Finebaum praises Gamecocks but warns of "almost unmanageable" schedule
The South Carolina Gamecocks were one of the surprise stories in college football last season. After a disappointing 5-7 campaign in 2023, Shane Beamer's squad bounced back in a big way, finishing 9-4 in 2024, riding a six-game winning streak into bowl season. That stretch included ranked wins over Texas A&M, Missouri, Vanderbilt, and Clemson. South Carolina finished No. 15 in the final College Football Playoff rankings, putting them on the edge of making the CFP for the first time in school history. It was a testament to just how far the program has come under Beamer's leadership.
But as the hype continues to build for South Carolina, not everyone is convinced that the road to glory will be smooth.
Finebaum's concern for the Gamecocks: the schedule
On The Paul Finebaum Show, the longtime SEC Network analyst praised South Carolina but didn't hold back on his thoughts about what the Gamecocks' biggest challenge is.
“I like South Carolina a lot,” Finebaum said. “I literally can’t stand their schedule. I think South Carolina’s schedule is almost unmanageable.”
South Carolina will open the 2025 season against Virginia Tech in Atlanta, and outside of road trips to Missouri and LSU, the first two months are not overwhelming. November, however, they enter the gauntlet of games: Alabama at home, followed by back-to-back road games at Ole Miss and Texas A&M with a bye week in between, before closing the season against Clemson at home.
Finebaum believes in Sellers
While Finebaum is wary of the schedule, he is bullish on quarterback LaNorris Sellers. In fact, he believes Sellers could be one of the best signa-callers in program history. “To me, LaNorris Sellers is the best quarterback they’ve had; I mean, they’ve had a couple of good ones, but I think he could be the best,” Finebaum said.
Sellers put up good numbers as a redshirt freshman in 2024, throwing for 2,534 yards and 18 touchdowns while adding 674 yards and seven scores on the ground. His ability to carry the offense for the Gamecocks will be crucial during that back half stretch of games.
The other challenge for the Gamecocks
The challenges for Beamer's squad go beyond the schedule, as South Carolina ranks just 71st nationally in returning production at 56%, with 46% returning on the defense. That includes major departures like defensive end Kyle Kennard and running back Rocket Sanders. Replacing that kind of production isn't easy, but Finebaum insists that South Carolina won
“South Carolina is one of the easiest schools to misread because every other year it seems they go from extremes,” he said. “I do believe with LaNorris Sellers, they are here to stay right now.”
Season kicks off in Atlanta
The Gamecocks will put be put to the test soon enough. South Carolina opens the 2025 season against Virginia Tech on Sunday, Aug. 31, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. ET on ABC.