South Carolina football is three weeks into its season, with the Gamecocks ranking at or near the bottom of the SEC in nearly every major offensive category.
Early wins over non-conference opponents gave the team some confidence heading into week three, but the Gamecocks' SEC opener against Vanderbilt exposed offensive line flaws that cost the team the win.
Head coach Shane Beamer said he wants the players to feel "encouraged" despite the 31-7 loss to Vanderbilt because the team had good defensive performances that were overshadowed by four turnovers from offense, resulting in multiple points lost.
“When you have that many self-inflicted mistakes, that falls on the head coach, and we’ve got to get it corrected,” Beamer said.
The offensive line's performance contributed to the team's loss to Vanderbilt, allowing two sacks and the hit that took redshirt sophomore quarterback LaNorris Sellers out of the game with a head injury.
The team has allowed eight sacks this season, which is the highest in the conference. The offensive line has been unable to produce openings for the running backs and has failed to protect Sellers when he needed to pass during the Vanderbilt game.
South Carolina's difficulties are most visible in the inability to move the ball downfield consistently.
Last season, the Gamecocks ranked No. 8 in offense with an average of 184 rushing yards and about 408 total yards per game. This year, the team ranks second to last in the SEC in overall offense, averaging only 303 total yards per game.
The Gamecocks' struggles extend to its performance on opportunities in the red zone. The team is ranked No. 15 in the SEC in third down conversion rate (30.6%) and in red zone scoring rate. These statistics show South Carolina has trouble finishing drives and converting scoring opportunities into touchdowns.
“We’re not quite where we want to be, but all that ties into ... doing things that keep us on the field,” offensive coordinator Mike Shula said.
South Carolina is 15th in the SEC in scoring offense averaging 23 points per game and in front of No. 3 LSU. Of the team’s nine touchdowns of the season, redshirt sophomore defensive back Vicari Swain has three from punt returns.
“It’s really cool to watch,” Shula said. "Offensively, we’re getting ready to go out on the field to go try to do our thing and make first downs and score, and all of a sudden you see the ball get returned for a touchdown.”
South Carolina is ranked last in the SEC for first downs with only 52, while the teams leading the SEC rankings have over 80. This lowers scoring opportunities while also keeping the defense on the field for extended periods of time.
The lack of execution has been an ongoing pattern in the first few weeks, with drives frequently delayed due to penalties. South Carolina has averaged about eight penalties and 61 yards per game this season.
The offensive line shows good work during practice, and that gets overlooked, Shula said. The hard work shown in practice needs to continue into game day more than it has been so the team can make good plays, he said.
Despite their early challenges, some players said they are not discouraged. Older players, like graduate running back Rahsul Faison and graduate athlete Luke Doty said in a press conference after the Vanderbilt matchup that the season is still early, and improving fundamentals on the offensive line might help open up possibilities for Sellers and the running game as the schedule becomes more difficult.
As the team prepares for the remainder of its conference schedule, Beamer said the coaching staff will tackle offensive issues in order to improve.
"It hasn't been perfect, it needs to be better ... but our guys had a really good day today, and we need to just continue to keep our heads down and work and improve," Beamer said. "When it clicks, it's really going to be good."