South Carolina Football: Can Gamecocks save Will Muschamp’s job in 2020?

Ryan Hilinski looks to lead the offensive turnaround

Last season the Gamecocks averaged just a bit over 22 points per game and did not score more than 27 points against any team not named Charleston Southern. The offense was not consistent enough, but new offensive coordinator Mike Bobo hopes to improve the unit this season.

Former starting quarterback Jake Bentley transferred to Utah. It will now be Ryan Hilinski’s offense to guide. The sophomore quarterback threw for over 2,300 yards, 11 touchdowns and five interceptions after taking over for Bentley last season.

Hilinksi will no longer have wideout Bryan Edwards to target, who led the team in receptions a year ago but is now in the NFL. Senior Shi Smith was second on the team with 43 receptions, but he’s not nearly as big as Edwards. The receivers behind Smith do not have as much of experience so it will be an area of concern for the Gamecocks.

With the receiving corps a question mark, the Gamecocks could rely on their tight ends. Nick Muse returns and Adam Prentice is transferring over from Colorado State. The Gamecocks need to hope one of the receivers or tight ends becomes a go to target for Hilinski.

The running game lacked at times last season, held to 80 yards or less in five games, and loses all three members of their three back rotation. No matter, the Gamecocks brought in four star top 100 prospect MarShawn Lloyd. It will be the true freshman’s backfield and the hope is Lloyd will become a bona fide star quickly.