COLUMBIA, S.C. — Mississippi wasn't ready for the Top 5 — or South Carolina's defense.

Quarterback Jevan Snead was hounded all game and the fourth-ranked Rebels never got in gear, losing to South Carolina, 16-10, last night.

"I'm glad it's gone," OleMiss left tackle Bradley Sowell said of the high-intensity spotlight, "so we can just get back to basics and win ballgames."

South Carolina (3-1, 1-1 Southeastern Conference) had been 1-31 all-time against Top 5 foes, but left Williams-Brice Stadium with the biggest win of coach Steve Spurrier's five seasons.

Spencer Lanning kicked three field goals and fullback Patrick DiMarco had a 2-yard touchdown catch for the Gamecocks.

"It was good to get a win when everybody watches," Spurrier said. "It was good for all Gamecocks."

Ole Miss (2-1, 0-1) had one last chance at a go-ahead TD that would've extended its eight-game winning streak. But Snead was sacked by Cliff Matthews, then had a fourth-down pass knocked away by Darian Stewart.

The Rebels began the day with their highest ranking in nearly four decades. But they lost their SEC opener for the sixth straight season — and will drop down the polls once the new rankings come out.

"It was a pretty ugly win, but a win and we'll take it every time," Gamecocks quarterback Stephen Garcia said.

Snead, who came into the season with a Tim Tebow-like buzz, flopped in front of a national audience eager to see what the Rebels were made of.

The Ole Miss junior missed six straight throws during one stretch and only once came through with a critical play. His 45-yard TD pass to Markeith Summers with under 10 minutes left in the game cut it to 16-10.

EXTRA POINTS

Oregon: Quarterback Jeremiah Masoli is taking heat from Ducks fans at what would seem to be the worst time, with No. 6 California headed to Autzen Stadium tomorrow.

"I just block it out, man," said Masoli, a Saint Louis School alum. "I get good advice from my elders and they just tell me to block it out, that's all you can do."

Oregon defeated then-No. 18 Utah, 31-24, last Saturday, stopping the Utes' 16-game winning streak. Masoli completed just 4 of 16 passes for 95 yards.

The performance spurred fans and radio talk show hosts across the state to call for backup Nate Costa. Whereas Masoli is more of a scrambler, Costa is more of a passer.

Notre Dame: Quarterback Jimmy Clausen, slowed by a turf toe on his right foot after being sacked last weekend, is expected to play tomorrow against Purdue.

"He looked good out there today," coach Charlie Weis said after practice yesterday. "He practiced a little bit yesterday, practiced a lot more today and looked sharp. Looks like he's ready to go."

Southern California: Coach Pete Carroll says freshman quarterback Matt Barkley probably will start for the 12th-ranked Trojans against Washington State tomorrow. Barkley missed USC's 16-13 loss at Washington last weekend after getting hurt during the Trojans' win at Ohio State.

Carroll also said that All-America safety Taylor Mays will return from a knee injury. Mays was less certain, putting his chances of playing at about "50-50."