Gamecock Football: 2016 Season Preview
As opening kickoff draws nearer, get ready for football with Third Spur’s All Access Guide to the 2016 Gamecocks Football Team.
2015 Record: Oh who cares, we lost to the fucking Citadel.
Head Coach: Will Muschamp. Most recently defensive coordinator of the Auburn Tigers, Muschamp is known for his solid recruiting, short temper, and definitely not the fact that he failed with more resources as head coach of Florida.
Key Players:
Sean Kelly, P— All eyes will be on Kelly following his arrest this offseason for disorderly conduct. Kelly is expected to lead the team in snaps this year.
Jamarcus King, DB— One of the top junior college transfers in the nation comes at a position of need for the Gamecocks. King’s ability to contribute this year will depend on how long it takes him to realize he did not, in fact, transfer to the University of Southern California.
Perry Orth, QB— Quarterback is still a position of uncertainty, with Orth and freshman Brandon McIlwain in a tight race for the privilege of standing on the sidelines while the other is sacked repeatedly.
First Game: Thursday, September 1st @ Vanderbilt. The Gamecocks will square off against the Commodores to open the season. The highly touted matchup will set the tone early for both squads vying for the sought after 6th place finish in the SEC East. USC should find the road-game environment advantageous without “Darude-Sandstorm” blasting in their ears for four straight hours. In order to come away with the victory, South Carolina will have to establish a solid running game, rush the passer, and target the opposition’s deepest insecurities.
Season Outlook: Carolina is looking to have a bounce back year. Although they have a tough schedule in the SEC, Third Spur Sports predicts a win against Vanderbilt to start the season paired with a shocker in Starksville against a weakened Mississipi State. This 2-0 start will put the Gamecocks in the thick of the race for the National Championship before football is outlawed in week 3 due to concerns over concussions.
Final Prediction: 2-0, SEC Champions