The Daily Gamecock: 2016 Football Special Issue

2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

BRINGING BACK THE BOOM

Courtesy of Jeffrey Davis

2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

2

Contents From ball coach to boom

3

Muschamp possesses pieces to rejuvenate defense

5

Letter to the editor

7

Guide to Week One around SEC football

8

King bright spot in unproven secondary

13

Roper, McClendon right men to rejuvenate Gamecock offense

14

Vanderbilt defense to challenge South Carolina in season opener

18

Behind enemy lines

21

Muschamp changes momentum

22

Depth Chart

24

A.J. Turner aims to emerge as feature running back

27

Gamecocks winnability

30

Ranking the top 5 newcomers of 2016

35

Column: Special teams an area of stability for Gamecocks

38

Blackshear ready to put past behind

39

Experienced offensive line to anchor young offense

42

Deebo to anchor inexperienced WRs

46

McIIwain, Orth lead QB race

48

Under the radar

49

Guide to rebuilding great Gamecock team

50

SEC offense leaders

52

Where to kick off the season

54

Replacing Skai Moore

56

Sports section season predictions

58

Sports section Week One predictions

61

Column: Fans should hope for mediocre season

62

I have legal coverage and identity theft protection A winning combination CONNECT NOW FOR YOUR INFORMATION Annette Walker LegalShield Independent Associate

tf: 866-367-2357 annwalker@legalshieldassociate.com www.legalshield.com/hub/annwalker

About The Daily Gamecock Editor-in-Chief KAMILA MELKO Managing Editor MADELEINE VATH LARISSA JOHNSON Design Directors STEPHANIE ORR LOGAN ZAHNER Special Sections Director GREER SCHNEIDER Copy Desk Chief MICAELA WENDELL DEBBIE CLARK Features Editor EMILY BARBER Photo Editors ADAM COLLINS

Assistant Sports Editor ABE DANAHER Assistant Photo Editors VICTORIA RICHMAN YANGXING DING Designers ANNIE PARK, ASHLYN JACKSON, MARIELA RODRIGUEZ, WANDA FELSENHARDT Assistant Copy Desk Chief ERIN METCALF Copy Editors ANDREW CROSSAN, JOY BRANTON, SYDNEY ARSENAULT Senior Writers DREW MUELLER, SARAH STONE, BRITTANY FRANCESCHINA Faculty Advisor DOUG FISHER

News Editors MARY RAMSEY T. MICHAEL BODDIE Arts & Culture Editors DARBY HALLMAN OLIVIA RESZCZYNSKI SARAH NICHOLS Opinion Editors GRIFFIN HOBSON LINDEN ATELSEK Sports Editors ADAM ORFINGER BOBBY BALBONI Online Editor GABBY HILARIO Media Manager CHRISTINE CHILDRESS

Student Media Director SARAH SCARBOROUGH Business Manager KRISTINE CAPPS Creative Director EDGAR SANTANA Production Manager DEGAN CHEEK Creative Services CHARLOTTE PRICE, ELIZABETH JENNINGS, WANDA FELSENHARDT Student Marketing Manager HOLLY HEATON Student Advertising Manager LOWMAN HARLEY Advertising Representatives ALEX BATEMAN, AMANDA GRANT, KAITLIN NIEMAN, ANDREW SNIGHT, DREW THIEL, PERRY WEST

The Daily Gamecock is the editorially independent student newspaper of the University of South Carolina. It is published daily during the fall and spring semesters and nine times during the summer with the exception of university holidays and exam periods. Opinions expressed in The Daily Gamecock are the author’s and are not the university’s. The Board of Student Publications and Communications is the publisher of The Daily Gamecock. The Department of Student Media is the newspaper’s parent organization. The Daily Gamecock is supported in part by student activity fees. One free copy per reader. Additional copies may be purchased for $1 each from Student Media.

2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

FROM BALL COACH TO BOOM

3

Marion McCurry @MCFLURRY711

The 2015 football season was forgettable for South Carolina.

Gamecock fans will likely remember Steve Spurrier for being the greatest coach in school football history but choose to forget his final season when the team went 3-9, and Spurrier resigned after six games. It’s hard to keep up with all the intricacies of college

football that occur during the offseason even when a team is projected to do well in the fall. It’s even harder to keep track when a team is in rebuilding mode, as the Gamecocks clearly are. Here is a brief summary of all the Gamecock’s biggest moments from the last 12 months for any fan looking to get back up to speed quickly.

Oct. 13, 2015 – Spurrier Resigns, Elliott Takes Over

Oct. 17, 2015 – Beat Vanderbilt The Elliott era began with a win over an SEC East opponent by a score of 19-10 at Williams-Brice Stadium. The interim head coach’s presence could be seen in how the

Gamecocks debuted a new uniform in his first ever game and listening to Elliott speak, one could sense just how passionate he was about his players and the university in general.

Dec. 7, 2015 – Muschamp Hired Although Shawn Elliott was beloved by his players and respected by fans for his passion, a 1-5 record as the interim head coach was just not good enough for South Carolina athletics director Ray Tanner. After being linked to several coaches, South Carolina eventually decided

on Will Muschamp. Muschamp had been serving as the defensive coordinator at Auburn and coached previously as the head coach at Florida. Known as a tireless recruiter, Muschamp was brought in try to restock the Gamecock roster with talent in the coming years.

Jan. 25, 2016 – Coaching Staff Fully Assembled It took nearly a month, but head coach Will Muschamp completed the hiring of his staff in January.

The staff has strong roots locally with members like South Carolina high school coaching legend Bobby Bentley and Camden native Shawn Elliott, who is the lone coach

from the 2015 season who stayed on staff. Muschamp assembled an All-Star team of recruiters, hiring away Travaris Robinson, Lance Thompson, and Bryan McClendon who were considered the top recruiters at Auburn, Tennessee, and Georgia respectively.

Following a blowout loss on the road to LSU, Steve Spurrier the winningest coach in South Carolina football history and second all time in SEC victories stepped down from his role as head coach. The Head Ball Coach had always said that he would stop coaching when it was not fun anymore and in the midst of a dismal season, the game was apparently not

enjoyable any longer. “It’s time for me to get out of the way and give somebody else a go at it,” Spurrier said. In leaving early, he gave the school time to potentially get ahead in the process of finding a new head coach. Offensive line coach Shawn Elliott was named interim coach and essentially given a try-out for the full time job.

Nov. 21, 2015 – Loss to the Citadel Following the victory over Vanderbilt, the Gamecocks went on to lose the final five games of the season.

The team remained competitive, losing the five games by just a total of 26 points, but there is no category for moral victories or close calls in college football. The low point of the season came in the form of a 23-22 loss to the Citadel in the second to

last week of the season. The Bulldogs were the one team on the USC schedule when Elliott took over in which the Gamecocks were expected to win. It was the first loss by the Gamecocks to a non-FBS team since.

The Gamecocks lost to Clemson the following week to finish the season with a record of 3-9.

When Spurrier announced his resignation, Gamecock nation braced themselves for what seemed like the inevitable announcement that prized quarterback recruit Brandon McIlwain had backed off of his prior commitment to South Carolina. The announcement never came. McIlwain

was kept on board by the new coaching staff and even enrolled early to attempt to win the starting job for the coming fall. Despite completing 19 of 26 passes in the spring game and accounting for three touchdowns, McIlwain is still in a heated race for the starting quarterback job.

Jan. 11, 2016 – McIlwain Enrolls Early

TIMELINE • 11 Courtesy of South Carolina Athletics

WEEK ENDER

5

Muschamp possesses pieces to rejuvinate defense

Courtesy of South Carolina Athletics

Claudia Chakamian @C_CHAKAMIAN

There’s a lot that needs to be improved for the 2016 football season after all of the struggles from last season. One thing that really needs to be worked on is within the defense — specifically, their pass rush.

South Carolina’s defense was one of the weakest in the SEC in 2015 and contributed to most of their problems. New head coach Will Muschamp was most recently the head coach at Florida and the defensive coordinator at Auburn and is noted for turning around struggling defenses.

Defensive end

Marquavius Lewis is one player who can step it up to make a difference on the line. Lewis made a splash last season as one of the few who started every game, but is expected to make more of an impact this year. He ranked sixth among the Gamecocks in tackles with 45 while finishing second in sacks with three. After getting that experience in the SEC and there being so many changes coming this year, Lewis can be a leader and guide the young guys.

Another player that could bring some experience to the team is defensive back Jordan Diggs. Diggs may be limited in playing time

this year as he had shoulder surgery in the offseason, but he is one of the most experienced players heading into the season.

He ranked fifth on the team in tackles, recording 48 on the year. He has 115 career tackles with just one interception. Whether Diggs will be healthy for the season is questionable, but, with a team of a lot of newcomers, the veteran experience is much needed.

With majority of the defensive line graduating, young players will see a lot more action this season.

One true freshman who can make a splash for the Gamecocks is lineman Jajuan Blankenship. A

recent graduate from T.L. Hanna, Blankenship recorded 59 tackles and 6.5 sacks in his last year, totaling 148 tackles and 10.5 sacks in his high school career.

The changes that are coming this season can really help the Gamecocks in their pass rush. There are only a few players on defense who really saw much playing time in 2015, so it will be a new look and feel. As many of the defensive line and backs are freshmen or new to Carolina, along with Muschamp, they can all make a big difference in an area that has not been good.

11]1

AMERICAN CAMPUS COMMUNITIES

Where students loveliving : Amenities & utilitiesincludedaresubjectto change.

Utilitiesincludedupto a monthlyallowance.

Seeofficefor details.

2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

7

Letter from the editor

Adam Orfinger, Sports Editor Sophomore journalism major After last year’s 3-9 season, South Carolina’s stretch of three straight 11win seasons from 2011-2013 seems like a distant memory. Steve Spurrier has ridden off into the proverbial sunset, and the Gamecocks have certainly

experienced a fall from grace. These circumstances left athletic director Ray Tanner with a huge decision to make regarding the direction of the program.

Enter Will Muschamp. Known as “Coach Boom” for his intensity, Muschamp has sparked energy back into this faltering program. He’s picked up momentum on the recruiting trail, and he’s created optimism from fans out of thin air. Still, Muschamp and the Gamecocks have a lot of problems to solve this season.

The pass rush had just 20 sacks last season. There are no proven playmakers on the offense. The secondary leaves plenty to be desired and the unit’s most experienced player just left the program. The unquestioned leader of the defense will miss the entire season.

And we don’t even need to talk about the quarterback situation.

The expectations for the upcoming season are low for obvious reasons.

This season is about building momentum going forward. A five or six-win season should be considered a victory in Columbia this season, as the team lacks the elite talent to rise to the top of the SEC while also being young and inexperienced.

The Gamecock offense had some NFL-ready playmakers last season in Pharoh Cooper, Brandon Wilds and Jerell Adams, but all three will be playing on Sundays this fall. With a lack of depth replacing them, South Carolina will have to rely on its experienced offensive line, which is one of the stronger units in the SEC East.

Defensively, players like T.J. Holloman and Bryson Allen-Williams will have to fill the void left by Skai Moore. The pass rush needs to improve to make up for deficiencies in the secondary. Muschamp’s defensive prowess gives fans optimism, but most

are cautious to consider the team to be greatly improved.

This year, the ceiling and floor for this team are pretty low. Last season, it was possible to envision the Gamecocks contending in the SEC East, but that seems highly unlikely in 2016. It’s also not hard to see the team winning three games or fewer.

This season will be all about how the Gamecocks start. With three SEC road games in the first month of the season, getting out to a good start is crucial if South Carolina is going to contend for bowl eligibility. If the Gamecocks manage a 4-0 start, it’s certainly possible that the team could win as many as eight games. However, it’s not too unlikely that the team starts out 1-3 either, which would likely result in a downward spiral as the Gamecocks get deeper into their SEC schedule.

Courtesy of Daniel Hou

2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

8

Guide to Week One around SEC football Jordan Airrington @TDG_SPORTS

Thursday, Sept. 1 Appalachian State at No. 9 Tennessee (7:30 p.m. ET, SEC Network) The Volunteers open the season at No. 9 in the Preseason AP Poll, marking their highest ranking since 2005. This season the Vols are poised to make a run for Atlanta and the SEC Championship under Head coach Butch Jones. Senior quarterback Joshua Dobbs is back after leading the SEC’s third-ranked offense to 35.2 points per game a season ago. On the other side, Appalachian State is not the typical week one cupcake opponent. The Mountaineers are coming off an 11-2 season and feature a deep backfield led by senior running back Marcus Cox. Tennessee cannot afford to look ahead

to Virginia Tech next week or they could fall victim to the Mountaineers, who, in 2007, went into “The Big House” in Ann Arbor and upset then No. 5 Michigan 34-32.

