Tag: South Carolina

Why South Carolina Football Fans are so Upset

By: Cooper Hill

This has been a disappointing year to say the least. As I am writing this, the Gamecocks currently sit at 3-5. The Gamecocks are struggling to even make a bowl game at this point. They have had so many chances to win certain games like Alabama and LSU. Whether it was a bad play call, fumble, or just not finishing games, this team has thrown away opportunities. Many people believe that many coaches such as the offensive coordinator, Mike Shula, and the head coach, Shane Beamer are on the hot seat. The Gamecocks also still have to play number 7 Ole Miss and number 3 Texas A&M. Both of these games are also away games which does not help our chances. I really do not know if we can make a bowl game because we would have to beat one of those teams. We also have to finish the year with a decent Coastal Carolina team, and Clemson who is struggling, but it could still be a toss up. This was one of the favorite teams at the beginning of the season to make the playoffs. Carolina fans, including me, need to see something change, whether it is play calling or staff changes. We need something to be different. This team has so much potential to be a playoff caliber team, but those dreams are now crushed. The Gamecocks do not have any chance anymore to make the playoffs.  At this point, do everything it takes to make a bowl game and regroup for next season. To be honest,  this is what it is like to be a South Carolina fan every single year. It is just let down after let down. Hopefully next year is our year, just like I say every year.

Why Lanorris Sellers Could Win the Heisman

By: Cooper Hill

Going into his second year as a starter for the University of South Carolina Gamecocks, Sellers is a serious contender for the Heisman. As a redshirt freshman, he threw for 2,534 yards, 18 touchdowns, while rushing for 674 yards and 7 more touchdowns. Lanorris proved himself early on last year taking Carolina to a bowl game and going 9-4. With receiver weapons, Nyck Harbor, Mazeo Bennett Jr. and true freshman Donovan Murph, Sellers could see a lot of success. All receivers have extremely good potential to have breakout seasons due to Sellers. Not only can Sellers sling the rock, but he is a serious weapon on the ground. Defensive coordinators are going to have a time trying to prepare their team for the dual threat passing and running. Lanorris also has a connection with the new offensive coordinator, Mike Shula, due to the fact that he was the offensive analyst for the Gamecocks last year. In the week one game where the Gamecocks beat the Virginia Tech Hokies 24-11, Lanorris completed 12 of his 19 passes for 209 yards and a touchdown. He rushed for 25 yards and another touchdown. These stats are not eye catching, but the 25 yards on the ground are physical, hard runs that got the Gamecocks first downs to win the game. He also had a huge touchdown pass to the former track star, Nyck Harbor. Also, with many quarterbacks, such as Arch Manning and Cade Kulb Klubnik, who were in the preseason Heisman watch, not performing well week one, it gives Sellers an edge to win it. Lanorris just needs to be himself the rest of the year, and keep the mistakes to a minimum. Sellers is for sure a dark horse to win the Heisman trophy this year.

South Carolina v Virginia Tech Preview

By: Benson Elmore

On Sunday, August 31, The Gamecocks travel to Mercedes Benz stadium to play the Virginia Tech Hokies, so here is a breakdown of how I think this game will end up going. 

In this game, Carolina is the heavy favorite here by seven and a half points, which I think is pretty valid. I think that Carolina’s offense will be very hard to stop with Heisman candidate Lanorris Sellers, stud wide receivers Nyck Harbor and Mazeo Bennet, and new transfer Rahsul Faison. Also defensive studs like sophomore Dylan Stewart, Jalon Killgore, and Brandon Cisse are going to give Virginia Tech a very hard time moving the ball. 

With Mercedez Benz stadium being closer to South Carolina then Virginia, I think that more Carolina fans will be in attendance than Virginia tech. I think the energy will not be as high as a normal college football game, since the location is at a neutral site, and I do not think that this game will be entertaining at all if you are a Virginia Tech Hokies fan. I seriously think that Carolina is going to light Virginia Tech’s defense up and I do not think that Virginia Tech will move the ball well against Carolina either. 

