To say it's been a tumultuous week in Gamecock Nation would be an understatement. After losing two in a row, and marking one year since the team's last SEC win, patience is running thin. That's even among a fanbase who so desperately wants the team to get back into the win column.
As the Gamecocks prepare to host Kentucky on Saturday as 3-point favorites, the matchup is feeling like it could be Shane Beamer's last stand. Put on a good show and get win, in front of the home crowd, and he's bought himself at least a couple more weeks of goodwill. Turn in another losing performance, and this season looks incredibly bleak. Despite Beamer insisting that the Gamecocks are having (another) a good week at practice, none of that really matters without a victory.
On my podcast Cox Talking Gamecocks I outline the "crows to the game" every week. Why crows? Because everyone does keys to the game and we have our rooster crow, so why not. Let's get into it!
Offensive Crows
1. Create explosive plays: The deep shots have not come easy for South Carolina this season. The Gamecocks have only completed four passes over 20 yards this season. Generally speaking, defenses have been playing softer coverage against South Carolina. But Kendal Briles and this passing attack have to remain aggressive and exploit opportunities to push the ball downfield.
2. Matt Fuller needs to record 20+ rushing attempts: The Gamecocks rushing attack is night and day from what we saw last season. It has been the clear strength of this offense, and Fuller has fully solidified himself as running back No. 1. he averaged nearly six yards per carry against Alabama, and is set to face a Kentucky defense that ranks 12th in the SEC in rush defense. We've heard Beamer and Briles talk at length about the importance of running the football. It'd be nice so see them lean on it when it matters.
3. Don't be afraid of change: South Carolina needs a win, full stop. And whether it's fair or not, LaNorris Sellers has taken plenty of blame for the current losing streak. If this coaching staff sees him missing reads, or he is shaky, they can't be afraid to give Cutter Woods a look. Even if Woods goes in for a series or two, it could serve as a reset or fuel for Sellers and the team.
Defensive Crows
1. Be sound up front: Kentucky is bringing a fresh approach along with their new offensive-minded head coach, but so far there's been some usual themes. The Wildcats are physical and bring size along their offensive line and want to establish a run game themselves. UK has running backs in Jason Patterson and CJ Baxter who can contribute, so the Gamecocks' front seven has to be ready for a fight.
2. Don't be afraid of change: See what I did here? Only this time, the possible change would be about formations. Through the two SEC games, Clayton White's defense has allowed 40 or more points each time. Towson did plenty of damage against South Carolina's defense, too. During the 2023 season, we saw White shift his base defense to a 3-3-5. We also saw the team open like that this year against Kent State. He can't be afraid of change himself, and be ready and able to implement a new scheme, if need be.
As previously voiced, it has been a rocky couple of weeks for Gamecock fans. Does a win cure all that? Maybe, maybe not, but it's a heck of a good start.
Let's see what the team dials up.
Kentucky-South Carolina early forecast calling for rain, possible storms
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