In their second season with Will Muschamp as head coach, the South Carolina Gamecocks finished the year with 9 wins. In each of their past three seasons, their win count has improved. The 2017 season for the Cocks was capped off with a bowl win, the first since 2014. They knocked off Michigan in the Outback Bowl, a game in which they were considered underdogs. Finishing second in the SEC East and heading into the year with a strong recruiting class, the Gamecocks are primed to be the biggest threat to Georgia in 2018.
Prestige Ranking (If NCAA Football 19 existed): 4*
The Gamecocks are on the rise. While there has been an absence of recent success, the run under Head Ball Coach Steve Spurrier puts the program in the elite category. The NFL alumni, both current and recent, also bodes well for their ranking.
Last year’s record: 9-4, (5-3 SEC)
Projected returning starters
Offense: 8
QB Jake Bentley, RB Rico Dowdle, WR Deebo Samuels, WR Bryan Edwards, OT Malik Young, OT Blake Camper, OG Zach Bailey, OG Donell Stanley
Bentley was impressive in his sophomore year. He tossed just short of 2,000 yards and had 14 touchdown passes to just 6 picks. The only area he did not improve in his sophomore campaign was completion percentage, which dropped about 4 points to a tune of 61.2%. Improving his accuracy would go a long way into pushing his game to the top tier of signal callers. Another aspect that will help Bentley is the return of Deebo Samuels. The wideout, if healthy, is one of the most talented in the SEC. That is a big “if,” however, as Samuels has never played more than 10 games in any of his three seasons. Samuels alongside veteran wideout Bryan Edwards gives Bentley two reliable presences on the outside. The offensive line should also be a positive unit as they featuring multiple veterans, anchored by guard Zach Bailey. The biggest question mark on offense, besides Deebo’s health, will be the running backs. No front runner emerged from the committee last season, so Dowdle and junior AJ Turner will most likely split the load.
Defense: 5
DE DJ Wonnum, LB TJ Brunson, LB Bryson Allen-Williams, DT Javon Kinlaw, CB Rashad Fenton
Muschamp has always been a defensive minded coach and that tradition has carried over to Columbia. His biggest challenge will be getting the secondary into better shaoe, namely the safety spot. Fenton is the staple in the defensive backfield, but apart from him they lack experience. Wonnum has the potential to be all SEC this season, as he showed flashes as a dominant pass rusher. He’ll need to take that coveted next step if he wants to be a household name, but the pieces are there. Allen-Williams is also a key piece because of his versatility and experience. He can play out of any of the linebacker spots and should be a leader on the defensive side of the ball. The Cocks will look to make it another year in the top 50 defenses (44 in 2017) if they want to compete in the best conference in football.
Key losses: TE Hayden Hurst, LB Skai Moore
Withe Samuels out, Hurst was Bentley’s top target. The tight end was both a team captain and first team all-SEC in 2017. While numbers were slightly down from his sophomore campaign, his leadership and overall presence within the team won’t be easy to replicate. The same goes for Moore. The four year starter had 3+ interceptions every season, along with 90+ tackles his junior and senior year.
Tyroil Smoochie-Wallace All Name Team Member: Jazuun Outlaw
Five Year Recruiting Rank (Bill Connelly): 18
South Carolina recruiting has seen a recent upswing. Transitioning from Spurrier to Muschamp is a luxury in the recruiting game, as both head coaches do, and did, a great job of bringing in strong classes. The Cocks have had three straight season of top 25 nationally ranked classes, all of which were top 10 SEC classes as well.
Outlook
The Gamecocks will have to win 10 games to keep their streak of improved seasons alive. That will be difficult to achieve, but not out of reach. The first test of the season will come week two when the Georgia Bulldogs will travel to Williams-Bryce. The game will go a long way in deciding if Georgia can be knocked off their throne. Apart from that, SC’s conference schedule isn’t too tough. Another second place finish in the SEC East wouldn’t be a disappointment, but look for the Cocks to gun for the crown in the weaker SEC division.
Alcohol Prediction for Fans By Seasons End: See y’all at Five Points.