SEC Football: 3 Things We Watched For, Week 2 Recap

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Sep 10, 2016; Starkville, MS, USA;South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Brandon McIlwain (11) runs the ball during the third quarter of the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium. Mississippi State won 27-14. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Can Will Muschamp Get South Carolina to 2-0?

No he can’t. The Gamecocks lost to Mississippi State 27-14 in a game that never actually felt that close. The South Carolina offense was pathetic, especially on the ground. They averaged just 1.1 yards per carry as a team. That won’t do against SEC defenses. Balance is key.

Fortunately for the Gamecocks, there was a big positive for them in this game. Brandon McIlwain emerged at the quarterback position. He completed just 50 percent of his passes but did throw two touchdowns and zero interceptions.

If McIlwain can improve his accuracy, which he should with more experience, he could be a great quarterback for South Carolina in the future. He has all the tools. He is a big guy with a big arm who is mobile. He reminds me a bit of a young Dak Prescott.

Will Muschamp might be best served benching veteran Perry Orth and letting McIlwain learn on the job. Because the Gamecocks will be hard pressed to make any kind of substantial run this season. In fact, I don’t even see them making a bowl. They have one win, and I see at most four more wins on the schedule.

This looks like a rebuilding year in Columbia. Muschamp should let his young quarterback learn, let his defensive system take root, and hit the recruiting trail hard. If he does those three things, he should be able to refill the cupboard that Steve Spurrier left so barren.

Next: Number One

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