Gamecocks Connection: State of the program

Hey, I’m Chris Clark with GamecockCentral.com, and welcome to Gamecocks Connection.

This weekly newsletter will consist of a summary of some of the latest happenings in Gamecock Country and one “main idea” that’s on my mind. Plus, there will be some other goodies along the way.

If you would like to get this piece directly to your inbox, you can get it for free here.

Do you like listening to your Gamecocks news? Find our podcasts here. Or, watch us on YouTube.

---

What’s on the docket today?

Shane Beamer was asked this week to assess the state of the Gamecocks program in year three. After hearing his comments, I give my take on what he said. 

---

A word from our sponsor.

Clint Hammond is the branch manager for Movement Mortgage. An avid USC fan, Clint has been in the mortgage industry since 2003. His years of experience allow him to assist everyone from the first-time home buyer to the complicated and complex jumbo buyer. 

Whether you’re looking to purchase a new home or refinance, nothing is more important than a well-thought-out financial strategy that comes with five-star customer service. 

His entire approach to this business revolves around doing right by the borrower and setting everyone up for long-term financial success and well-being. This approach is Clint’s core philosophy in the mortgage business. 

Contact Clint for all of your mortgage needs: [email protected]or 803-422-6797. 

His NMLS number is 71597. Interest rates and products are subject to change without notice and may or may not be available at the time of loan commitment or lock-in. Borrowers must qualify at closing for all benefits.

---

Get caught up.

Three quick things to know about your Gamecocks from the last few days.

🏈 A major South Carolina target has de-committed from another SEC program. This is one to watch. 

🏈 What does Shane Beamer think of the idea of soccer-style relegation in college football?

🏈 Juice Wells is still doubtful for this weekend. What’s the latest on the injury front?

---

The main idea.

— Shane Beamer gave his thoughts on where his program stands in year three of his tenure in Columbia during his Tuesday press conference. 

In years one and two, Beamer surpassed expectations with USC’s win totals and quality of wins, something that he pointed out during his time with the media.

“I think the state of the program is fantastic right now,” USC’s head man said. “Are we happy with being 2-3? No. Did we expect to be 2-3? No. Am I discouraged or think we’ve had any step back? No.”

And Beamer also noted – correctly, in my mind – that USC outperforming the forecast in years one and two creates an expectation of winning even more in year three for some fans.

In some ways, that can make you a victim of your success. Still, this is college football. Times are not as patient as they once were.

“I get it, you don’t get a six-year rebuilding plan,” Beamer said. “You’re coaching at the highest level and you’re expected to win. But I also know how far we’ve come since December of 2020. We’re just scratching the surface of where we’re going to be at a program also.”

Here’s my assessment.

What’s been good: Beamer’s comments about culture – a huge emphasis for him- are spot on. He’s done good work in this area, and it’s shown by the Gamecocks responding on the field when some have counted them out.

There have also been some notable victories on the recruiting trail, namely in pulling some talented quarterbacks and big-time prospects from the DMV area. 

Beamer got USC over the hump in breaking a painful streak against Kentucky, beating Clemson in a thriller for the first time in ages, the Tennessee 63-bomb, and winning against A&M for the first time ever. 

He’s earned some cache, or at least he should have with this fan base. There have been some huge moments and plenty of reasons to believe he could be quite successful in Columbia. 

What must improve: While there have been some big victories in recruiting, there have also been some notable misses. There are some key positions in which USC has to get more from the trail. 

Many fans are irritated with highly-paid college football coaches encouraging more financial participation in NIL through collectives. Until a new model is reached – at the minimum – this is nonetheless the reality of college athletics and recruiting.

Beamer made a call to action on Tuesday. 

As a big-picture point – and this ties together recruiting and coaching – USC has to be better running the football and stopping the run. 

As all coaches do, Beamer will have to make the assessment after the season – there’s a lot of football left to play – as to whether or not the program is the best it can be from a support standpoint – everything from coaches to asking for more resources for competitiveness. 

---

SHOP GC!

— If you haven’t heard, we recently launched the GamecockCentral Shop!

We’re going to expand the store in the future, but we have some cool designs to offer right off the bat.

The first is a reboot of the popular “Bluff Road Football Club” shirt, designed by SC native and Gamecock superfan Kev Roche. (You may have seen his work on ESPN’s baseball broadcasts). This shirt is available in charcoal or gray

A thanks and a request.

I sincerely thank you for reading this newsletter and hope it’s informative and enjoyable for you.

GamecockCentral.com is a small business that is South Carolina Gamecock-owned. We launched in 1998 with a goal of providing the very best in coverage, community, and experience. 

Our team works hard to provide just that on a daily basis, and we have boots on the ground in Columbia to do the job. In the days of media being so divisive, we want to be here to serve you in a way that will make you proud. 

We are not afraid to ask: please take a few moments to help us with one or more of the following: 

🙏 Consider becoming a premium member. You can get your first month with us for just $1! Our work is supported primarily through subscription revenue. Come on over, join the community, and get access to everything we do.

📱 Download our app!

🎥 We have been working hard on taking our video to the next level. Subscribe to our channel (free) on YouTube!

📈 Are you a business owner who wants to reach a huge, highly engaged audience? Fill out this form to learn more about growing by advertising with us.

📧 Forward this to tell a fellow fan about Gamecocks Connection.