Written By: Nathan Skinner
Canes Rising Contributor
Name: University of South Carolina
Mascot: Gamecocks
Location: Columbia, South Carolina
Home Stadium: Williams-Brice Stadium(Capacity: 80,250)
Conference: Southeastern Conference(SEC)
Athletic Director: Ray Tanner
Head Coach: Steve Spurrier
Time Capsule
Steve Spurrier's Gamecocks came into the season ranked in the Top 10, and was looked upon as the class of the SEC East. Those projections came crashing down on the first Thursday of the regular season as Texas A&M dominated the Gamecocks 52-28. It was the beginning of a rocky season, as the 'Cocks struggled defensively all year and failed to live up to the lofty expectations heaped upon them in the preseason.
What to Expect
Offense
Remember the Fun n' Gun? It was one of the first spread offenses, and it propelled Steve Spurrier to sainthood status in Gainesville, Florida. Following his disastrous tenure in the nation's capital, Spurrier took his signature offensive philosophy to South Carolina. It's been a struggle for the Cock n' Fire, as Spurrier has been unable to find a difference making passer. That changed this season, as Dylan Thompson had a fine season. Thompson completed 59% of his passes, and threw for 3,280 yards. Dylan isn't a passer who takes outrageous risks, as his eleven interceptions would illustrate. However, his accuracy can be spotty, especially against teams that force him to move around. Thompson isn't overly athletic, and is very unlikely to beat defenses with his legs. Dylan spreads the ball around to a bevy of receivers, including Pharoh Cooper. Pharoh is the biggest threat in the passing game, leading the team in receptions, yards and touchdowns. Cooper is a small receiver, who relies on his superior speed to beat defenses. Pharoh isn't the only weapon for Thompson, as Nick Jones is another player to watch. Wide receiver Shaq Roland has dropped out of school, and will not participate in the Independence Bowl. The Gamecocks are a passing team, the rushing attack has been underwhelming all season. Mike Davis has NFL talent, but he hasn't played the part, rushing for only 927 yards. Davis averages five yards per carry, but he hasn't been used much recently.
Defense
During the Spurrier era, the Gamecocks have become known for aggressive, talented defenses that feature elite players. Those days seem long past, as the 2014 Gamecocks couldn't stop anyone. The loss of Jadeveon Clowney hurt the 'Cocks much more than anticipated as this was one of the worst defenses in the country, finishing 93rd in the country in points allowed. The biggest problem for Lorenzo Ward's unit was the defensive line. The D-Line was a non factor all season and was unable to create pressure on opposing passers, or gain penetration on run plays. Gerald Dixon led the team in sacks, with a paltry two. Opposing quarterbacks had all day to throw, which led to passers having field days against Ward's beleaguered unit. Fortunately, the Gamecocks were able to occasionally stop the run, thanks to Skai Moore. Moore, a sophomore linebacker was the team's leading tackler with 82 stops. Skai is a talented player who has elite speed, and can be found roaming sideline to sideline. He's a versatile player who can be used in a variety of ways. The South Carolina linebacker corps is more than a one man unit, as Jonathan Walton has emerged as a prime time player. Walton has the third most tackles on the team with 57 and has emerged as a player to watch. With the struggles of the defensive line, the secondary has been under tremendous pressure. Brison Williams leads the team in interceptions with 4, and is a good safety. T.J. Gurley shares the safety position with Williams, and is second on the team in tackles. Gurley shines in run support, a valuable trait. Rico McWilliams looks to be the most active corner, the other corners are average at best.
Special Teams
Elliott Fry handles the placekicks, and he's been consistent all year, connecting on 77% of his kicks. Fry connected on a season long 47 yarder in the regular season finale. Tyler Hull is a very good punter, averaging over 41 yards per punt, with fourteen of his kicks pinning opponents inside the twenty yard line. Landon Ard is an outstanding kickoff specialist with an astonishing 50% touchback rate.
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