Following South Carolina's win against Virginia Tech on Sunday, the No. 10 Gamecocks look ahead to their home opener against the South Carolina State Bulldogs.
Both the Gamecocks and the Bulldogs started their season off with wins from the past weekend. South Carolina defeated the Virginia Tech Hokies in its season debut in Atlanta 24-11, and South Carolina State beat the Wofford Terriers 16-15 at its home debut.
South Carolina State is one of eight teams in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference where it has a league-record of 19 MEAC Championship titles, with the most recent title won in 2024.
In the Bulldogs' home opener, graduate transfer quarterback William Atkins IV led the team with 181 yards passing and 19 completions. Atkins transferred into South Carolina State this season after playing his last four years at James Madison University.
He shared his time on the field with redshirt senior quarterback Ryan Stubblefield who threw for 128 yards and one touchdown. Redshirt junior running back KZ Adams led the team in rushing with 15 carries for 50 yards in the Bulldogs' season opener against the Terriers.
On the defensive end, graduate student defensive end Mike Lunz led the team in sacks with two and sophomore linebacker Jordan Franklin led the team in tackles with seven against Wofford.
In the Aug. 2 press conference, head coach Shane Beamer praised South Carolina State head coach, Chennis Berry.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for Coach Berry,” Beamer said.
Coach Beamer also spoke on his impact during his second season with the South Carolina State Bulldogs.
“Now that he's been down in Orangeburg, (he is) just a guy that understands what it takes and has a high standard, and you can watch his players play and they get it also," Beamer said.
In the Gamecocks' season opener, the transfers and freshman were able to gain experience in their first regular season games and will look to use the new experience to improve as the season progresses.
“We'll grow from Sunday. There is so much from a character standpoint that we'll take from that game and grow from it and be better for it,” Beamer said.
South Carolina finished Sunday's game with 8 total penalties for 51 yards.
Redshirt sophomore offensive lineman Markee Anderson talked about his perspective on the offensive line and the importance of communicating with each other.
“Communication, I'll say we have a lot to work on, but right now I think we have a really good communications baseline. That's one of our key goals each and every week, communicate, listen, communicate, affirm,” Anderson said.
South Carolina showcased new faces on the offensive line including Sixth-Year Offensive Lineman Rodney Newsome Jr who transfered in from Western Kentucky. As well as,Redshirt Junior Offensive Lineman Boaz Stanley from Troy University, who started as center for the Gamecocks.
Graduate student running back Oscar Adaway lll also talked about how much he appreciates his team and how it makes him feel making good plays through last week's game.
“It's just stacking good plays on good plays, and in the moment, it's kind of hard for you not to put a grin on your face,” Adaway said. “It's fun playing with these guys. I love being out there with them.”
Adaway finished Sunday's game with 14 carries for 62 yards rushing which tied along with Redshirt Sophomore Quarterback LaNorris Sellers 13 carries for 62 yards and a touchdown.
What’s Next?
The No. 10 Gamecocks will take on the South Carolina State Bulldogs at Williams-Brice Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 6. Kickoff will be at 7 p.m. EST and will be streamed on ESPN+ as well as SECN+.