B&S preview series: Duke’s Mayo or Bust
Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
I feel like a broken record on these previews continually saying hopes are high, but hopes are indeed high in Columbia, SC. Seems like every offseason, every SEC fan base has high hopes except for the team in Nashville. But the energy and passion Shane Beamer has injected into the Gamecock team, fanbase and community is really impressive and fun to watch. When he was hired, a lot of folks, myself included, were really unsure of the hire. Beamer, son of Virginia Tech legend Frank Beamer, had been a college football lifer (literally) but never risen to a coordinator position. Would his lack of experience impact his ability to turn South Carolina around? So far, it hasn't. The Gamecocks play really hard for Beamer and he has galvanized that rabid fanbase.
In this case, the hope isn’t unfounded either. In his first season, Beamer took South Carolina to the Duke’s Mayo bowl, which they won, giving the Gamecocks 7 wins on the year. He also had a bucket full of mayonnaise dumped onto his head. Not only did no one think South Carolina would make a bowl game, but they managed to do so with a graduate assistant playing QB the majority of the season. Finding a way to win 7 games with Zeb Noland under center and that roster in year one is an impressive feat. So the expectations are understandably pretty high, relative to what they were pre Shane Beamer. As we know though, the SEC never gets easier so the Gamecocks will have their work cut out for them again in 2022.
Given the fun loving, family atmosphere that Beamer has cultivated in Columbia, it’s not surprising they found a few gems in the transfer portal. 247Sports had rated the Gamecocks transfer class this offseason as the #9 overall transfer class in the country, highlighted by players like Spencer Rattler, Austin Stogner, and Devonni Reed. More talent, especially at QB, is a welcome sight for Gamecock fans. The offense should be better under Rattler and the Gamecocks return top pass catcher Josh Vann (43 catches, 679 yards and 5 TDs). They also snagged Antwane Wells in the portal who played at James Madison previously. Although an FCS program (not anymore, JMU is now in the Sun Belt), JMU has been really good and Wells hauled in 83 catches for 1,250 yards and 15 touchdowns a year ago.
First look at Rattler in a Gamecock uniform thanks to photoshop. Image via @Gamecocktoday
Their backfield has some talent as well with MarShawn Lloyd and Wake Forest transfer Christian Beal-Smith. The key will be how much the offensive line improves. South Carolina really struggled to get a push in the run game last year so that has to improve if they want some balance offensively. The offensive line returns a lot, and it's full of veterans, but how good are those veterans? Hopefully they show significant improvement over last year, but the jury is still out on that unit.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Gamecocks return a good amount on what was a solid defense. They got beat up against really good offensive teams, but played very well against other SEC East opponents. South Carolina always has dudes on the defensive line and their secondary should be solid as well. If they can stay healthy on defense, expect a good unit. Their depth is a concern though, which is not unexpected in year two of a rebuild.
I feel like I’ve been talking up the Gamecocks a lot, and I do think this team will be better than they were a year ago. Problem is, the schedule is a gauntlet and I think many other SEC East teams are improving as well. I’m not sure the improvement from South Carolina will result in more wins than a year ago. Let’s look at the schedule.
Sept. 3 - Georgia State - W
Sept. 10 - at Arkansas - L
Sept. 17 - Georgia - W
Sept. 24 - Charlotte - W
Oct. 1 - South Carolina State - W
Oct. 8 - at Kentucky - L
Oct. 22 - Texas A&M - L
Oct. 29 - Missouri - W
Nov. 5 - at Vanderbilt - W
Nov. 12 - at Florida - L
Nov. 19 - Tennessee - L
Nov. 26 - at Clemson - L
Prediction: 6-6
I’m sure South Carolina fans will have no issue with this, but South Carolina is still a work in progress. Relying so heavily on transfers to come and produce in the SEC immediately is a roll of the dice. And as I mentioned, the schedule is brutal. Drawing Clemson every year in the out of conference is tough, and add in the annual cross division opponent in Texas A&M, who South Carolina has never beaten since A&M joined the SEC, and finding wins becomes harder and harder. Call me crazy if you like, but the Gamecocks aren't going to improve on their win total from a year ago. The two games I would really keep an eye on that could derail this prediction are the Florida and Tennessee games. Those are two that the Gamecocks have a solid chance to win so if they end up with more than 6 wins, I think they have to win one or both of those.
The future is bright in Columbia, and I believe in Shane Beamer, but I recommend patience for Gamecock fans in 2022.