South Carolina football fans are starting to believe. After a lethargic 4-game losing streak put the Gamecocks at 2-6 with almost no hope for traditional bowl eligibility, USC beat Jacksonville State and then demolished Vanderbilt. Now 2-4, the Gamecocks have two home games against a scuffling Kentucky team and the rival Clemson Tigers.
This weekend’s game against Kentucky feels very winnable as Kentucky has lost 4 of 5 contests, including three blowouts by three scores, four scores, and five scores against Missouri, Alabama, and Georgia respectively. It should be a close matchup, but the game is more important for a South Carolina football team that needs two more wins to get to 6-win bowl eligibility.
Now, optimism for a bowl is growing even more.
South Carolina football is 10-2 in home night games under Shane Beamer, including winning seven such games in a row.
While the Gamecocks are slight underdogs against the ‘Cats this weekend, many around college football believe that the home team will win the game. Clemson will also be favored over South Carolina, but the line will be closer than last season when USC beat Clemson at Memorial Stadium. Getting the Tigers for a home game at night could turn that game in the favor of Carolina, as well.
Shane Beamer and company could turn a disastrous season into a moderately acceptable one with a bowl game. It is also worth noting that 5-7 teams can be invited to a bowl game if there are not enough 6-win teams across college football.