COLUMBIA — After another disappointing offensive outing, South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer faced questions about whether more drastic changes might be needed on offense.
“I made a change last week,” Beamer replied.
He was referring to his decision to part ways with offensive line coach Lonnie Teasley following the loss to LSU. But the question on Saturday wasn’t about the O-line — it was about the play-calling and the Gamecocks’ inability to produce consistent results.
“Every week, we’re continuing to look at how to be better,” Beamer said. “Every week I do that, and every week I will continue to do that and continue to evaluate that.”
Offense Stuck in Neutral
The stats tell the story. South Carolina sits near the bottom of the SEC in nearly every major offensive category, and things only got worse in the 26-7 loss to No. 14 Oklahoma at Williams-Brice Stadium.
Despite opportunities early, the Gamecocks failed to capitalize. On their opening drive, they reached inside the 10-yard line and had four chances to score — all run plays, all unsuccessful.
“I told Mike (Shula), on first down, you got four downs to get this,” Beamer explained. “I wanted a touchdown. Felt like we were down there, had a nice drive going, and I wanted to make a statement. And even if we didn’t get it, they’d be backed up near the Cockpit, our student section — it’s loud down there.”
That early missed opportunity set the tone for the afternoon. The offense finished with 224 total yards on 67 plays, averaging just over three yards per snap. After showing life in previous weeks, the running game stalled, posting only 54 yards on 34 carries.
South Carolina was also 3-for-15 on third downs, though it managed 4-for-7 on fourth.
Beamer Still Searching for Answers
Beamer admitted the showing was far from what he expected after what he described as “a great week of practice” and “a hell of a walk-through” the day before the game.
Now seven games into the season, the Gamecocks are still waiting for their breakout offensive performance — and with five games left, time is running out.
Still, Beamer insisted there are reasons for optimism.
“What gives me hope? I see the way we practice during the week,” he said. “What gives me hope? I see the number of guys that fought their asses off to get healthy and play today. What gives me hope? I know the talent we have on our offense.”
The coach acknowledged that both he and his staff must do more.
“We’re not playing up to our potential right now. I’m not getting the most out of this team — offensively, defensively, and special teams,” Beamer admitted. “Our guys continue to fight. I’ve got to be able to do more to help them. But we’ve got the right culture in our building, and that’s what gives me hope.”
South Carolina’s search for an offensive identity continues — and so does the pressure to turn promise into production before it’s too late.
