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Newton, Rice form a record-setting duo for South Carolina

Sep 24, 2006 - 4:24 AM COLUMBIA, South Carolina (Ticker) -- Syvelle Newton and Sidney Rice had a nice game of catch Saturday.

Newton threw five touchdown passes, all to Rice, to lead South Carolina to an easy 45-6 victory over Florida Atlantic in a non-conference matchup.

Newton and Rice first hooked up for a 23-yard TD pass just under 4 1/2 minutes into the game to give South Carolina (3-1) a 7-0 lead.

The duo combined for scoring strikes of 21, eight and 41 yards as the Gamecocks opened a 28-6 lead at the half. Their final TD combination - a 19-yarder - came early in the third quarter and extended the lead to 35-6.

The five touchdown receptions by Rice were his first of the season and established two new school records. The old record for TD receptions in a game was three held by several players, including Rice. His five TDs scored in a game topped the old record of four held by Mike Dingle (1990) and Stanley Pritchett (1995). Rice has 18 career touchdown receptions.

With his five TD passes, Newton tied a school record held by Tommy Suggs (1968), Jeff Grantz (1975) and Steve Taneyhill (twice in 1995). Newton completed 13-of-20 passes for 216 yards while Rice finished with nine receptions for 161 yards.