Gamecocks led 6-3 at the half

The South Carolina Gamecocks are halfway there.

Attempting to beat a top-five team for only the second time in school history, the Gamecocks lead fourth-ranked Mississippi 6-3 at halftime in Williams-Brice Stadium.

South Carolina is 1-31 lifetime against teams ranked in the top five. Its only win came against third-ranked North Carolina 28 years ago in Chapel Hill.

The Gamecocks neutralized Mississippi's offense and star quarterback Jevan Snead but offensive mistakes kept South Carolina from having a larger lead.

Two long offensive drives -- a 12-play, 69-yard drive and a 13-play, 75-yard drive -- produced just two Spencer Lanning field goals after penalties deep in Ole Miss territory stalled potential touchdown drives.