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2023 South Carolina Gamecocks football team

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2023 South Carolina Gamecocks football
ConferenceSoutheastern Conference
DivisionEast Division
Record5–7 (3–5 SEC)
Head coach
Offensive coordinatorDowell Loggains (1st season)
Offensive schemeMultiple
Defensive coordinatorClayton White (3rd season)
Base defense4–2–5
Home stadiumWilliams–Brice Stadium
Uniform
Seasons
← 2022
2024 →
2023 Southeastern Conference football standings
Conf Overall
Team   W   L     W   L  
East Division
No. 4 Georgia xy   8 0     13 1  
No. 8 Missouri   6 2     11 2  
No. 17 Tennessee   4 4     9 4  
Kentucky   3 5     7 6  
Florida   3 5     5 7  
South Carolina   3 5     5 7  
Vanderbilt   0 8     2 10  
West Division
No. 5 Alabama xy$^   8 0     12 2  
No. 9 Ole Miss   6 2     11 2  
No. 12 LSU   6 2     10 3  
Texas A&M   4 4     7 6  
Auburn   3 5     6 7  
Mississippi State   1 7     5 7  
Arkansas   1 7     4 8  
Championship: Alabama 27, Georgia 24
  • ^ – College Football Playoff participant
  • $ – Conference champion
  • x – Division champion/co-champions
  • y – Championship game participant
Rankings from AP Poll

The 2023 South Carolina Gamecocks football team represented the University of South Carolina as a member of the East Division of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) during the 2023 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Gamecocks played their home games at Williams–Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina, and were led by Shane Beamer in his third year as their head coach.

This is also expected to be the final year for the East division, as Texas and Oklahoma joined the SEC in 2024.

Despite quarterback Spencer Rattler and wide receiver Xavier Legette having two of the best individual seasons in school history in their final college year,[1][2][3][4] the team was noted by the media for being heavily affected by injuries.[5][6][7] South Carolina finished sixth in the final SEC East,[8][9][10] with an overall record of 5–7, missing a bowl game for the first time since 2020.[11]

Schedule

[edit]

Prior to the season, several sports websites named South Carolina as having the most difficult schedule in the country in 2023.[12][13][14]

DateTimeOpponentSiteTVResultAttendance
September 27:30 p.m.vs. No. 21 North Carolina*ABCL 17–31 68,723
September 97:30 p.m. No. 6 Furman* (FCS)SECN+/ESPN+W 47–21 78,281
September 163:30 p.m.at No. 1 GeorgiaCBSL 14–24 92,746
September 237:30 p.m.Mississippi State
  • Williams–Brice Stadium
  • Columbia, SC
SECNW 37–30 78,311
September 307:30 p.m.at No. 21 TennesseeSECN L 20–41 101,915
October 143:30 p.m.Florida
  • Williams–Brice Stadium
  • Columbia, SC
SECNL 39–41 79,247
October 213:30 p.m.at No. 20 MissouriSECNL 12–34 62,621
October 2812:00 p.m.at Texas A&MESPNL 17–30 95,297
November 412:00 p.m.Jacksonville State*
  • Williams–Brice Stadium
  • Columbia, SC
ESPNUW 38–28 75,348
November 1112:00 p.m.Vanderbilt
  • Williams–Brice Stadium
  • Columbia, SC
SECNW 47–6 75,682
November 187:30 p.mKentucky
  • Williams–Brice Stadium
  • Columbia, SC
SECNW 17–1477,788
November 257:30 p.m. No. 24 Clemson*
SECN L 7–1680,172

[15] [16]

Game summaries

[edit]

vs No. 21 North Carolina (Duke's Mayo Classic, rivalry)

