South Carolina football: best and worst case scenarios for the 2021 season

Realistic expectations for South Carolina football

It’s unlikely that the Gamecocks will see either of the previous outcomes, with the team more likely to fall somewhere in the middle. It will be imperative for South Carolina to start hot and take down the opponents they’ll be favored against. So long as the Gamecocks can win their first three non-conference games, as well as the matchup with Vanderbilt, bowl eligibility will be in reach.

Games against Kentucky, Tennessee, Florida, and Missouri will be toss ups, though the Gamecocks will likely be underdogs in each contest. Still, South Carolina will have a puncher’s chance, and could pose a legitimate threat to each of these four foes. Going 2-2 in these matchups will get the Gamecocks to the postseason.

South Carolina won’t have much of a chance to take down Georgia, Texas A&M, or Clemson, though nothing is impossible. These three teams could all find themselves ranked in the top five at the time of their meetings with the Gamecocks, and two of the contests will come on the road. South Carolina doesn’t have the depth or talent to hang with these three for 60 minutes.

When all is said and done, getting to five wins seems most likely, though we’re calling for an upset somewhere along the way. Our prediction is that South Carolina finishes 6-6, and reaches a bowl game for the first time in three seasons. Shane Beamer sees progress in year one, and continues to build the foundation for South Carolina football.