USC students' hopes remain high heading into the 2019 Gamecock football season.
There were mixed feelings after the Gamecocks (7-6, 4-4 SEC) ended the season on a 28-0 Belk Bowl loss to the Virginia Cavaliers (8-5, 4-4 ACC) on Dec. 29, 2018, but now they're excited to see what's in store for the 2019 season.
First-year international business student Sophia Daddesi was satisfied with last season’s results but said she expecting more coming into last season.
“It was OK,” Daddesi said. “Not as good as I expected coming in here because I've heard they were a good football program.”
The 2018 season exceeded expectations for some Gamecock fans, including first-year undeclared student Brad Dotson.
“I thought it was an OK season,” Dotson said. “I didn’t think we’d be that great, but we did win some games I thought we would lose so that was cool.”
The season definitely had its highlights both on and off the field. Second-year visual communications student Vanessa Stevens reflected on the good times had at Williams-Brice stadium.
“My favorite moment personally was when it rained suddenly with the Mizzou game and it was pouring down," Stevens said. "Being out with everybody, and the crowd wiggling down and having the student section come together, closer — we’re soaking wet, but it just made the environment more memorable.”
Daddesi and Dotson also had their share of favorite moments, as their favorite games were the win over Coastal Carolina and the comeback win over SEC-rival Tennessee, respectively.
“It was a first college game,” Daddesi said regarding the Coastal Carolina game. “Sat in the student section, the lower deck is pretty exciting, I was there with all my friends and they won so that was good.”
Players like A.J. Turner and R.J. Roderick came up as students' favorites from the 2018 season.
Stevens, however could not pick a favorite.
“I love all of our team,” Stevens said. “They’re all so great; they’re just amazing.”
Dotson said he thinks South Carolina will perform well next season, noting a strong returning defense, senior quarterback Jake Bentley and Gamecock commit Ryan Hilinski on offense.
The Gamecocks will start the season on Aug. 31 as they take on the North Carolina Tar Heels in the Belk College Kickoff game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.