After nearly shocking No. 4 Alabama in Columbia last weekend, South Carolina is still searching for a breakthrough moment. The Gamecocks (3-5, 1-5 SEC) have dropped five of their last six games, and time is running out to try to salvage the season. South Carolina will head to Ole Miss this weekend not just to play a game but hopefully reset a narrative. Saturday's trip to Oxford offers a chance to turn the page and potentially derail the Rebels' playoff hopes.
Ole Miss (7-1, 4-1 SEC) has spent much of the season inside of the Top 10, before settling this week at No. 7 in the AP Poll and No. 8 in the Coaches poll. South Carolina, meanwhile, finds itself unranked after one flirting with early-season buzz.
According to ESPN's Football Power Index, the Gamecocks rank No. 40 overall, with an offense sitting at No. 92 in efficiency but a defense that has climbed to No. 27. Special teams remain elite, holding steady at No. 10 nationally. Ole Miss counters with balance, ranking No. 13 in offense, No. 61 on defense, and No. 24 in special teams.
This matchup marks the 19th all-time meeting between the two programs. Ole Miss leads the series 10-8 and has won the last two, including a 27-3 victory last season. South Carolina's last win came in 2018, a 48-44 thriller in Oxford.
Heading into the matchup against Ole Miss, there have been some slight changes in the rotation on the depth chart. At wie receiver, true freshman Jayden Sellers has been elevated to a co-starter in the slot alongside Mazeo Bennett and Brian Rowe Jr. Veteran Nyck Harbor remains in his starting role on the outside. On the opposite flank, a trio of co-starters now share reps between Vandrevius Jacobs, Donovan Murph, and Jared Brown.
Up front, the offensive line has also shifted. Tree Babalade is now the official starter at right tackle after Cason Henry was ruled out for the year, with Damola Ajidahun backing him up. At center, thought he was unavailable last week, Nolan Hay is now listed as a co-starter alongside Boaz Stanley.
For the Gamecocks, this isn't about mere participation, it's about makine a statement. They are the underdog, travleing across time zones to face a top squad with playoff aspirations. If South Carolina wants to prove that last week's loss to Alabama wasn't the peak but a steppingstone, this is their moment to shine. They have to force pressure on the Rebel offense, convert drives, and make the home crown uncomfortable.