SEC Football: Best and Worst-Case Scenario for Every Team in 2015

Dec 27, 2014; Shreveport, LA, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks linebacker Skai Moore (10) and linebacker Jonathan Walton (28) celebrate after an interception by Walton in the second quarter against the Miami Hurricanes in the 2014 Independence Bowl at Independence Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

It seems like a long time ago, but South Carolina won 11 games each season from 2011-13 and represented the SEC East in the conference championship game in 2010. That’s a high-level streak of success that isn’t likely to be undone by one relatively disappointing season. Therefore, it wouldn’t be a shock for the Gamecocks to rebound in 2015 with a double-digit-winning season and a division title.

Related: SEC Position Rankings: Top Ten Wide Receivers for 2015

Offensively, South Carolina should be strong running the football. Brandon Wilds ran for 570 yards and four touchdowns as Mike Davis’ primary backup last season and David Williams and Shon Carson are also talented options. New quarterback Connor Mitch has potential, especially with quarterback guru Steve Spurrier still pacing the sidelines in Columbia, and receiver Pharoh Cooper is one of the most exciting players in the SEC.

The offense probably won’t be as explosive as it was last year, but the defense is likely to be much improved. Carolina allowed no more than 23.1 points per game in any of the last seven seasons until last year’s average ballooned to 30.4 points per contest. The Gamecocks also surrendered 433 total yards per game, which was 79 yards worse than the worst performance over that same eight-year mark.

The D was obviously bad in 2014, but it seems to be a blip among otherwise strong showings, which could indicate a regression back to the norm in 2015. With eight starters returning and new defensive play-caller Jon Hoke joining Spurrier’s staff, the unit should be better.

South Carolina’s Best-Case Scenario: Steve Spurrier gets South Carolina back on track with a surprising double-digit-winning season

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