Thompson throws and catches a TD as South Carolina becomes bowl eligible with 37-12 win

South Alabama wide receiver Cameron Broadnax (15) leaps over a defender for a gain during the first half of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina in Columbia, S.C., Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton) (The Associated Press)

South Carolina safety Brison Williams (12) returns an interception for a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against South Alabama in Columbia, S.C., Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton) (The Associated Press)

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Dylan Thompson threw for 237 yards and a touchdown and caught a TD as South Carolina beat South Alabama 37-12 on Saturday.

The Gamecocks (6-5) became bowl eligible and assured coach Steve Spurrier his 24th straight college season with at least six wins.

South Carolina turned the ball over five times and the defense allowed South Alabama (6-5) to control the ball for long stretches. The Jaguars ran 21 more plays than South Carolina, but they also had five turnovers.

The Gamecocks got big plays when they needed them, with Thompson averaging almost 24 yards a competition and the defense picking off four passes, including Brison Williams' 21-yard interception return for a touchdown.

Spurrier is 52-0 in his career against teams outside the Power 5 conferences.