South Carolina Football: 3 biggest disappointments from 2019 season

COLUMBIA, SC - SEPTEMBER 28: Ryan Hilinski #3 of the South Carolina Gamecocks looks to pass during the first half of a game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Williams-Brice Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, SC - SEPTEMBER 28: Ryan Hilinski #3 of the South Carolina Gamecocks looks to pass during the first half of a game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Williams-Brice Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
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The Gamecocks posted a dismal losing record of 4-8 during the 2019 season and we examine three of South Carolina football’s biggest disappointments.

The South Carolina Gamecocks had a dismal 2019 season to say the least with only four wins and eight losses for the season. We examined the three biggest surprises from the 2019 season and below we’ll examine South Carolina’s three biggest disappointments of 2019.

Unfortunately, there were more disappointments than surprises.

The Gamecocks’ season started and ended with losses and the only four wins were the expected home wins against Charleston Southern and Vanderbilt, the victory against Kentucky and the defeat that was the potential upset of the season against No. 3 ranked Georgia in double overtime.

Without further ado, let’s talk disappointments.

3. Season-opening game against North Carolina

South Carolina opened the 2019 season against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte and was favored to win but came up short in the 24-20 loss to their neighbors from the North.

The Gamecocks held on to the lead for the entire game until the fourth quarter in which they gave up the 11-point advantage after the Tar Heels rallied to make a comeback.

The last quarter was a battle of quarterbacks and South Carolina’s senior quarterback Jake Bentley lost to North Carolina’s true freshman quarterback Sam Howell. Unfortunately for Bentley, that was his last game for the season as he injured himself during this game and true freshman Ryan Hilinski was in the backup quarterback slot behind him.

Ultimately, Bentley transferred from South Carolina to play for the Utah Utes.