Shane Beamer takes shot at Lincoln Riley, Kliff Kingsburgy systems

South Carolina coach Shane Beamer has some interesting thoughts on the offensive system Lincoln Riley ran at Oklahoma. Asked how Sooners transfer quarterback Spencer Rattler fits in with the Gamecocks, Beamer said South Carolina’s system is better equipped to prepare players for pro careers.

“Nothing against the Oklahoma offense,” he said. “Obviously, it’s record-setting everything that they’ve done. But I don’t know how many teams in the NFL are using Lincoln Riley’s terminology. I would say zero. Maybe Kliff Kingsbury out in Arizona has aspects of it. I don’t know. I think for Spencer, it was very appealing to get into a system that has a little bit more NFL terminology.”

Rattler spent three seasons under Riley in an offense that has produced NFL quarterbacks such as Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray and Jalen Hurts. After throwing for more than 3,000 yards and 28 touchdowns as a redshirt freshman, Rattler entered 2021 for his second season as starter. However, he was benched halfway through the year in favor of true freshman Caleb Williams.

Rattler announced his decision to transfer to South Carolina on Monday after a couple of weeks in the portal. Beamer, who was an associate head coach for the Sooners from 2018-20, explained why the Gamecocks are a better fit for the star.

“Protections, route concepts and things like that,” he said. “At least (those are) along the same language that other NFL teams are using. Not to be confused with that (Spencer) wanted to get into a pro-style offense that’s too complicated to learn. Nobody said that. He wanted to get into an offense that is a little bit more NFL-ish from terminology and things like that. It’s also simple enough for him to learn and execute once he gets here and goes into spring practice.”

South Carolina found relative success in Beamer’s first season, making a bowl game for the first time since 2018. With the addition of Rattler, they’ll look to make even more progress in 2022.

Will trading in Lincoln Riley for Shane Beamer also have a positive impact on Rattler’s NFL hopes? If you ask the Gamecocks coach, the answer is obvious.

South Carolina is set to take on North Carolina in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl at 11:30 a.m. ET on Dec. 30.