Beginning of A New Era
Jake Bentley got his first career collegiate start last Saturday against the University of Massachusetts. Just when it appeared the South Carolina Gamecocks’ offense was flat-lining, in comes Jake Bentley. There was plenty of drama leading up to that start, possibly explaining the coaches bringing in Brandon McIlwain in spots to run the read option plays. Gamecocks players made one thing clear Saturday, the best quarterback was on the field. While better late than never, it could not have happened at a better time than leading into the Tennessee match-up.
Taneyhill 2.0
Steve Taneyhill was a long-haired, high energy freshman that electrified an 0-5 Gamecocks team in 1992. When you look at the comparisons between these two clubs, it is astounding. Taneyhill won over his team and was the ignition that Sparky Wood’s squad needed to get the team going. On October 31st, 1992, the Garnet and Black would face off with a top 25 Tennessee team lead by Heath Shuler. Taneyhill would guide the Gamecocks to the upset win en route to a 5-1 record over the last six games.
Could Jake Bentley lead the Gamecocks to a similar result?
Air Attack
South Carolina’s offense looked completely different than the previous six exhibitions. The dead last-rated offense scored almost 20 points higher than their season average, thanks in large part to the vastly improved passing game. Jake Bentley gave head coach Will Muschamp and the other coaches a viable passing game, something that had been missing from their arsenal up to this point. What happens when a team can add another threat? The answer is a more balanced attack. Opposing defenses are not going to be able to load the box. Defensive coordinators can not blitz six or more players to disrupt your rhythm. That was the struggle the coaching staff was facing in the previous weeks. Opposing teams had zero respect for our passing game with McIlwain at the helm. Bentley and the offense stopped that trend against UMASS.
Tale of Two Freshmen
In his first collegiate start of his career against East Carolina, Brandon McIlwain threw for just under 200 yards through the air. His numbers were much better than the performance looked to the fans. He was 16 for 28 for 194 yards with no passing touchdowns or interceptions. He was able to strike quickly against the Pirates defense for two rushing touchdowns to seemingly write the beginning of his fairy tale start for the Gamecocks. As South Carolina has learned however, that would not be the case as of yet. He does not seem to be as polished as a passer as is needed to be effective in the SEC to help move an offense.
Then in came Jake Bentley. Bentley brought a sense of urgency, confidence and swagger that has been missing for a couple years. Jake completed 17 of 26 passes for 201 yards and two scores through the air. The first touchdown of his career came on a beautiful pass over a defender to an outstretched KC Crosby. Gamecock nation may have found a quarterback. It is a precarious task to make comparisons, as it can create unfair expectations, but Jake was appearing to have the same traits as former Gamecock star Connor Shaw. There are plenty of quarterbacks who are faster, have a stronger arm, and more physically gifted than Bentley. But you can never sleep on the coach’s kid. Jake Bentley lifted the level of play for the entire football team. Guys were flying all over the field, and the sense of urgency and confidence were contagious.
What To Expect
Jake Bentley offers this Gamecocks team the best opportunity to succeed on the field. Expect him to make mistakes. But also expect him to make some really big plays. The Gamecocks have a legitimate chance to shock the nation, and the Volunteers, if the team can keep the mistakes and pentalties to a minimum. When Williams-Brice Stadium is full and Sandstorm starts to play, anything is possible. When the lights come on, magic happens.
There are a lot of questions heading into Saturday’s match-up. Is Butch Jones and the Volunteers on the edge of a collapse? Could we be seeing the beginning of greatness for Carolina football? No one will know until after the game on Saturday. We may not even know until after the season. One thing is clear, this team is on the rise.
1992 Part Deux
If Bentley could keep us in those games, look out for the Gamecocks not only just for the future but for the remainder of the season. Before we wrap up here, there is one other thing I’d like to point out from the 1992 team. That team went to a freshman in Steve Taneyhill for a spark to an 0-5 team. They would go on to beat a really good Tennessee team on Halloween night in Columbia. That team finished 5-1, and played Clemson at home that season. You may remember what happened that game. Taneyhill signed the paw in Death Valley in a win. Jake Bentley, start growing that hair young man!
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