As the offseason is coming to an end, most topics relating to South Carolina’s schedule, roster, and everything in between have been extensively discussed. The only thing left to do is actually see how it will all unfold once the Gamecocks kick off their season August 31st against Old Dominion. With the matchup against ODU so close, what are some bold predictions for the Gamecocks’ offense ahead of the 2024 season?

‍South Carolina will be in the top half of SEC for rushing offense

For an offense that averaged slightly over eighty-five yards per game on the ground a season ago, it goes without saying why this is a bold prediction. 

My logic for this prediction is two-fold. 

For one, I expect the offensive line to be significantly improved this season. I recently questioned whether or not this group could take a step forward, and as long as they stay (relatively) healthy, I think they will. I believe that, although they will be young once again, there is too much talent and depth for this positional group not to take a step forward.

The beginning of any good rushing attack is a strong offensive line, and I believe this group will lay the foundation for the ground game to succeed. 

Secondly, South Carolina has one of the strongest RB rooms it has had in a while. Raheim Sanders and Oscar Adaway will likely anchor this position but guys like Howell, Mcdowell, Braswell, and Fuller are names to keep an eye out for. In addition to the RBs, LaNorris Sellers will be a huge contributor to the rushing attack from the QB position including both designed and impromptu runs. This will open the door for Loggains to get creative and help spark some potentially big runs. 

A season ago, Alabama was the seventh in rushing offense out of fourteen SEC teams and averaged just shy of 173 yards per game. I think for the Gamecocks to be in the top eight, they will likely have to average around this number, which is doable given the many weapons they have to rush the ball. It won’t be easy, but I believe Loggains will want to center the offensive identity around the running attack and won’t easily deviate from this gameplan.

LaNorris Sellers will have a 3:1 touchdown to turnover ratio

For a freshman, this would be a huge feat and would be nothing less than incredible.

I don’t foresee Sellers putting the ball in harm's way often. He is a talented passer, but there is no denying that one of his greatest strengths is his ability to run. That’s why when the pocket collapses around him, I do not anticipate that he will force the issue through the air and put the ball in danger. Rather, I see him attempting to escape with his legs. As a likely high volume runner, if he is not prone to fumbling the football, I expect his turnovers to be fairly low this season.

The other aspect of this ratio is accounting for touchdowns. I have high expectations for Sellers this season, but nowhere are my expectations higher for him than in the red-zone. Presenting as both a passer and a runner near the goal line will pose problems for opposing defenses and is something I expect Dowell Loggains to take full advantage of. 

I am not predicting that he is going to account for an unreasonable amount of touchdowns, but I feel comfortable predicting that a quarterback who is a threat to run and throw and who will be safe with the football will have a three to one TD to TO ratio. To put this in perspective, a total touchdown number of twenty-four to only eight turnovers is a three to one ratio and is not a far fetched scenario.

Joshua Simon will lead the team in receiving TDs AND will be second on the team in receiving yards

I feel like as much discussion as the receiver position has gotten, Simon has been forgotten to a degree. Being a tight end, this is understandable, but I believe he is primed for a breakout season.

In 2023, SImon was third on the team in receptions, fourth in receiving yards, and tied for second in touchdowns. 

Entering his sixth season of college ball, I believe that Simon is a breakout candidate from the TE position. Trey Knox is gone from a season ago which will only increase the opportunity for Simon.

As Sellers grows in the offense, one of his best friends will likely be the tight end as is the case with most young QBs. I believe the two will share a strong connection early which will only grow as the season progresses. 

In addition, I believe that Simon will be a strong threat in the red-zone and will be the beneficiary of defenses attempting to neutralize Sellers and Harbor. I think this could be a portion of the field in which he thrives and accumulates several TDs due to having favorable matchups..

Once the season starts, I think the Gamecocks will feature a strong rushing attack, Sellers will showcase his playmaking ability through the air and with his legs while minimizing turnovers, and Joshua Simon will emerge as one of the top weapons in the offense.