5 major storylines coming out of the South Carolina football team's Bye week

South Carolina Football's Post-Bye Week Storylines to Watch:
Trench Warfare

So far during the 2024 season, the South Carolina offensive line and defensive line units have been better than last year.

The offensive line has only been marginally better, though, as they have struggled to protect the quarterback against heavy blitzing teams and haven't gotten much push in the run game. There have been more quality moments and less disastrous ones for this year's offensive line than there were for the 2023 version, but improvement is still needed for a unit that has surrendered 16 sacks.

The Gamecock defensive line, though, has been much improved. EDGE Kyle Kennard is tied for the national league in sacks, and his freshman counterpart Dylan Stewart is one of the most dynamic first-year defensive players in college football. The defensive tackle rotation has been great in pass rushing situations and good against the run.

Moving forward, Shane Beamer's team has to figure out ways to improve the offensive line and figure out ways to maintain (or even improve) the production on the defensive front.

During the Bye and in the week leading up to the Ole Miss game, offensive line coach Lonnie Teasley, assistant offensive line coach Greg Adkins, run game coordinator Shawn Elliott, offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains, and head coach Shane Beamer undoubtedly will be working to figure out what needs to be done to fortify their starting-5 up front. With the reserves playing well against Akron last Saturday, there is a chance that a few big uglies could be looking over their shoulders ahead of playing against an Ole Miss team with 13 sacks through 4 games.

The defensive line (and the rest of the defense behind them) could be utilized in some new ways when they take the field again. The Gamecocks tallied just 2 sacks against Akron, largely due to how quickly the Zips got the ball out in the passing game. Ole Miss also utilizes the quick passing game, so finding ways to generate quick pressure could be important next Saturday afternoon. The Rebs have four or five good running backs who must be stopped for USC to slow down head coach Lane Kiffin's offense.