Thursday Night Bragging Rights: Gamecocks-Tar Heels Preview, Prediction
By Lee Wardlaw
Sep 13, 2014; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Steve Spurrier directs his team against the Georgia Bulldogs in the first quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
Scouting the Gamecocks: Offense
Connor Mitch was a four-star recruit in high school. But when he makes his debut in Charlotte on Thursday, he will be attempting only his seventh college career pass.
When Mitch passes, the ball should often be headed to Pharoh Cooper. An All-American and Heisman contender in ’15, Cooper hauled in 69 receptions for 1,136 yards to lead the Gamecocks in 2014.
Cooper isn’t the only South Carolina receiver of note. Deebo Samuel has shown progress in the offseason months and his speed reminds many of Bruce Ellington or Ace Sanders.
If Connor Mitch struggles making the throws, he’ll have to rely on an offensive line to block for running back Brandon Wilds. Wilds is a tall and strong runner who has rushed for 1,277 yards in a Gamecock uniform. Speedy and agile runners David Williams and Shon Carson will rotate with the veteran Wilds.
SC has two reliable receivers, decent running backs, and an offensive line that returns three starters. It’s not perfect, but there’s pieces to work with. The bottom line? Connor Mitch’s performance as quarterback will make or break the Gamecocks.
Next: Scouting the Gamecocks: Defense