Saturday Blitz
Fansided

South Carolina Football: 3 bold predictions vs. LSU in Week 8

By Celeste Sabin

COLUMBIA, SC - OCTOBER 17: Nick Muse #9 of the South Carolina Gamecocks runs after catching a pass against the Auburn Tigers in the second quarter of the game at Williams-Brice Stadium on October 17, 2020 in Columbia, South Carolina. The Gamecocks won 30-22. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, SC - OCTOBER 17: Nick Muse #9 of the South Carolina Gamecocks runs after catching a pass against the Auburn Tigers in the second quarter of the game at Williams-Brice Stadium on October 17, 2020 in Columbia, South Carolina. The Gamecocks won 30-22. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
Oct 10, 2020; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Collin Hill (15) celebrates after a touchdown with South Carolina Gamecocks wide receiver Josh Vann (6) during the second half at Vanderbilt Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2020; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Collin Hill (15) celebrates after a touchdown with South Carolina Gamecocks wide receiver Josh Vann (6) during the second half at Vanderbilt Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

2. USC offense will have best game of the season

South Carolina’s offensive line had some growing pains the first two games of the season, but they showed more comfortability and confidence on the field last week against Auburn.

Collin Hill has shown consistent improvement, especially in the last two games. In Hill’s first game with South Carolina against Tennessee, he completed 25-of-39 passes for 290 yards, one touchdown and one interception for a meager 53.6 rating.

In the game against Florida, he was able to avoid throwing any interceptions and had two touchdown passes; statistically he had his best week in the victory over Vanderbilt. Last week he finished 15-for-24, passing for 144 yards, one interception, he had a receiving touchdown and also a rushing touchdown.

The receiving corps struggled in the first two weeks not only catching Hill’s passes but hanging on them once caught. Dropped balls were a huge problem in the game against Florida. The South Carolina offense suffered a significant loss preseason when hopeful new breakout running back MarShawn Lloyd was ruled out for the season with a knee injury.

The Gamecocks have had another potential breakout star and talented receiver, Jalen Brooks, on the sidelines awaiting a ruling from the NCAA regarding his appeal for immediate eligibility after transferring from Wingate and Tarleton State. Brooks finally received the go-ahead on Wednesday and it couldn’t come at a better time for the Gamecocks.

Hill’s go-to man has been Shi Smith from the start, but he has also been the most targeted player by defenses and the quarterback had to have other viable options.

Kevin Harris became one of those dependable weapons behind Hill. He has 81 rushes for 409 yards and six touchdowns on the season. Smith’s stats are impressive as well with 34 receptions for 347 yards and three touchdowns.