'Black Magic' USC QB Allen Mitchell Dead at 48

Allen Mitchell, one of two quarterbacks who led South Carolina to its first 10-win season in 1984 as part of the "Black Magic" Gamecocks under Joe Morrison, has died, according to media reports.

He took his life over the weekend, according to reports. He was 48.

He is survived by his wife and two children.

Mitchell, along with QB Mike Hold and a tremendous defense, tore through opponents including Pittsburgh, Florida State and Notre Dame in 1984 — leading the Gamecocks to a 9-0 record and national prominence.

But a 38-21 loss to Navy on Nov. 17, 1984 — which some attributed to the Chicken Curse — ended the Gamecocks' chances at a national title. South Carolina wrapped up with a win over rival Clemson before losing to Oklahoma State in the Gator Bowl.