South Carolina Football: Three Keys To A Successful 2023
For South Carolina Football, really successful seasons don’t come very often. The Gamecocks finished 2022 with an 8-5 record and a 4-4 record in the SEC. The program has only had 15 years out of 115 where they’ve won eight games or more. Other SEC teams like the Alabama Crimson Tide, Tennessee Volunteers, Georgia Bulldogs, and Florida Gators have had a lot more success, but what are some things the Gamecocks can do this year to change that? Let’s take a look at three keys to a successful 2023 for South Carolina Football.
Spencer Rattler Needs To Cut Down Interceptions
The Gamecocks passing game did really well in 2022. Spencer Rattler definitely showed talent throwing for 3,026 yards and definitely has the high-powered NFL arm. The South Carolina Football signal-caller is really good when he gets in a groove, but Rattler just needs to work on cutting down the interceptions. He threw 18 touchdowns, but had 12 interceptions this past season. Going into his fifth year, he has the chance to do great things in the SEC if they work on improving the turnovers.
Offensive Line Needs To Improve
There’s work to be done for the big boys up front for South Carolina Football. In 2022, the running game was missing for long amounts of time, pass protection was terrible, and this offensive line allowed too many tackles for loss. The Gamecocks coaching staff will have to move pieces around up front to improve from last year. South Carolina is getting some help from former Charlotte offensive tackle Jaxon Hughes. The 6’6, 295 lbs lineman announced his commitment to South Carolina on Instagram. He started 11 games for the 49ers in 2022 at left tackle, protecting a record-setting passing offense for Charlotte. The 49ers threw for 3,252 yards and a 271.0 yards per game average. The Gamecocks offensive line can be better in 2023 with players like Hughes on it.
Defense Needs To Work On Run Stopping
The defense will look to address stopping teams from running the ball in 2023. The Gamecocks allowed 200 yards or more seven times last year. That’s got to improve to be successful this fall. South Carolina Football had the size up front, but the pass rush has got to come from somewhere. Jordan Burch went to Oregon and losing him will be an issue. One player that could make an impact is junior college transfer Elijah Davis. He’s a former East Mississippi Community College star and he stood out in the spring game. Look for him to work mostly at edge rusher in 2023.
If South Carolina Football can cut down on interceptions, improve on the offensive line, and stop teams with run defense, they could have a successful 2023.