Bowls, offense and beyond: Sizing up South Carolina goals for season’s second half
We’re finally at the midway point in Year 2 under Shane Beamer.
What have we learned about the Gamecocks? Well, it’s hard to say. South Carolina has shown roughly 183 different variations of itself through its first six games. But at 4-2 overall and 1-2 in Southeastern Conference play, there’s plenty to be decided in the second half.
You’ve got questions. I’ve got answers. Let’s get into it.
Still concerned about slow starts, play calling, and Spencer Rattler’s inconsistent throws and decision-making. Overall the team is getting better and starting to gel as a unit. Hope for a few more wins. Go Gamecocks! — Joey M.
This question/comment came in shortly after the win over Kentucky, though the sentiments on Spencer Rattler remain interesting.
Rattler has been a mixed bag. The “wow” throws remind you of the player who was hyped for the Heisman Trophy heading into last year. The head-scratching interceptions force you to leave the couch and dig through the fridge for another light beer — or something stronger.
Welcome to the Spencer Rattler experience.
I will say, Rattler has shown some serious poise the last few weeks. The numbers aren’t otherworldly over his last three games — 52 of 69 for 576 yards, three touchdowns and three picks — but there’s been marked progress. He’s completed at least 73% of his throws in wins over Charlotte, S.C. State and Kentucky. He also clearly flipped a switch in his 8 for 10, 128-yard second half in Lexington.
Rattler hasn’t had the huge breakout game I thought he might to this point. It does still feel like it’s out there. Don’t be surprised if he racks up some big numbers the next few weeks.
Excited about the defense, run game, and special teams. Play calling and Rattler’s decision making are concerns —Tim R.
I’ll try not to double-dip here too much on the Rattler point, but the ire over play-calling, to me, feels completely overblown.
Peruse your local message board/dumpster fire of choice over the last few weeks and South Carolina fans have predictably taken issue with offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield. Here’s the problem: Only so much of the blame for some of the offensive woes resides there.
A play-call can only work if the players go out and execute it.
Rattler’s first half against Kentucky was a good example. The play calls, the scripts, the ideas behind what South Carolina wanted to do were fine. No single play really stood out as an egregious call. Rattler, though, had happy feet and wouldn’t get through his progressions, leading to a borderline-unwatchable 30 minutes of play.
It got better. Much better. Credit to Rattler and the staff for finding some things they liked and worked in the second half in Lexington. It’s a big reason why the Gamecocks are sitting at 4-2.
Now, exhale.
Chance realistically for 6 wins & bowl game — Roy L.
Let’s talk expectations. Why not? It’s halfway through the season and a massive matchup with Texas A&M looms.
South Carolina, for all intents and purposes, is sitting pretty. I thought USC needed to win at least one of the games against Kentucky and Arkansas in the first half to have a shot at bowl eligibility.
It did just that and now the postseason feels more like an assurance than a pipe dream. Even an eight-win season doesn’t seem completely insane — though it’s still unlikely.
In all honesty, I don’t really know what to make of this South Carolina team. It’s flawed offensively, or at least inconsistent. The run defense has been suspect in spells, though the way it held UK’s Chris Rodriguez in check was impressive.
There’s a world where USC gets to 7-2 if it can its next three games against Texas A&M, Missouri and Vanderbilt. As an Associated Press Top 25 voter, I’m not sure I’d slot the Gamecocks in the poll — given a soft schedule to that point and depending how they look on the field — but plenty of others would.
The last time Shane Beamer exited a bye week, South Carolina eviscerated Dan Mullen’s Florida squad en route to Mullen’s eventual firing. We’ll see if the Gamecocks can heat up Jimbo Fisher’s seat just a bit more than the rambunctious fans in College Station already have through an erratic fall.
