5 reasons to believe South Carolina football can be better than expected on offense

5 Reasons South Carolina Football Will Be Better on Offense in 2024:
Better Defense and Special Teams

The 2024 offense will be given more opportunities for success because the defense and special teams will be better. That might not sound like a real reason for improvement with the ball, but hear this one out.

Last year's offense wasn't good enough, but they also were put in bad situations far too often. For the first two-thirds of the season, the Carolina defense was bad. This resulted in the Gamecock offense running fewer plays, often playing from behind, and having to press instead of playing comfortably and freely.

Universally, those around the team and analysts across college football agree that defensive coordinator Clayton White and his unit will be better in 2024 as they have returned 10 of their top-12 tacklers and added some much-needed depth at all three levels. An improved defense will get the offense back on the field quicker and in better position to score.

Special teams was average in 2023, but in contrast to the elite production from the "third phase" in 2021 and 2022, it felt like a drop-off. If Joe DeCamillis' special teams groups provide top-tier results again in 2024, that will give the Carolina offense better starting field position, provide momentum, and lead to more points through big plays and a better kicking game.