[edit]
Game One – No. 21 North Carolina Tar Heels (0–0) vs. South Carolina Gamecocks (0–0) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
No. 21 North Carolina 7 10 14031
South Carolina 7 7 0317

at Bank of America StadiumCharlotte, North Carolina

  • Date: Saturday, September 2, 2023
  • Game time: 7:30 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: Clear • 85 °F (29 °C) • Wind: NE 3 MPH
  • Game attendance: 68,723
  • Referee: Jeff Heaser
  • TV announcers (ABC): Sean McDonough (play-by-play), Greg McElroy (color), Molly McGrath (sideline)
Game information
First quarter
  • (9:50) UNC – Omarion Hampton 1-yard run (Ryan Coe kick) (Drive: 9 plays, 70 yards, 3:55; North Carolina 7–0)
  • (6:29) SC – Dakereon Joyner 4-yard run (Mitch Jeter kick) (Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:21; Tied 7–7)
Second quarter
  • (7:05) UNC – Ryan Coe 37-yard field goal (Drive: 13 plays, 42 yards, 6:20; North Carolina 10–7)
  • (5:16) SC – Juju McDowell 1-yard run (Mitch Jeter kick) (Drive: 5 plays, 72 yards, 1:49; South Carolina 14–10)
  • (2:50) UNC – Kobe Paysour 34-yard pass from Drake Maye (Ryan Coe kick) (Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:26; North Carolina 17–14)
Third quarter
  • (11:35) UNC – Omarion Hampton 1-yard run (Ryan Coe kick) (Drive: 6 plays, 53 yards, 2:43; North Carolina 24–14)
  • (6:29) UNC – John Copenhaver 18-yard pass from Drake Maye (Ryan Coe kick) (Drive: 8 plays, 55 yards, 3:25; North Carolina 31–14)
Fourth quarter
  • (12:19) SC – Mitch Jeter 26-yard field goal (Drive: 12 plays, 61 yards, 4:55; North Carolina 31–17)
Statistics UNC SC
First downs 21 20
Total yards 71–437 70–351
Rushing yards 39–168 31– -2
Passing yards 269 353
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 24–32–2 30–39–0
Time of possession 32:37 27:23
Team Category Player Statistics
North Carolina Passing Drake Maye 24/32, 269 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
Rushing British Brooks 15 carries, 103 yards
Receiving Kobe Paysour 7 receptions, 66 yards, TD
South Carolina Passing Spencer Rattler 30/39, 353 yards
Rushing Dakereon Joyner 12 carries, 23 yards, TD
Receiving Xavier Legette 9 receptions, 178 yards

vs No. 6 Furman (FCS)

[edit]
Game Two – No. 6 Furman Paladins (FCS) (1–0) at South Carolina Gamecocks (0–1) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
No. 6 Furman (FCS) 7 7 0721
South Carolina 7 20 13747