Now, a little bit about why Carolina’s stud QB Lanorris Sellers could win the Heisman this year. Lanorris Sellers has a real shot at winning the Heisman this year. He’s got everything you need like crazy arm strength, fast legs, and the ability to make big plays when it counts. Sellers can make all the throws, but what sets him apart is how he moves in the pocket, avoiding pressure and creating chances out of nowhere. He’s a dual-threat QB, so defenses can’t just focus on one thing. If he keeps putting up big numbers and leads his team to wins, he could definitely be in the mix for the Heisman this season. He’s got the tools to be special.

My POV on the Carolina Wildfires

Tyler Jordan

I’m going to be talking this week about 2 of the bigger Carolinas Wildfires and tell you about how they went.

The first wildfire I went to was the Covington Lake fire in Myrtle Beach, SC. My Sandhill Fire Department got mobilzed. We went down on a saturday morning and won’t return till wednesday of the next week. When we got there and got checked in we got sent on an assignment. From that point on we were working 24 hour shifts and resting about 6 hours then working again. We worked alongside Lugoff FD , Howe Springs FD, Pickens FD. Our group worked amazingly together and we were able to stop fire from spreading into this big area. These long nights and days were a killer but worth it.

The second fire I went to was the Table Rock Complex fire. This was a massive fire that’s still going. It’s roughly 13k acres big and only 30% contained at this time. We went to this one on a friday and came back on monday. Almost the same as the Myrtle Beach fires time as we got there we got sent on assignments. We worked through the whole first night and next day then finally rested for about 5 hours and then went back to work. We were on the frontline fighting fires and climbing the mountains to extinguish the fire. These were very long days walking 5-10 miles and runnin off energy drinks and not sleeping well. 

Although these fires were a lot of work and effort I wouldn’t have not gone now. The connections I made with outside people and new Fire Departments and some of the bonds made I wouldn’t change that experience for anything. I also would like to say none of this could have happened without community and brothership from around the state to help these people out in unfortunate times

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Why is Everyone Suddenly Moving to SC?

By: Henry Jones

While I believe that South Carolina is a great state to live in, I wish it wasn’t so great that everybody suddenly wants to move here. From an outsider’s point of view however, there are many tempting reasons. One of them is the mild climate we have. South Carolina has a generally mild climate, with warm summers and mild winters. It’s particularly appealing to those wanting to escape harsh winter weather in the North. Also, we have an affordable cost of living and various tax benefits. Compared to many other states, South Carolina offers a lower cost of living, especially in terms of housing, which is attractive to people looking to save money or get more for their dollar. While on the topic of taxes, South Carolina has some tax advantages, such as no tax on Social Security benefits for retirees, which makes it appealing for those looking to retire comfortably. Next of course are the sunny beaches. The state is home to popular coastal destinations like Charleston, Hilton Head Island, and Myrtle Beach, making it a great spot for people who enjoy beach life. Another one of my favorites is the amazing food. South Carolina is famous for its Southern cuisine, especially barbecue and lowcountry specialties like shrimp and grits. The state also has a rich cultural heritage with music, festivals, and a vibrant arts scene. Another thing that might look good to some people are the southern hospitality and rich culture. With its rich history, South Carolina offers beautiful historic towns and cities, particularly Charleston, which is known for its cobblestone streets, historic homes, and Civil War landmarks. South Carolina also is known for its friendly atmosphere, slower pace of life, and strong sense of community. Many people appreciate the laid-back lifestyle and strong family-oriented values. In conclusion, South Carolina is such an appealing state to many due to various reasons.

