South Carolina offensive coordinator Mike Shula addressed the media on Wednesday, offering insight into the Gamecocks’ offensive struggles and previewing their upcoming Week 9 clash with Alabama. Here’s a breakdown of his key comments:
On the Game Plan vs. Oklahoma
Shula said the Gamecocks saw potential for success running up the middle before facing Oklahoma.
“We had a couple hit early,” he explained. “Each week, you look at running the ball, throwing the ball, mixing it up. Sometimes, plays that don’t work early can open up later — but unfortunately, we didn’t find that rhythm.”
On Second-Guessing Play Calls
When asked about play calls he might regret, Shula admitted every week brings reflection.
“There’s a fine line between second-guessing yourself and learning from it,” he said. “They [Oklahoma] do a great job defensively with their blitzes and drops. You just have to keep evaluating and finding the best way to help your guys.”
On Offensive Line and Protection
Shula emphasized that protection is a team effort, not just the line’s responsibility.
“Protection involves everybody — the line, the backs, the quarterback getting the ball out, and receivers getting open,” he said. “We’re better on first-and-10 than on second- or third-and-long. Staying ahead of the chains makes all the difference.”
On Deep Passing and Offensive Balance
Balancing deep shots with protection has been a challenge, Shula said.
“You want to stretch the field, but you can’t just keep asking your linemen to protect forever,” he noted. “It’s all about finding the right mix — inside runs, outside runs, draws, screens — to keep defenses honest.”
On Offensive Line Injuries
With South Carolina’s offensive line hit hard by injuries, Shula said building depth is essential.
“I wish I had the answer,” he admitted. “That’s why you coach everyone. In college, players are young, so you’ve got to give those younger guys more reps than you would in the NFL.”
On Getting Players in the Right Positions
“We always try to put guys in positions to succeed,” Shula said. “Sometimes, injuries or unexpected defensive schemes change things. We keep evaluating what works best every week.”
On Using QB LaNorris Sellers in the Red Zone
Shula confirmed that LaNorris Sellers’ dual-threat ability is part of the red zone plan.
“He’s a weapon running and throwing,” Shula said. “But we don’t want him taking too many hits. There are designed runs — draws, counters, outside plays — to use him smartly.”
On His Own Confidence
Despite offensive struggles, Shula said his confidence hasn’t wavered.
“You have to believe in yourself,” he said. “If we ask our players to stay confident and work hard, we have to do the same. I don’t have time to think about what’s being said — I’m focused on helping this team win.”
On Improving Consistency
When asked about changes to spark the offense, Shula replied simply:
“Sure, yes.”
He later elaborated, saying the staff continues to explore personnel and schematic adjustments to boost production.
On Quick Plays and Pressure Situations
“You want to get the ball out fast — defenses know that too,” Shula said. “With a guy like LaNorris, you tell him to make quick decisions, don’t take sacks — but sometimes he makes a guy miss and runs for 20 yards. You have to live with that balance.”
On Facing Alabama
As a former Alabama quarterback and coach, Shula said the matchup carries personal meaning.
“I’ve got a lot of memories and close friends from Alabama,” he said. “But the focus is on playing a really good team. Our guys are frustrated, sure, but they’re not discouraged. They’re working hard and want to get better.”
Shula closed by emphasizing that South Carolina is still searching for answers but remains committed to improvement.
“We’re evaluating everything — personnel, combinations, and consistency,” he said. “The effort is there. Now, we’ve just got to translate that into results.”