T h e P i c k : Te n n e s s e e 3 1 , Appalachian State 17 Tennessee may struggle to put up points against a Mountaineers defense that ranked first in the Sun Belt a year ago. Do not be surprised to see this one close in the second half, but Dobbs and the Volunteers should prevail.

South Carolina at Vanderbilt (8:00 p.m. ET, ESPN) This one in Nashville opens up the SEC slate for 2016. The Gamecocks, led by new head coach Will Muschamp, are looking to improve their 3-9 record from a year ago. There are still a lot of unknowns for South Carolina. The quarterback battle continues with senior Perry Orth and true freshman

quarterbacks Brandon McIlwain and Jake Bentley. Orth brings experience after starting eight games last season, while McIlwain is a dual threat with ability to run and throw the ball efficiently. Bentley decided in April to forgo his senior season of high school and has been competing for the starting job in fall practice. Derek Mason will begin his third season as head coach for Vanderbilt and looks to avenge several close losses from last season, including a 19-10 loss to the Gamecocks in Columbia. The Commodores return eight starters on both sides of the football and will rely heavily on their strong defense, which should be tough against the run. Junior running back Ralph Webb will likely have to carry the load on offense.

The Pick: South Carolina 17, Vanderbilt 13 An offensive struggle is likely, so

expect a low-scoring game. Look for receivers Deebo Samuel and Bryan Edwards to create some big plays for the Gamecocks and lead them to an opening victory.

Saturday, Sept. 3 South Alabama at Mississippi State (12:00 p.m. ET, SEC Network) Perhaps nobody is more ready to start the new season than Mississippi State head coach Dan Mullen. It was a rough offseason to say the least after the controversial one-game suspension of freshman Jeffrey Simmons, who punched a woman. In addition to the turbulent offseason, the Bulldogs also lost quarterback Dak Prescott to the NFL. The battle to be his replacement is down to three, junior Damian Williams, sophomore Nick Fitzgerald and redshirt freshman Nick Tiano.

SEC Week One • 10

Courtesy of Jeffery Davis

YOUR HOME IS HERE

Tooudray! tf 803.772.2200 | live-riverside.com

2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

10

SEC Week One • Continued from 8 The Bulldogs were picked to finish in the cellar of the SEC West during media days. South Alabama is coming off a 5-7 season under head coach Joey Jones. With six returning starters on offense, the Jaguars will need to develop a passing game, which they lacked last season. On the defensive side of the ball, they must generate a pass rush, as their 11 sacks in 2015 ranked 125th in the FBS. The Pick: Mississippi State 34, South Alabama 10 The Bulldogs defense may be even better than it was last season. The offense may suffer a setback with the loss of Prescott but will turn to senior running back Brandon Holloway to lead them over the Jaguars.

Missouri at West Virginia (12:00 p.m. ET, FS1) It’s a new era for Missouri football.

Gary Pinkel decided to step down as head coach due to health problems, forcing the Tigers to go through their first head coaching change since 2001.

Missouri’s all-time winningest coach will be succeeded by Barry Odom, a former linebacker for the Tigers from 1996 to 1999. He and first year offensive coordinator Josh Heupel will look to speed up the offense that will likely be led by sophomore quarterback Drew Lock. The stronghold will continue to be their defense, which returns five of their six leading tacklers. A year ago, they finished fifth in the nation in pass defense, and look to be just as good this season. West Virginia will have a defense filled with former backups becoming veteran starters.

The Pick: West Virginia 24, Missouri 17 Missouri’s defense will keep them in the game, but the lack of big plays on offense may spell doom for the Tigers.

The Mountaineers will look to be better at closing out games than a year ago when they faced major offensive struggles in the fourth quarter.

No. 5 LSU vs. Wisconsin at Lambeau Field (3:30 p.m. ET, ABC) Les Miles and the Tigers return 17 starters, tied with Tennessee for most in the SEC. Leonard Fournette is ready to begin his Heisman campaign

and will undoubtedly be a strong force against opposing defenses. Quarterback Brandon Harris must be effective with the football and avoid turnovers in order to improve from last season.

For LSU to have success, they must let Harris be a quarterback and throw the ball down the field occasionally.

Defensive coordinator Dave Aranda implemented a new 3-4 scheme for the Tigers defense this offseason and is ready to test it against the Badgers.

Wisconsin looks to have a vastly improved offensive line with a lot of returning experience. A season ago, the rushing game was a struggle. New defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox has only been left five returning starters and will look to create his own identity for the Badger defense.

The Pick: LSU 30, Wisconsin 14 Expect the Badgers defense to suffer major setbacks after key losses and Fournette to rush for over 100 yards in an opening victory for the Tigers.

No. 16 UCLA at Texas A&M (3:30 p.m. ET, CBS) Oklahoma transfer Trevor Knight will take over an Aggies offense that even relented to trying a twoquarterback scheme a season ago. A young, inexperienced offensive line may be a problem, but the receiving core should be a bright spot. Christian Kirk, Ricky Seals-Jones, Speedy Noil and Josh Reynolds make up a group that is arguably the best in the SEC, if not the country. On defense, the Aggies are lead by preseason All-American defensive end Myles Garrett, who led the SEC with 13 sacks in 2015. Behind Garrett is a secondary that ranked fourth in the FBS in total passing yards allowed last season and returns all of its safeties.

The Bruins have high expectations in the Pac-12. New offensive coordinator Kennedy Polamalu replaces Noel Mazzone, who took the same position at Texas A&M over the offseason.

Polamalu’s offense is expected to utilize their deep backfield and control the game on the ground. A stable defense should help the Bruins get the ball back quickly for their offense and win the time of possession battle more often than not.

The Pick: UCLA 42, Texas A&M 30

The UCLA rushing game will be too much for an A&M defense that struggled against the run a year ago.

This game could become a shootout if Trevor Knight gets in sync with his receivers but the experienced Bruins should take the win.

Louisiana Tech at Arkansas (4:00 p.m. ET, SEC Network) This season, the Razorbacks lose the SEC’s third-leading passer Brandon Allen and third-leading rusher Alex Collins. Allen’s successor at quarterback is likely to be his younger brother Austin. Do not expect him to put up the same type of numbers as Brandon, but with the Hogs returning four of their five leading receivers from a year ago, he has weapons. Bret Bielema’s offense will look to keep the ball on the ground and dominate the time of possession battle like they did a year ago. Running backs Rawleigh Williams III and Kody Walker will get most of the touches, but do not be surprised to see the talented true freshman Devwah Whaley make an impact in a huge way. The defense returns an SEC-most nine starters but struggled majorly last season. The experience should lead to improvement for the Razorbacks, but it will take big gains to compete in a ferocious SEC West division. Louisiana Tech is coming off their second consecutive nine-win season. However, the losses of former Florida quarterback Jeff Driskel and running back Kenneth Dixon will be tough to overcome. Do not expect the Skip Holtz led Bulldogs to be able to compete with the Hogs with only two returning starters on the defense.

The Pick: Arkansas 45, Louisiana Tech 13 The Razorbacks are simply too strong for the Bulldogs. Arkansas’s big offensive line will carve numerous running lanes for the backs on the way to a victory.

No. 18 Georgia vs. No. 22 North Carolina (Georgia Dome) (5:30 p.m.

ET, ESPN) Expectations for Georgia are high, but there are a lot of unknowns as Kirby Smart begins his first season as head coach. The quarterback battle is down to senior Greyson Lambert and true freshman Jacob Eason. Lambert is likely to get the start, having played in

28 games in his career. Eason appears to be the more talented of the two and could be the starter by the end of the season if named the backup. At running back, Nick Chubb is set to be the starter after fully recovering from a knee injury suffered against Tennessee last season. The defense, which ranked eighth in scoring and first in passing defense in the FBS a season ago, returns six starters. The departure of five members of the front seven has left the Bulldogs defense with numerous holes to fill. North Carolina returns a solid pass defense but must improve the run defense to be competitive with Georgia’s talented backs. The Tar Heels had the ninth ranked scoring offense in the FBS last season but suffer a key loss in quarterback Marquise Williams.

Junior Mitch Trubisky takes over the position and could be just as dynamic as Williams. If he lives up to the hype, watch for the Heels to win the ACC Coastal division.

The Pick: North Carolina 41, Georgia 38 This is my upset pick. Junior running back Elijah Hood will exploit the youth of the Georgia front seven behind a very effective Tar Heel line. The Heels defensive line returns most key players but must show improvement to pull of the upset.

Massachusetts at No. 25 Florida (7:30 p.m. ET, SEC Network) The defending SEC East champion Gators are ranked in the AP preseason Top 25 for the first time since 2013.

Head coach Jim McElwain has four new quarterbacks for this upcoming season. Luke Del Rio, son of Oakland Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio, was named the starter last Thursday.

The redshirt sophomore will look to improve a passing game that struggled a year ago. Sophomore receiver Antonio Callaway will be a big target for Del Rio. The Gators defense was solid again last season, ranking eight in the FBS in total defense. Jalen Tabor is viewed as an elite cornerback. The defense could be even better than a year ago and will remain the security for an uncertain offense. Massachusetts failed to win more than three games in its first four

SEC Week One • 16

2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

11

TIMELINE • Continued from 3

April 6, 2016 – Bentley Forgoes Senior Year, Chooses Gamecocks The quarterback battle took an unexpected turn when Jake Bentley, a highly recruited quarterback prospect, decided to skip his senior

year of high school and enroll at South Carolina.

Bentley is the son of newly-hired running backs coach Bobby Bentley. The younger Bentley is more

of a pocket passer than McIlwain or senior Perry Orth and has “attacked our playbook since he has been here as well as anyone,” according to Muschamp.

May 31, 2016 – Skai Moore Out for Season South Carolina’s leading tackler in 2015, linebacker Skai Moore, seemed to be leaning towards declaring for the NFL before a

change of heart and returning for his senior season. The initial joy Gamecock fans expressed when Moore decided to

return subdued when it was announced on May 31 that he would miss the 2016 with a neck injury.

Aug., 2016 – Hot on Recruiting Trail Heading into Vandy Opener In addition to preparing for the opening game versus Vanderbilt, the Gamecock coaching staff has been

busy on the recruiting trail.

After landing two four-star recruits during the week of Aug. 15, and another

the following week, South Carolina’s 2017 recruiting class is now ranked No. 15 in the nation.

Courtesy of Jeffrey Davis

THE BEST CHOICE FOR QUICK AND RELIABLE TAXI TRANSPORTATION SERVICES IN THE MIDLANDS

(803)799-3311

GET ACTIVE

CAROLINA

WELL MAINTAINED FLEET WITH OVER 100 CARS CLEAN & AIR CONDITIONED FOR RIDING COMFORT

DOWNLOAD OUR APP The app is available for Android and iPhone. You can monitor the progress of your cab on your phone. Check us out at checkeryellowcab.com to order a cab online! Create a profile, save your favorite locations, and order a cab for any location! Pre-paid TaxiCards are perfect for students, seniors, business travelers and people on the go.

The gift card swipes in the taxi like a credit card.

Strom Thurmond Wellness & Fitness Center Solomon Blatt Physical Education Center 803.576.9375 803.777.5261 campusrec.sc.edu University of South Carolina Campus Recreation @UofSC_CampusRec

Sexual Assault and Violence

Intervention & Prevention Student Health Services If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual assault or relationship violence,

call 803-777-8248*

An advocate is

ON CALL 24/7 www.sc.edu/stopsexualassault Emergencies, dial 911. *After hours, call USCPD at 803-777-4215, and they will connect you with an advocate.

Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention & Prevention 803-777-8248, 8 a.m . - 5 p.m. M-F Thomson Student Health Center

stand upcarolina

M·ileii·MIN

Supporting the vision of a Healthy Carolina community

~

~

Supporting the vision of a Healthy Carolina community

~ I "" 'v' Rsn v o, ~ sourn O\R.OLINA

The University of South Caro lin a is an eq ua l opportun institut io n.

ity

UN IVERSITY OF

rtttfiJ~ilttn SOUTHO\ROLINA.

~ ·

2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

13

King bright spot in unproven secondary

Courtesy of Cody Scoggins

Drew Mueller

@TDG_SPORTS

Head coach Will Muschamp hasn’t hidden the fact that he’s been underwhelmed with what he’s seen at the secondary position, and based on how they played last season, he’s got a right to be. Back in spring, he gave a short sentence that summed up his concerns as well as the concerns of Gamecock fans.

“We need to find some answers in the secondary,” he said.

Perhaps the answer could be junior college transfer Jamarcus King.

King comes into 2016 as the toprated JUCO cornerback and ranked No. 9 overall. Like former JUCO commit Marquavius Lewis (who was ranked No. 1 overall and was expected to dominate the defensive

line), King’s impact on the defense is expected to be immediate — so immediate that he’s snagged the second spot at cornerback already, only a few months after arriving on campus.

However, he’s got to prove he’s worth the hype and has had to battle for a position, especially since his head coach was a walk-on at Georgia as a safety.

