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College Football Preview: South Carolina Gamecocks

By Eric Robinson

Dec 27, 2014; Shreveport, LA, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks linebacker Skai Moore (10) and linebacker Jonathan Walton (28) celebrate after an interception by Walton in the second quarter against the Miami Hurricanes in the 2014 Independence Bowl at Independence Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2014; Shreveport, LA, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks linebacker Skai Moore (10) and linebacker Jonathan Walton (28) celebrate after an interception by Walton in the second quarter against the Miami Hurricanes in the 2014 Independence Bowl at Independence Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 31, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Lorenzo Nunez (19) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Lorenzo Nunez (19) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

2015 Season Recap 

The season started off fairly strong as the Gamecocks knocked off North Carolina in the season opener. The win over the Tar Heels was a gritty one while also being one of the few feel good moments during the season for South Carolina. Wins over Vanderbilt and Central Florida were surrounded by loss after loss after loss. A loss to LSU put the Gamecocks at 2-4 which also resulted in then-coach Steve Spurrier waiving the white flag and resigning. Offensive line coach Shawn Elliott took over for the rest of the season and while he injected the program with enthusiasm during a down time, it didn’t result in much and of course the team ended the season at 3-9.

The offense was truly stagnant during the season as they ranked 105th in points per game (21.9) and 101st in total offense (355.2 ypg). Quarterback Perry Orth led the team in passing yards (1,929) and passing touchdowns (12) while also throwing nine interceptions.

Sophomore QB Lorenzo Nunez saw a little action during the season with only 376 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions. Replacing the production of receiver Pharoh Cooper is a task on it’s own with 135 of his 138 career receptions coming in the last two seasons. His 66 receptions and eight touchdowns last season was pretty much the only thing going for the Gamecocks in the passing game.

The defense wasn’t a bright spot either. Ranking 91st overall in total defense (433.7 ypg), 66th in scoring defense (27.9), and 116th (you read correctly) in opponents third down conversion percentage with 47.3%. Linebacker Skai Moore was easily the best player on the unit with 110 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, four interceptions, and four pass deflections while also earning second team All-SEC honors. T.J. Holloman also made significant contributions with 63 tackles, two interceptions, and three fumble recoveries. The defense was also 11th in the conference in sacks with just 20.

Senior kicker Elliot Fry booted 20-of-28 field goals but the attention on special teams will fall on who can replace the electric Cooper who provided dynamic play as a returner during his time.

Next: Coaching Staff

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