at Williams-Brice StadiumColumbia, South Carolina

  • Date: Saturday, September 9, 2023
  • Game time: 7:30 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: Sunny • 75 °F (24 °C) • Wind: SE 5 mph
  • Game attendance: 78,281
  • Referee: Kyle Olson
  • TV announcers (SECN+/ESPN+): John Schriffen (play-by-play), Rocky Boiman (color), Dawn Davenport (Sideline)
Game information
First quarter
  • (7:27) FU – Dominic Roberto 1-yard run (Axel Lepvreau kick) (Drive: 6 plays, 68 yards, 2:49; Furman 7–0)
  • (4:59) SC – Dakereon Joyner 3-yard run (Mitch Jeter kick) (Drive: 7 plays, 72 yards, 2:21; Tied 7–7)
Second quarter
  • (11:57) FU – Luke Shiflett 4-yard pass from Tyler Huff (Ian Williams kick) (Drive: 11 plays, 66 yards, 5:04; Furman 14–7)
  • (8:26) SC – Spencer Rattler 1-yard run (Mitch Jeter kick) (Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 3:31; Tied 14–14)
  • (0:43) SC – Luke Doty 36-yard pass from Spencer Rattler (pass failed) (Drive: 10 plays, 74 yards, 3:48; South Carolina 20–14)
  • (0:03) SC – O'Mega Blake 3-yard pass from Spencer Rattler (Mitch Jeter kick) (Drive: 3 plays, 75 yards, 0:26; South Carolina 27–14)
Third quarter
  • (8:36) SC – Xavier Legette 42-yard pass from Spencer Rattler (Mitch Jeter kick) (Drive: 4 plays, 90 yards, 1:30; South Carolina 34–14)
  • (0:09) SC – Tyshawn Russell 50-yard pass from LaNorris Sellers (pass failed) (Drive: 5 plays, 67 yards, 2:01; South Carolina 40–14)
Fourth quarter
  • (10:40) SC – Nyck Harbor 7-yard pass from LaNorris Sellers (Alex Herrera kick) (Drive: 6 plays, 38 yards, 2:24; South Carolina 47–14)
  • (4:41) FU – Brock Chappell 16-yard pass from Carson Jones (Axel Lepvreau kick) (Drive: 1 play, 16 yards, 0:08; South Carolina 47–21)
Statistics FU SC
First downs 16 25
Total yards 65–323 77–571
Rushing yards 31–80 39–108
Passing yards 243 463
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 20–34–1 32–38–0
Time of possession 28:07 31:53
Team Category Player Statistics
Furman Passing Tyler Huff 14/24, 129 yards, TD, INT
Rushing Jayquan Smith 8 carries, 30 yards
Receiving Joshua Harris 6 receptions, 73 yards
South Carolina Passing Spencer Rattler 25/27, 345 yards, 3 TD
Rushing Dakereon Joyner 11 carries, 42 yards, TD
Receiving Xavier Legette 6 receptions, 118 yards, TD

at No. 1 Georgia (rivalry)

[edit]
Game Three – South Carolina Gamecocks (1–1) at No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs (2–0) – Game Summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
South Carolina 7 7 0014
No. 1 Georgia 3 0 14724

at Sanford StadiumAthens, Georgia

  • Date: Saturday, September 16, 2023
  • Game time: 3:30 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: Cloudy • 69 °F (21 °C) • Wind: SE 5 MPH
  • Game attendance: 92,756
  • Referee: Ken Williamson
  • TV announcers (CBS): Brad Nessler (play-by-play), Gary Danielson (color) and Jenny Dell (sideline)
Game information
First quarter
  • (9:56) SC – Antwane Wells Jr. 17-yard pass from Spencer Rattler (Mitch Jeter kick) (Drive: 10 plays, 65 yards, 5:04; South Carolina 7–0)
  • (2:02) UGA – Peyton Woodring 31-yard field goal (Drive: 15 plays, 62 yards, 7:54; South Carolina 7–3)
Second quarter
  • (1:00) SC – Dakereon Joyner 2-yard run (Mitch Jeter kick) (Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards, 2:27; South Carolina 14–3)
Third quarter
  • (12:20) UGA – Daijun Edwards 7-yard run (Peyton Woodring kick) (Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 2:40; South Carolina 14–10)
  • (7:40) UGA – Dillon Bell 3-yard run (Peyton Woodring kick) (Drive: 9 plays, 49 yards, 3:20; Georgia 17–14)
Fourth quarter
  • (9:10) UGA – Cash Jones 13-yard run (Peyton Woodring kick) (Drive: 8 plays, 61 yards, 3:49; Georgia 24–14)
Statistics SC UGA
First downs 17 29
Total yards 58–309 79–459
Rushing yards 16–53 44–190
Passing yards 256 269
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 22–42–2 27–35–0
Time of possession 22:47 37:13
Team Category Player Statistics
South Carolina Passing Spencer Rattler 22/42, 256 yards, TD, 2 INT
Rushing Spencer Rattler 8 carries, 35 yards
Receiving O'Mega Blake 5 receptions, 86 yards
Georgia Passing Carson Beck 27/35, 269 yards
Rushing Daijun Edwards 20 carries, 118 yards, TD
Receiving Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint 6 receptions, 71 yards

