The South Carolina football graduate has a great game on Monday Night Football

South Carolina football graduate Rico Dowdle was the Dallas Cowboys’ primary starting running back this year. The former Gamecock had a slow start to the year in his first starting opportunities, but he’s really made strides lately. Last week, Dowdle recorded his first 100-yard performance in a win over the rival New York Giants. On Monday Night Football against the Cincinnati Bengals, the American team’s top defender was even better.

With a rush of 131 yards and 18 carries, Dowdle set a new career record against the Bengals. His effort on the ground kept Dallas in the game, even though quarterback Cooper Rush wasn’t performing as well. The Cowboys probably would have won the contest, too, but one of the worst special teams mistakes in recent memory (perhaps since Leon Lett?) gave Cincinnati a late-game touchdown and the win.

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For Dowdle, the last two weeks could be the start of something big in Dallas. The Cowboys have struggled running the ball the last two seasons, but Dowdle had more than 260 yards of offense in his last two games. If he continues to play well, he could earn a long-term spot with the franchise — or with another team via free agency.

During his football career at South Carolina, Dowdle was held back by injuries at times. However, when he was healthy, he was a stud for the Gamecocks. One of many former high school quarterbacks to have successful USC careers after moving on to another position, Dowdle finished his time in garnet and black with 2,167 rushing yards, a number good for 14th in the United States the program history is. He is also one of only eight Carolina backs to ever rush for 200 yards in a single game.