The South Carolina Gamecocks have officially entered year one of the Will Muschamp era.
But will Muschamp be able to find success in Columbia? That’s what everyone is waiting to find out.
It all starts with the 2016 season, which may feature more highs than lows since most expect the Gamecocks to be at home come bowl season.
Let’s dive into the predictions.
at Vanderbilt (Sept. 1)
This is the biggest game of the season for both teams. If the Gamecocks can go into Nashville and win the opener, the season outlook will be better.
Unfortunately, the Commodores are the better team from top to bottom.
It’s close the entire way, but Vandy finds a way to win.
Prediction: Loss (0-1, 0-1 SEC)
at Mississippi State (Sept. 10)
These first two road games for South Carolina are very similar. Both Vanderbilt and Mississippi State have questions at quarterback, but then again, so do the Gamecocks.
It’s going to take a while for the Bulldogs to adjust to life without Dak Prescott on the field.
Still, it’s hard to see Muschamp’s squad scoring enough points to win here.
Prediction: Loss (0-2, 0-2 SEC)
vs. East Carolina (Sept. 17)
After hitting the road for two straight SEC games to start the season, South Carolina comes home for an intriguing showdown with the Pirates.
East Carolina will be decent, but the Gamecocks finally add one to the win column with an impressive performance.
Prediction: Win (1-2, 0-2 SEC)
at Kentucky (Sept. 24)
I really like Kentucky’s offense. I really dislike Kentucky’s defense.
If the Gamecocks can build off of the momentum of the East Carolina win, this could be a fun game.
However, the Wildcats find enough on offense to get the victory.
Prediction: Loss (1-3, 0-3 SEC)
vs. Texas A&M (Oct. 1)
The Aggies can be great this season, but only if Trevor Knight provides consistency at quarterback. Kevin Sumlin has a ton of weapons on that offense and it will be tough to stop.
Texas A&M does have question marks on defense and perhaps South Carolina can exploit some of those.
But I just can’t see the Gamecocks scoring enough points in this game.
Prediction: Loss (1-4, 0-4 SEC)
vs. Georgia (Oct. 8)
This continues the theme of South Carolina getting its toughest games at home.
There’s a good chance that the Gamecocks will be in a lot of these games, but it’s hard giving them the edge due to the lack of depth.
This game is much closer than anyone expects it to be.
Prediction: Loss (1-5, 0-5 SEC)
vs. UMass (Oct. 22)
The Minutemen might be one of the worst teams in college football this season.
Muschamp and company take out their recent frustration on UMass and score a blowout win.
Prediction: Win (2-5, 0-5 SEC)
vs. Tennessee (Oct. 29)
If this game came the week after Tennessee’s showdown with Alabama, I’d probably make this a sneaky upset pick.
However, it does not. The Vols get a bye week after facing the Crimson Tide and that’ll be all they need to prepare for the trip to Columbia.
Tennessee comes out focused and knocks off the Gamecocks.
Prediction: Loss (2-6, 0-6 SEC)
vs. Missouri (Nov. 5)
Finally. Yes, finally South Carolina is going to earn an SEC victory.
Missouri’s offense doesn’t seem to be in good shape, so this is the time where Muschamp can work his magic.
By this point in the season, the Gamecocks should be progressing and getting better each week (and hopefully have consistency under center).
Prediction: Win (3-6, 1-6 SEC)
at Florida (Nov. 12)
The outcome of this game all depends on the development of Florida’s offense.
I mean, you could totally see the Gamecocks struggling for the most of the season and then finding a way to win in The Swamp, right?
Muschamp beating the Gators would be classic. I don’t see it happening, though.
Prediction: Loss (3-7, 1-7 SEC)
vs. Western Carolina (Nov. 19)
The Catamounts do not have a chance here.
Prediction: Win (4-7, 1-7 SEC)
at Clemson (Nov. 26)
Whew. This won’t be fun.
Clemson is a national title contender once again, but this is rivalry week and anything can happen.
The Gamecocks make this close for a while until Deshaun Watson gets rolling and leads the Tigers to victory.
Prediction: Loss (4-8, 1-7 SEC)
Overall Thoughts
There are two games on South Carolina’s schedule that will define its season: at Vanderbilt on September 1 and at Kentucky on September 24.
The Gamecocks can win both of those games. But since life on the road is never easy in the SEC, the Commodores and Wildcats get the nod for now.
With so many unknowns surrounding South Carolina’s quarterback situation (will it be Perry Orth or Brandon McIlwain?) and even more questions in other areas, it’s tough to know what to expect from this team.
Yes, Muschamp’s hiring raised a lot of eyebrows. However, this feels like a good fit.
Success isn’t gonna happen right away. There’s rebuilding to do on both sides of the ball and it won’t be pretty at times this season.
But again, beating Vandy to open the season would be a game-changer and make a bowl bid a possibility.
Season Prediction: 4-8, 1-7 SEC
Previous Predictions:
How do you see South Carolina’s season unfolding? Log into Facebook to comment below or hit me up on Twitter (@theblakelovell) to share your thoughts.
Blake Lovell has worked in sports media for over 10 years. He currently covers SEC football and basketball for various publications.