3. South Carolina Gamecocks (7-5, 5-3)
South Carolina was arguably the surprise team of the SEC last year, winning eight games including a blowout upset of Tennessee and a win over hated in-state rival Clemson. The Gamecocks won’t sneak up on anyone this year, but it might not take subterfuge for South Carolina to take the next step toward being a division contender.
Rankings (Ex, Vg, Av, Fr, Pr)
| Quarterbacks: Vg Running Backs: Fr Wide Receivers: Vg Offensive Line: Fr | Defensive Line: Pr Linebackers: Pr Defensive Backs: Vg Special Teams: Ex |
Offense: What could go right
The Gamecocks have the post potentially dynamic quarterback in the league in Spencer Rattler. Rattler’s ability to thrive in the big moment, to say nothing of his raw physical skills, gives South Carolina a chance is just about every game it will play. The wide receiver group is underrated, veteran and has already accomplished much. Head coach Shane Beamer has clearly inherited some of his father’s penchant for dramatic performances, and his enthusiasm is infectious. The Gamecocks might not win every game, but they’ll never be boring.
Offense: What could go wrong
Unfortunately for Spencer Rattler, he’s not just the potentially most dynamic quarterback in the league, he also has the potential to be its most frustrating. Rattler isn’t particularly concerned about avoiding turnovers, and he also makes a handful of mind-numbing decisions every game. Despite his reputation as a gunslinger, he also only threw for 18 touchdowns in 13 games last year. He’s not nearly South Carolina’s biggest problem, however; the running back group is thin and there isn’t a true playmaker among the names there. The offensive line had horrible metrics in 2022 and that probably won’t get much better given it will be breaking in three new starters in 2023.
Defense: What could go right
First off, the kicking game should be among the league’s best – which, when the head coach carries the last name “Beamer,” should be expected. Among the actual defensive units, the secondary was a bright spot last year. While a large part of that was due to teams pounding the Gamecocks’ weak rushing defense, the Gamecocks became adept at forcing turnovers from the defensive backfield – again, another Beamer family staple.
Defense: What could go wrong
The front seven was a fire drill in action on a weekly basis last season. South Carolina was hugely pedestrian up front and in the linebacker corps, and didn’t really improve itself much over the offseason. This will make it necessary for Rattler to take even more chances on offense, and that in turn has a circular effect on the defense and the stress put upon it to keep the opposition under control. South Carolina must do better in recruiting the kind of talent that can make a difference in the SEC.
One-sentence summary: Gamecocks are less a contender than a traveling circus.
Hugely entertaining, but not always effective, South Carolina is still a few pieces away from being a legitimate contender on a week-to-week basis. But Rattler, a veteran receiver corps and a strong secondary and special teams will make them a factor, especially in games that can be quickly swung one way or the other by a timely turnover.
Next: 4. Kentucky Wildcats