vs Mississippi State

[edit]
Game Four – Mississippi State Bulldogs (2–1) at South Carolina Gamecocks (1–2) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Mississippi State 0 17 10330
South Carolina 7 13 71037

at Williams-Brice StadiumColumbia, South Carolina

  • Date: Saturday, September 23, 2023
  • Game time: 7:30 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: Sunny, 80 °F (27 °C)
  • Game attendance: 78,311
  • Referee: Matt Loeffler
  • TV announcers (SECN): Tom Hart (play-by-play), Jordan Rodgers (analyst), Cole Cubelic (sideline)
Game information
First quarter
  • (9:46) SC – Xavier Legette 76-yard pass from Spencer Rattler (Mitch Jeter kick) (Drive: 6 plays, 98 yards, 2:18; South Carolina 7–0)
Second quarter
  • (14:53) SC – Trey Knox 17-yard pass from Spencer Rattler (Mitch Jeter kick) (Drive: 16 plays, 99 yards, 7:15; South Carolina 14–0)
  • (14:39) MSST – Lideatrick Griffin 65-yard pass from Will Rogers (Kyle Ferrie kick) (Drive: 2 plays, 65 yards, 0:14; South Carolina 14–7)
  • (7:02) MSST – Jo'Quavious Marks 7-yard run (Kyle Ferrie kick) (Drive: 3 plays, 68 yards, 1:05; Tied 14–14)
  • (0:38) SC – Dakereon Joyner 3-yard run (pass failed) (Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 6:24; South Carolina 20–14)
  • (0:00) MSST – Kyle Ferrie 49-yard field goal (Drive: 6 plays, 44 yards, 0:38; South Carolina 20–17)
Third quarter
  • (14:50) SC – Xavier Legette 75-yard pass from Spencer Rattler (Mitch Jeter kick) (Drive: 1 play, 75 yards, 0:10; South Carolina 27–17)
  • (10:26) MSST – Mike Wright 1-yard run (Kyle Ferrie kick) (Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:24; South Carolina 27–24)
  • (2:00) MSST – Kyle Ferrie 23-yard field goal (Drive: 9 plays, 39 yards, 5:12; Tied 27–27)
Fourth quarter
  • (12:35) SC – Mitch Jeter 35-yard field goal (Drive: 10 plays, 58 yards, 4:25; South Carolina 30–27)
  • (9:36) SC – Mario Anderson 9-yard run (Mitch Jeter kick) (Drive: 4 plays, 22 yards, 1:43; South Carolina 37–27)
  • (2:13) MSST – Kyle Ferrie 47-yard field goal (Drive: 13 plays, 68 yards, 2:42; South Carolina 37–30)
Statistics MSST SC
First downs 20 19
Total yards 71–519 67–432
Rushing yards 23–32 47–144
Passing yards 487 288
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 30–48–1 18–20–0
Time of possession 28:18 31:42
Team Category Player Statistics
Mississippi State Passing Will Rogers 30/48, 487 yards, TD, INT
Rushing Jo'Quavious Marks 12 carries, 27 yards, TD
Receiving Lideatrick Griffin 7 receptions, 256 yards, TD
South Carolina Passing Spencer Rattler 18/20, 288 yards, 3 TD
Rushing Mario Anderson 26 carries, 88 yards, TD
Receiving Xavier Legette 5 receptions, 189 yards, 2 TD

at No. 21 Tennessee (rivalry)

