Muschamp leads revitalized Gamecocks
Will Muschamp, who lost his job at UF in 2014, has made the most of his second chance as a head coach. In Year 3 at South Carolina, his Gamecocks won nine games — the most victories at the school since 2013.
The Gamecocks had plenty of breaks go their way to make their second three-win improvement under Muschamp, whose 2015 team was 3-9 and 2016 squad 6-7. South Carolina had a plus-11 turnover margin last season and won six games by eight points or fewer.
One thing Muschamp has failed to do at South Carolina, though, is improve the offense, the main reason he was fired during his fourth season in Gainesville. But the Gamecocks return eight starters on that side of the ball, including quarterback Jake Bentley, who started the past 20 games.
Despite the struggles, South Carolina is No. 26 in Orlando Sentinel college insider Matt Murschel’s preseason 2018 college football rankings. Murschel ranked all 129 Football Bowl Subdivision teams in the country. The Sentinel staff takes a closer look at a new team daily, counting backward from No. 129 to our projected No. 1 team.
Carolina
win South
Will Muschamp (15-11 in two seasons; 43-32 overall)
9-4 overall, 5-3 in Southeastern Conference; second in East Division A seasonopening against N.C. State in Charlotte and a season-ending Outback Bowl victory against Big Ten heavyweight Michigan were the season’s highlights. But the most gratifying victory for Muschamp likely was South Carolina’s 28-20 decision against the Gators.
A 34-10 regular seasonending home loss to Clemson really was the only game where South Carolina was not competitive last season. Only one of the Gamecocks’ other three losses was by more than 10 points - a 24-10 decision at eventual SEC champion Georgia.
By any measure, last season was progress for South Carolina and another sign Muschamp is head coaching material. 3 6
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LB Skai Moore, TE Hayden Hurst, DB Chris Lammons, DT Taylor Stallworth, S D.J. Smith
QB Jake Bentley, DE D.J. Wonnum, WR Deebo Samuel, LB T.J. Brunson, LB Bryson AllenWilliams, WR Bryan Edwards, DT Javon Kinlaw
At South Carolina, Muschamp has developed one of the better SEC quarterbacks in Jake Bentley. And few players in the conference are as dynamic as senior receiver Deebo Samuel. The Gamecocks’ offensive line, led by senior guard Zack Bailey, also is expected to be rock solid.
Muschamp’s defense usually is well prepared and rarely out of position. This year’s unit will be led by junior end D.J. Wonnum, who has 16.5 tackles for loss in two seasons.
The Gamecocks have a stable of solid running backs, but hope one emerges as a featured runner a season after South Carolina finished 12th in rushing in the 14-team SEC.
The loss of tight end Hayden Hurst, a firstround NFL draft pick, leaves a gaping hole to fill.
The biggest mystery is South Carolina’s secondary. Senior cornerback Rashad Fenton is the only returning starter, but he’s been inconsistent.
Muschamp’s second act has been impressive. The Gamecocks likely are the only team in the SEC East that gives Georgia pause.