South Carolina Football: Gamecocks could be disruptive force in SEC East

The SEC East isn’t set in stone yet. South Carolina football is waiting in the wings to take down Georgia. Do they have what it takes?

South Carolina has traditionally been viewed as a sleeper team in the SEC East. However, with both Tennessee and Florida in rebuilding years, the South Carolina Gamecocks could be a serious contender for a trip to the SEC Championship this season.

Jake Bentley is a solid workhorse at quarterback who leads an offense that is brilliant at making opportunities. The coaching staff has matured nicely. Making adjustments have been a problem area for the Gamecocks, but as last season’s victory against Tennessee proved they are learning.  And wide receiver Deebo Samuel is a gamechanger in every possible sense of the word.

The team still needs to work on short-yardage play calls, but the rushing game under Bentley has been terrific.  They understand how to control the clock and wear down defenses. Last season, South Carolina led the SEC in forcing turnovers–no small feat.

Muschamp is a great defensive coach, and his team’s late-game comeback in the Outback Bowl against a loaded Michigan team highlighted that. South Carolina could be a challenge to Kirby Smart‘s program, and we will know early in the season which way the land lies in SEC East.  The two teams meet up on Sep. 8.

Next: Georgia Football: Can Georgia rebuild at RB?

It’s not as crazy as it sounds–both teams got a solid recruiting class. Granted, the Gamecocks have had some issues at the running back position, but Georgia will have some question marks as well. On defense, they lose linebacker Roquan Smith and lineman Trenton Thompson. Nothing is ever certain in college football except for upsets, and the Gamecocks are poised to take a run at the SEC East.

The Gamecocks have become relevant again, and Georgia needs to be on notice.