Behind Enemy Lines: South Carolina

Kentucky and South Carolina have cultivated quite a rivalry in the Southeastern Conference. After winning seven of eight over the Gamecocks, Shane Beamer’s squad has back-to-back wins over the Wildcats. The week two matchup in Lexington will play a significant role in defining success for each team this season, that’s why we’ve asked Gamecock Central‘s Chris Clark to join us to provide a closer look at this year’s team.

Behind Enemy Lines: Tennessee, Auburn, Georgia, Ole Miss

1. For South Carolina to get where it wants to go, who needs to step up?

The most important position on the field is quarterback, and the Gamecocks are replacing a good one in Spencer Rattler. The good news is that LaNorris Sellers is incredibly talented. It’s just important to remember that he’s a first-year starter in the SEC, and there should be some growing pains. Of course, you need quality play at this position to win. He could end up being a difference-maker, especially if he gets some help around him.

Carolina’s defense must improve and needs to play like they did in November, as opposed to how the squad looked last October. 

Topping the list would be the offensive line, which I’ll address a bit more shortly. That group struggled mightily in 2023, which was a major contributing factor to the overall struggles.

2. Injuries killed the offensive line and the South Carolina run game. How were those issues addressed in the offseason?

I would point not just to the offensive line, but the running back position as well. Carolina’s top two backs heading into last season were Mario Anderson, who transferred from a Division II program, and Dakereon Joyner, a converted quarterback/wide receiver. Anderson ended up being a revelation of sorts, to be sure. However, USC flipped this room in the offseason after Anderson transferred and Joyner exhausted his eligibility. The Gamecocks landed three productive transfers led by Rocket Sanders. Simply put, the personnel has been upgraded.

Just being healthier on the offensive line this season would be a spot, because USC had 8 or 9 linemen injured at any given time throughout last season. There are a few other things that the program is banking on to show improvement, too. The staff signed three transfers that are expected to add depth. Trovon Baugh and Tree Babalade, talented players who were thrown into the fire as true freshmen last season – are a year older. Josiah Thompson was the top OT in the country last recruiting cycle and is making a push for playing time. 

3. What’s the game South Carolina fans have circled that could be a turning point for the Gamecocks?

Given where this will be published, there’s some extra juice behind my answer. It’s Kentucky. This is viewed as an important swing game this season for the Gamecocks. Win it, and you could be on the way to the type of season you want. Lose, and the path becomes a lot more difficult because of the schedule.

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4. He’s probably not on the “Hot Seat,” but are fans applying any heat on Shane Beamer after USC missed a bowl game last fall?

Sure, I would say there’s some heat. It’s a “win now” culture in college football. As with anything, opinions do vary. Fans were obviously disappointed with the 2023 campaign and expect some level of improvement this season.

I would say that the vast majority of Gamecock fans have perspective and recognize that this team should not be expected in 2024 to go out and win 10 games against this schedule. But improvement is expected, and that is fair.