At Coffeyville Community College in Kansas, King had 37 tackles, six of them for a loss and three interceptions. His 6-foot-1 stature and physicality make him a candidate to play a lockdown corner role in man coverage, something the Gamecocks are currently lacking. He even used to play wide receiver exclusively in high school, so he understands the other side of the cornerback position.

He chose South Carolina over the likes of Arkansas and Auburn.

In front of him, more Division 1 experienced players will see the field first. Junior Chris Lammons and sophomore Rashad Fenton get the nod to the first slots at cornerback.

Lammons started four games last year and played in eight, but had to sit out part of the season because of a knee injury. Fenton proved himself more on the special teams side as being the main kickoff returner and even taking one to the house against LSU last season, but he did see time on the defensive side of the ball. As a true freshman, he played in 10 games last season as a cornerback, which included extensive time against Georgia and Kentucky.

With Rico McWilliams departing from the team for personal matters,

Steven Montac, former teammate of King, will be the second man off the bench for cornerbacks. Montac joined the team late in August when he picked up an offer from the Gamecocks. Montac had 17 tackles and one interception playing for the Red Ravens last year.

Come Thursday against Vanderbilt, though, it will be tough to keep a player like King with such a physical style of play and potential to shut down the Commodores’ No. 1 receiver, even if more experienced and day-one-ready players will start ahead of him.

Maybe one day, Jamarcus will be the Gamecocks’ secondary King, but for now, he’s waiting for the opportunity to prove himself.

2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

14

COLUMN

Roper, McClendon right men to rejuvenate Gamecock offense Pete Helms

@PETEHELMSIZBOSS

When you are taught offensive philosophy by all-time great coaches like David Cutcliffe and Mark Richt, you might know a thing or two about giving defenses headaches.

New South Carolina co-offensive coordinators Kurt Roper and Bryan McClendon were lucky enough to have learned under these two great offensive minds. Roper coached with Cutcliffe for years, and McClendon played for and coached with Richt for almost 13 years.

McClendon played wide receiver at Georgia from 2002 to 2005, where he won two SEC titles under Richt’s coaching. In 2007, McClendon decided to return to Georgia to try his hand at coaching, where he would get to learn under his former coach. He worked his way up the ranks of the Georgia coaching staff, and in 2015 he was named assistant head coach.

Roper followed a slightly different path.

He played quarterback at Rice in the early ‘90s.

In 1996, he got his first coaching job as a graduate assistant at Tennessee

with Cutcliffe, then the Vo l u n t e e r s ’ o f f e n s i v e coordinator.

When Cutcliffe was hired as Duke’s head coach in December of 2007, he asked Roper to leave Tennessee and join him as his offensive coordinator.

Cutcliffe obviously liked and trusted Roper enough that he felt he could bring him to Duke and groom him to run his offense.

It took several grueling seasons at Duke before the right players were on campus. However, in 2013 Roper’s play calling lead to Duke’s offense scoring a school record 60 touchdowns and star wide receiver Jamison Crowder setting ACC single-season records for receptions and receiving yards. His quarterback, Brandon Connette, also became the school’s all-time leader in rushing touchdowns during the 2013 season.

So what kind of offense did Roper run to utilize the talent he had to work with at Duke? He doesn’t turn to the massive volume of plays and tempo that teams like Baylor and Tulsa run. It isn’t a prostyle, under center that one would see at Stanford or Vanderbilt.

Instead, his offense is the new variation of

the spread offense that Cutcliffe adapted while at Duke. Prior to Duke, Cutcliffe and Roper ran a pro-style offense that utilized lots of play action and zone running while the quarterback managed everything from under center. Once he got to Duke, things changed. There started to be less single-back sets and I-formations and more shotgun and pistol formations. They started to recruit dual-threat quarterbacks to run their new offense.

R i c h t d i d n ’t f o l l o w this trend of switching to a spread, up-tempo offense. He stuck by his old pro-style offense with the QB playing under center, handing it off to stud running backs, and throwing screens, short passes and play action passes to keep the defense honest.

T h a t w a s n ’t m u c h different than what Roper was doing at Duke.

The only difference was alignment and pace of the offense. This overlap between the two coaches’ offensive background is good for the Gamecocks.

These two like-minded individuals come from basically the same school of thought as far as

offensive philosophy, so they should be on the same page as far as how the plays are run, what types of plays are run, and when each specific play is used.

R o p e r a n d McClendon’s offense is not fundamentally new, however. It has simply gotten a new look and a new tempo. The big difference is that the offense relies on no-huddle and checks to the sideline to keep a moderately fast tempo. The play calls are still based around zoneand gap-blocking schemes, short to intermediate passing routes, and play action.

Those are all things Cutcliffe and Richt have been teaching Roper and McClendon since the beginning. The offense is just a little flashier now that they like to use dualthreat quarterbacks and a fast tempo. Brandon McIlwain is tailor-made for this offense. He is the dual-threat QB that Roper needs to run this offense effectively. His running ability will bolster the run game, and his strong arm is perfect for throwing tight, accurate passes to receivers and tight ends running short and intermediate routes.

Tight ends are another big part of Roper and M c C l e n d o n ’s s p r e a d attack. Both use a lot of one and two tight end sets where the tight end is utilized as a blocker and pass catcher.

Hayden Hurst and K.C. Crosby must have strong performances this season for the offense to run at full power. They are required to help any blitzes that take advantage of zone blocking, and they also have to be taken seriously as receiving threats, otherwise defensive coordinators will be able to run coverages to put maximum pressure on wide receivers.

Still, the run game is the most important part of this offense. These guys have put running backs like Jamal Lewis, Arian Foster and Todd Gurley into the NFL. While he was at Florida, Roper’s run game was very productive. Matt Jones, Kelvin Taylor and Treon Harris combined for over 1,700 rushing yards in 2014. McClendon always seemed to have two or three great backs ready for Georgia. Gurley, Keith Marshall, Isaiah Crowell and many others put up All-SEC and All-American type numbers while being coached by McClendon.

2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

16

SEC Week One • Continued from 10 Drew Barker to lead his offense. New offensive coordinator Eddie Gran plans FBS seasons. This season the offense to utilize a pro-style offense that will loses starting quarterback Blake allow Barker to spread the ball around Frohnapfel and leading wide receiver the field. The rest of the offense should Tajae Sharpe. On defense, only three be improved from a year ago and return starters return for the Minutemen. four starting junior receivers. The They will receive a much-needed boost defense has holes to fill with only four in senior safety Khary Bailey-Smith, returning starters and six of their top who is set to return from a knee injury seven tacklers moving on. Sophomore after only playing in two games a season defensive end Denzil Ware will look to ago. put pressure on the quarterback. The T h e P i c k : F l o r i d a 4 8 , Wildcats struggled with this a year ago, Massachusetts 6 only coming up with 17 sacks placing The Gators should roll over UMass, them last in the SEC. Southern Miss who enters as an independent after is coming off a 9-5 season in 2015. leaving the MAC. While this game New head coach Jay Hopson returns doesn’t present a large challenge, 13 starters, and the Golden Eagles are Florida needs to build confidence in the poised to contend for the Conference offense before kicking off conference USA Championship. play against Kentucky next week.

The Pick: Kentucky 42, Southern Southern Miss at Kentucky (7:30 Miss 41 p.m. ET, ESPNU) This may be one of the most Kentucky returns nine starters on entertaining games of a loaded week in offense but loses quarterback Patrick college football. Both offenses should Towles who transferred to Boston put up big numbers, but expect Drew College. Head coach Mark Stoops Barker and the Wildcats to pull out a will turn to redshirt sophomore close fourth quarter win in Lexington.

No. 20 USC vs. No. 1 Alabama (Arlington, TX) (8:00 p.m. ET, ABC) The defending national champion Crimson Tide opens with a tough USC team on a neutral field. The Tide has lost quarterback Jake Coker to the NFL and will look to replace him with junior Cooper Bateman or redshirt freshman Blake Barnett, who are still battling for the spot. Alabama must also replace 2015 Heisman-winning running back Derrick Henry. Sophomores Bo Scarbrough and Damien Harris are battling to be the starter but both should see decent playing time over the course of the season. Sophomore Calvin Ridley leads a dynamic group of receivers. Ridley had 1,045 receiving yards last year, placing him second in the SEC. The defense returns key players Jonathan Allen on the defensive line and Tim Williams at linebacker.

Both were top three in the SEC in sacks a year ago. USC enters the new season with high expectations yet again. The Trojans lost quarterback Cody Kessler to the NFL and will turn to junior Max Browne to lead an offense that returns

nine starters from last season. The offensive line may be the best in the nation and has depth on top of talent.

However, the defensive line has holes to replace and could struggle to stop the run. The Trojans have arguably the most versatile athlete in college football in Adoree’ Jackson, who is listed as a cornerback. Jackson scored from all three units a season ago, with a 46-yard interception return for a touchdown, two receiving touchdowns, and two punt-returns for touchdowns.

The Pick: Alabama 31, USC 23 Alabama has not lost a season opener since falling to UCLA in 2001, and never have they lost the opener under head coach Nick Saban. The Tide will turn to its ground game and rely on Cam Robinson and the O-line to exploit the Trojans inexperienced defensive front.

No. 2 Clemson at Auburn (9:00 p.m. ET, ESPN) Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn and his team went just 7-6 a year ago, after

SEC Week One • 17

WE’VE MOVED! Just over the Gervais Street Bridge

Carolina Alert is the Emergency Preparedness resource on campus for students.

- Sign up to receive emergency notifications - Learn how to stay safe on campus - Review emergency procedures Students, sign up to receive text messages and emails at www.vip.sc.edu.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter (#CarolinaAlert).

www.sc.edu/carolinaalert

Download the Rave Gaurdian App!

Hours: Tue-Sat: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

463 Sunset Blvd.

West Columbia, SC (803) 252-1350

2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

SEC Week One

Continued from 16 tough against the run. Auburn will match up against the defending ACC Champion Clemson Tigers who are beginning the season ranked in the top led by junior quarterback and Heisman 10. Redshirt sophomore Sean White has hopeful Deshaun Watson. Clemson been named the starter after winning returns eight starters on offense and the job in fall camp. Auburn will turn should be just as dynamic as last season. to senior wide receivers Marcus Davis Wayne Gallman will be a force out of and Tony Stevens to lead a young the Tigers backfield. The Clemson group of talented freshmen wideouts. defense only returns four starters and Running backs Kerryon Johnson and will rely on the veteran leadership of Kamryn Pettway will anchor a ground defensive tackle Carlos Watkins and attack that must produce in order linebacker Ben Boulware. to take pressure off of White and The Pick: Clemson, 38 Auburn 24 allow the offense to be effective. The The talent on the Clemson offense Tigers hired Kevin Steele as their new will be too much to overcome for defensive coordinator. Steele’s inherited Auburn. Jordan-Hare stadium will be defense looks to be the strength of loud and will likely help keep Auburn the team and will rely on veteran pass in the game for the first half but the rusher Carl Lawson to put pressure on pace will be too much for the unproven opposing quarterbacks. Joining Lawson offense in the second half. is a deep defensive line that includes Monday, Sept. 5 defensive tackle Montravius Adams No. 11 Ole Miss vs. No. 4 Florida and redshirt sophomore Dontavius State (Orlando, FL) (8:00 p.m. ET, Russell. Expect the defense to be much ESPN) improved from a year ago and very Hugh Freeze is entering his fifth •

17

year as head coach for Ole Miss and is aiming to continue his linear progression of the program. The Rebels have bested their record by one game each season since Freeze became coach. Following a 10-3 season, the Rebels would like to continue the trend this year. With victories over Alabama in the past two seasons, the Rebels have shown the ability to win the big games but were plagued with losses to Memphis and Arkansas last season. Veteran quarterback Chad Kelly will lead an offense that returns just five starters. Wide receiver Laquon Treadwell and offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil have both gone to the NFL and nearly the whole offensive live will be replaced from last season. Replacing Treadwell at wide receiver will be true freshman A.J. Brown, who will likely play a big role in the offense. The Rebels suffer another big loss as Robert Nkemdiche left for the NFL. Defensive end Marquis Haynes leads a group that only returns five starters but still has the

potential to remain a force in the SEC. Jimbo Fisher’s Seminoles are primed for a terrific season. The offense returns all of its starters except at quarterback.

Redshirt freshman Deondre Francois is set to start alongside an elite ground threat in junior All-American running back Dalvin Cook. On defense, the Seminoles are left with seven returning starters and are looking to some extremely talented youth to fill their shoes. The defense is considered to be more athletic than last year despite the loss of cornerback Jalen Ramsey, the fifth pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.

The Pick: Florida State 38, Ole Miss 27 Florida State will depend on their veteran offense to power past the Rebels. The Seminoles have the talent to make the College Football Playoff but will have to get past Clemson before then. With inexperience on the O-line for the Rebels, they will have to develop their young linemen to give Kelly time to operate in the pocket.

