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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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Nov 28, 2015; Columbia, SC, USA; A South Carolina Gamecocks helmet on the field prior to the game against the Clemson Tigers at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Columbia, SC, USA; A South Carolina Gamecocks helmet on the field prior to the game against the Clemson Tigers at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /

Predictions

The good news is Muschamp has a “honeymoon” period to get himself and his staff acclimated, along with stringing together a few quality recruiting classes in a row. The bad news is Muschamp has a “honeymoon” period and he’s going to need a few recruiting classes to get things going.

The season opener against Vanderbilt is not an automatic victory as it once was for the Gamecocks. There’s a chance they will be starting a true freshman at the most important position along with question marks as to who are the playmakers on offense as well as figuring out the right combination on the offensive line. Not having Skai Moore in 2016 will hurt. Not seeing Pharoh Cooper making clutch plays will take some time to get used to. Gamecocks fans should be patient and optimistic. Muschamp and his staff will produce a winner and will produce a program with intensity, talent, and a small mean streak. The thing is, those type of results won’t be visible until 2018 at the earliest.

Facing the Gamecocks in 2016 is a schedule that includes road games against Clemson and Florida plus home games against Tennessee, Texas A&M, and Georgia. Also this may be a season where games like Vanderbilt and Kentucky may be a little more competitive than some would think. A roster with significant departures, offense with a lack of proven playmakers, a new coaching staff, plus a schedule that isn’t intimidating nor a cakewalk equals an average season being best case scenario for the Gamecocks.

Prediction: 5-7, 6th in the SEC East Division

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