South Carolina football: 4 bold predictions for season opener
By Jacob Elsey
Bold predictions for South Carolina football
The Gamecocks will rush for over 300 yards as a team
Running back is where the South Carolina offense is strongest heading into the season opener. Kevin Harris returns as the conference’s leading rusher. MarShawn Lloyd is back to 100% after missing his freshman year with an ACL tear. Top JUCO runner ZaQuandre White returns for year two with the Gamecocks. Juju McDowell and Rashad Amos will likely see the field a ton, too.
Harris topped the 200-yard mark twice last season, both against SEC defenses. If he’s able to play, there could be a ton of running room for the talented junior. Harris has been nursing an offseason injury, but he all indications point to him being ready.
If he’s unable to go, there are still options. Lloyd will make his long awaited debut after missing a year of action. The former five-star recruit is one of the most explosive players on the offense, and he’s eager to see the field early and often.
White played a lot in the season opener last year, but struggles with ball security led to a decrease in playing time. Those issues appear to have been cleaned up under the new staff, and with Lloyd and Harris on the sidelines this Spring, White ran for 95 yards and a touchdown in the Garnet and Black Game. He’ll definitely see the field in a variety of roles.
Juju McDowell is a true freshman that’s worked his way up the depth chart thanks to an impressive offseason. The speedster could line up in the backfield, out wide, and in the return game as the Gamecocks look to get playmakers on the field. Amos posted a yard per carry mark of 5.5 in year one. He’ll get an opportunity, too.
In all, these five players will lead the offense by running for more than 300 yards combined. Look for the offensive staff to play a bit vanilla and lean on that run game in a matchup that should see the Gamecocks jump out to a comfortable lead early.