 9, 2026

South Carolina defeats Kent State during record high temperatures at Williams-Brice Stadium

Summary

South Carolina defeated Kent State 57-0 in a season-opening football game at Williams-Brice Stadium on September 5. The match reached temperatures of 95 degrees, with a heat index peaking at 110 degrees, making it the hottest game in the program's history. While coach Shane Beamer noted the team suffered no cramping issues, fans in the stands struggled with the heat. Student government exhausted its supply of 1,200 water bottles an hour before kickoff, leading the athletic department to provide additional water stations and fans throughout the stadium. By halftime, staff advised students to evacuate the metal bleachers as many reported symptoms of heat exhaustion. The athletic department is facing scrutiny regarding its handling of the event, particularly as a September 12 kickoff against Mississippi State approaches.

Source Links

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Status Watch

•South Carolina beat Kent State 57-0 in the stadium's hottest game on record.
•The fourth quarter was shortened by 10 minutes due to the extreme heat.
•The athletic department distributed nearly 50,000 water bottles during the event.
•Multiple students reported heat exhaustion and burns from sitting on metal benches.
•The next home game against Mississippi State is scheduled for September 12.

Latest Updates

9:00 AMYahoo Sports — How did Williams-Brice Stadium crowd handle the heat at hottest Gamecock game on record?

What they're saying

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COLUMBIA - The Gamecocks pulled off a 57-0 season-opening rout over Kent State on Sept. 5, but the biggest win may be the lack of reported injuries and hospitalizations from a game played in blistering heat.
— Yahoo Sports

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