Eight days until the Gamecocks play, and eight reasons for optimism this season
The South Carolina football team is in need of some good changes.
The results last season were four wins and eight losses. The slate this year is pretty daunting, with 10 SEC games, including six opponents in the preseason top 15.
But after last year, the Gamecocks staff made some changes. Fuse that with a decent stream of talent, and there’s reasons for USC fans to be optimistic.
1. A new offense
Offensive coordinator Mike Bobo came in with his scheme that should be different from the RPO-heavy, hurry-up scheme the Gamecocks rolled out the past two seasons. He’ll look to establish a consistent running game, something the team has really only had for less than half of one year under coach Will Muschamp. That creates issues for the defense and opens up some options with the deep ball.
2. Plenty of talent on defense
You’re talking about a group with at least eight four or five stars on the defensive line, some interesting talent at linebacker and a pair of defensive backs with NFL potential, plus a safety coming off a solid freshman season. The group was better than its final stats last season and has the pieces to be stronger this season if the young defensive linemen can come along.
3. A balanced QB situation
South Carolina hasn’t really had a competitive situation in its quarterback room since Perry Orth and Brandon McIlwain were battling for snaps before Jake Bentley took over. The team had two years with Michael Scarnecchia as a steady veteran and then went into last year with a true freshman backup, who had to step in at starter and play a lot because the third stringer was also hurt for stretches. If nothing else, the Ryan Hilinski-Collin Hill battle, which Hill won, means the team has two options, and Luke Doty behind them is brimming with potential.
4. Some up-and-coming receivers
No, South Carolina doesn’t have anyone proven beyond Shi Smith, and even he has to prove himself as a top target. But there are some options. Jalen Brooks earned rave reviews in camp. Xavier Legette has a high ceiling. Rico Powers, Doty and Ger-Cari Caldwell all have ability to produce, so if three guys step up, the team should have some weapons.
5. NFL talent at corner
Corners that can operate without much safety support allow the middle of the defense to be that much more stout. The Gamecocks should have such corners on the outside with Jaycee Horn and Israel Mukuamu. Both project to have NFL futures down the road, but for the moment they give the Gamecocks strength on the outside.
6. Names to watch in the backfield
The loss of MarShawn Lloyd was a big one, but the other players are interesting to say the least. Kevin Harris and Deshaun Fenwick both have the ability to be at least be solid runners and perhaps more than that. They’d both big, Fenwick taller and Harris more of a bowling-ball type, and each flashed a little speed. If Zaquandre White can stay on the field, he’s a high-level athlete and could provide extra pop, while freshman Rashad Amos is big and has flashed at points. Lloyd will change the room next season, but for now that group has potential.
7. The uncertain landscape
True, the schedule is daunting and the pandemic means plenty of unknowns for South Carolina, but it also means unknowns for everyone else. Considering South Carolina might well be the underdog in eight games, roster questions might work toward evening things up against the likes of Georgia, LSU, Auburn and others. Defections have already hit LSU and Texas A&M, games that have the potential to be interesting if the Gamecocks can put a good product on the field.
8. Veterans up front on both sides
The Gamecocks offensive line and defensive front seven will boast a good deal of experience. South Carolina has three starters on the offensive front who are starting their second or third years. New center Eric Douglas has been around the program for a while, and there’s a lot of competition for the last spot. The defensive line is set to start four upperclassmen, with a cast of four blue chip linemen behind. Plus linebackers Sherrod Green and Ernest Jones have at least one year starting under their belts and Brad Johnson is in Year 4 with the program.
This story was originally published September 18, 2020 at 5:10 AM.
