Top five storylines to watch at the South Carolina Gamecocks spring game

Nov 1, 2014; Columbia, SC, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) is brought down by South Carolina Gamecocks safety Chris Moody (6) and cornerback Chris Lammons (3) in the first quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

4. Can the defense compete?

After last season, the defense had to change. The Gamecock defense of last season looked tired, inexperienced and scared all at the same time last year.

John Hoke is the man Spurrier brought in to right the ship. Hoke spent the past 13 seasons coaching defensive backs in the NFL. His most recent stint was with the Chicago Bears.

Hoke will serve as the co-defensive coordinator primarily in charge of the defensive backs. Fellow co-defensive coordinator, Lorenzo Ward, is in charge of the Gamecocks front seven.

Despite having Ward around to help him, Hoke will be the man in charge of calling the plays. That means that the success, or failure, of the defense will ultimately fall on Hoke’s shoulders.

After last season, Gamecock fans should feel relieved if they do not recognize the defense they see in the scrimmage. Don’t expect Hoke to tip his hand with any elaborate play calls on Saturday, but he will still likely want to put on a good show in his first public outing.

Next: Can they stop the run?