Muschamp likes the response from his defense in preseason
COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina football coach Will Muschamp had a welcome start to the Gamecocks’ first scrimmage of this preseason — a three-and-out by his defense.
For Muschamp, there were few better indicators the challenge he has laid down for his defenders since last season ended had been taken up.
“I do think that those guys have responded to our challenge to improve,” Muschamp said a short time after his team concluded a 140-snap scrimmage on a sticky, hot summer Saturday.
Muschamp has been seeking a better showing from his pass rushers and linebackers than last season, his first at South Carolina. Even a couple of weeks ago, he was exhorting uncommitted high school players who could pressure quarterbacks to take a look at the Gamecocks.
South Carolina was ninth against the rush in the Southeastern Conference last season and near the bottom of the league in sacks, first downs allowed and fourth-down conversions allowed. That led to many frustrating moments for Muschamp, especially during a 2-4 start.
An uptick on offense, triggered by starting freshman Jake Bentley at quarterback, helped South Carolina qualify for a bowl game. But the defensive problems showed up again when South Florida gained 469 yards and scored five touchdowns in a 46-39 overtime win at the Birmingham Bowl.
In preseason work, coaches have used speedy linebacker Bryson Allen-Williams, a 230pound senior, at defensive end at times to pump up the pass rush, Muschamp said. Experienced linemen Dante Sawyer and Taylor Stallworth, both seniors, have combined with sophomore D.J. Wonnum to make an impression two weeks into camp.
Defensive line coach Lance Thompson said the 6-foot-2, 305pound Stallworth has strength and speed to stand out even in the SEC.
“We’re a year into the program,” Thompson said. “They understand the expectations, they understand the way we want to do things. We’ve just got to continue to develop everybody and get better every day.”
The Gamecocks open their season Sept. 2 against North Carolina State in Charlotte, N.C.
“I don’t know how quickly we’re playing right now,” Muschamp said. “What we need to work on next week is sustaining drives on both sides of the ball, keeping our mental focus.”