Chris Low: USC way overrated last season, now underrated this season
Between now and the season-opener against North Carolina on Sept. 3, we will ask 50 people: “What do you think about the Gamecocks in 2015?” We’re counting down the days until kickoff. Today’s panelist is Chris Low, ESPN college football reporter:
“The Gamecocks were way overrated last season and underrated this season. Jon Hoke will help shore up the defense, and the junior college additions up front will add some pop to the pass rush. So much of South Carolina’s success will depend on getting consistent play at quarterback. The SEC East isn’t a juggernaut, so the team that wins it doesn’t necessarily have to be a great team. South Carolina wasn’t a great team those three years the Gamecocks won 11 games, but they were resourceful and won a ton of close games. Similarly, they lost those close games last year — three two-touchdown leads they couldn’t hold onto in the fourth quarter. This may not be a championship team this year in Columbia East, but I’m not ready to write off the Head Ball Coach and the Gamecocks like some of his ‘enemies.’ ”