No Rocket Sanders means new look for USC run game in Citrus Bowl. Here’s what to expect
In some ways, Tuesday’s bowl game is an audition.
It’s a chance for the running backs — namely sixth-year senior Oscar Adaway III, sophomore Jawarn Howell and freshman Matthew Fuller — to prove to new offensive coordinator Mike Shula that they’re capable of being productive next season and possibly starting.
“All those guys have obviously had a lot more reps (this week),” Shula said. “The best way to learn and get better is through experience and we haven’t played games. But these guys have had a lot more opportunity to get reps in practice and hopefully, because of that, they’ll be better and do a good job on game day.”
All season, they’ve been behind starter Rocket Sanders, but the senior tailback opted out of the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl against Illinois as he begins to prepare for the NFL Draft.
And in his one season at South Carolina, the Arkansas transfer was superb, rushing 128 times for 881 yards (4.8 yards per carry) and 11 touchdowns. Along with quarterback LaNorris Sellers (655 rushing yards, 7 TDs), the Gamecocks had the third-best rushing offense in the SEC.
Behind Sanders and Sellers, there wasn’t much rushing production. Backup quarterback Robby Ashford had a few nice games. Adaway was the second-leading running back, tallying 239 yards and a pair of scores. But there was little opportunity.
That changes on Tuesday.
“I feel like that’s great for us to show what we can do,” said running back JuJu McDowell, who will play his final collegiate game in the Citrus Bowl, “and for the young guys to get more exposure.”
Adaway or McDowell will start in the bowl game, according to South Carolina’s updated depth chart.
South Carolina has been trying to add a running back from the portal for 2025, bringing Alabama transfer tailback Justice Haynes in on a visit. But with Haynes committing to Michigan, the Gamecocks will have to look elsewhere or trust the guys already on the roster.
Among the current Gamecocks, Adaway is likely the favorite to start at tailback next season for South Carolina. Because of a normal redshirt, a medical redshirt and a COVID season, 2025 will be Adaway’s seventh year in college football. And it might be the best chance for the North Texas transfer to prove himself.
“I think he’s gonna do perfectly fine,” offensive lineman Torricelli Simpkins said of Adaway. “Oscar is a great human, a great running back. He runs hard. … He’s ready.”
Howell, who transferred from South Carolina State last offseason, had some nice moments in 2024, scoring two touchdowns, and could contribute more next year. As could Fuller, a 225-pound freshman who coaches have raved about.
If nothing else, they should have a larger role in the game plan as the Gamecocks (9-3) try and grab their 10th victory Tuesday.
“I feel really good about them,” Sellers said of his running backs. “It really comes down to the offensive line, me, the wide receivers blocking and stuff. As long as we do our jobs, we’ll be all right.”
Or perhaps the Citrus Bowl turns into the Sellers Show and he uses the absence of Sanders to further show off his legs.
“I guess we’ll see on Tuesday,” Sellers said.
Cheez-It Citrus Bowl: South Carolina vs Illinois
- Who: South Carolina (9-3) vs. Illinois (9-3)
- When: 3 p.m. Tuesday (New Year’s Eve)
- Where: Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida
- TV: ABC
- Line: South Carolina by 10
