5 days until the Gamecocks play. Here are 5 keys to a winning season
Most college football prognosticators don’t expect a winning season from South Carolina — not with a grueling conference-only slate that includes six teams in the preseason top 15.
But that doesn’t mean the Gamecocks can’t improve on last season’s 4-8 record. Head coach Will Muschamp and the Gamecocks have brought in new faces and tinkered with their formula.
With the season opener against Tennessee only five days away, what needs to go right for USC to make a splash?
1. Bobo and Hill jolt the USC offense
Collin Hill followed new offensive coordinator Mike Bobo from Colorado State to Columbia and was named the starting quarterback over incumbent Ryan Hilinski. Bobo brings a different offensive style to the Gamecocks, one that will huddle more, run more and emphasize getting the ball to playmakers in space. Given Hill’s years of experience with the offense, his transition to USC should be a relatively smooth one. If the offense clicks, USC could be a bit more explosive and consistent than it was a year ago.
2. Replacements emerge for Kinlaw, Smith
The Gamecocks are expected to have a strong defense under the defensive-minded Muschamp, boasting talent and depth at linebacker and in the secondary. However, the team will need to fill holes on the defensive line created by the departures of Kobe Smith and superstar Javon Kinlaw, who was the 14th overall pick in the NFL Draft. Fifth-year senior Jabari Ellis emerged as a starting option with an impressive training camp, and the Gamecocks will also need five-star prospect Zacch Pickens to make a sophomore leap.
3. The new receivers break out
Hill’s experience with Bobo’s offense won’t matter if he doesn’t have receivers he can trust. The position group looks vastly different than it has in recent years. With Deebo Samuel and Bryan Edwards playing in the NFL, Shi Smith is the lone returning veteran starter. Bobo and the Gamecocks seem to like their young options, but they’ll need to prove it on the field. Freshman Rico Powers has earned rave reviews and saw time at X receiver during camp. Speedy newcomer Jalen Brooks also looks to make an impact, assuming the NCAA approves his eligibility waiver. Whether it be Powers, Brooks, Dakereon Joyner or others, someone will need to step up.
4. USC figures out the running game
The Gamecocks ranked 11th in the SEC in rushing yards last season and have yet to establish a consistent rushing attack in the Muschamp era. USC hopes to change that in Bobo’s offense, which is designed to establish the running game. Losing four-star freshman MarShawn Lloyd to a torn ACL certainly doesn’t help that cause, but some combination of Kevin Harris, Deshaun Fenwick and Zaquandre White could still get the job done in the new offense.
5. COVID-19 cooperates
It is no secret that this season will look much different due to the ongoing pandemic. The coronavirus doesn’t appear to be going away any time soon, and there’s no telling what kind of impact it could have on the season. Games could be postponed or canceled. Certain players might not be available for stretches of time. The Gamecocks aren’t immune to those challenges, and neither are their opponents. While the schedule looks daunting, success this season could ultimately come down to which programs navigate those challenges best.
South Carolina 2020 football schedule
Sept. 26: home vs. Tennessee, 7:30 pm (SEC Network)
Oct. 3: at Florida, noon (ESPN)
Oct. 10: at Vanderbilt
Oct. 17: home vs. Auburn
Oct. 24: at LSU
Oct. 31: OPEN
Nov. 7: home vs. Texas A&M, 7:30 pm (ESPN or SEC Network)
Nov. 14: at Ole Miss
Nov. 21: home vs. Missouri
Nov. 28: home vs. Georgia
Dec. 5: at Kentucky
This story was originally published September 21, 2020 at 8:15 AM.