Banana Pancakes: The Jack Johnson Tribute Band September 2

SC Pride Afterparty September 3

Atlas Road Crew & Brave Baby September 9

The Phall Grand Ball- Featuring Runaway Gin September 10

Waka Flocka Flame September 15

Getter September 20

Hippie Sabotage September 21

Cherub September 23

Cowboy Mouth September 24

2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

18

Vanderbilt defense to challenge South Carolina in season opener Bobby Balboni

@ROB_BALBONI1

South Carolina will have a chance to match last season’s conference win total when they open the season with Vanderbilt in Week 1. Meanwhile, a win for the Commodores would mean they would be halfway to their 2015 total. Wins are always at a premium in the SEC, but for these two programs, a chance to get an early win on their resume presents itself as a truly rare opportunity.

The Commodores will return a veteran defense that promotes versatility and is especially tough on the running game. As a unit, they really took to the leadership of head coach Derek Mason who elected to be his own defensive coordinator in 2015. They excelled in the red zone last season, ranking No. 6 in the country and trailed only Georgia in the SEC. Inside linebacker Zach Cunningham is a tenacious playmaker who has the physicality to stuff rushing attempts up the middle while also

possessing an aptitude to bounce outside to fill leaks elsewhere in Vanderbilt’s defense. He was named first team All-SEC by the league’s coaches last season and eclipsed the century mark with 103 tackles.

Fellow redshirt junior Oren Burks will man the “star” hybrid linebackersafety role in Derek Mason’s defense that should allow him to be the crack down on outside runs while also enabling him to be a force in coverage. Burks can capitalize on mistakes and led the team with three interceptions last season.

South Carolina plans to shuffle two quarterbacks into the game, presumably senior Perry Orth and freshman Brandon McIlwain, but regardless of who is captaining the offense, Vanderbilt’s defensive personnel means that decision-making will be critical for the Gamecocks’ quarterbacks.

A lapse in mental judgment could easily result in a significant loss or even a pick-six with fierce playmakers like Cunningham and Burks

roving all over the field.

Offensively, both teams have significant question marks. Head coach Will Muschamp will be piecing together an undefined backfield with his multiple quarterbacks and will also be relying on a running back by-committee approach.

Redshirt freshman A.J. Turner looks primed to get a majority of the carries in Week 1, although redshirt junior David Williams will also be a factor, despite an underwhelming 2015 season and a poor first impression with South Carolina’s new coaching staff.

Vanderbilt’s quarterback Kyle Shurmur was a highly touted high school prospect but had mixed results in his freshman campaign after he emerged as Vanderbilt’s starter. He completed just 42.7 percent of his passes in five games.

Vanderbilt’s featured back Ralph Webb is more of a known commodity after compiling 1,152 yards on the ground in 2015, the second highest total in the history of the program. Webb will

likely be depended on to shoulder a significant portion of Vanderbilt’s offensive attack.

Vanderbilt will also likely try to exploit South Carolina’s unproven and undersized secondary unit. Look for Shurmur to target the 6-foot-1 receiver Trent Sherfield frequently when they put the ball in the air.

Sherfield is coming off a productive season where he racked up 659 receiving yards and 51 receptions.

Both programs have a lot to lose here.

V a n d e r b i l t ’s b o w l aspirations will take a heavy hit with a defeat to South Carolina, especially considering how difficult the back end of their schedule is. The Commodores need a fast start. On the other hand, Muschamp desperately needs to get off on the right foot after earning a second chance in South Carolina. Expect emotions to run high, and the team that manages those emotions will likely be the one to enter Week 2 with a conference win under their belt.

Meet with an attorney for a FREE consultation Issues including: - Landlord-Tenant - Domestic Relations - Consumer Protection - Probate Law - Housing - Employment Law Current USC students can schedule appointments on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. by going online or calling:

803-777-6611 When meeting with the attorney, students must bring their CarolinaCard.

In the Heart of Five Points (803) 799-3730 blossomshopcolumbiasc.com

Fall into a new routine. Make CVS your weekly habit. We are your home away from home.

Come visit us for all your health and school needs.

Pharmacy

Come for Mass — Stay for Brunch

MinuteClinic

PARENTS WEEKEND

Photo Center

Sunday, September 18, 9 & 11 1610 GREENE STREET — ON THE USC CAMPUS

CVS Health, where your health is our priority.

CAROLINA

DINING

2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

21

Behind enemy lines Five questions with Vanderbilt Hustler sports editor Robbie Weinstein Adam Orfinger and Robbie Weinstein @AORFINGER @ROBSW4

Ahead of tonight’s game against Vanderbilt, The Daily Gamecock’s sports staff got in touch with Vanderbilt Hustler sports editor Robbie Weinstein to discuss the Gamecocks’ first opponent.

The Daily Gamecock: Kyle Shurmur lost the starting quarterback job to Johnny McCrary during the 2015 season. What makes him the guy for the job now?

Robbie Weinstein: Although Shurmur never truly lost the starting job to McCrary (he suffered a concussion against Houston that forced him out of the Florida game, then returned to start the final three games), his stats left a lot to be desired. Backup QB Wade Freebeck hasn’t been far off the pace leading into the season, so it’s quite possible that he’ll steal snaps from Shurmur at some point.

The arguments in Shurmur’s favor appear to be his pedigree as a highly rated recruit and his 2-2 SEC record as a starter, but he isn’t a lock to take a big step forward this year.

TDG: Ralph Webb guaranteed a win over South Carolina during the summer. Considering he’ll likely

be the focus of the South Carolina defense, how do you expect him to lead the Commodores to victory?

RW: Webb should get his typical 25 or so carries, but it’ll be hard for him to carry the offense to more than 20 points in any game this year without help from Shurmur. Against South Carolina, he’ll need to show well in pass protection and provide an outlet for Shurmur in order to take pressure off the young QB. Webb will see time this year as a kick returner as well, and any help in terms of field position could be important in what looks to be a lowscoring game.

TDG: Vanderbilt struggled converting opportunities in the red zone last season. What do you expect from the Commodores near the goal line against South Carolina?

RW: Vandy brings back a pair of tight ends who missed most of last year in DeAndre Woods and Jalen Pinkney, and I’d expect both to be goal-line targets for Shurmur when VU opts to pass. Most of the time, however, I expect simple and predictable runs up the middle with Webb, Dallas Rivers and converted linebacker Khari Blasingame.

TDG: The running game is Vanderbilt’s strong suit, but the South Carolina secondary is far weaker than the front seven. How do you expect that contrast to affect Derek Mason’s gameplan?

R W: As much as Vanderbilt’s coaching staff surely would like to try and stretch the field, the reality is the Dores haven’t proved they have the deep threats or quarterback play to do so. Mason and offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig will probably play it conservative with the hopes of avoiding turnovers, so I still expect them to mostly run the ball right at South Carolina’s front seven. This strategy might only produce limited success, but they’ll stick to it.

TDG: Fill in the blanks: Vanderbilt will win if __________________.

Va n d e r b i l t w i l l l o s e i f ____________________.

RW: Vanderbilt will win if it wins the turnover battle. Vanderbilt will lose if McCrary parachutes out of the sky and puts himself in the game, throwing three interceptions in the end zone to seal a Gamecocks victory.

2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

22

Muschamp changes momentum

Courtesy of South Carolina Athletics

Sarah Stone

@SARA_H_SMILE

The arrival of head coach Will Muschamp signaled a change in momentum for the Gamecocks.

“He will give us an opportunity to be at the top of the conference and get us in the national conversation,” said athletic director Ray Tanner at

Muschamp’s hiring press conference in December.

Recruiting This transformation is most evident in recruiting. Muschamp traveled to visit recruits on his first

day as head coach, and within two weeks he had secured four-star junior college cornerback Jamarcus King.

ESPN ranked Muchamp’s 2016 recruiting class 27th in the nation.

The new coach brought in a number of four-stars, including top defensive linemen Stephon Taylor and Keir Thomas.

M u s c h a m p ’s m o s t r e c e n t recruiting success came with the signing of star cornerback Jamyest Williams. The Loganville, Georgia, native ranks 37th in ESPN’s top 300 recruits for the class of 2017.

Williams joined six other four-stars for the upcoming cycle, with the

MOMENTUM • 29

GO GAMECOCKS! A New Take on Class

You’ve never seen student housing with amenities like this.

School happens in the classroom. Life happens here. With over 16,000 square feet of world-class amenities, from the Rooftop Pool to the rejuvenating Resident Spa, Hub On Campus Columbia takes student housing to a whole new level.

• Rooftop and Indoor Hot Tubs • Outdoor Fire Pit • Sand Volleyball Court • Luxury Living Facilities • Custom Made Furnishings • Virtual Golf Simulation • 2 Tanning Salons • State-of-the-Art Fitness Center • Indoor Arcade Area • Columbia’s Only Rooftop Pool • Sauna and Steam Room • 20 Ft. Outdoor LED TV Screen

1426 Main Street Columbia, SC 29201 Website: http://huboncampus.com/columbia/ Email: leasing@HubAtColumbia.com

Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Sunday: 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Phone: 803-369-8274 Fax: 888-748-0990

Deebo Samuel

Jamari Smith

Mason Zandi

Zack Bailey

Donell Stanley

Brandon Jake McIlwain Bentley B

QB

Cory Helms

D.J. Park

Hayden Hurst

Bryan Edwards

WR LT LG C RG RT TE WR WR Perry Orth

A.J. Turner

RB

DEPTH

2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW 24

CB Dante Sawyer

Chaz Elder

S

Jonathan Bryson T.J. T.J. Allen-Williams Holloman n Walton Holloman

S

D.J. Smith

T.J. Chris Holloman Moody

WLB MLB SLB

Kelsey Griffin

DE DT DT DE

Taylor Marquavius Stallworth Lewis

CB Chris Lammons

CHART

Rashad Fenton

2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW 25

®

T C E F R e E v P i L E o t TH e c a l P

Great for Tailgating-

FREE SHUTTLE LARGE GREENSPACES 2 MI. FROM THE STADIUM 1929 Bluff Road | Columbia, SC | 29201 803.733.5144 | www.retreatcolumbia.com

2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

27

A.J. Turner aims to emerge as feature running back Marion McCurry @MCFLURRY711

The Gamecock football team will have a new look this season. Literally.

The team will debut new jersey, helmet and pant options, but those changes are superficial. The real changes can be seen in the coaching staff, the defensive and offensive schemes and especially the players on the offensive side of the ball.

Yes, the Gamecock defense will show all sorts of different alignments, blitzes and coverages, but at least it is bringing back players that South Carolina fans will remember from years past. The offense, on the other hand, will not only run different plays and line up in different formations, but there are several new players at prominent positions like quarterback and wide receiver.

Running back was one of the few positions that

was supposed to be taken care of. David Williams, a redshirt junior, was expected to transition into the starting role in 2016. However, Williams failed to beat out the competition. Enter A.J. Turner.

“I’m a really competitive person. I don’t like to get beat at anything” Turner said, and that includes the race for starting running back.

Turner is listed at 5-foot-10 and weighs in at 195. Many commentators would say that Turner is too small to survive, much less thrive in the SEC, just don’t tell Turner that.

The “undersized” running back plays with an unusually large chip on his shoulder, pasting snippets of negative comments about his ability or size that he finds online to his bedroom door.

25 5

Ranked by most recruiting agencies as a three-star prospect (Scout rated him as a four-star), Turner missed most of his senior season of high school due to a wrist injury and redshirted as a freshman last season. The 2016 season will be his first real action since he accumulated nearly 1,300 yards, 32 touchdowns and a state championship as a junior in high school.

Regardless of his m e a s u r a b l e s , Tu r n e r will be expected to make a big impact on the field. Coaches with inexperienced quarterbacks tend to lean on the running game.

It’s Turner’s job to make sure they are handing the ball to a trustworthy player. Turner may even start building trust on the opening play as he is also expected to return kickoffs.

His first test is Thursday night.

South Carolina’s original outdoor store. Established 1973.

All your favorite brands!

•Patagonia •Patagonia •ENO •ENO Hammocks Hammocks •Osprey •Osprey Packs Packs •North •North Face Face Bookbags Bookbags •Smith •Smith Sunglasses Sunglasses •Chaco •Chaco •Vasque •Vasque •Columbia •Columbia Sportswear Sportswear Company Company •Salomon •Salomon Trailrunners Trailru unners

SUMMER SALE GOING ON NOW! 803-779-0606 | 342 Pickens Street Mon-Sat 10-6 & Sun 10-4 | Brunch Sat-Sun 10-2

U UNDER NEW O OWNERSHIP!

