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SEC Power Rankings: No quarterback, no problem for Alabama?

By Hunter Kinniburgh

Sep 19, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) breaks a tackle by Auburn Tigers defensive back Jonathan Jones (3) during the second quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) breaks a tackle by Auburn Tigers defensive back Jonathan Jones (3) during the second quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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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
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 /
  • 2015 Record: 3-9, 17 (SEC)
  • Season Opener: Sept. 1 at Vanderbilt

It was a season to forget in 2015 for South Carolina, after finishing with 11 wins a season from 2011-2013 and a seven-win season in 2014, the Gamecocks slipped to just three wins and legendary head coach Steve Spurrier retired from his position. Enter Will Muschamp, the once promising head coach of the Florida Gators, returns to the SEC to try and put back a program that is now accustomed to competing for SEC East division titles.

If Muschamp is truly a defensive guru then he will have to work overtime on the South Carolina defense. The Gamecocks were ranked 95th in total defense in 2015. South Carolina does have a very good linebacking corps led by seniors Skai Moore and Jonathan Walton. The defensive line leaves a lot to desire, as only one starter, Marquavius Lewis, returns from 2015.

The most worrisome position for South Carolina would be at quarterback. Both Perry Orth and Lorenzo Nunez, who both started last season, were sidelined with injuries in the spring. Freshman Brandon Mcllwain led the way at the position in their place. In order for the Gamecocks to compete in 2016, they must settle on a quarterback and ease him into the season.

Muschamp has the ability and the staff to return the Gamecocks to being competitive and a conference contender, but South Carolina fans may have to wait awhile; the SEC East is still competitive enough that it could keep South Carolina from a bowl game again in 2016.

Next: No. 12 Vanderbilt Commodores

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