[edit]
Game Five – South Carolina Gamecocks (2–2) at No. 21 Tennessee Volunteers (3–1) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
South Carolina 10 0 7320
No. 21 Tennessee 14 10 71041

at Neyland StadiumKnoxville, Tennessee

  • Date: Saturday, September 30, 2023
  • Game time: 7:30 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: Sunny, 83 °F (28 °C)
  • Game attendance: 101,915
  • Referee: Daniel Gatreaux
  • TV announcers (SEC Network): Tom Hart (play-by-play), Jordan Rodgers (analyst), Cole Cubelic (sideline)
Game information
First quarter
  • (9:26) TENN – Jaylen Wright 42-yard run (Charles Campbell kick) (Drive: 9 plays, 94 yards, 3:02; Tennessee 7–0)
  • (5:47) SC – Mitch Jeter 36-yard field goal (Drive: 8 plays, 57 yards, 3:41; Tennessee 7–3)
  • (2:03) SC – Spencer Rattler 6-yard run (Mitch Jeter kick) (Drive: 6 plays, 29 yards, 2:52; South Carolina 10–7)
  • (0:42) TENN – Jabari Small 2-yard run (Charles Campbell kick) (Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 1:21; Tennessee 14–10)
Second quarter
  • (8:50) TENN – Charles Campbell 24-yard field goal (Drive: 8 plays, 63 yards, 2:14; Tennessee 17–10)
  • (0:47) TENN – Kamal Hadden 28-yard interception return (Charles Campbell kick) (Tennessee 24–10)
Third quarter
  • (10:41) TENN – Jacob Warren 6-yard pass from Joe Milton III (Charles Campbell kick) (Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards, 4:19; Tennessee 31–10)
  • (10:28) SC – Mario Anderson 75-yard run (Mitch Jeter kick) (Drive: 1 play, 75 yards, 0:13; Tennessee 31–17)
Fourth quarter
  • (12:42) TENN – Charles Campbell 33-yard field goal (Drive: 7 plays, 23 yards, 4:03; Tennessee 34–17)
  • (8:35) SC – Mitch Jeter 47-yard field goal (Drive: 9 plays, 45 yards, 4:07; Tennessee 34–20)
  • (4:09) TENN – Dylan Sampson 6-yard run (Charles Campbell kick) (Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:26; Tennessee 41–20)
Statistics SC TENN
First downs 11 24
Total yards 63–333 72–477
Rushing yards 27–132 40–238
Passing yards 201 239
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 25–36–1 21–32–2
Time of possession 30:15 29:45
Team Category Player Statistics
South Carolina Passing Spencer Rattler 24/35, 169 yards, INT
Rushing Mario Anderson 10 carries, 101 yards, TD
Receiving Trey Knox 7 receptions, 51 yards
Tennessee Passing Joe Milton III 21/32, 239 yards, TD, 2 INT
Rushing Jaylen Wright 16 carries, 123 yards, TD
Receiving Squirrel White 9 receptions, 104 yards

vs Florida

[edit]
Game Six – Florida Gators (4–2) at South Carolina Gamecocks (2–3) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Florida 10 14 31441
South Carolina 14 7 31539

