South Carolina Gears Up for Tough Road Test Against No. 7 Ole Miss
South Carolina football is set for another major challenge this weekend as the Gamecocks hit the road to face No. 7 Ole Miss in Oxford. Head coach Shane Beamer’s squad, sitting at 3-5 overall (1-5 SEC), will look to halt a three-game losing skid, while the red-hot Rebels (7-1, 4-1 SEC) aim to stay in the playoff hunt.
Game Info
- Matchup: South Carolina vs. No. 7 Ole Miss
- Date & Time: Saturday, 7 p.m. ET
- Location: Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Oxford, MS
- TV: ESPN
- Streaming: ESPN.com / ESPN App
- Radio: Todd Ellis, Tommy Suggs, and Chet Tucker (local); SiriusXM Channel 380
- Series Record: Ole Miss leads 10–8 (won the most recent meeting in 2024)
Odds and Spread
The Gamecocks enter the matchup as heavy underdogs. Ole Miss opened as a 13.5-point favorite, though the spread has slightly shifted to 12.5 points, according to VegasInsider’s latest consensus.
Injury Report
South Carolina will be without key contributors again this week.
According to the latest SEC injury report, offensive lineman Cason Henry (shoulder, out for season), wide receiver Jayden Sellers, and defensive back Buddy Mack III are all unavailable for Saturday’s contest.
Weather Forecast
For fans making the trip to Oxford, pack warm gear.
Temperatures are expected to hover in the mid-50s at kickoff, with rain possible throughout the evening. By the fourth quarter, the temperature could dip into the upper 40s.
Storylines to Watch
1. Building Off the Alabama Game
Despite last week’s loss to Alabama, the Gamecocks’ offense showed flashes of progress, putting up 333 total yards — the team’s second-highest total of the season. South Carolina will look to carry that momentum into Oxford.
2. Can the Defense Stay Hot?
Coordinator Clayton White’s defense gave Alabama fits early, limiting the Crimson Tide to just 11 first-quarter yards and forcing a turnover. Replicating that intensity against Ole Miss’s explosive offense will be critical if the Gamecocks hope to pull off an upset.
3. Avoiding a Four-Game Skid
A loss would mark South Carolina’s second four-game losing streak under Beamer, the first coming during the 2023 season (5–7 finish). The Gamecocks will look to avoid history repeating itself.
Players to Watch
South Carolina DB Vicari Swain – Swain is coming off his best defensive game of the season, earning a 72.8 PFF grade after recording two tackles, a strip sack, and allowing just 11 receiving yards versus Alabama.
South Carolina RB Matt Fuller – The freshman has seen his workload rise steadily. Against Alabama, he logged a season-high 34 snaps and 12 carries, signaling growing trust from the coaching staff.
Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss – One of college football’s breakout stories, Chambliss has led the Rebels to a 5-1 record as starter, totaling 2,240 yards of offense and 14 touchdowns with only one interception.
Ole Miss RB Kewan Lacy – The SEC’s touchdown leader (12), Lacy has been a dominant force, ranking fourth in the league with 696 rushing yards.
South Carolina will need near-perfect execution to leave Oxford with a win — but after last week’s competitive showing against Alabama, the Gamecocks are looking to prove they’re still capable of shaking up the SEC.
