South Carolina football: College Football News previews season

Key Game

Kentucky, Sept. 25

The Gamecocks should win their first two games over Eastern Illinois and East Carolina. They’ll likely lose the SEC opener in a trip to Athens, but have a chance to pick up a big win the week following. Kentucky has had the Gamecocks’ number of late, winning six of the last seven meetings.

The Wildcats are talented, but will also be making a change at quarterback. It will be a huge litmus test for the Gamecocks, and could be coach Beamer’s first statement win. CFN notes that if the team pull out a victory, there’s a legitimate path to a 6-1 start and bowl eligibility before a brutal second half of the season.

Best and Worst Case Scenarios

BEST: 8-4

The scenario sees the Gamecocks starting off 6-1, notching wins over Kentucky, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, and their three non-conference foes. It’s also assuming South Carolina can find two wins in the final five matchups versus Missouri, Texas A&M, Auburn, Florida, and Clemson.

WORST: 4-8

Should the Gamecocks drop their first three SEC contests, it could be a long season. There should be three wins in the non-conference, and one more versus Vanderbilt, but nothing else is guaranteed on a tough slate.