Close to campus- In the Vista! /craftanddraftsc Craft Beer & Growler Shop

@craftanddraftsc @craftanddraftbeer

NEW HOME FOR COLUMBIA’S CO PITTSBURGH STEELERS FANS WATCH YOUR FAVORITE PRO & COLLEGE FOOTBALL GAMES!

DRINK SPECIALS EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK! PROUDLY SERVING LOCAL BEER.

If you are under the age of 21, it is against the law to buy alcoholic beverages.

All South Carolina regulations enforced.

2107 Greene Street Five Points HOURS: Monday-Friday: 4:30 p.m.

Saturday-Sunday: 11 a.m.

(803) 256-1203 grouptherapybar.com

Monday - Thursday: 11 AM - 8 PM Friday: 11 AM - 9 PM Saturday: 11 AM - 8 PM Sunday: 1 PM - 7 PM

(803)764-2575 craftanddraftbeer.com 2706 Devine St Columbia, SC 29205

If you are under the age of 21, it is against the law to buy alcoholic beverages.

All South Carolina regulations enforced.

2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

29

Courtesy of South Carolina Athletics

MOMENTUM • Continued from 22 class projected by ESPN to be 17th in the nation.

A $50 million football operations building, set to begin construction in January, could continue this trend.

Staff Changes in the coaching staff have also inserted new energy into the program. Muschamp replaced all but one of Spurrier’s coaches, leaving offensive line coach and interim head coach Shawn Elliott. A number of these new hires worked with Muschamp during his stints at Auburn or Florida.

Notable additions to the staff

include defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach Travaris Robinson and special teams coordinator and linebackers coach Coleman Hutzler. Robinson, who coached for Muschamp for five years at both Florida and Auburn, has consistently coached highly regarded secondaries. He has also gained a reputation as a strong recruiter.

Hutzler most recently coached at Boston College. During his time as a special teams coordinator at New Mexico, he turned around the Lobos’ net punting and punt-return defense statistics.

Quarterback Muschamp’s efforts in recruiting and coaching have resulted in

potential at the quarterback position, where the Gamecocks struggled last season. 2016’s recruiting class included two four-star quarterbacks, Brandon McIlwain and Jake Bentley.

Muschamp also hired Kurt Roper as co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.

Team Mentality Over the course of his nearly 20-year coaching career, Roper has made a name for himself as a quarterbacks coach. He is best known for coaching Eli Manning and Andre Woodson. However, Roper made his biggest impact at Duke, where two of the quarterbacks he coached broke school records.

Team Mentality

Much of this change could be attributed to Muschamp’s work ethic, which he hopes to instill in his players.

“We want to be a blue-collar, over-achieving outfit. That’s what we want to be known for,” said Muschamp at his hiring press conference in December.

This enthusiasm often manifests itself creatively in games and practices, which has earned Muschamp the nickname “Coach Boom” over the course of his career.

“I see it at practice. Even if you mess up he will get on you. If you do something good he will still push you to get better,” said wide receiver Deebo Samuel at the SEC Media Days in July.

2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

EAST CAROLINA

@ SC

31

WINNABILTY

KENTUCKY

SEPT. 17 Muschamp’s home debut at Williams-Brice comes against a non-Power-5 East Carolina team that simply isn’t what it was a few years ago. The Pirates have struggled in their first two seasons in the AAC, and there’s no reason to think that this season will be any

MASSACHUSETTS

@ SC

SC @

SEPT. 24

different with the departure of their head coach and many playmakers on offense.

Regardless of what happens in the first two games, this is an absolute must-win for the Gamecocks, and Muschamp will make sure it’s treated as such.

WINNABILITY

WINNABILITY

TEXAS A&M

@ SC OCT. 1 WINNABILITY

OCT. 22 If South Carolina was to win just one game this season, you’d think it would be this one. The Minutemen are coming off back-to-back 3-9 seasons, and the Gamecocks will have two weeks to

TENNESSEE

@ SC

prepare. By this point, most if not all position battles should have been sorted out, and there’s really no reason to believe this game should give South Carolina any serious trouble.

WINNABILITY

OCT. 29 A last-minute red-zone fumble cost the Gamecocks a potential upset win over the Volunteers last season, and one can argue that South Carolina will be improved in 2016. Still, Tennessee has legitimate talent, particularly in quarterback Joshua Dobbs and running back Jalen

GEORGIA

@ SC

weaknesses. On the other hand, Jojo Kemp and Stanley “Boom” Williams make up one of the better backfield duos in the country, and Kentucky has beaten the Gamecocks in each of the last two seasons. It’s another winnable game for South Carolina, depending on how well the offense is gelling by this point.

With October comes the start of a five-game homestand, beginning with the Aggies. Despite some off-field issues and an abundance of transfers, Texas A&M should field a strong team this season, led

by Oklahoma transfer q u a r t e r b a c k Tr e v o r Knight, the 2014

Sugar Bowl MVP. The Aggies return multiple talented receivers, and the defense is likely the strongest it’s been under Kevin Sumlin.

Sumlin’s teams have shown the ability to underperform at times, but they should come to Columbia as significant favorites.

WINNABILITY

By the time the Bulldogs get to Columbia, fans could be praising Kirby Smart for taking out solid competition on the way to a 5-0 start, Nick Chubb could be a Heisman candidate and Jacob Eason could be living up to all the hype. Or Georgia could be 2-3, and fans could be trying to mount Smart’s

MISSOURI

Hurd. The Vols come to Columbia after a bye, and they’ll play Tennessee Tech the following week, so all of the focus will be on the Gamecocks. South Carolina is capable of pulling an upset in 2016, but this one isn’t too likely.

The final of the Gamecocks’ three SEC road opponents in the opening month, Kentucky is in a similar situation to the first t w o . T h e Wi l d c a t s aren’t expected to rise toward the top of the conference this season, and with inexperience at quarterback and holes on the defense, Mark Stoops’ squad certainly has its

OCT. 8

head over their fireplaces. Either seems equally likely. The Bulldogs certainly have more talent than the Gamecocks, and South Carolina might be better off if its division rival comes in hot and underestimates the Gamecocks rather than having lost to Ole Miss or Tennessee in the prior two weeks.

WINNABILITY

@ SC The Tigers should have a strong defense yet again, but there’s no reason to believe the offense will be any better, which is terrible news for Missouri fans. The Tigers have a new coaching staff and some returners on offense, but

NOV. 7 that’s still the same offense that failed to score a touchdown for the majority of October during the 2015 season.

The wheels easily could have fallen off for either team, or maybe both teams by the time this game is played.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

Gamecocks

LiveWell University of South Carolina

Fall 2016 Event Themes

Hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. M-F (Fall/Spring) 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. M-F (Summer/Break) Thomson Student Health Center Pharmacy for faculty & staff, too! Refills: MyPocketRx app, sc .edu/myrxspace,

803-777-4890

• Fills prescriptions right on campus; pick up on your lunch break • Accepts the state health plan • Cheaper or the same prices as other pharmacies

Wellness Services • Check your blood pressure & weight • Complete a physical fitness assessment • Schedule an exercise, stress management or tobacco cessation consultation • Lab testing, x-rays, immunizations and travel consultations • Meet with a registered dietitian • Personalized approach to achieving your health and wellness goals Supporting

Prevention & Advocacy Services • Sexual assault and violence prevention & advocacy services • Participate in worksite screening • Healthy campus initiatives, programs & policy updates

the vision of a Healthy Carolina community

Learn more: www.sa.sc.edu/gamecockslw • 803-777-6518 Find us on Face book & Twitt er for th e lat est in form ation and event s.

11 Facebook.com ~

Healthy Carolina Farmers Market

/ USCFacultyandStaffWellness

Twitter.com / USCFSWellness

September 6

October 11

FEEL WELL: Join Mental Health Initiatives as they raise awareness for National Suicide Prevention week

STAY WELL: Join Faculty and Staff Wellness to learn how you can prevent breast cancer

September 13

October 18

LIVE WELL: Celebrate Wellness Week and lower your stress by hanging out with some dogs from PAALS

LEARN WELL: Celebrate Healthy Literacy Month by learning how to understand your health care

October 25 September 20 EAT WELL: Join the oncampus dietitian to learn about foods that boost your mood and energy

MOVE WELL: Have your body fat percentage read by Campus Wellness and learn about daily exercise

Novemberl September 27 MANAGE WELL: Visit the Student Success Center at the Farmers Market to learn some skills that will make money management woes a thing of the past

CELEBRATE WELL: Cocky and the cheerleaders will join Gamecock fans at the market. Come and get your picture taken with our beloved mascot

November15 October 4 BE WELL: Learn how to use mindfulness to relax and reduce stress

SLEEP WELL: Learn about the importance of sleep and how it impacts your academic career and mental health

2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

35

Ranking the top 5 newcomers of 2016 Lee Wardlaw

@LEE_WARDLAW

Starting tonight, South Carolina begins a new era as a program under rookie head coach Will Muschamp.

Not only will the Gamecocks introduce a new head coach, but they’ll also introduce a new cast of characters on both sides of the ball.

While it may take some getting used to for fans, change should be a good thing in Columbia this fall. The average observer could assume this after the Gamecocks’ 2015 debacle, which featured a 3-9 record and a last-place finish in the SEC. The shift from the Spurrier era to the Muschamp era will be highlighted with a youth revival.

In 2016, the Gamecocks’ roster will be dominated by freshmen.

Thirty-seven true freshmen arrived on campus in 2016, and 54 freshmen are eligible if you count redshirted players.

This total accounts for about 46 percent of the team, which should be considered a startling figure for an SEC school.

Regardless, Gamecock Country shouldn’t panic. For one thing, Columbia has the lowest expectations since 2000 — a year after the Gamecocks finished 0-11. Secondly, the incoming talent should provide excitement for the future.

With the upcoming Vanderbilt game, The Daily Gamecock introduces five players that fans should keep

Courtesy of South Carolina Athletics

their eye on come kickoff.

Most likely, these fi ve players will be seeing the field a lot this season.

Bryan Edwards, wide receiver 6-foot-3, 210 pounds The four-star Edwards picked Carolina over Clemson this winter and it should be paying off for a long time. Since arrival to Columbia, Edwards has been tearing up the competition.

The lanky wideout has made some impressive grabs at fall camp and is drawing rave reviews from teammates, coaches and fans alike. Even better, he’s listed at the top of the depth chart at the wide

receiver position.

Brandon Mcllwain, quarterback 6-foot, 205 pounds The highly touted quarterback might or might not start against Vanderbilt, but he is expected to at least split playing time with senior Perry Orth. Not only is the twosport star athletic, but he also has the intangibles that could make him a good offensive leader. While Orth might have more experience, Mcllwain’s agility could make him the man for the job. Regardless, he should see a lot of playing time in the future.

Korey Banks, wide receiver 5-foot-11, 180 pounds Banks hasn’t reached the top of

the mountain on the depth chart yet, but the three-star receiver of Tyrone, Georgia, has the potential to see the field in 2016. Other than Edwards, Banks has arguably showcased the most skills out of any incoming wideout during spring and fall practice. While he is a good route-runner, his speed is unmatched, with his fastest recorded 40-yard dash in high school a 4.51. He’s currently listed behind Jamari Smith on the second wideout position on the depth chart.

Keir Thomas, defensive lineman 6-foot-2, 265 pounds The Miami-based prospect came into Columbia listed as the 26thrated defensive lineman in the nation according to 247Sports, and he’s already making serious moves on the depth chart. The fall depth chart currently lists him as a second-string defensive tackle, so his youth impact should be seen on the playing field.

Jamarcus King, defensive back 6-foot-2 180 pounds King’s addition should help South Carolina bolster a secondary that is considered thin by many in both depth and talent. King hails from Coffeyville Community College in Kansas and was considered the top junior college cornerback in 2015, according to Rivals recruiting service. King is currently listed behind Chris Lammons at the corner position, but look for him to be thrown into action if the defensive backfield struggles as predicted.

2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

36

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31

SC @ FLORIDA

SC @

WINNABILITY

WESTERN CAROLINA

NOV. 12 M u s c h a m p ’s r e t u r n t o Gainesville will dominate the headlines, which will keep people from talking about the numerous similarities between the Gators and Gamecocks.

Florida is relatively unproven on offense as well, and the Gators were dismal down the stretch last season despite

SC @ CLEMSON

WINNABILITY

NOV. 19 winning the SEC East crown.

Still, the Gators have loads of talent on the defensive side, particularly in linebacker Jarrad Davis and defensive back Jalen Tabor. Even with South Carolina’s players trying to elevate their game for their coach, Florida’s stacked defense will be tough to overcome.

WINNABILITY

NOV. 26

The Catamounts are attempting to replace one of the best players in school history in quarterback Troy Mitchell, so it’s safe to assume the offense and the team itself will likely take a step back in 2016.

