The South Carolina football team (3-5) will head on the road to another SEC matchup against the No. 8 Ole Miss Rebels (7-1) at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium this Saturday.
The Gamecocks are coming off a tough homecoming loss to Alabama 29-22 after the Crimson Tide narrowly avoided an upset with senior wide receiver Germie Bernard’s game-winning touchdown. Despite the loss, the Gamecocks showed growth on both sides of the ball, keeping pace with a top ten team for most of the game.
After picking up a key conference victory over the No. 13 Oklahoma Sooners 34-26, Ole Miss remains in contention for the playoffs for the first time in program history, redeeming themselves after their lone loss to the Georgia Bulldogs on Oct. 18.
The Gamecocks will have to contend with the Rebels’ tenth ranked offense, averaging 484.3 total yards per game compared to South Carolina’s 302.1 yards. For Ole Miss, dual-threat sophomore running back Kewan Lacy leads the way in rushing with 696 yards on 165 carries and 12 touchdowns, and his ability to threaten on the ground adds a second dimension to the Rebels’ offense. Ole Miss averages 305.5 passing yards per contest, complemented by 178.8 rushing yards, giving head coach Lane Kiffin’s offense balance and unpredictability.
By contrast, South Carolina enters the game with deeper offensive concerns. Its offense ranks 127th nationally in total yards with 302.1 yards per game and 121st in rushing with 107.1 yards per game. The team has averaged 20 points per game.
To compete with a high-powered Ole Miss offense, the Gamecocks must sustain longer drives and find success on early downs, which is something they’ve struggled with all season. Establishing a run game could help redshirt sophomore quarterback LaNorris Sellers open up play-action opportunities and reduce the pressure he’s faced in recent weeks.
Despite the Gamecocks’ offensive struggles, their defense has quietly emerged as one of the most improved units in the SEC. South Carolina ranks 39th nationally in yards allowed per game with 355.1 yards, which is a 61-yard improvement from last season’s average. The secondary, anchored by senior defensive back DQ Smith, has tightened its coverage, recording eight interceptions on the season.
The defensive front, led by sophomore linebacker Dylan Stewart and junior edge rusher Desmond Umeozulu, has tallied 17 sacks and 37 tackles for loss through eight games. Stewart, before suffering a hip injury against Oklahoma, had already recorded 28 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. His return could prove crucial in containing Ole Miss’ fast-paced offense. Junior defensive back Jalon Kilgore talked about the keys to the defense's success this season.
“We (have) one of the best DB rooms in the SEC," Kilgore said. "We knew the guys we were going up against were NFL guys, and we’ve got NFL guys as well, so we both just try to put good stuff on the field.”
The biggest question for the Gamecocks heading into Saturday remains the offensive line. The unit has been riddled with injuries over the past month, forcing head coach Shane Beamer and offensive line coach Shawn Elliot to shuffle starters.
In response, South Carolina’s offensive staff has reportedly simplified the play calling to help younger linemen adjust to the speed and complexity of SEC defenses. Beamer spoke on the team’s offensive adjustments following the loss to Alabama.
“When you do that, you’re able to practice it ... (against the) defense (and) the schemes you may get," Beamer said. "It’s simplifying the numbers a little bit. It's getting input from players.”
Redshirt junior tackle Cason Henry missed the matchup against Alabama due to a lingering leg injury, but his availability could be crucial for a group that has struggled to protect Sellers. The Gamecocks have allowed 28 sacks this season, underscoring the team’s need for stability and cohesion up front.
Despite this, Sellers continues to show promise, completing 63.2% of his passes for 1,356 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions. His mobility could be a key asset against an Ole Miss defense that likes to blitz and disrupt timing.
Redshirt senior tight end Brady Hunt said the offensive line will look to continue working out communication issues.
“I think the biggest thing is carrying that momentum and getting an offense with a little more confidence," Hunt said. "Enhancing the good and eliminating the bad.”
South Carolina’s most recent matchup against Ole Miss was last season at home and resulted in a 3-27 loss. The Rebels lead the all-time series 10-8 with their most recent loss to the Gamecocks being in 2018. South Carolina heads into Saturday looking to snap a three-game losing streak and earn their second conference win.
What’s Next?
The Gamecocks face Ole Miss on Saturday, Oct. 26, at 7 p.m. at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.