South Carolina Football: Way-too-early 2020 game-by-game predictions

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 30: Ryan Hilinski #3 of the South Carolina Gamecocks drops back to pass against the Clemson Tigers during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 30: Ryan Hilinski #3 of the South Carolina Gamecocks drops back to pass against the Clemson Tigers during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
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After a tough 4-8 season a year ago, South Carolina football enters into the most critical year in the Will Muschamp era.

The Will Muschamp era has been a mixed bag so far. In 2018, South Carolina football looked to be on the verge of breaking out and being a threat in the SEC East. Let’s just say that that is not what happened.

The 2019 season was always going to be a challenging one because of the schedule but I don’t think anyone saw a 4-8 season on the way, and that is despite pulling a massive upset against Georgia. One of the positives that came out of last season was that Ryan Hilinski really emerged last season after Jake Bentley got injured and was lost for the season.

Muschamp hired Former Georgia offensive coordinator and Colorado State head coach Mike Bobo to be the new offensive coordinator and brought in the 18th-ranked recruiting class that included five-star defensive end Jordan Burch, which was a big recruiting win over rival Clemson.

The schedule is not a cakewalk, but Muschamp needs to show improvement and that the program is heading in the right direction and another season without a bowl appearance is not going to get that done.

Here’s an early look at how South Carolina’s season could play out.