Gamecock Football: What’s Breaking in the Offense & How to Fix It
After four full games, South Carolina’s offense is lagging in several areas. On3’s recent “How to Turn Around the Offense” piece dissects what’s not working, and offers some realistic adjustments that might help get the Gamecocks back into competitive form.
Here’s what critics sees as the main problems—and the possible remedies:
Where Things Are Falling Short
- Poor Rushing Production
- The ground game is basically non-existent. Negative rushing yards vs Missouri is the latest ugly stat. On3 points out that without a credible run threat, defenses stack the box and dare USC to pass.
- Too Many Pressures & Sacks Allowed
- Protection issues are a recurring theme. While there have been signs of improvement up front, there are still too many blown pass blocks. Quarterbacks are getting hurried or sacked too often.
- Lack of Offensive Rhythm & Consistency
- Drives are rarely sustained. Big plays are few and far between, partly because the offense has been put into predictable /one-dimensional looks. Once Sellers is under pressure or missing, the offense seems to unravel.
- Play Calling & Scheme Balance
- On3 suggests the play-calling isn’t doing enough to keep defenses guessing. Without enough variation—run/pass balance, misdirection, rollouts, quick passes—the offense becomes easier to defend.
What Could Be Done to Turn It Around
On3 offers several adjustments and steps that could help South Carolina improve on offense. Here are the most promising ideas:
- Reinvigorate the Run Game
- Commit more to running plays, even if success isn’t instantaneous. Use more outside runs, misdirection, and give the backs chances in space. Even minimal gains force defenses to respect the run.
- Use read-option or zone-read elements if possible, to create conflict for the defense between run/pass. Put more responsibility on both QB and RB to make decisions rather than predictability.
- Simplify & Strengthen Pass Protection
- Tighten up protection schemes: help from tight ends, multiple-TE sets, additional backs in pass pro.
- Communication upfront is key—identifying pass rush threats, blitzes, stunts, and adjusting protections accordingly.
- On3 noted early in camp some promising improvements in the O-line’s coordination, fast diagnosis, combo blocks, etc. Those need to translate fully in games.
- Quick Strikes & High Percentage Passing
- Use more quick, short passes to get rhythm, to move the chains, and to control tempo. Screens, slants, quick outs—all can relieve pressure.
- Use play action when possible—if the run starts to show signs of life, even marginal, it can open up passing lanes off of that.
- Better Use of Personnel & Depth
- Mix in more run/pass variation using different personnel sets. Use tight ends in flexible roles (blocking + pass catching) to keep defenses off balance.
- Avoid over-reliance on LaNorris Sellers as a scrambling or play-extending backup. Instead, scheme protection and safe check-downs to reduce negative plays.
- Freshman or backups should be used situationally to keep starters fresh — situational packages (e.g. 2-back, 3rd down, short yardage) might also help.
- Game Planning & In-Game Adjustments
- Need faster in-game adjustments. If a defensive scheme is stifling the run or pressuring the QB, the play calling needs to change mid-game rather than stay stuck.
- Varying tempo, no huddle, or using misdirection to disrupt defensive rhythm.
What Must Happen Now
- The coaching staff must prioritize fixing the foundational issues: run game, protection, and consistency. Without that, the offense will remain vulnerable.
- Practice reps must focus on pass protection drills, reading defenses quickly, mastering high-percentage throws, and developing backup depth.
- Mental confidence: the offense has to believe it can move the ball. Consistent short gains, third-down conversions, and time of possession wins can help build that belief.
If South Carolina implements these changes—mixing better run games, cleaning up protection, varying play calls, and maximizing what the personnel can do—there’s a realistic path to turning the offense around. The question is whether they can do so before SEC play digs in more deeply.
