With the start of the 2024 season just weeks away, it is that time of year when each team’s schedule is analyzed and predictions are made regarding how they’ll fare. The Gamecocks will face one of the most challenging schedules in the SEC, but qualifying for a bowl game is nothing short of necessity for Beamer in year four.

With that said, let’s take a look at where South Carolina will stand after their first six games.

Old Dominion (Win)

‍Unlike last season, the Gamecocks will kick the season off with what should be an automatic win. No disrespect to ODU, but this should not be a game in which South Carolina struggles. There will be some wrinkles to iron out, no doubt, but I expect this to be a game in which the talent and depth that USC possesses shines as they get ready to go on the road the following week. 

Kentucky (Win)

‍South Carolina has won two in a row against the Wildcats and will look to make it three. Going on the road in just the second game of the season will be a challenge for a young team, but I believe that it will serve as a great measuring stick for where the program is, not just next season but under Beamer’s leadership.

If South Carolina is to get to a bowl game, they have to get past Kentucky.  If they can’t, the schedule will just get more challenging. They know this, which is why I believe they will be locked in, get the win, and take a huge step toward at least six wins.

LSU (Loss)

‍Playing the Tigers at home in just the third game of the season bodes well for the Gamecocks. That said, at this juncture in the season, I expect both teams will still be figuring things out and solidifying their identity both offensively and defensively, which is why I tend to lean toward the team with more talent.

That is the LSU Tigers.

However, I would not be shocked if the Gamecocks come out on top. They will have the better defense (at least on paper), and if they run the football the way they’re expected to and take advantage of a possibly still discombobulated LSU defense, the Gamecocks can keep the likely high powered LSU offense off the field.

A win is definitely not off the table, and I feel that this will be a game that is close throughout, but as of right now, I’d lean toward the Tigers due mostly to their superior talent and the fact that South Carolina tends to start most seasons off slowly. 

Akron (Win)

‍Similar to ODU, I don’t think this will be a close game and should be one that the Gamecocks are able to gain some confidence before facing the toughest stretch of their schedule. I think it is easy to overlook the importance of this game due to the fact that it should be an easy win.

At worst, the Gamecocks will be 2-2 after this one before taking on the Ole Miss Rebels, but I think there’s a real chance they’re 3-1. The difference between 2-2 and 3-1 is monumental, so this is a game South Carolina plays loose in and displays a high level of confidence in an easy win. 

Ole Miss (Loss)

‍Luckily for South Carolina this is a home game, which is why I give them a chance. The stadium will be electric for obvious reasons. I feel that the Gamecocks will give the Rebels a real challenge.

At the end of the day, though, Ole Miss has too much on both sides of the ball with experience at key positions, which is why I give them the advantage. 

Alabama (Loss)

‍If this game were at home, I would give the Gamecocks a legitimate shot. Going on the road and facing a team that played in the playoffs a season ago that is also returning a decent amount of talent including their QB is a different animal. This is also right after the game against Ole Miss, and kickoff is set for noon.

That is a quick turn around which adds to the complexity of the game. I don’t think South Carolina will be intimidated, but I do see this as a “growing pains” game for the Gamecocks.

Halfway Point: 3-3 (1-3)

At the halfway point of the season, I believe the Gamecocks will be 3-3 which is something I think Beamer and fans should and will gladly accept. The Kentucky and LSU games could be reversed with the Gamecocks losing to the Wildcats and beating the Tigers.

Of course, there is the chance they lose both or win both. They are the “coin toss” games of their first six on the schedule, but I believe the Gamecocks split them with a victory over UK.

South Carolina will be 3-3 before taking on the second half of their schedule with bowl hopes and dreams fully alive.