Shane Beamer details what it will take for South Carolina to beat UNC

There are high hopes for South Carolina heading into the 2023 season with Spencer Rattler, Juice Wells and other playmakers back in Columbia. The Gamecocks should have an idea of just how good they will be this season following the opener against North Carolina next Saturday.

Shane Beamer‘s club gets a tough test in Week 1, facing a ranked UNC squad that played in the ACC championship game a season ago. Beamer joined WCCP on Thursday and was asked what it will take for South Carolina to win the battle of the Carolinas. It’s no surprise that Beamer mentioned slowing down Tar Heels star quarterback Drake Maye.

“Well, for them it all starts with their quarterback,” Beamer said. “We know what a great player he is, and rightfully so. He’s fantastic. We can’t let him just get in there and take over the game, and that’s our offense, defense, special teams. We all have to do our part, because he’s a special player.”

While Drake Maye is the star for North Carolina, Beamer warned that the Tar Heels have plenty of other talented players, too. The Gamecocks will also have to stop the run to have a chance to come out on top.

“They also, they’ve got really talented running backs,” Beamer said. “We tried to recruit two or three of them here at South Carolina, and we weren’t able to get them. … But they’ve got really good running backs. And we’ve got to corral those guys, also. In first games, there’s just so many unknowns, because it’s the first time doing it for real. And there’s a lot of new players on both teams. So I think the biggest thing is the team that handles the environment best and just plays smart, clean football, as well, is going to have a heck of a chance to win this game at the end.”

Shane Beamer updates status of Juice Wells for opener against UNC

In order to beat North Carolina it would certainly help to have top receiver Juice Wells available. Wells has missed time during preseason camp with an injury.

Beamer joined WCCP Thursday evening and provided an update on where Wells is from a health standpoint.

“His health is, you know, good. I wouldn’t say it’s great,” Beamer said. “But we fully expect him to be ready to go next week. He was out at practice [Thursday] running around and doing a little bit, and he’ll get better and better each and every day.”

When healthy, Wells is one of the best receivers in the SEC.

He caught 68 passes for 928 yards and six touchdowns last season and was the go-to guy for South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler.