Top Five Dark Horse SEC Teams Who Could Contend for a Title
By Ryan Summers
Oct 25, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks receiver Pharoh Cooper (11) catches a touchdown over Auburn Tigers defensive back Nick Ruffin (19) during the first half at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
The Gamecocks are another middle of the pack type of team coming into 2015 with questions on both sides of the ball. If they can answer these questions before the fall, they will be a dark horse title contender in the SEC East.
Usually, the Gamecocks have a staple player that everyone is hyped to see coming into the season (Alshon Jeffery, Jadevon Clowney, Melvin Ingram to name a few.)
This year the story is no different.
The Gamecocks come into 2015 with an offensive player who does everything – runs the ball, catches the ball and even throws a few touchdowns here and there. That player is wide receiver Pharoh Cooper.
Cooper led the team in 2014 with 69 catches for 1136 yards and nine touchdowns. Cooper also ran the ball for coach Spurrier gaining 203 yards on the ground and two touchdowns.
Nov 15, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks running back Brandon Wilds (22) runs with the ball against the Florida Gators during the second quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
But the stat sheet doesn’t end there. Cooper also threw two touchdowns last season and attempted the second most passes on the team behind starter Dylan Thompson.
Cooper may lead the Gamecocks to a surprisingly successful season in 2015 with the help of running back tandem Brandon Wilds and David Williams, but the biggest problem for the Gamecocks is going to be finding a quarterback who can utilize these offensive weapons.
The Gamecocks have the supporting cast they just need a guy to lead them.
Defensively, the Gamecocks need to find a leader as well and really have to improve everywhere in order to be successful.
Last season, the Gamecocks were last in the conference in total tackles and only sacked opposing quarterbacks 12 times.
Once they find their starting quarterback and light a fire under the defense to start off the fall, the Gamecocks will be a force in the SEC East.
Next: Tennessee
