New expectations for South Carolina football with Spencer Rattler

The South Carolina football team landed a big fish on the recruiting trail last night with the announcement that former five-star quarterback Spencer Rattler would be joining the roster for the 2022 season. As expected, the news took the college football world by storm.

Rattler figures to be a day one starter under center for the Gamecocks next year as the rising junior will be the program’s highest rated signal caller ever. South Carolina struggled with consistency at the position last season, seeing three different passers take snaps over the course of the year.

Despite the up and down play at quarterback, Shane Beamer led the Gamecocks to six wins and a bowl appearance in his first season as head coach. What will expectations look like now that Rattler has joined the fold?

South Carolina football increasing expectations

The Gamecocks offense finished 109th in the nation last year in scoring. The team scored more than 24 points just three times with one of those coming against FCS foe Eastern Illinois. There was a lot left to be desired.

Had the team had even a pulse on offense in the Kentucky game, the Gamecocks likely leave with a win. Struggles against Missouri also handcuffed South Carolina as they were forced to battle back from 17 in the fourth quarter in what ended up being a three-point loss.

With Rattler under center, we’re not expecting this team to score 50 points a game, but we should see improvements. The Gamecocks have a ton of talent at both running back and tight end. Josh Vann could return as the No. 1 wideout. There’s certainly room for growth on the offensive side of the ball.

Rattler entered the 2021 season as the Heisman favorite. He was once a five-star prospect and the top passer in his high school class. While his final season at Oklahoma didn’t go as expected, his talent is undeniable.

With a proven passer leading the charge, it’s not outlandish to peg the Gamecocks at eight to nine wins in 2022. Shane Beamer is changing the narrative in Columbia. We could soon see the on-field production follow suit.