This is a trap game ahead of South Carolina’s biggest

The Tigers are undoubtedly one of the nation’s best teams, and the offense features the dynamic duo of quarterback Deshaun Watson and running back Wayne Gallman, not to mention the playmakers on the

rivalry (we saw how that turned out last year), and Western Carolina won seven games last season.

The Gamecocks should be heavy favorites, but let’s not consider this an absolute lock either.

outside. The defense lost three of its biggest playmakers, but Clemson seems to have plenty of talent ready to fill the gaps. The fact that anything can happen in a rivalry game gives the Gamecocks the slightest of chances.

dailygamecock.com

Student News Interest Meetings CK

ECO

THE

Y DAIL

GAM

Sept. 1, Russell House 305, 8 p.m.

Sept. 6, Russell House 305, 8 p.m.

Sept. 8, Russell House 305, 8 p.m.

The University of South Carolina is an equal opportunity institution.

FALL 2016 PASSPORT FAIRS Tues., Sept. 20, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Wed., Oct. 5, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Golden Spur Gameroom, Russell House Basement Convenient way to your new U.S. passport · · · · ·

Documentation required: 2” x 2” color photograph taken within last six months (Photo service available for $10) Certified birth certificate Valid driver’s license or state-issued ID, military or Federal Government ID Passport application (available at www.travel.state.gov) Passport fees (Application fee must be check or money order payable to the Department of State; $25 execution fee and $10 photo service option may be paid by cash, check, credit or CarolinaCard) For more information, www.travel.state.gov or call 803-777-3168

bar none

. .

620 HARDEN ST. FIVE POINTS COLUMBIA, SC 29205

Monday through Friday Open: 3pm to 6am Food from: 4:30pm to 4:30am Saturday & Sunday: 4:30pm-1am

Saturday & Sunday 3pm to 2am Serving LowCo Barbecue wings, pizza and 5 Points specials!

If you are under the age of 21, it is against the law to buy alcoholic beverages. All ABC regulations enforced.

Your morning coffee lineup just got a bit more colorful 3101 Millwood Avenue 803.771.8080 www.mymadplatter.com

2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

38

Column: Special teams an area of stability for Gamecocks Abe Danaher

@ABEDANAHER

Muschamp’s South Carolina team doesn’t have a lot of experience heading into the season, but that isn’t true of the specialists. With the likes of Elliot Fry, Sean Kelly and Rashad Fenton returning, South Carolina features an extremely reliable special teams unit that could make up for other shortcomings that the team may have.

With his strong leg and accuracy, Elliott Fry will be crucial if the Gamecocks are to be successful. With his longest converted field goal being 52 yards, he gives a solid cushion for an offense that many predict will struggle next year. His value last year to the team was obvious as he led the team with 85 points scored, converting on 20 of his 28 field goals and all 25 of his extra point attempts. This year, the team needs him to continue with this consistency.

Sean Kelly is another key returner for the Gamecocks.

Last season, Kelly was excellent at pinning opposing teams deep in their own territory. In his 55 punts last year, Kelly successfully pinned opponents inside their own 20-yard line 25 times. It will

Courtesy of Olivia Barthel

be important that he continues this kind of play so that the Gamecocks can more easily withstand offensive drives that stall early and so that less pressure is put on the defense.

The biggest and most exciting feature of this coming season’s special teams unit comes in the 5-foot-10, 190-pound frame of Rashad Fenton. Last season, Fenton was not used in the return

game until the LSU game.

Yet, upon his first kick return of the season, he was able to bring the ball to the house on a 96-yard kickoff return.

Fenton offers the Gamecocks a much-needed lightning rod, a player that in one return could instantly flip the momentum of the game and allow for points to go up on the board without the offense ever having to touch the ball.

Even if he is not returning every kick for a touchdown, he will be extremely important in providing good fi eld position for the offense to begin drives.

It is behind these players that South Carolina could provide much support for their offense and defense. This unit will provide stability for the team and, day in and day out, take the pressure off both the offense and defense.

2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

39

Courtesy of The State

Blackshear ready to put past behind Adam Orfinger @AORFINGER

Bluffton native Shameik Blackshear came with high expectations when he signed with South Carolina, joining the 2015 class as a four-star recruit. However, his first season in Columbia didn’t go as planned.

After a knee injury cost him half of his senior season of high school, Blackshear was still hindered by knee problems in 2015, playing in just two games and receiving a medical redshirt.

The season itself was fairly

uneventful.

The offseason, however, was not. In mid-December, the 6-foot-4, 265-pounder was shot in the leg and the chest outside an offcampus apartment complex.

Blackshear wasn’t released from the hospital until early January, and he wasn’t able to take part in practice until the team opened camp in the fall.

While Blackshear was simply the victim in this incident, he’s had a bit of a troubled past. The highschool standout was arrested in February 2015 and charged with petit larceny

after stealing a purse and a safe from someone’s house.

He has since been charged with possession of marijuana.

He sparked more off-field controversy with last season as he grew frustrated with his lack of playing time, tweeting “Should [have] looked around like my parents said.”

Will Muschamp has taken an interest in his recovering star, and Blackshear told 247 Sports he’s been “impressed” with the Gamecocks’ new head coach.

With all the issues in his past, this could be a makeor-break year for the redshirt

freshman. Blackshear is currently listed as the second-team defensive end along with true freshman D.J. Wonnum. There’s no denying Blackshear’s talent, but his health is certainly a concern.

His discipline, however, may no longer be a concern.

“It’s not something that happens overnight. It takes a little time, but in the meantime I’m just going to keep my (nose) clean, do the right thing, be respectful and just be thankful that I’m still living,” Blackshear told SEC Country in August.

While Blackshear said in the same interview his goal is to become the same player that made him an elite recruit in high school, he should also be a different person, as he’s gained perspective since the off-season incident.

Now, Blackshear needs to evolve into a role as just another contributor on the new-look South Carolina defense. With his immense talent, the defensive end has the opportunity to play a major part in rejuvenating the weak Gamecock pass rush.

DRINKING ISN’T CONSENT. Consent is only a clear and uncoerced “Yes.”

sc.edu/stopsexualassault

No time? No line!

Two ways to skip the wait!

Check-in online IRU RIͤ FH YLVLWV DW DOO RXU ORFDWLRQV DW DoctorsCare.com/locate.

8VH Doctors Care Anywhere WR VHH D GRFWRU ZLWK \RXU SKRQH DW DoctorsCare.com/Anywhere.

Cold, Cough, & Sinus Saline IV Hydration Therapy Flu Shots & Treatment Urinary Infections Food Poisoning

Cuts & Minor Burns Stings & Bites Sprains & Fractures College Student Discount STD Screening

$25 off self-pay with a valid student ID card

Urgent Care | Family Care | Anywhere

Experienced offensive line to anchor young offense

2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

42

Courtesy of Olivia Barthel

Pete Helms

@PETEHELMSIZBOSS

SEC football games are won at the line of scrimmage. A SEC team can have all the skill position talent in the world, but it will not win many football games if their offensive line cannot stop the behemoths that fill the front sevens of every defense in the

conference.

This is one of the few things Coach Muschamp and staff do not have to worry about. The Gamecocks’ offensive line isn’t getting much attention this offseason, but it is an experienced and talented group.

Walking into a program with a high-level offensive line is a luxury most coaches would kill for. It makes

implementing a new offense much easier by allowing coaches to focus their attention on mentoring the young or inexperienced skill position players.

That is exactly the situation that South Carolina is facing. It appears as though at some point, true freshman quarterback Brandon McIlwain will be playing. He will be handing it off

and throwing to mostly freshmen and sophomores. On top of that, he will be trying to do it in the hardest conference in the SEC. This is where the big guys up front come in to help ease the team through this transition period. A starting five of Mason Zandi, Cory Helms, DJ Park,

OFFENSE • 43

2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

43

OFFENSE • Continued from 42

Courtesy of Josh Warner

Donnell Stanley and Zack Bailey is good enough to win battles at the line of scrimmage to allow this team move the ball.

The lone senior of the group is left tackle, Mason Zandi. The Chapin native stands at an imposing 6-foot-9 and is considered the leader of this group. He was one of the three players chosen to attend SEC Media Days and was recently voted as a third-team All-SEC player in the SEC coaches preseason poll. At Media Days, Zandi talked about how he knows the team let Gamecock fans down last season, but that he believes everyone on the team learned from that experience.

It definitely sounds like he will be playing with a big chip on his shoulder this year, and that will certainly rub off on the rest of the offensive linemen which will elevate their level of play. That is a potentially scary thought for opposing teams because many of these linemen were highly

sought after, and even a guy like Cory Helms (who didn’t have many Power 5 offers) was a Freshman AllAmerican while at Wake Forest.

The offensive line is without a doubt the brightest spot on this team. Gamecock fans should feel very confident in the ability of this unit to perform at a high level. All of the experience and talent there will help Kurt Roper implement his offense at a much faster pace. Roper can also rest easy knowing his young quarterback is being protected by one of the better front lines in the conference.

The best part of this group? Four of the five starters from this year’s team will return next year. That, paired with a year of experience for all the young skill players, should have Gamecocks excited for the future.

2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

44

SC Quarterback • Continued from 48

Courtesy of Daniel Hou

professional-difficulty throws that were really impressive. If Orth starts and doesn’t perform well Thursday, McIlwain will be the next guy called upon.

And then there’s Jake Bentley, a player who wasn’t expected to join the team until 2017. As a more pro-style, pocket passer quarterback, Bentley seems to fit the mold that offensive coordinator Kurt Roper is looking for (think Eli Manning at Ole Miss or Thad Lewis at Duke, both who played under Roper’s supervision). He’s 6-foot-3, 223 pounds and has a cannon for an arm.

With that said, Bentley probably is the least physically and mentally prepared for the demands of Division 1 football, much less the physicality required for the SEC, considering he’s only been with the program for Even so, nobody has given any leads as to who will start.

One major problem the Gamecocks had last season was red zone efficiency.

Too many times did they trade six points for three. It seemed as though Orth

and his offense could get to the 20-yard line, but would stall all momentum once inside. Of the 36 times they entered the red zone, 47.2 percent of the time they would score a touchdown compared to the 38.9 percent they would be forced to score off a field goal.

To counter this deficit, coach Roper and the offensive staff will probably design red zone packages with Orth and McIlwain and perhaps a Wildcat formation with Nunez in the backfield.

McIlwain’s speed will allow him to utilize zone read plays and be a danger to score with his feet. Orth has the ability to roll out of the pocket and throw on the run, though it would ideal to see McIlwain execute some of those types of plays.

Overall, expect Perry Orth and Brandon McIlwain to see action against the Commodores with Bentley staying out of the contest unless absolutely necessary. McIlwain will have specific packages built around his talents, but Perry Orth will use his veteran knowledge to springboard himself to more playing time than his arguably more talented coherts.

The Best New Venue in Columbia to watch Gamecock Football!

Join Shandon College Ministry at 7:45 at 2121 Devine Street, as we watch the game, eat good food, and cheer on our Gamecocks!

For more information about our college ministry: visit us at shandoncollege.com or follow us @shandoncollege!

We'd love to meet you!

2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

46

Deebo to anchor inexperienced WRs Bobby Balboni

@ROB_BALBONI1

Courtesy of Daniel Hou

The inexperience of South Carolina’s wide receiving corp cannot be overstated. Of the seven wide out options listed on South Carolina’s depth chart prior to the Vanderbilt game, only three saw game action last year and they compiled 17 combined receptions.

Redshirt sophomore Deebo Samuel is slated to be the team’s primary receiving target after appearing in just five games last season. But perhaps no one embodies the corp as a whole better than Samuel, because, in addition to his lack of seasoning, he also offers an incredibly high ceiling.

Against Clemson, Samuel harnessed his electrifying speed to rip off a 48-yard slant as part of a career best 104-yard performance.

Even though the players are similar physically and both are hyperathletic, it is unfair to expect Samuel to replace Pharoh Cooper’s production. Cooper’s field vision and route efficiency are on an elite level and Samuel will simply need to log more snaps before he can even be mentioned in a conversation with No. 11.

When the bar is set

at a more reasonable level, Samuel is a pretty appealing option.

Samuel, like the rest of his fellow receivers, is going to require patience. But if you accept that there are going to be a fair share of dropped passes and missed routes, you can also expect more of those game-changing plays.

The same can probably be presumed about standout freshman Bryan Edwards, although at 6-foot-3, Edwards has more of the prototypical raw tools to be a vertical threat for the Gamecocks.

Edwards was one of the top recruits in his class and demonstrated that he was ready to step in and contribute immediately during the spring and summer practices. At times during those practices, Edwards was hampered by a knee injury sustained during his prep career.

The ultra-versatile redshirt junior Jamari Smith will finally get a chance to settle in at wide out after playing on both sides of the ball as well as on special teams during his collegiate career.

Redshirt sophomore Terry Googer is one of South Carolina’s most physical pass-catching options and recorded

five catches for 74 yards last season.

