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South Carolina Football: 3 reasons the Gamecocks will struggle in 2020

By Celeste Sabin

ATHENS, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 12: Israel Mukuamu #24 of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts after his second interception of the game against the Georgia Bulldogs in the second half of their 20-17 second overtime win with J.T. Ibe #29 and R.J. Roderick #10 at Sanford Stadium on October 12, 2019 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATHENS, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 12: Israel Mukuamu #24 of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts after his second interception of the game against the Georgia Bulldogs in the second half of their 20-17 second overtime win with J.T. Ibe #29 and R.J. Roderick #10 at Sanford Stadium on October 12, 2019 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Will Muschamp, South Carolina football (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

2. South Carolina coaching staff shakeup

Following a dismal 4-8 season in 2019, the Gamecocks’ coaching staff underwent an overhaul. Many of the South Carolina faithful called for the removal of head coach Will Muschamp, whose record with the university is 26-25 in his four years as coach. However, Muschamp stayed and others left or were reassigned instead. Only time will tell if these changes will be a solution for the many problems that have plagued this team.

One of those coaches reassigned was offensive coordinator, Bryan McClendon who is now the receivers coach and Mike Bobo was hired to take his place as the offensive coordinator. Bobo came to South Carolina following a five-year tenure as the head coach of Colorado State.

Bobby Bentley also was reassigned during this time, replacing Thomas Brown. Bentley was the running backs coach in 2018 and spent last year as the wide receivers coach and this year he will head up the running backs again.

Tracy Rucker is the new defensive line coach after John Scott left to take the same position at Penn State. Joe Cox, who worked with Bobo at Colorado State, was hired as the tight ends coach.

Paul Jackson was hired to replace Jeff Dillman in the strength and conditioning coaching position. The Gamecocks suffered an onslaught of injuries in the last two seasons and Muschamp is hoping Jackson will alleviate that problem this year.