There is something about Coach Will Muschamp and his team’s ability to improve during a bye week. For the third straight season, South Carolina has hit the ground running after its mid-season bye. They have won the last two ball games, getting them back to a winning record for the year at 5-3. The Gamecocks’ offense has looked as good as it has all season in the last two games. The more encouraging thing is that they have produced in different ways in the last two victories. First-year offensive coordinator Bryan McClendon has found a groove in his game planning, and his players have finally found some consistency.
Gamecocks’ Offense; Making Strides
Run the Jewels
The Gamecocks’ offense came out of the bye week with a new look against the Tennessee Volunteers. Coach McClendon introduced a two tight end set to help improve the run game. So far the move has paid off. With the Volunteers playing their safeties off the line to guard against the pass, South Carolina took advantage and ran right at them. Rico Dowdle benefited the most, rushing for 140 of the team’s 224 yards on the ground. Ty’Son Williams got his first start of the season and contributed 34 yards and a touchdown. For the first time this season, the Carolina tailbacks fought through contact and began breaking tackles. Getting past the first defender and turning two-yard runs into five-yard runs makes a big difference over the course of a game.
This past weekend at Ole Miss, it was more about the passing game, but the tailbacks made their presence felt as well. Williams started again and was on his way to a big day before he left the game with an injury. He had 30 yards on the ground including a score. His biggest impact was in the passing game, catching three for 105 yards before halftime. Dowdle was injured on his first carry, so when Williams went down the Gamecocks depth was tested. Junior Mon Denson stepped up in a big way in the second half. He ran for 100 yards including a 69-yard gallop on the game-winning drive. A.J. Turner also chipped in 38 yards rushing and receiving as the Gamecocks’ offense got everyone involved.
Bentley’s Best
Quarterback Jake Bentley has had his fair share of detractors this season. Most of the criticism has been justified, especially after poor performances in losses to Georgia and Kentucky. However, since the second half began against Texas A&M, Bentley has been playing at a high level. His decision making has gotten better, and his throws have been mostly on time and on target. He wasn’t asked to do too much against Tennessee. However, when the big play was available, he found Bryan Edwards for 73 yards to set up a second-half touchdown. His performance at Ole Miss was perhaps his best in garnet and black. It was the kind of day the Gamecocks’ offense needed, and fans have been waiting for.
The junior signal caller threw for 363 yards and two touchdowns, and most importantly did not turn the ball over. Bentley completed 22 of 32 passes and found ten different receivers on Saturday. After struggling in 2017 and early this season, Bentley has gotten back to being a very accurate deep ball thrower. The Gamecocks’ offense has taken more shots downfield in recent weeks, and their quarterback has been on the money with his throws. The ability to stretch the field has helped open things up for the run game. The Ole Miss defense is not very good, and Carolina has much tougher tests remaining, but it is encouraging to see Bentley taking advantage of the opportunity to make big plays. He will have a chance to shake off his big game woes as they travel to Gainesville this week to face the Florida Gators.
Catching On
During the preseason, the Gamecocks’ offense was billed as having one of the best receiving corps in the country. Through the first six games, they had been far too inconsistent. Drop passes were becoming an epidemic, and big plays were scarce. In the last two weeks, the receiving group has gotten on track. Bryan Edwards has back to back 100-yard games, and he has moved into the top ten in school history in career receptions and yards. Edwards’ one-handed catch with a defender hanging on him was the play of the week. Not only did he haul in a beautifully thrown pass with one hand, but he shook off the defender and took it to the house for a big touchdown.
Deebo Samuel has yet to have a breakout game catching the ball, but he did have his fourth career kickoff return for a touchdown in Oxford. That set a school record and ties the SEC mark. He draws so much attention that South Carolina has had some trouble getting him the ball in space. Shi Smith had his best game in over a month with 82 yards on three catches but is still struggling with drops. He has dropped a potential big play in each of the last two weeks. Freshman Josh Vann caught his first career touchdown this week and has become a part of the regular rotation.
Line Up
The biggest surprise this season may be how well the offensive line has played. They have been the one consistent group throughout 2018. Adding the two tight end set has helped them in the run game. The Gamecocks’ offense seems to be at its best when it can utilize senior Zach Bailey’s ability to pull on run plays. He has been one of the best interior linemen in the SEC this season. Freshman Dylan Wonnum has taken over at right tackle and played well in his two starts. Blake Camper, the man Wonnum replaced, had to step in at left tackle this weekend due to injury. The next man up mantra was in full force Saturday as injuries hit hard.
The interior of the line has been its strength, with Bailey, Donnell Stanley, and Sadarius Hutcherson holding down those spots all season. While the run blocking can still improve, they have kept a pretty clean pocket for their quarterbacks most of the year. The defensive lines of Florida and Clemson will be huge tests to see just how far this unit has come.
Finish Strong
South Carolina assured itself at least a .500 record in the SEC with their fourth conference win on Saturday. They should be able to handle games with Chattanooga and Akron which would get them to seven wins overall. That leaves two tough road tests to try and equal last season’s win total. The first of those tests is this week against a Florida team coming off a beat down by Missouri. If the Gamecocks’ offense can maintain its current momentum and balance, they can win in the Swamp. They will need to be at their best, as the Gators have a very strong defense. Controlling the line of scrimmage, taking care of the ball, and converting big plays when available have gotten this offense back on track. Carolina will need to do all three at a high level to get their third SEC road win of the season.
