It really feels like Alabama plays South Carolina less often than all of the rest of the SEC teams. And for whatever reason, every time they do play, it winds up being a memorable one. The 2004 disaster
with Spencer Pennington and Marc Guillon combing for 55 total yards was the first Alabama game I remember attending in person. Great start for me, I know. Then in 2010, Steven Garcia beat the Tide in what became a 15-year PTSD for Alabama fans, forever calling any opposing QB to play better than normal a “Garcia game”.
In 2020, Najee Harris had possibly the coolest highlight ever, hurdling one USC defender and stiff arming another for a massive score.
Then last year, the two played down to the wire, cementing LaNorris Sellers as one of the more dangerous QBs in the SEC.
I say all that to say that, while I have established contacts for these Q&A pieces for most of the other SEC teams, we have long been without a true friend of the site USC thus far. So, a warm welcome is in order for Lauren Beasley from both Garnet and Cocky and USA Today. Give her a follow on Twitter at @LBKnowsBall.
Anyway, here are her thoughts about the South Carolina football team this year, and, of course, a little opining on our old pal Mike Shula.
1. South Carolina was a surprise team last year that vaulted up into the borderline top-10 conversations, but they’ve fallen to 3-4 this year. With a little bit of hindsight, do you think last year overperformed, or is this season’s team just underperforming from what they should be?
Last year exceeded outside expectations, for sure. We were predicted to win only about five games in 2024, but instead ran off with nine wins and even had some close games, like Alabama for instance. We played well last year, but this season’s 3-4 start is a regression. The offense has struggled, and the injuries have piled up. The ’24 squad may have slightly overperformed its talent level, while this year’s team is more or less underperforming expectations given its offensive woes and tougher schedule. Last year was a high-water mark. This year is more of a reality check.
2. Look, I get it, Mike Shula also made us all curse his name 20 years ago. We watched Alabama run back-to-back HB dives, followed by a 3rd down pass play for a sack for pretty much every drive for 4 straight years. I’m sure he’s evolved since then…. But just what has gone so wrong with the offense that has them 115th in the entire country in scoring?
Not going to lie, the offense has been dreadful. South Carolina ranks near the bottom in every category. It can’t sustain drives, third-down conversion rate is about 33%, and the red-zone production is just as bad. The line has given up lots of pressure, stalling drives. Shula’s unit has yet to find rhythm, and that lack of production is what’s driving the frustration in fans. The offense isn’t moving the ball or scoring, so you can understand why Gamecock Nation wants change.
3. Nyck Harbor was all the rage a year and a half ago, but he was drowned out last season. Now he’s the Gamecock’s leading receiver. Has he developed into more than an alien-level athlete?
Nyck Harbor has indeed turned into more than just a freak athlete. Late last season, he did show a lot of development on the field. He had 272 yards and two TDs in the last five games of the season, which is why he entered the 2025 season as the team’s #1 WR. This season, even with depressing O-line stats, Harbor has 278 receiving yards through seven games. I love to see a Sellers-to-Harbor play, I just need to see more of them.
4. While the USC offense has been dreadful this season, the defense has been solid enough, only breaking 30 points in the Vanderbilt game. Dylan Stewart is the name that people outside of South Carolina know, but who are some other players who make the engine go?
Dylan Stewart is a playmaker, hopefully we can keep him healthy. Bryan Thomas Jr. is making a name for himself this season. JayR Johnson… I believe he had ten tackles just in the season opener. DQ Smith has 38 on the year already, and Jalon Kilgore is right behind him. Peyton Williams is also key, with a couple of interceptions this season. If we could get Vicari Swain to make a few more punt return TDs, that would be great.
Ed note: Special teams TDs might be their best bet on scoring at this point. Woof.
5. Are there any freshmen starting to make any impact that could be stars for the Gamecocks in future years?
Donovan Murph and Brian Rowe Jr. have already made some plays and contributed this season. Matt Fuller has as well with some carries and two touchdowns. The talent is there, so hopefully some more freshmen can get more reps on the back half of this year.
6. In your opinion, is this season salvageable for the Gamecocks? Or at this point, is it just hope to go out on a high note and regather for next year?
Well, with a 3-4 record, the articles about playoff dreams can be deleted. But there’s still something to play for. Obviously, a win this weekend would be huge. I think the Gamecocks have a chance to salvage their season and end up with a 6-6 finish and bowl eligibility. But that margin for error is super thin. The season is hanging on by a thread with some tough games left to play.
7. Are you starting to cast eyes around for other options for head coach yet, or is Shane Beamer still the guy?
There is no serious discussion about replacing Beamer. He loves it here, loves his job, his team, and the fanbase. He has stated several times that this is his dream job. Is he mad about the poor play? Absolutely. Is he going to fix it? I believe in him. I think the majority of the fanbase believes in him still as well. Beamer is still firmly our guy.
8. What specific matchup vs Alabama are you most confident about, and which one are you most nervous about?
South Carolina’s offense vs. Alabama’s defense is worrisome. The Gamecock O-line is porous, and Alabama’s defensive front is solid. I’m definitely nervous that every play will be third-and-long or a negative. But I do have confidence in the Gamecocks’ pass rush vs. the Tide’s offense. It will be an exciting game for sure.
9. For your money, who wins the SEC this year?
Texas A&M has surprised me this year, but I think LSU is going to hand them their first loss. That being said, I’m going to have to go with Alabama to win the SEC. They have the talent and momentum. Of course, anything could happen, but all indicators say Bama is the team to beat.