South Carolina Gamecocks vs Texas Longhorns Basketball game

By: Knox Buxton

On Saturday South Carolina played against Texas in an SEC matchup. South Carolina went into the game 0-13 in conference play and 10-16 overall. I thought South Carolina was going to get killed by Texas because of the way their season has gone so far. To be honest, the only reason I went to the game was to see Texas’s freshman star, Tre Johnson. Tre Johnson is a projected top 10 pick in this year’s NBA draft and the latest mock draft has him going at 6th overall. It is also always fun to watch Collin Murray-Boyles play for South Carolina and he is also a projected lottery pick in this year’s NBA draft. Murray-Boyles is projected to go at 13th in the latest 2025 NBA mock draft. Carolina got hot to start the game and came out and got a lead on Texas. Texas could not get anything going on offense because South Carolina was playing great defense to start the game. Jahmarii Thomas started off gaurding Tre Johnson and was doing a really good job on him. Texas’s offense runs through Tre Johnson so since they couldn’t get him going, it was looking good for South Carolina. Collin Murray-Boyles got off to a hot start for Carolina as he had a couple and one’s and altered texas’s shots at the rim. Carolina stayed hot and went into halftime up 40-22. Johnson had 9 points at the half and it seemed like no one else could score the ball for the longhorns. To start the second half it was more of the same, Carolina went up by twenty and the game seemed like it was just about over. With just under 10 minutes left in the game Texas started force feeding Tre Johnson and he got hot. To go along with johnson scoring the ball at will, Texas broke out a press which seemed to work on Carolina for a little while. It looked like Texas was about to make a comeback with around five minutes left to play but then South Carolina pulled away and won the game 84-69. I enjoyed watching South Carolina get their first win in conference play and seeing Collin Murray-Boyles go for 22 points and 10 rebounds. It was also fun to watch Tre Johnson score the ball at will and seeing Texas’s whole offense run through him. Johnson finished with 29 points and hit some tough shots. That game looked to me like Carolina’s best all around game in SEC play because they played hard defense and were scoring the ball better than they usually do. Even though this season has been pretty painful to watch for Carolina, I enjoyed watching them surprise Texas.

WHY USC?

By: Carson Wilsey

The University of South Carolina (USC) is regarded as the best university in South Carolina for a variety of reasons, including its rich past, outstanding academic reputation, lively campus culture, and emphasis on student achievement. Being the state’s flagship university, USC is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a top-notch education. It has a lengthy history, founded in 1801, and has grown into a respected organization. USC, situated in Columbia, the state capital, students have access to internships and employment around a thriving city. Its excellent academic reputation and ranking as the top public university in the state, proves it the best for anyone looking to attend college in South Carolina.

USC provides a broad range of academic programs to accommodate the needs of a diverse student body. The institution offers more than 350 degree programs, including notable courses in public health, business, engineering, and education. For instance, the College of Engineering and Computing is well-known, while the Darla Moore School of Business is regarded as one of the best in the nation. Strong programs in the sciences and arts are also offered by USC, students can study pretty much any subject they are interested in because of this variety. 

Along with its excellent academic reputation, USC offers an exciting campus with lots of extracurricular activities. Students can participate in activities that interest them due to the organizations, which include academic clubs, sports teams, and cultural associations. Additionally, there are leadership programs and a decent Greek life (Frat/Sororities) on campus that support students’ personal and professional development. The stunning campus of USC, full of modern and ancient buildings, offers an ideal environment for learning and relaxation. Students can enjoy their college experience and meet new people in this welcoming environment created by the joyful campus life.

Why South Carolina will make the playoffs

By: Benson Elmore

South Carolina’s path to the College Football Playoffs is not the easiest, but it’s definitely possible with the right combination of clutch wins, good matchups, and the power of the team. Here’s how Carolina can and will make the CFP

1. Raw Offense

South Carolina’s offense has been stacked lately, with  Lanorris (him) Sellers, Nyck Harbor, Mazeo Bennet, and Joshua Simon, giving them a dangerous passing offense. The Gamecocks have been able to put up points against top-tier competition, and if they continue to develop their offense under Beamer, they’ll have the firepower to compete with any team in the SEC. And let’s not forget about Rocket Sanders who knows how to blow right through top tier defenses

2. Strong Coaching

Shane Beamer is a rising star in the coaching ranks. His energy, leadership, and ability to develop players have already shown results in his first few seasons at South Carolina. He’s built a solid foundation for the team and has proven that he can win big games, which is shown by South Carolina’s stunning upsets over a couple of ranked teams. With Beamer continuing to grow as a head coach, the Gamecocks could make a crazy statement in the future in the SEC.

