Over the course of the next several weeks, the SoBros Network crew will be going team-by-team through the SEC, previewing the 2018 American tackle football season. Up next, the South Carolina Gamecocks!
2018 South Carolina Preview
It’s year three for Will Muschamp at South Carolina and coming off a (surprise) nine win season with Jake Bentley back under center, expectations are a little high in Columbia. Muschamp has been a staple in the SEC (take that for what you will) for what feels like decades at this point. But, this may be the best offense he’s had on any of those teams. Bentley is a gamer and should be able to sling the pigskin around with Deebo Samuel returning to dynamic form post injury. Bryan Edwards put up solid numbers in Samuel’s absence last year, which could pay dividends this season assuming Samuel stays healthy. Now, all the talk this offseason has been about Bentley. But, the real question is what kind of running game the Gamecocks will have in 2018.
AJ Turner put up 531 yards on 98 carries last year (he’s back) for a team that finished 111th in rushing offense. Along with the explosive Turner is Rico Dowdle and Ty’Son Williams who are looking to make the most of their carries. To go along with this question of the running game is the fact that this will be Muschamp’s fourth offensive coordinator in this his seventh season as a head coach. SC is looking to be more consistent on offense this yea. But, that’s not going to happen until they can move the ball using the run game.
The Gamecock defense has a little bit more turnover to deal with than the offense. Not all is bad for d-coordinator Travaris Robinson as tackle Javon Kinlaw and linebacker TJ Brunson bring A+ talent back. But, other than that, there isn’t a whole lot to talk about. The secondary is a huge question mark, especially at the safety position with a couple of guys battling it out for the spot during the spring. Robinson will have senior leadership at the cornerback spot with Rashad Fenton and Keisean Nixon but both are going to have to step their games up if they want this secondary to be feared. It certainly seems like we have far more questions than certainties with this defense. But the Muschamp/Robinson tandem has a track record of coaching the squad up so they get a pass from me for now.
2018 Gamecocks Schedule
Saturday, 9/1: vs. Coastal Carolina- Bentley and the boys are hoping to get in rhythm, get the win and stay healthy with those Dawgs coming to town next week.
Saturday, 9/8: vs. Georgia- I really want to pick the upset. But, I just can’t bet against Kirby and Co. right now. That said, this is gonna be a wild setting in Columbia so watch out, sweetheart.
Saturday, 9/15: vs. Marshall- Worst case scenario, the Gamecocks are gonna be 2-1 heading into a HUGE 4-game stretch before their bye.
Saturday, 9/22: @ Vanderbilt- Bentley/Samuel torch Vandy. That is all.
Saturday, 9/29: @ Kentucky- Everything in me wants to say Bentley cruises here, but I don’t know. It feels almost like a trap game heading into the next two match ups.
Saturday, 10/6: vs. Missouri- So last year the Gamecocks blew out Missouri on the road then laid an egg the following week at home to Kentucky. Wouldn’t be shocked if the roles were reversed this year.
Saturday, 10/13: vs. Texas A&M- Still not sure what to make of Jimbo’s Aggies and I’m a Jake Bentley guy…I’ll roll with the Gamecocks.
Saturday, 10/20: Bye
Saturday, 10/27: vs. Tennessee- Butch Jones may be gone, but Muschamp stays winning against the Vols…for now.
Saturday, 11/3: @ Ole Miss- I’m loving that Ole Miss is using the nWo gimmick, but I don’t love this match-up for them. Gamecocks get the road win.
Saturday, 11/10: @ Florida- I like the South Carolina offense more than the Florida offense, so I’ll take the Gamecocks. But, this could get interesting in the Swamp if Dan Mullen has Florida firing on all cylinders.
Saturday, 11/17: vs. Chattanooga- The Mocs vs. The Cocks – this is big stuff, y’all. Barring a Gunner Miller return, I’ve got the Gamecocks.
Saturday, 11/24: @ Clemson- Dabo is 5-5 against South Carolina as Clemson head coach buuuut he has won four straight in the series. I think he runs it to five peeps.
Prediction
Muschamp is looking to break into the double digit win club with this Gamecock crew and with the returning talent on offense I don’t think that’s a pipe dream. I don’t see them taking the SEC East crown from Georgia, but depending on how the @UK, Mizz, A&M stretch goes this may be another 8-9 win squad.
Other 2018 SEC Previews
Alabama Crimson Tide
Arkansas Razorbacks
Auburn Tigers
Florida Gators
Georgia Bulldogs
Kentucky Wildcats
LSU Tigers
Mississippi State Bulldogs
Missouri Tigers
Ole Miss Rebels
South Carolina Gamecocks
Tennessee Volunteers
Texas A&M Aggies
Vanderbilt Commodores
John Mosley is the independent wrestling and TV aficionado of the SoBros Network. He graduated from ETSU with a degree in Radio, TV and Film along with a minor in Film Studies. Since graduating he’s done pretty much nothing but watch, film, edit or commentate for local wrestling promotions and is the current color commentator for Resolute Wrestling. #Preds #Titans #DefendOrVacateConor – Follow on Twitter: @SoBroMose
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