South Carolina Gamecocks Preview | Expert Predictions & Best Bets for 2024

South Carolina Gamecocks Preview, Predictions & Season Win Total Pick

It’s been a mixed bag for Shane Beamer and the South Carolina Gamecocks throughout his three-year tenure. The Gamecocks posted winning seasons in Year 1 and 2 under Beamer but took a step back in Year 3 to the tune of a 5-7 record. Was this ultimately just a blip in the record books for the Gamecocks, or are they trending back on a positive track in the SEC East? Let’s dive in. 

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South Carolina Gamecocks Preview

2023 Record: 5-7 (3-5); SEC Finish: 5th in SEC East
AP Poll: NA | Coaches Poll: NA | PFF: No. 45
Head Coach: Shane Beamer 20-18 (10-14) | 4th Season | Overall: 20-18
Defensive Coordinator: Clayton White | Offensive Coordinator: Dowell Loggains

South Carolina Gamecocks Futures Odds (FanDuel)

National Championship Odds: +30000 | CFB Playoff Odds: +2200
SEC Championship Odds: +10000 
Regular Season Wins: OVER 5.5 -134 | UNDER 5.5 +110

South Carolina Preview: Why You Should Be Bullish

The Gamecocks have some very talented players on this roster. Full stop, that’s impressive when you’re a program like South Carolina in the SEC. 

South Carolina Preview: Why You Should Be Bearish

If the Gamecocks want to take a step forward in 2024, they’ll need their offensive line and overall protection to improve. The Gamecocks allowed the highest pressure rate of any Power Five program in 2023, which isn’t a sustainable trend to continue if they want to find any success. There have been some additions to potentially shore up that issue, but questions remain about whether or not they can do it for an entire campaign. 

Breakout Player: RB Raheim Sanders

The Gamecocks aren’t short on talent at skill positions entering 2024. Although injuries held back Raheim Sanders in 2023, we’re bullish on a real breakout for this running back in 2024. Although Sanders has already put together a dominant year in the past with Arkansas, we’re looking for him to put a stamp on his tenure with South Carolina in 2024. Sanders has the size and speed to make SEC teams think twice. 

South Carolina X-Factor: QB LaNorris Sellers

If South Carolina aspires to take a big leap forward in 2024, they’ll need LaNorris Sellers to hit at quarterback. Sellers was sitting behind Spencer Rattler during his freshmen season, and we’ve yet to see if he can develop into a solid quarterback in the SEC. Sellers has raw upside and potential with a fiery arm, but where he can do the most damage is with his legs. 

South Carolina Schedule Analysis

There are challenging dates throughout the 2024 calendar for South Carolina, but they do avoid Georgia and Texas, which is a positive. Still, the Gamecocks have home dates against No. 6 Ole Miss, No.11 Missouri, No. 13 LSU, and No. 20 Texas A&M. That doesn’t even factor in road showdowns with N0. 14 Clemson and No. 16 Oklahoma. There are five other winnable games on their schedule, but for the Gamecocks to win six or more games, they’ll need no slip-ups and a potential upset. 

South Carolina Prediction: OVER/UNDER 5.5 Wins

The trend of under bets continues with basement dwellers in the SEC. Even with multiple games on their schedule that they should be favored, the Gamecocks will still need to pull a rabbit out of a hat against one of the ranked opponents we listed above. They may do that with the talent on their roster in 2024, but they could also slip up against a team they should beat on paper. The plus-money value is right here, making the under much more appealing. 

South Carolina Preseason Pick

UNDER 5.5 (+110) (FanDuel Sportsbook)

South Carolina Best Bets

It’s funny how the line is always set just right. If the number were 4.5, the over would be much more appealing, even with the added juice. The Gamecocks have some real pieces to be excited about, but it might take some time for this roster to gel. 

SEC Previews: Arkansas | Auburn | Florida |Kentucky | LSU | Mississippi State | Missouri | Oklahoma| Tennessee  | Texas A&M | Vanderbilt

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