AP - COLUMBIA, S.C. -- Freshman Brandon McIlwain got his first start and played the whole game, but it was South Carolina's defense that pushed the Gamecocks to a 20-15 win over East Carolina on Saturday.

South Carolina picked off a pass and recovered a fumble in its own end zone and had another interception at the Gamecocks 1. The Gamecocks (2-1) also blocked a field goal to make a 17-0 lead they sprinted out to in the first seven minutes stick.

Zay Jones caught 22 passes for East Carolina (2-1), setting a school record. He was one reception away from the Football Bowl Subdivision record of 23 receptions.

McIlwain ran for 28 yards and two touchdowns and was 15-for-27 for 193 yards.

East Carolina gained 519 yards to just 312 yards for South Carolina. But the Pirates turned the ball over four times.