Freshmen Korey Banks, Randrecous Davis and Chavis Dawkins will all have the opportunity to earn more prominent roles as the season progresses.

Lorenzo Nunez, who passed for 376 yards while playing quarterback last season, is continuing to make the transition to wide receiver. Nunez isn’t considered to be gameready at this point but could offer South Carolina some flexibility at the position later in the season if he can continue to develop at the position.

While there is no true No. 1 option for South C a r o l i n a ’s p o t e n t i a l quarterbacks, one could argue there is more depth this season at the position. Expect to see the ball spread all over the field rather than to a single primary target.

T h e r e w i l l undoubtedly be some hiccups along the way, but with time this young group of receivers could evolve to be one of the bright spots on a roster filled with uncertainty.

As the Gamecocks look to rebuild their roster in 2016, they may be better equipped to offer their young receivers that required time than they would in be in previous seasons.

Welcome Back Gamecocks!

WE DELIVER! 803-252-8646

Check out our website VILLAGEIDIOTPIZZA.COM to place an order ONLINE, find menus, specials, locations and to book your next charity percent night!

Need EVENT CATERING? Greek Life, Sporting Events Bulk Pizzas, pastas, salads & more Call 803-254-5115

villageidiotpizza.com

#idiotpizza

FIVE POINTS | FOREST ACRES OLYMPIA @ THE MILLS

DINE IN • PICK UP • DELIVERY • CATERING SERVING NY STYLE PIZZA TO GAMECOCKS SINCE 1990!

2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

48

McIlwain, Orth lead QB race Drew Mueller

@TDG_SPORTS

True freshman and double-sport athlete Brandon McIlwain. Former walk-on Perry Orth. Reclassified former 2017 commit and coach’s son Jake Bentley. These are the options for head coach Will Muschamp at quarterback heading into Thursday’s game against Vanderbilt. Nobody really knows who

will be out on the field to start the game, but each candidate has his own selling point for seeing playing time.

Orth probably has the best pitch for being on the field for the Gamecocks’ first snap of the season: He’s the only one who has even touched a game day football. Last season, he did his best after being called on when Connor Mitch went down with injury against Kentucky, almost leading a complete

17-point comeback. However, he ended the season with less than impressive stats, finishing 1-7 with 1929 total passing yards (10th in the SEC), 12 touchdowns (8th in the SEC) and nine interceptions (4th in the SEC). All of that might not matter, though, if he can convince the coaching staff that his experience mitigates last year’s woes.

For Brandon McIlwain, his versatility under center helps his case. Out of the

Courtesy of South Carolina Athletics

three, he’s the one that is a true running threat, but unlike featured quarterback Lorenzo Nunez whose real only weapon was his running ability, McIlwain has shown he isn’t a run-first kind of player.

In the Garnet-Black spring scrimmage last spring, only a couple months after arriving on campus, he made some

SC Quarterback • 44

2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

49

UNDER THE RADAR

Courtesy of Jeffrey Davis

Adam Orfinger @AORFINGER

As the Gamecocks prepare to take the field for the season opener, some of the more compelling headlines have stolen the spotlight.

Much of the focus has been on the quarterback battle, A.J. Turner and some of the talent on the defense such as Marquavius Lewis and T.J. Holloman. With the focus on some of the key position battles, there are some impact players who aren’t getting much attention as the season begins. Let’s take a look at four Gamecocks who are flying under the radar heading into the matchup with Vanderbilt.

Rashad Fenton

Fenton was listed as the team’s

starting nickel corner before the Gamecocks opened practice, but reports said he and Chris Lammons had beaten out senior Rico McWilliams for the two starting spots on the outside. The sophomore showed off his electric athleticism in 2015, taking his first-ever kickoff return 96 yards to the house against LSU. Fenton will likely see time at nickel and corner this season, and he should see some time in the return game as well. The former three-star recruit has plenty of confidence in the secondary, saying the Gamecocks will be “way better” in the back now that they will play with a more aggressive style.

Jamari Smith

Everyone wants to talk about Deebo Samuel and Bryan Edwards,

but Smith should see plenty of time as the third wide receiver. The junior has played running back and defense for the Gamecocks in the past, but he appears to have settled into a role in the slot for the upcoming season.

Smith showed off his skill set in the spring game, hauling in six passes for 54 yards and a score. The Florida native has the versatility to play a significant role in the new offense.

C.J. Freeman

Freeman doesn’t come with the hype associated with fellow freshman running back Rico Dowdle, but the early enrollee went through spring practice with the team, giving him time to familiarize himself with the offensive scheme. With the controversy in the backfield as the season begins, Freeman could

get some playing time behind an experienced Turner, Dowdle, who’s dealing with an injury, and David Williams, who appears to have fallen out of favor with the coaching staff.

K.C. Crosby

Most of the attention around the tight end position is being given to former professional baseball player Hayden Hurst, but Crosby, a former four-star prospect, should see more playing time with the departure of Jerell Adams. The redshirt sophomore played in 10 games last season, primarily logging time on special teams. Kurt Roper’s offense relies heavily on the tight end position, so Crosby’s athleticism should come into play for the Gamecocks this fall.

2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

50

Guide for rebuilding great Gamecock team

Courtesy of MCT Campus

Bobby Balboni

@ROB_BALBONI1

Rebuilding. It is essentially the only justification managers or coaching staff can offer up when their team has no hope of winning. Masked by uncertain promises that their present failures will directly lead to future success, rebuilding is the ace in the hole that can buy management more time without winning. It very literally is a bargain for more time, and in their position time really is everything.

Rebuilding in college football, especially in the SEC, is a lot different than rebuilding in pro sports. A team in the NBA, for example, can punt on a season and try to lose as many possible games to score a high lottery pick in the following draft. But there is no reward for losing in college football.

Despite the negative connotations of the word, South Carolina should absolutely be in rebuilding mode. They went 1-7 in the SEC last season and had a negative 82 point differential in conference games.

They need to restart from the ground up.

The Gamecocks will reap some advantages from starting anew. The first step in a rebuild often involves changes to the coaching personnel. Coach Muschamp has completely revamped his staff since being hired last December. He has also tried to create a new culture surrounding the program, which is the next essential step in the rebuilding process. Perhaps most importantly, the reduced pressure to win during a rebuild enables a coaching staff to give more opportunities to younger and less heralded players in hopes of finding the next core for a contending team. How Muschamp will approach this remains to be seen, but it will almost assuredly be one of the most closely monitored storylines around the team in 2016.

The problem is that there is no perfect blueprint for rebuilding. The accompanying graphic shows the 19 SEC teams between 2010 and 2014 that won two or fewer conference games in a season

ROADMAP • 53

Team Year

Win

Wins Wins Wins Loss 1 Yr later 2 Yr later 3 Yr later

Kentucky 2010

2

6

2

0

0

Vanderbilt 2010

1

7

2

5

4

Ole Miss 2010

1

7

0

3

3

Vanderbilt 2011

2

6

5

4

0

Kentucky 2011

2

6

0

0

2

Tennessee 2011

1

7

1

2

3

Mississippi St 2011 2

6

4

3

6

Ole Miss 2011

0

8

3

3

5

Missouri 2012

2

6

7

7

1

Tennessee 2012

1

7

2

3

5

Kentucky 2012

0

8

0

2

2

Arkansas 2012

2

6

0

2

5

Auburn 2012

0

8

7

4

2

Arkansas 2013

0

8

2

5

Tennessee 2013

2

6

3

5

Kentucky 2013

0

8

2

2

Kentucky 2014

2

6

2

Vanderbilt 2014

0

8

2

Arkansas 2014

2

6

5

Average

2.58

3.13

2.92

SO MANY WAYS TO SAY DELICIOUS

HH 1

HOMEGROWN HOSPITALITY

--CiRDUP--

~\llu

~ TAP

ROOM

THE VISTA 828 GervaisSt

& GRILL

LAKEMURRAY 1602 Marina Rd

RIOZ !IAZILIQnlTtA!MOUlt

HARBISONAREA 410 ColumbianaDr

f~~l ll

+- OYSTER

BAR--+

THE VISTA 936 GervaisSt

(& lii,!l]1 r4iniJ1JIH i[I] 11JIti ~!!!!._1 "' -M.,ij.lli6.I,. ·•-M-lliia.ill.111.ili, ililll 111.111.ill.111.•-111.ll.

KAMINSKY'$ DESSERT CAFE THE VISTA 930 GervaisSt

TBon z Foundation Inc., is thenon-pmfitsectoc of HHG.It is thelifelinebetwee n successful business & community partnership.

Sincewefirst openedourdoors,in. 1985, "givingback" has been a big partof ourculture.Thefoundationis fundedby

lii.-Ma percentage of all grosssales,notJustnetprofits fromeachrestaurant.Inherentto the philosophyof ourfoundation , rsthebelief& practiceof active part1c1pat1on as wellas passivecontributions.

Theyareusedfor thebetterment of the

communities through donations to variouscharities,serviceprojectsanddeservin g individuals.

Weareacutely awarethatweareonlyasgoodas what wereturnto our communit iesthat nurtureus.

hghosp.com

2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

52

SEC Passing Yards Leaders

In a conference that lacks proven passers, Chad Kelly and Joshua Dobbs stand out as proven commodities.

4,042 yards

Chad Kelly | Ole Miss Joshua Dobbs | Tennesse Brandon Harris | Louisiana State Greyson Lambert | Georgia Perry Orth | South Carolina

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

Courtesy of MCT Campus

SEC Rushing Leaders Leonard Fournette trailed Heisman winner Derrick Henry in total yardage in 2015, but with Henry graduated to the NFL, Fournette looks to chase his own Heisman.

Leonard Fournette | Louisiana State

1,953 yards

Jalen Hurd | Tennessee Sony Michel | Georgia Ralph Webb | Vanderbilt Stanley Williams | Kentucky Courtesy of MCT Campus

0

500

1000

1500

SEC Recieving Yards Leaders

Like Amari Cooper before him, Calvin Ridley’s presence as an elite receiver makes Alabama’s offense multi-dimensional.

1,045 yards

Calvin Ridley | Alabama Christian Kirk | Texas A&M Fred Ross | Mississippi State Josh Reynolds | Texas A&M Drew Morgan | Arkansas

0

200

400

600

800

1000

Statistics are from the 2015 season and only show active SEC players.

Courtesy of MCT Campus

2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

53

Courtesy of MCT Campus

ROADMAP • Continued from 50 and then their subsequent records over the next three seasons. There is no perfect correlation between losing and future success. One year after such a season teams average 2.58 wins. The next year out they average 3.13 wins.

The third year dips down to 2.92 wins.

The programs that pop up several times on the list can’t be credited for completing a successful rebuild.

If there isn’t a perfect blueprint for success out there, there is a variety of paths back to success as exemplified by the graphic. Here are three different styles of rebuilds based off of the experiences of recent SEC teams that could offer a roadmap to the next sustainably great South Carolina football team.

The Culture Shock: Auburn After suffering through a winless

2012 season in conference play, Auburn brought back Gus Malzahn who invigorated the program and led them to a conference championship, an electrifying win in the Iron Bowl and then to a spot in the BCS Championship before falling to Florida State. The combination of Malzahn’s offensive wizardry and the insurgence of the fleeted-footed Nick Marshall as quarterback enabled Auburn to play with a new swagger in their historic turnaround.

While the insanely quick payoff as a result of this route would be undeniably appealing to Gamecock fans, it isn’t realistic and actually hasn’t proved to be a sustainable rebound.

Like Gene Chizik before him, Malzahn has seen regression since his initial success. Also while Muschamp has ties Malzahn after working under him at

Auburn last season, he isn’t the same offensive mastermind.

The Recruiting Reboot: Ole Miss In 2010 and 2011, Ole Miss went 1-15 in the SEC during one of the darkest eras in program history. Head coach Hugh Freeze took over in 2012 and immediately re-emphasized recruiting, ushering in multiple classes ranked in the top 20 including the No. 5 class in 2015 that included stars like Robert Nkemdiche, Laremy Tunsil and Laquon Treadwell. After winning three games in both 2012 and 2013, Ole Miss has taken a big step forward in the last two seasons.

Obviously recruiting top-tier talent in a major part of rebuilding, but that talent often comes with a lot of baggage. Missteps by Nkemdiche and Tunsil both initiated major media storms during their time at Ole

Miss. The program also faces major sanctions regarding potential recruiting violations involving some of Freeze’s star-studded classes.

Program Rebrand: Vanderbilt In his three seasons at Vanderbilt James Franklin changed the program’s image as SEC cellar dwellers into one of perennial contenders. The Commodores qualified for a bowl game in each of his three seasons and went 9-4 in 2012 and 2013. Franklin excelled at developing talent from within and with limited resources compared to other programs in the conference helped that talent reach its full potential. Above all else, Franklin made football matter again in Nashville.

