COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer didn’t mince words when reflecting on his team’s struggles this season. Sitting at 3-4 overall (1-4 SEC), the Gamecocks are facing mounting pressure as they prepare for a daunting matchup against No. 4 Alabama this Saturday.
“I realize that I’m letting a lot of people down right now with the way that we’re playing,” Beamer said on Oct. 21. “Our players, coaches, players’ families, the student body, the 80,000 people that pack Williams-Brice Stadium every Saturday, the state of South Carolina — there’s a lot of people that live and die with Gamecock football.”
South Carolina has dropped four of its last five games, including back-to-back SEC losses, and has not won since Sept. 27. Beamer made it clear that he shares the same frustration as the fans.
“I get it — they’re not happy, and neither am I,” Beamer said. “I take that personally because I truly feel like I’m letting a lot of people down right now, and I’m working hard each and every week trying to get it fixed.”
A Grueling Road Ahead
The Gamecocks will need to win three of their final five games to become bowl eligible — a tall order given their remaining schedule, which includes No. 8 Ole Miss, No. 3 Texas A&M, and Alabama. The only matchup where South Carolina is likely to be favored is their non-conference clash with Coastal Carolina on Nov. 22.
Beamer reminded his team that no one outside the locker room can turn things around for them.
“Nobody’s happy, but nobody’s coming to save us,” he said. “What we have on this team is what we are right now, and it’s not good enough. But we’ve got the people, the players, and the coaches to get it right this season.”
Injuries Continue to Haunt the Offensive Line
South Carolina’s offensive line woes have been a major storyline this season, and things took another hit when Beamer confirmed that starting right tackle Cason Henry is likely out for the rest of the year after dislocating his shoulder on the first play against Missouri.
“He’s one of the leaders on our offensive line,” Beamer said. “I hate it for him. He’s frustrated but in good spirits, and just eager to get well and play.”
Despite Henry’s absence, Beamer noted that the rest of the injured linemen have returned to practice. Still, the group knows improvement is overdue.
“We’re aware that we’re performing poorly,” offensive lineman Rodney Newsom Jr. admitted. When asked about the biggest issue, he said, “Identity. That’s something we struggle with. We know we want to be the strongest, toughest, most physical team on Saturdays, so we’re going to keep working until we get it accomplished.”
Protecting LaNorris Sellers a Top Priority
The pressure on quarterback LaNorris Sellers has been relentless. The freshman has been sacked 25 times, the second-most in the nation, forcing his linemen to take accountability.
“Right now, it’s about pride,” said Tree Babalade. “We have to be better for LaNorris. We have to protect him better.”
Babalade, now in his third year, said he’s stepping up as a vocal leader to keep the group united.
“LaNorris is the guy,” he said. “We have to make sure he’s healthy … we’re trying to make sure he’s good.”
As the Gamecocks brace for a brutal stretch of games, Beamer and his team are determined to fight their way back into bowl contention — even as the odds and injuries continue to stack against them.