3. SEC Scheduling Advantage

South Carolina plays in the SEC, which is without a doubt the most competitive conference in college football. While the schedule is tough, it also provides the Gamecocks with opportunities to get some big wins. If they can thrive in a tough schedule and pick off the last couple of teams on their schedule, it would give them no reason for the committee to keep them out of the playoffs. 

4. Defensive Improvement

South Carolina’s defense has been raw at least lately. People like Kyle Kennard and Dylan Stewart have dominated O-lines. Don’t even get me started on the defensive backs. This defense can beat any team in the league, no doubt about it. 

5. The College Football Playoff Expansion

The most important factor for South Carolina’s playoff chances in the future is the expansion of the CFP to 12 teams. With a larger field, the chances of South Carolina making them increases significantly. If they can keep winning games, they will make the playoffs. 

Should South Carolina have a good basketball season?

By: Milling Galloway

In the past, South Carolina has had a prodominantly decent basketball program. Our women’s team has been amazing, but the men on the other hand have been just ok. Last year brought a change to the program with the second year head coach Lamont Paris. The team went 26-8 with a new freshman super star that shocked many people. All though the team ended up losing in the first round of March Madness, they still proved so many people wrong. I truly believe that the attitude and respect of this team brought them close together.

This year, we have one of the best players in all of high school, Five star Cam Scott, who is supposed to be the next big one and done. In the scrimmage, he had a good showing, but did not make a lot of inside shots like he was supposed to make. He did end up making a lot of threes which is a great sign that he will help us a ton. I think our portal players and new up and coming freshman will add a sense of hope and a good feeling to many of the South carolina fans that have not had this feeling in a while. To be completely honest, I feel good before this season that we can make a run. I have not been able to say that about past years. In a sense, there is a sense of excitement which is truly crazy to think about. If the team can just go out and play for one another, we could be a scary team. We just can not be another traditional South Carolina team and go out and loose and loose more to mediocre teams. I am tired of just losing over and over again. The shame is unbearable. I just hope this year can be different.

Is South Carolina a good football team?

By Milling Galloway

Does South Carolina have a good football atmosphere? Yes. Does South Carolina have the resources to be a national ranked team? Yes. Once again the answers to all these questions are yes. Sure enough we are a mediocre team once again. I’m tired of this. Year after year it’s the same thing over and over again. Why can’t we ever be good? Only once in the program’s history has South Carolina ever been good.

The problem, in my opinion, is that our offense is terrible. Our defense could easily stand with the best offenses in the nation; Bama, Georgia, any of them to be honest. Our offense once again is holding us back. Sellers is a decent quarterback that can run: He is not the problem. Our receivers are trash and our offensive line is atrocious. Lets step away from the negatives and look at the positives. Rocket Sanders is one of the most talented running backs we have ever seen. He has turned what should be no yard gains into explosive plays for the offense. Our tight end core has some good true freshmen talent that I would like to see more of.

Shane in my opinion isn’t the coach for us. It’s time to go looking for new staff. He has been given too much leniency. The play calling has to change as well. That means it is time to get rid of Dowell Loggins as soon as possible. The only reason we played a good game against Alabama is because of the Defense led by Kyle Kenard. It certainly helps the team when you have the best defense of end in the country. I honestly can not take the embarrassment of being a fan of South Carolina. You just get to a point where you know we are gonna lose and just accept our fate. All I know is if Shane doesn’t get his act together, we are gonna have a lot of problems.