Spencer Rattler reveals his thoughts on playing his first game at South Carolina

South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler is just a few days away from making his first start as a Gamecock.

The Oklahoma transfer joined GamecockCentral’s Wes Mitchell this week to discuss his emotions as he heads into a brand new season with a new team.

“As a team, we’re excited. I’m excited because it’s my first time playing out here at Williams-Brice in front of all the fans,” Rattler said. “I know we’re all ready to put it all on the line. That’s what we’ve been working so hard for since the wintertime. It’s been a great summer and we’re excited to finally get on the field.”

CLICK HERE to subscribe for FREE to the On3 YouTube channel

“I think it’s just known that it’s going to be packed, sold out,” Rattler added. “I’m so excited to get out there and play. I can’t wait to see what we can do as a group and I think the fans are going to be pleased with what they see. We’ve got to go out and play hard, 110% every snap and let everything else take care of itself.”

A year ago, Rattler was preparing to start for the Sooners as one of the top Heisman Trophy candidates. Despite losing the role in Norman, the former five-star prospect has once again taken the reigns of a program with high expectations.

Rattler’s new journey starts with a home matchup on Saturday versus Georgia State. Then, the real fun begins as the team travels to Fayetteville for a top-25 test versus Arkansas. Kickoff for the season opener is at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Shane Beamer describes biggest difference in 2022 offense

The South Carolina Gamecocks surprised many last year by finishing the season with a 7-6 record. The Duke’s Mayo Bowl victory over rival North Carolina provided the perfect exclamation point to head coach Shane Beamer’s first season.

This year the Gamecocks plan to build on that momentum and thrust themselves higher up the hierarchy in the SEC. One of the ways that will be possible is with a more efficient offense; something Beamer has been working on feverishly this offseason.

During a recent press conference, Beamer revealed what has changed for the Gamecocks’ offense from last year to this fall.

“I think the biggest thing is the overall understanding of what we’re doing and being able to go out there and be efficient and operate,” Beamer said. “Last year, at this time, it was still very new for these guys. We’ve been through spring practice in the summertime, but it was still a new system. This year, it’s year two in this system, and we’ve been able to tweak some things to better fit our personnel because we have a better understanding of our personnel. Our players have a better understanding of us as coaches. So that’s the biggest thing I see.”

On3’s Justin Rudolph contributed to this report.