South Carolina will look to keep its late-season push alive when Coastal Carolina visits Williams-Brice Stadium on November 22, and the Gamecocks plan to do it the same way they’ve thrived all year — by turning opponents’ mistakes into scoring opportunities.
Statistically, South Carolina holds a clear edge over the Chanticleers heading into the in-state matchup. The Gamecocks have rushed for 1,860 yards on 360 plays, while Coastal Carolina has managed 1,738 yards on 403 plays, showing that USC’s ground game has been both more efficient and more disciplined.
Coastal’s offense has been its own worst enemy, averaging -4.3 yards per play largely due to turnovers. The Chanticleers have given the ball away 14 times in six games, a staggering number that has repeatedly killed drives and momentum. In comparison, South Carolina has only six turnovers all season, and averages 5.17 yards per play, further highlighting its advantage in efficiency and ball security.
If the Gamecocks are to win comfortably, the formula is simple — force mistakes and capitalize. Coastal’s offense has been prone to errors, and South Carolina’s defense is well-suited to exploit them. While the Gamecocks’ offense has been inconsistent, their defense has often kept them competitive, particularly when forcing takeaways.
A key difference-maker could be LaNorris Sellers, whose steady leadership and ability to control the game give South Carolina stability at quarterback — something Coastal currently lacks. The Chanticleers are still cycling through options under center, with Samari Collier emerging as a potential starter, but the lack of consistent leadership has been evident in their recent struggles.
For Coastal to have a chance, discipline and patience will be essential. But if South Carolina can continue its defensive dominance and win the turnover battle — as it has in most of its victories — the Gamecocks should have no problem rolling past the Chanticleers and carrying that confidence into the final stretch of the season.
