South Carolina Makes Change at Kicker Ahead of Mississippi State Clash
South Carolina is making an important adjustment to its special teams ahead of Saturday’s matchup with Mississippi State, with Malik Orsan taking over the place-kicking responsibilities.
According to South Carolina play-by-play announcer Todd Ellis during the pregame show, Orsan will handle field-goal duties against Mississippi State, replacing Max Kelley, who opened the season as the Gamecocks’ primary kicker.
Orsan Gets His Opportunity
Orsan, a transfer from Southeast Missouri, entered the season competing for the kicking job but had not been given an opportunity to attempt a college field goal. He spent last season redshirting at SEMO.
While Orsan has already contributed on kickoffs this season, Saturday’s game represents a significant new responsibility. He has handled five kickoffs for South Carolina but has yet to attempt a field goal at the college level.
That makes the decision particularly noteworthy, as South Carolina will be trusting a kicker without a previous collegiate field-goal attempt in a conference matchup.
Kelley’s Early-Season Numbers
Kelley handled the place-kicking duties during South Carolina’s first two games. His early results, however, have been mixed.
Kelley is 1-for-2 on field-goal attempts this season and has also recorded 12 kickoffs. The change suggests that South Carolina is continuing to search for consistency at a position that has been unsettled since the preseason.
The kicking competition was never completely decided before the season began. Kelley, Orsan and Texas Tech transfer Upton Bellenfant were among the players competing for the job.
Bellenfant, however, was not on the dress list for Saturday’s game, leaving Orsan as the player receiving the latest opportunity.
A Position Still in Flux
The decision reflects a larger storyline surrounding South Carolina’s special teams. The Gamecocks entered the season without a firmly established No. 1 place-kicker, and the competition continued through preseason practices.
Now, after two games, the coaching staff is making another adjustment.
For Orsan, the Mississippi State game provides his first chance to demonstrate whether he can establish himself as South Carolina’s preferred option in the kicking game. His lack of previous college field-goal attempts makes the opportunity both significant and somewhat untested.
Field-goal reliability can become particularly important in close SEC games, where a missed kick can change the way a team approaches scoring opportunities. South Carolina will therefore be looking for Orsan to provide stability while also handling the pressure that comes with his first collegiate attempt.
Ethan Sanchez Situation Remains Unclear
Another name connected to South Carolina’s kicking situation is Ethan Sanchez, but head coach Shane Beamer indicated that Sanchez is currently unavailable.
During his Tuesday press conference, Beamer said:
“Don’t want you to waste time asking about Ethan Sanchez, his situation.”
Beamer then provided some context, explaining:
“Right now, he’s not able to play. Trying to get a little more clarity on some things. Working through that. Optimistic he’ll be able to play here as we go forward.”
The comments leave the door open for Sanchez to potentially return later, but he is not currently available, meaning South Carolina must move forward with its other kicking options.
The Bigger Picture
South Carolina’s decision to turn to Orsan against Mississippi State is another chapter in what has been a fluid kicking competition. Kelley has already handled the opening two games, while Orsan now gets his opportunity despite having no previous college field-goal attempts.
The immediate question is whether Orsan can turn this opportunity into a permanent role or whether South Carolina’s kicking competition will continue to evolve as the season progresses.
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