It’s not the offensive coordinator. It’s not the offensive line coach. It’s not even the defensive ends coach. There are no more scapegoats for South Carolina. The problem is at the top, and that is Shane Beamer.
Over the last couple of seasons, there’s been a boogeyman to blame as to why the Gamecocks football team has underperformed. But after a bludgeoning on the road at Alabama, it’s become clear that what some of us have thought, or feared, is true. Shane Beamer is no longer fit to the lead the football program.
It hasn’t mattered the opponent, or venue, as we have seen Beamer's teams consistently show up unprepared and undisciplined. The Gamecocks have not won an SEC game since September of last year (Kentucky) and have led multiple conference games within that time frame.
The opening two drives against Alabama sum things up pretty well. After an opening play 56 yard rush by Matt Fuller, the team has two penalties, moves backwards, and misses a field goal.
Then, after a steady drive, the Gamecocks found themselves well within field goal range on their second possession only to run a completely botched tight end, yes tight end, sneak on fourth-and-two. Not inches, yards.
On top of that, you saw blown coverages all night, inexcusable personal fouls, and blowups on the sideline between Shane Beamer and Dylan Stewart.
We recognize that Beamer is a good man. He means it when he says this is his dream job. He did the job tasked of him initially to restore pride to the program and he’s done some great things along the way.
Like many of us, I wanted him to take the program to the next level. That said, things have not progressed and do not show any signs of getting better.
It might not be this week or the next, but the Shane Train may be coming to a stop soon.
ALSO READ: South Carolina opens as slight home favorites vs. Kentucky
Shane Beamer offers tone-deaf silver lining after Alabama blowout loss
Add us as a preferred source on Google