South Carolina enters a new era with a new coach as it hosts Eastern Illinois in its season opener. The Gamecocks will likely be without starting quarterback Luke Doty has a foot injury, but the backups should be good enough to get it done against the Panthers.
The Gamecocks are coming off a 2-8 season where they did not do anything well. South Carolina averaged 23 points and gave up an average of 36 last season.
Eastern Illinois lost its opener last week to Indiana State, 26-21. The Panthers had 250 yards passing and held Indiana State to less than 200 yards, but three turnovers were costly. The Panthers were 1-5 in the spring. The game could help Eastern Illinois from an experience standpoint, but it also gives the Gamecocks more of an idea of what to prepare for.
The first game showed the Panthers have a good passing attack. If they can avoid turnovers, they might keep this one close.
South Carolina could rely more on the running game this year with the return of Kevin Harris, who was the top performer on that side of the ball last year. Marshawn Lloyd was a promising prospect until an injury ended his season. If he is in full form, the Gamecocks could have a formidable two-man rushing attack. Most of the offensive line returns and they were good in the running game a year ago.
The defense has to get better and it should be. A lot of injuries last year gave more players an opportunity to get experience and that should add depth this year, which could help.
