SEC Football - 2021 South Carolina Gamecocks Preview
Our South Carolina Gamecocks preview 2021 notes that this team has been on a downward trend. In 2017, they were 9-4, and the following season, the Gamecocks went 7-6. The last two years, the team has gone 4-8 (2019) and 2-8 (2020). Last season, they averaged 23.5 PPG (10th SEC, 98th Nationally) and allowed opponents 36.0 PPG (12th SEC, 105th Nationally). Those two stats left South Carolina with a PF/PA of -12.5. This season, we expect to see more of the same from this team. However, we do expect that the Gamecocks will win five games, which is better than they’ve done in the past two seasons.
South Carolina Offense
The starting quarterback spot will either go to returning sophomore Luke Doty or transfer Jason Brown. Brown, who had a fine college career with FSC St. Francis (PA) did not play last year, as the team’s season was cancelled due to COVID. The receiving unit is weak. Tight end Nick Muse does return, and that’s good news. Last season, Muse recorded 30 catches and one TD while averaging 14.4 YPC.
The strength on offense is at running back. Junior Kevin Harris returns after rushing for 1,138 yards and scoring 15 TDs. In 2020, Harris averaged 6.2 YPA. MarShawn Lloyd, a talented freshman who missed last season due to injury, will also carry the ball. Harris and Lloyd look to be a dynamic one-two punch. The offensive line is solid and experienced. They’ll be a huge asset.
South Carolina Gamecocks Preview 2021 - Defense
The defensive line is sturdy. They’ll have to be, as South Carolina is depleted in back. Four starters return, including edge Kingsley Enagbare. Last season, Enagbare led the team in sacks, recording six. He also posted 30 tackles, two QBH, and one TFL. Defensive tackles Zacch Pickens (35 TKLs, 1 SCK, 1.5 TFL) and Jabari Ellis (27 TKLs, 0.5 SCKs, 2.5 TFL, 2.0 QBH) and end Aaron Sterling (9 TKLs, 0.5 SCK) also return. There’s a lot of experience here, as well as even more with backups Jordan Burch and Tonka Hemingway.
Last season, the linebacking unit was decimated by injuries. Those players return healthy, as does the team’s top returning tackler Damani Stanley. Last season, Stanley recorded 51 bringdowns. The secondary lost five players via the transfer portal, leaving this unit exceptionally thin. Corner back Can Smith, who had two picks and two PBU, is back as is free safety Jaylin Dickerson who posted 20 tackles, one TFL, and one interception.
Specialists
Our South Carolina Gamecocks preview 2021 notes that last season freshman punter Kai Kroeger averaged 43.3 YPP while putting eight of 39 within the 20-yard-line. We expect even more from him this year. Placekicker Parker White is back for a fifth season. White is accurate up to the 49-yard-line. In 2020, he was 11-of-19 with four of his eight misses from 50-plus yards. Jalen Brooks will return kicks and Josh Vann punts.
South Carolina Gamecocks Preview 2021 - Projection
The offense is strong on the run and line, while the best part of the defense is upfront. Wins are certainly possible. Our South Carolina Gamecocks preview 2021 observes that this team plays Eastern Illinois and East Carolina in the first two weeks. Both can result in victories for the Gamecocks. The next two teams, Georgia and Kentucky will be much tougher. It gets worse, as the last four weeks of the season, South Carolina will have to contend with Florida, Missouri, Auburn, and Clemson. Those six teams are all capable of earning bowl berths. Look for a strong start and weak finish from the Gamecocks in 2021.
SEC Football - South Carolina Gamecocks 2021 - Predictions:
Sixth Place - SEC East
No Bowl Berth