South Carolina football: week 1 preview and prediction
By Jacob Elsey
South Carolina football: Week 1 preview
Scouting the Panthers
This will actually be EIU’s second game of the season after dropping a 26-21 contest to Indiana State last weekend. In that game, quarterback Otto Kuhns nearly led a fourth-quarter comeback, rushing for a touchdown late to cut the Sycamores’ lead to three points, but it ultimately fell short.
Kuhns was the team’s most impressive player on offense, passing for 253 yards and adding that touchdown on the ground. Unfortunately, he was sacked five times and threw a couple of picks to keep Indiana State in the game, one of which was returned for a score. The Panthers actually outgained the Sycamores 378-245, but those costly turnovers proved too much to overcome.
The Panthers bring back their leading passer from last season (Kuhns), as well as versatile receiver Tyler Hamilton. Hamilton went off for 116 receiving yards last weekend to lead the Eastern Illinois offense.
Even with a few key pieces coming back, Eastern Illinois shouldn’t provide too much of a test for the Gamecocks. The Panthers have lost 17 of their last 19 games, and they just won’t have the firepower to match up with an SEC program, even with South Carolina having to start a backup quarterback.
This should be a game where the Gamecocks can pick the score. The Shane Beamer era will get off to a great start this Saturday with a comfortable blowout victory.