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South Carolina Football: 5 reasons why Gamecocks can win SEC East

By Terrance Singleton

COLUMBIA, SC - NOVEMBER 05: Jake Bentley reacts after a play against the Missouri Tigers during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 5, 2016 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Tyler Lecka/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, SC - NOVEMBER 05: Jake Bentley reacts after a play against the Missouri Tigers during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 5, 2016 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Tyler Lecka/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBIA, SC – NOVEMBER 05: K.C. Crosby
COLUMBIA, SC – NOVEMBER 05: K.C. Crosby /

2. Experienced offensive line

A team can have talented skilled players, but if you also have a good experienced offensive line, it’s even better. And that’s exactly what the Gamecocks have in Columbia.

The Gamecocks only lose one lineman from 2016. They return four out of five linemen for the 2017 season, which is tied for the most in the SEC East. The most important of these linemen is Summerville, S.C., native Zack Bailey.

South Carolina needs to find a new left guard, but junior Donnell Stanley could definitely be that replacement. And if it’s not Stanley, it’ll be senior D.J. Park who could fill the spot as well. Either way, Jake Bentley should have a lot of time to pick apart defenses and Rico Dowdle should have many holes to choose from this season.

The offensive line has been a key point of emphasis the last two years for the Gamecocks and they finally are reaping the benefits of that hard work.