Is It SEC Title or Bust for South Carolina Gamecocks?

Prediction

Steve Spurrier has the South Carolina Gamecocks in prime position to reach heights the program has never reached before with so much talent in all three phases of the game.

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With the First Pick

The most exciting part is that recruiting has gone so well in Columbia in recent years that there is lots of junior and sophomore talent on the team for the future to be just as strong as the present, so it’s not a now or never situation to win an SEC championship this year. At least 15 of the regular contributors on this year’s team will be back next year.

This year, early September games against Georgia and Texas A&M will set the tone for the season whether or not South Carolina competes for an SEC championship.

It won’t happen.

Jan 1, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Connor Shaw (14) runs out onto the field during team introductions before the Gamecocks beat the Wisconsin Badgers 34-24 in the Capital One Bowl at Florida Citrus Bowl. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports

The Gamecocks are improved on offense, but the departing talent and 3-4 switch will cause a drop-off on defense that offsets any upgrades. Add to that the fact that Georgia is absolutely loaded, the Aggies are still going to be great, and the Gamecocks, with their unfair draw, have to play at Auburn as well this year, and winning the SEC seems too unlikely.

Not to mention that they still have to play Tennessee, Florida, Missouri, and Vanderbilt. Any SEC team has to face a difficult schedule, but the Gamecocks didn’t make enough improvements to expect a significant jump. Another 11-2 season is probably in the works.

But with luck, next year could be the year. There is lots of young talent still on the team, much of it will be back, and they should be adjusted to the 3-4 system on defense by then. A championship is just not in the cards this year.