Live Update: Mike Shula Prepares to Lead South Carolina’s Offense in Citrus Bowl
The South Carolina Gamecocks are set to transition their offense under new leadership as Mike Shula takes over for outgoing offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains. According to On3’s Kevin Miller, Shula’s close work with quarterback LaNorris Sellers during the 2024 season suggests the offensive scheme won’t see significant changes.
Continuity in Offensive Philosophy
“As South Carolina transitions from Loggains to Shula, there shouldn’t be a dramatic scheme shift. Shula worked closely with Sellers this year and has shown similar offensive philosophies to Loggains during his other coaching stops. However, Tuesday will mark his first solo experience calling plays for the Gamecocks,” wrote Kevin Miller of On3.
Loggains recently accepted the head coaching position at Appalachian State, paving the way for Shula to take the reins. One of Shula’s primary objectives in the Citrus Bowl matchup against Illinois will be addressing South Carolina’s rushing attack while ensuring Sellers avoids unnecessary hits.
Key Focus Areas for the Bowl Game
“South Carolina’s rushing success fluctuated in 2024, and 77.9% of the team’s yards on the ground came from Rocket Sanders (who isn’t playing) or the quarterback position. Finding consistency will be key. It seems obvious that Sellers will be a major factor in the game plan on the ground. However, every offense would prefer its star quarterback to avoid taking hits if possible,” Miller added.
Shula has hinted at unlocking Sellers’ full potential, possibly modeling the offense after a system built for a dual-threat quarterback like Cam Newton.
Shula’s Vision for Sellers
“You actually kind of find yourself looking back, and I think we’ll do that some in the offseason,” Shula said, referencing his previous coaching experience with Newton. “Maybe there’s some things that we did back there with Cam that maybe we haven’t done in a while that might fit here with LaNorris.
“It’s going to probably be more philosophy-wise regarding X’s and O’s than it would be ‘Hey, watch how he runs.’ So, it’s hard to have it both ways. That’s the one thing I’ve learned with guys that can carry the football and run like both Cam and LaNorris. LaNorris has still got a long way to go. It’s just his first year. But we’ll continue to try to build on those things.”
A Chance for a Big Debut
Facing an Illinois defense that has been inconsistent this season, Shula and Sellers could shine in their first outing together. However, bowl games are notoriously unpredictable, and success is far from guaranteed.
The Gamecocks and Illini will square off in the Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Eve at 3 p.m. ET, with Shula’s offensive debut being a key storyline to watch.