Muschamp’s staff will have to emphasize player development like Franklin did at Vanderbilt to get the most out of his current roster. Perhaps more importantly, Muschamp will need to redefine the program’s image.

South Carolina football, at least in the national scope, largely still revolves around the traditions and persona created by former head coach Steve Spurrier. Spurrier has moved on, but it still feels like the program is at least partially clinging to his legacy.

Picking a Path There is no obvious fork in the road that the Gamecocks should take here. Elements from each rebuild should be incorporated, but in terms of sustainability, Vanderbilt might be the best model for South Carolina to follow. At first glance that might seem odd, given that the Commodores collapsed after Franklin left Vanderbilt to take his current job at Penn State, but that had a lot to do with the fact that a significant portion of his recruits followed him. So far Muschamp and his staff has made waves in the recruiting game, but talent development will be even more important in the coming years.

Creating a sustainable system that helps that talent realize its full potential is what keeps teams from winding back up in the same position they started in.

If there is one thing that is clear from the past examples of rebuilds in the SEC it is this: you only get one.

2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

54

Where to kick off season Sarah Stone | 2016 Football Preview

Mary Ramsey

@MCOLLEEN96

While Gamecock football season’s opening stretch of away games means you’ll have to wait a few more weeks to get crazy with 80,000 of your closest friends at Williams-Brice Stadium, there’s no reason you can’t still take in the team’s 2016 debut alongside your

Carolina brethren.

Those looking to stay on campus for their game day experience don’t have to go any farther than Russell House. The festivities will start at 7 p.m. Thursday and include free food as well as a screening of the game in the ballroom.

Just off campus, the My Carolina Alumni Association is hosting a

“Hometown Tailgate.” The event will feature a pregame happy hour, tailgate buffet and screening of the game on multiple big screens.

All guests have to buy a ticket for the buffet, but everything else is free for both members and nonmembers. Everything will happen at the Alumni Center on Senate Street in the Vista starting at 4:30 p.m.

And if you’re the kind of fan who needs to watch alone for the sake of not scaring off your friends, you can easily watch in the comfort of your own home as long as you’ve got a cable subscription. ESPN will carry the game live and stream the whole thing as part of their College Football Kickoff weekend.

LOOK & LEASE

FOR ONLY $60!

BRAND NEW LUXURY SHUTTLE TO CAMPUS LESS THAN 2.5 MILES FROM CAMPUS

CayceCove.com | 215 Spencer Place | Cayce, SC 29033 | 803.739.0899

2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

56

Replacing Skai Moore Abe Danaher @ABEDANAHER

In the upcoming season for South Carolina, one of the biggest question marks coming in is how the hole left by Skai Moore’s injury will be filled, and in particular, how the linebacking core will perform without their star.

Last season, Moore was the anchor to an otherwise suspect defense. Moore paced the Gamecocks with 111 tackles, the thirdhighest mark in the SEC. At the end of the season, Moore looked to be one of the top returning defensive players in the SEC before

he suffered a herniated disc that forced him to redshirt and miss this entire season.

The play and leadership of Moore will be nearly impossible to replace with just one guy. But through the efforts of four players — T.J. Holloman, Jonathan Walton, Bryson AllenWilliams and Chris Moody — the hope is that the linebackers can once again be the dependable anchor of this team. Holloman, a returning captain who ranked third on the team in tackles last season, will be the leader of this defense. Expect him to line MOORE • 59

Courtesy of Jeffrey Davis

ALL THE RIGHT INGREDIENTS. CHOICES ARE NEARLY ENDLESS AND INCLUDE:

4

3

6

45

Different pizza sizes

Types of crusts

Sauces

Fresh toppings, including glutenfree options

Every pizza is made-to-order and cooked-from-scratch.

Toasted Foldwiches & gourmet entrĂŠe-size salads round out the menu.

601 Main Street, Corner of Blossom & Main (803) 256-0033 @UncleMaddiosUSC Order online: unclemaddios.com We proudly accept CarolinaCard If you are under the age of 21, it is against the law to buy alcoholic beverages.

All South Carolina regulations enforced.

Cock

y

2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

58

SPORTS SECTION SEASON PREDICTIONS

Season Predictions from the staff of

ADAM ORFINGER SPORTS EDITOR

ABE DANAHER ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

DREW MUELLER SENIOR SPORTS WRITER

BOBBY BALBONI SPORTS EDITOR

SARAH STONE

SENIOR SPORTS WRITER

LSU vs.

Georgia

Alabama vs.

Georgia

LSU vs.

Georgia

LSU vs.

Georgia

Alabama vs.

Tennessee

SEC Champion

LSU

Alabama

LSU

LSU

Alabama

Playoff Teams

Clemson, LSU, Michigan, Oklahoma

Clemson, Alabama, Ohio State, Stanford

LSU, Ohio State, Stanford, Iowa

Florida State, LSU, Stanford, Oklahoma

Alabama, Clemson, Michigan State, Stanford

Clemson

Ohio State

LSU

LSU

Alabama

Heisman Trophy Winner

Josh Rosen, UCLA

Christian McCaffrey, Stanford

Leonard Fournette, LSU

Leonard Fournette, LSU

Dalvin Cook, Florida State

SEC Offensive Player of the Year

Trevor Knight, Texas A&M

Nick Chubb, Georgia

Leonard Fournette, LSU

Leonard Fournette, LSU

Leonard Fournette, LSU

SEC Defensive Player of the Year

Jarrad Davis, Florida

Myles Garrett, Texas A&M

Jonathan Allen, Alabama

Myles Garrett, Texas A&M

Myles Garrett, Texas A&M

5-7

7-5

5-7

4-8

4-8

SEC Championship

National Champion

South Carolina Record

Courtesy of Jeffrey Davis

2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

MOORE • Continued from 56 up at any of the linebacker positions, keeping offenses guessing and providing the versatile defender that the Gamecocks need to respond to the fast-paced, high-octane offenses employ in today’s game.

Starting along with Holloman will be Walton and Allen-Williams. Both are upperclassmen with experience, since both saw action in every game of last season. Walton started six games for the Gamecocks last season where he was able to record 42 tackles.

His game against Kentucky last season could provide insight in to the type of production we can expect this season, as he was able to record a teamhigh 11 tackles and was

59

able to force a fumble in the eventual loss to the Wildcats.

Allen-Williams started only one game last year, but still contributed to the team. In a game against Vanderbilt from which Holloman was ejected, Allen-Williams was forced to fi ll in for him and was able to record three tackles and an interception. Look to Moody to provide some depth at the position should any players get hurt or need a breather throughout the course of the game.

Even without Moore commanding this defense, look for Holloman and the likes to be able to fi ll the large shoes left by the star’s injury.

TDG @thegamecock

USC Student Special*

$2 off $30+ or 10% off for cash *For USC students only.

Must present current CarolinaCard.

YOUR CUSTOM GAME DAY GEAR ROCK YOUR STADIUM APPROVED CLEAR BAG WITH A CUSTOM MONOGRAM

Thank you for voting us 38 >2/ 3=>|

NOW OPEN!

4

ye a

rs in a ro

w

701 Santee Avenue | Suite A | 803-386-2278

MONOGRAMS | GREEK SHOP PERSONALIZED GIFTS 1225 Lincoln Street (In The Vista)

803.708.5905

@PalmettoTwistVista

60

WEEK ENDER

Mental health matters at UofSC

2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

61

SPORTS SECTION WEEK ONE PREDICTIONS

Week One Predictions from the staff of

ADAM ORFINGER SPORTS EDITOR

ABE DANAHER ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

DREW MUELLER SENIOR SPORTS WRITER

BOBBY BALBONI SPORTS EDITOR

SARAH STONE

SENIOR SPORTS WRITER

No.1 Alabama vs. No. 20 USC

Alabama

Alabama

Alabama

Alabama

Alabama

No. 2 Clemson at Auburn

Clemson

Auburn

Clemson

Clemson

Clemson

Houston

Oklahoma

Oklahoma

Oklahoma

Oklahoma

Ole Miss

Florida State

Florida State

Florida State

Florida State

LSU

Wisconsin

LSU

LSU

LSU

Texas A&M

Texas A&M

Texas A&M

UCLA

Texas A&M

Georgia

Georgia

Georgia

Georgia

Georgia

SC 20-13

SC 24-14

SC 19-12

Vandy 17-13

SC 17-14

No. 3 Oklahoma at No. 15 Houston No. 4 Florida State vs. No. 11 Ole Miss

No. 5 LSU vs. Wisconsin No. 16 UCLA at Texas A&M No. 18 Georgia vs. No. 22 North Carolina

South Carolina at Vanderbilt

Courtesy of Jeffrey Davis

2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

62

Column: Fans should hope for mediocre season Sarah Stone

@SARA_H_SMILE

Lower your expectations.

That may not be a romantic notion, but it’s a good piece of advice.

Last year, the Gamecocks struggled through a season that included a loss to the Citadel, a quarterback injury and the team’s worse win-loss record since 1999. A number of players have played for three head coaches in the past year. Even with head coach Will Muschamp’s reputation as a skilled recruiter, competing with the likes of Georgia and Clemson for enough recruits to rebuild a program can be a difficult task. The remaining uncertainty at quarterback

doesn’t help the upcoming season’s prospects.

So can we expect a nine, ten- or eleven-win season?

Most likely not, but we shouldn’t want one either. The stories of schools including Baylor and Ole Miss explain the pitfalls of such a comeback.

Baylor was the laughingstock of Texas football for generations. The university hired Art Briles as head coach and the Bears became bowl eligible within three years, quickly earning a reputation as one of the nation’s top teams. The progress seemed inexplicable, heartwarming and inspiring: a quintessential Texan leading a small Christian school to excellence. Then an investigation by ESPN’s

Outside the Lines revealed that this success coincided with the staff turning a blind eye to Baylor players’ transgressions.

A number of Baylor football players received allegations of sexual assault and violence without losing playing time, and Waco police followed orders to minimize access to the ongoing investigations.

Ole Miss’ return to relevance, led by head coach Hugh Freeze, has been accompanied by 13 charges of NCAA football violations.

Allegations include helping recruits cheat on the ACT and providing players and their families with prohibited benefits.

The list goes on, and each story follows a similar plot.

Courtesy of MCT Campus

Each of these teams had the dream comeback fans had hoped for, but in the process each school sacrificed its dignity, its morality and in some cases the well-being of its own students. In the end, many found themselves back at point A, or worse, after sanctions were handed down.

A nine-win or better season for the University of South Carolina would indicate that the Gamecocks could become the next installment of the series and another example of the broken nature of college athletics.

A mediocre season serves as a sign that coaches and players are complying with NCAA policy. For fans who believe that the ends justify

the means when it comes to coach and player conduct, know that doing things the right way means that when the Gamecocks do return to prominence, the team will be less likely to face the threat of falling apart as a result of NCAA punishment.

In what has been widely forecast as a trying season, we need to remember to enjoy the journey. The Muschamp era will be a piece of South Carolina football history, and we get to witness the beginning firsthand. Not to mention that this year’s team will get many chances at one of the most prized storylines in sports media: the upset.

Courtesy of MCT Campus

Student Success Center

Supplemental Instruction (SI) The SI Program provides peer-facilitated study sessions led by qualified and trained SI Leaders, who attend class and encourage students to practice and discuss course concepts. Sessions are open to all undergraduate students who want to improve their understanding of course material, as well as their grades.

Sophomore September The Sophomore Initiative (TSI) at the University of South Carolina is the combination of services, programs, and curricular and co-curricular activities that provides a gateway between a student’s college transition and their future aspirations. It offers a foundation to explore the specific experiences and opportunities the University of South Carolina has to offer.

Financial Literacy & Education Whether you’re an incoming freshman, transfer student, or graduating senior, the Financial Literacy Program is here to help you through this transition by providing resources that help you adjust to handling all of the responsibilities that come with managing money. Our goal is to help you help you make more informed choices about your finances while taking responsibility for making changes to improve your present and long-term financial well-being.

Peer Writing & Communications The SSC now has a Peer Writing & Communications Lab in Sims Hall (S109)! This program seeks to strengthen college-level composition and communication in a variety of academic disciplines by providing quality, course-specific academic support. Undergraduate students can make appointments or visit drop-in hours to develop fundamental analysis strategies and speaking skills that are essential for academic success. Sessions are tailored to meet students’ individual questions and needs.

Course Assistance Request Process Through the Course Assistance Request Process, undergraduate students can meet with a Success Consultant to request assistance for a class not already on the semester’s supported-course list. To request assistance, students should go to the SSC webpage and click “Make a request.”

THOMSON UDENT HEALTH CENTER

Thank you for choosing Student Health Services for your health care needs!

Supporting

the vision of a Healthy Carolina community

~ UNIVERSITY OF rtttn1f ntmSOUTH O\R.OLINA ~

~

*