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Shane Beamer must have South Carolina ready to fight in tricky Arkansas showdown

The Gamecocks are on the road and look to keep the winning streak alive.
ByTim Cox
South Carolina defensive lineman Anthony Addison (40) celebrates the interception against Florida during the first half of an NCAA football at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, October 10, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
South Carolina defensive lineman Anthony Addison (40) celebrates the interception against Florida during the first half of an NCAA football at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, October 10, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun] | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

And then there were three. Just three games remain in the regular season for the Gamecocks, and the team is determined to make them all count. This week, Shane Beamer and Co. head to Arkansas to take on the Razorbacks. South Carolina is currently sitting as seven-point favorites.

It’s been tough sledding for Arkansas under new head coach Ryan Silverfield, as the Razorbacks have won just three games overall, and one in the SEC. Still though, the Gamecocks can’t overlook anybody as they look for their fifth straight win, and to keep their Playoff hopes alive. 

A major sticking point will be the health of LaNorris Sellers. In the initial injury report, Sellers was listed as questionable. While that isn’t shocking, it is concerning. Sellers’ status will be something to keep an extra close eye on leading up to kickoff.

On my podcast Cox Talking Gamecocks, I outlined the "crows to the game" every week. Why crows? Because everyone has keys to the game, and we have our rooster crow, so why not? Let's get into it!

Defensive crows for South Carolina against Arkansas

Smother the pass game: When looking for a bright spot in the Arkansas offense, it can be difficult. However, its passing game has a pulse, and South Carolina has struggled at times with allowing chunk plays through the air. Quay'sheed Scott looked good after returning from injury, giving a boost to the secondary. However, it will be up to the entire secondary to continue to level-up and limit success in the passing game. 

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Dominate the line of scrimmage: Arkansas averages under 115 yards rushing per game. The Razorbacks leading rusher, Cam Settles, has just two touchdowns this season. Last game, we saw Texas A&M find success on the ground, and the Gamecocks will aim to shut that down in this matchup. If the defensive front can hold Arkansas under their season average, it will be difficult for the Razorbacks to do anything meaningful on offense. 

Bonus crow: Field with 11 players. IYKYK. 

Offensive crows for South Carolina fans to focus on against Arkansas

Dominate the line of scrimmage: It might just be that simple in this game. First off, keeping Sellers upright is imperative. Objective one is to win this game, but the secondary objective is to keep Sellers healthy for the next two matchups. Additionally, this is a game that the South Carolina offensive line should dominate. Arkansas has struggled to create pressure for much of the year, so this needs to be an area that South Carolina controls, and is able to move at will.

Find RB1: Replacing Matt Fuller is no easy task, and last week proved so. Jabree Coleman struggled for the most part to find space with the increased workload, although Isiah Austagave made the most of his touches. The running back group is deep, but this is where depth needs to shine. This matchup is the perfect spot for someone to rise to the occasion and take the job of lead back.

In order for the Gamecocks to keep the winning streak alive, they have to continue to play complimentary football. While Arkansas looks to be a lesser opponent, looks can be deceiving, and Shane Beamer has to have the team ready for a fight.

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