The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Beamer’s message to Gamecocks: Stop thinking about bowl
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Shane Beamer had a strong, concise message to his resurgent South Carolina players this week: Stop thinking about a bowl game.
That’s nearly impossible after the Gamecocks moved to the edge of postseason eligibility with their 40-17 stunner over Florida. Beamer’s program, picked for next-tolast in the SEC East, has a chance to move into the top half of the division when it heads to Missouri (4-5, 1-4 Southeastern Conference) on Saturday.
Beamer believes, though, it’s not the time to contemplate that critical sixth victory — and first bowl appearance since 2018. Beamer is looking to become the third straight coach, after Steve Spurrier and Will Muschamp, to make a bowl in his debut season at South Carolina (5-4, 2-4).
He addressed the topic with his players Tuesday, telling them bluntly, “Every time you think about being bowl eligible, stop.”
Putting the focus on win No. 6, Beamer explained, means there’s a cap on what the Gamecocks can achieve this season. There are two home games left once they finish at Missouri, against No. 16 Auburn on Nov. 20 and Clemson, which has a six-game winning streak in the in-state rivalry, to close the regular season Nov. 27.
Beamer’s words made sense to tight end Nick Muse.
“I’m not really looking forward to bowl eligibility, I’m looking forward to being 8-4 when we go to a bowl game,” said Muse, a fifthyear senior. “People didn’t count on us this year, (which was) a slap in the face. We’ve proved them wrong; we’re going to keep proving them wrong.”
Especially if they keep playing like last week. South Carolina and first-time SEC starting quarterback Jason Brown scored on five firsthalf possessions to lead 30-10 by halftime.
The Gamecocks’ defense picked up a fumble-recovery TD and held Florida’s potent run game, which came in among the top 10 in the country, to just 82 yards. It was the first time this season Florida was outgained by an opponent.
That’s heady stuff for a team pounded 44-14 at Texas A&M in its previous outing.
Beamer acknowledged he’s on alert for players thinking the Gamecocks permanently have turned a corner.
“The same people that are telling you how great you are and all that stuff are probably the same people who wanted you benched last week,” Beamer told his team.
Muse is grateful for the excitement around the program after its signature win. “When you do that, excitement is going to be everywhere,” he said. “But you’ve got to be levelheaded.”
Beamer has seen the steadiness over the team’s first two practice days for Missouri. The same effort his players put in before Florida is evident again.
Tailback Marshawn Lloyd said the Florida victory was a boost the Gamecocks can feed off of down the stretch.
“We’ve got a lot of confidence,” Lloyd said. “We know we can do it.”
Beamer said Brown, an FCS transfer from St. Francis (Pennsylvania), will get the start at Missouri. Graduate assistant-turned-quarterback Zeb Noland has continued progressing from knee surgery on his right meniscus two weeks ago and could also be available.
Brown showed a steadiness behind center and an elusiveness to escape Florida’s defense and keep critical plays alive and the attack moving.
“We saw a good piece of how we can do it,” Muse said.
And all without thinking too much about what may lie ahead.
Beamer understands his players are thrilled at where they are after hearing so often what they couldn’t accomplish. But if they want to go further, they must stay true to their season-long process.
“We made a big point about not listening to the outside talk when we were struggling,” Beamer said. “Let’s not listen to the outside talk now either.”