As the 2024 football season is under three weeks away, the Gamecocks look to rebound in year four of Shane Beamer.

After disappointing last season, South Carolina hopes to return to bowl season, but to do that, they must address key issues on both sides of the ball. Offensively, there are three big questions that must be answered if they are going to achieve and possibly surpass all goals and expectations.

‍Can the offensive line improve and protect LaNorris Sellers?

There is no question that the most glaring deficiency on offense for the Gamecocks a season ago was the offensive line. This was clear from the beginning as they surrendered nine sacks against UNC in week one. It did not get much better from there as injuries forced several freshmen into the starting lineup which resulted in a lack of protection for Rattler and massive struggles in the run game. 

As the Gamecocks break in a freshman QB, a competent rushing attack as well as time in the pocket are paramount for his development which demands that the offensive line performs at a higher level. Sellers is a highly skilled QB, and the Gamecocks also possess the talent and athleticism at RB and WR to have a solid offense, but all of this is negated if the o-line struggles once again.

 A big step toward achieving this level of play is remaining healthy. The Gamecocks have the talent along the offensive line, but there is no positional group where continuity among the starters is more crucial than at offensive line. It is a group of five that must function as one, so remaining healthy is a prerequisite to their success.

Can they remain healthy, and, if so, will that translate into a higher level of play allowing the rushing attack to flourish and providing Sellers with a clean pocket? 

‍Who will emerge as the go-to receiver?

If all goes according to plan for the Gamecocks, they will rely on a strong rushing attack to lead the way offensively. That said, a balanced offensive approach is critical especially when faced with some of the stronger defenses on their schedule. This will require that one of the receivers emerges as the go-to option for LaNorris Sellers. 

I am not saying that a receiver needs to come out of nowhere for a Legette-like season, but there will inevitably be times where a play must be made through the air making the necessity for a number one target more crucial. Who will be this guy for the Gamecocks? 

There are plenty of options including Harbor, Brown, and Larvadain to name a few, and I don’t expect the majority of the passing attack to be bolstered by one player like a season ago. Instead, I think the Gamecocks rely on a “receiver by committee” approach. However, the difference between having a good offense and a great one could be if one of the receivers separates himself as a viable number one target when it matters most. 

Can the Gamecocks display any semblance of consistency? 

There were times last year where the offense would go from high octane one week to leaving much to be desired the following week. To be fair, some of this had to do with the difference in competition week to week. However, if the Gamecocks want to take steps forward next season, they have to create an offensive identity and stick to it each game. They can’t be one thing one week and something totally different the following week, which is why, I believe, the matter of consistency falls mostly on Dowell Loggains.

Nothing can kill consistency more than injuries. So, part of this problem lies with the health of the team. Assuming they are able to remain relatively healthy, can the Loggains and the Gamecocks establish a dependable offensive attack with the necessary amount of changes and wrinkles to the game plan based on that week’s opponents? 

I expect the Gamecocks to rely on their rushing attack most weeks, which ties back into the first question I have for them- can the offensive line play at a level conducive to establishing a reliable run game?

Many questions exist for the Gamecocks’ offense in 2024, but I think these are the three top uncertainties they must answer if they are going to achieve and possibly exceed expectations. Can the offensive line take a step forward and establish a reliable rushing attack, can they find a dependable go-to receiver when a conversion must be made through the air, and can they play at a consistent level without deviating from their identity each week?

If the Gamecocks can find positive answers to these questions, I believe the offense will help the team take a major step toward achieving its goals for the season.