College Football: Seven Bold Predictions for the SEC East
By Lee Wardlaw
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
Behind a star wideout and a reconfigured defense, South Carolina improves
The Gamecocks were losers in ’14, for a couple of reasons. Spurrier would probably admit that his team felt entitled after three straight eleven win seasons and preseason chit-chat about SEC and national playoff aspirations.
Six losses and one 92nd ranked defense later, Carolina’s expectations have gone out the window, and that might be good news.
It’s also good news that the Gamecocks cleaned up defensively, not only by hiring new coordinator in Jon Hoke from the Chicago Bears. They also improved by bringing plenty of prospects on board, like four-star end Marquavius Lewis and safety Isiah Johnson of Kansas.
On offense, Connor Mitch can throw the ball all over the field with the speedy Deebo Samuel and All-American candidate Pharoh Cooper.
They might not win the East, but South Carolina will improve in the win column.
Next: Missouri