South Carolina vs. Towson: Why Towson Could Make Things Interesting
South Carolina enters Week 2 with one final nonconference matchup before beginning SEC play. The Gamecocks are coming off an emphatic 57-0 victory over Kent State, giving head coach Shane Beamer a chance to start the season 2-0 for the third consecutive year and the fourth time during his tenure.
The opener was an offensive showcase. South Carolina scored eight consecutive touchdowns, with six different players finding the end zone. The Gamecocks finished with 645 total yards, their most during the Beamer era and the fifth-highest total in program history.
South Carolina’s Main Objective: Keep Improving
Despite the lopsided win, Beamer and his staff believe there are still areas that need attention. The coaching staff has stressed the importance of “clean up” work before facing Towson.
One particular concern is quarterback containment. South Carolina allowed Kent State quarterback Dru DeShields to break loose for a 26-yard rushing gain, something the defense will want to eliminate before SEC competition begins.
The matchup also provides another opportunity to evaluate South Carolina’s running-back competition. Penn State transfer Jabree Coleman immediately made an impact, scoring a 60-yard touchdown on his first snap with the Gamecocks. However, Matthew Fuller opened the game as the starting running back, leaving an interesting battle for the No. 1 spot.
The question now is whether Coleman or Fuller separates himself—or whether the two continue sharing the workload.
Towson’s Biggest Offensive Threats
Towson comes into the matchup with an established receiving group, led by Cleveland Charlton, who has already recorded four receptions for 136 yards. Quarterback Andrew Indorf has demonstrated his ability to connect on big plays, including a 59-yard touchdown pass to Charlton.
Unlike South Carolina, Towson has already played two games, giving the Tigers additional live-game experience and a clearer understanding of their strengths and weaknesses.
Why South Carolina Has the Advantage
The Gamecocks showed significant depth in their opening-week performance. They were able to dominate without needing major contributions from veteran receivers such as Nyck Harbor and Mazeo Bennett.
South Carolina’s defensive line also performed well despite the absence of injured star Dylan Stewart, reinforcing the idea that this roster has considerable depth and young players ready to step in when opportunities arise.
Quarterback LaNorris Sellers was another major positive. He appeared comfortable operating in new offensive coordinator Kendal Briles’ system, while an improved offensive line gave him more time to operate. The result was a performance that resembled the dynamic passing ability he displayed during the 2024 season.
The setting could provide another advantage. This will be South Carolina’s first night game of the season at Williams-Brice Stadium, creating a difficult environment for Towson, particularly because it will be the Tigers’ first visit.
Why Towson Could Make Things Interesting
Towson enters the game with the classic underdog advantage: little pressure and plenty of motivation.
The Tigers have already played two games, meaning they have more recent game experience and a better understanding of what works—and what still needs fixing.
Still, South Carolina’s history against FCS opponents is heavily in its favor. The Gamecocks have not lost to an FCS team since The Citadel in 2015.
Injury Updates
South Carolina received an update on two important players.
Beamer said Dylan Stewart was ruled out for the Towson game, although his recovery from a back injury is progressing. Stewart, who has been dealing with the issue since the middle of last season, had returned to full-pad practice according to an earlier update.
Another player to monitor is left tackle Kiran Peak, a transfer from NC State and Beamer’s highest-rated portal addition. Peak suffered a knee injury during a team basketball event in February.
Prediction: South Carolina 34, Towson 3
The prediction calls for another comfortable South Carolina victory, although repeating a shutout is considered much more difficult.
South Carolina 34, Towson 3 is the projected final score.
The expectation is that Sellers and Harbor could see more involvement, while Texas transfer Christian Clark could receive an increased opportunity in the running game.
Ultimately, the Towson game is less about proving South Carolina can beat an FCS opponent and more about making sure the team continues progressing rather than taking a step backward before SEC play begins against Mississippi State in Week 3.
Key takeaway: South Carolina’s biggest challenge is maintaining the focus and intensity it showed in the 57-0 opener while correcting the smaller defensive and offensive issues that could become much more significant once SEC competition begins.
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