at Williams-Brice StadiumColumbia, South Carolina

  • Date: Saturday, October 14, 2023
  • Game time: 3:30 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: Temperature: 77 °F (25 °C) • Wind: W at 12 miles per hour (19 km/h) • Weather: sunny
  • Game attendance: 79,247
  • Referee: Steve Marlowe
  • TV announcers (SECN): Taylor Zarzour (play-by-play), Matt Stinchcomb (analyst), Alyssa Lang (sideline)
Game information
First quarter
  • (10:47) FLA – Trevor Etienne 3-yard run (Trey Smack kick) (Drive: 9 plays, 66 yards, 4:07; Florida 7-0)
  • (7:49) SC – Trey Knox 6-yard pass from Spencer Rattler (Mitch Jeter kick) (Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 2:58; Tied 7-7)
  • (4:08) FLA – Trey Smack 48-yard field goal (Drive: 8 plays, 45 yards, 3:41; Florida 10-7)
  • (2:02) SC – Juju McDowell 17-yard run (Mitch Jeter kick) (Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:06; South Carolina 14-10)
Second quarter
  • (13:39) FLA – Trey Smack 44-yard field goal (Drive: 10 plays, 49 yards, 3:23; South Carolina 14-13)
  • (8:13) FLA – Kahleil Jackson 7-yard pass from Graham Mertz (Trevor Etienne pass to Hayden Hansen) (Drive: 5 plays, 82 yards, 2:23; Florida 21-14)
  • (4:57) SC – Mario Anderson 20-yard pass from Spencer Rattler (Mitch Jeter kick) (Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 3:16; Tied 21-21)
  • (0:03) FLA – Trey Smack 28-yard field goal (Drive: 5 plays, 45 yards, 1:21; Florida 24-21)
Third quarter
  • (10:26) SC – Mitch Jeter 27-yard field goal (Drive: 10 plays, 66 yards, 4:34; Tied 24-24)
  • (7:24) FLA – Trey Smack 54-yard field goal (Drive: 6 plays, 39 yards, 3:02; Florida 27-24)
Fourth quarter
  • (14:55) SC – Juju McDowell 3-yard pass from Spencer Rattler (Mitch Jeter kick) (Drive: 10 plays, 72 yards, 3:42; South Carolina 31-27)
  • (9:11) SC – Joshua Simon 33-yard pass from Spencer Rattler (run failed) (Drive: 5 plays, 69 yards, 2:21; South Carolina 37-27)
  • (4:40) FLA – Arlis Boardingham 4-yard pass from Graham Mertz (Trey Smack kick) (Drive: 14 plays, 75 yards, 4:31; South Carolina 37-34)
  • (0:47) FLA – Ricky Pearsall 21-yard pass from Graham Mertz (Trey Smack kick) (Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 1:56; Florida 41-37)
  • (0:04) SC – 0-yard safety (Florida 41-39)
Statistics FLA SC
First downs 28 23
Total yards 81–494 63–465
Rushing yards 33–71 33–152
Passing yards 423 313
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 30–48–0 23–30–1
Time of possession 32:44 27:16
Team Category Player Statistics
Florida Passing Graham Mertz 30/48, 423 yards, 3 TD
Rushing Montrell Johnson Jr. 11 carries, 50 yards
Receiving Ricky Pearsall 10 receptions, 166 yards, TD
South Carolina Passing Spencer Rattler 23/30, 313 yards, 4 TD, INT
Rushing Mario Anderson 20 carries, 98 yards
Receiving Xavier Legette 5 receptions, 110 yards

at No. 20 Missouri (rivalry)

[edit]
Game Seven – South Carolina Gamecocks (2–4) at No. 20 Missouri Tigers (6–1) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
South Carolina 0 3 6312
No. 20 Missouri 14 10 01034

at Faurot FieldColumbia, Missouri

  • Date: Saturday, October 21, 2023
  • Game time: 3:30 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: – Sunny, 78 degrees, 10 mph NW winds
  • Game attendance: 62,621
  • Referee: Kyle Olson
  • TV announcers (SECN): Taylor Zarzour (play-by-play), Matt Stinchcomb (analyst), Alyssa Lang (sideline)
  • Pregame line: MIZ −7.5 Over/Under: 57.5
Game information
First quarter
  • (6:31) MIZZ: Luther Burden III 42-yard pass from Brady Cook (Harrison Mevis kick) (Drive: 5 plays, 67 yards, 2:30; Missouri 7-0)
  • (0:46) MIZZ: Cody Schrader 10-yard run (Harrison Mevis kick) (Drive: 7 plays, 59 yards, 3:26; Missouri 14-0)
Second quarter
  • (8:21) MIZZ: Brady Cook 17-yard run (Harrison Mevis kick) (Drive: 10 plays, 87 yards, 4:02; Missouri 21-0)
  • (1:50) MIZZ: Harrison Mevis 21-yard field goal (Drive: 9 plays, 82 yards, 3:48; Missouri 24-0)
  • (0:31) SCAR: Mitch Jeter 51-yard field goal (Drive: 10 plays, 42 yards, 1:19; Missouri 24-3)
Third quarter
  • (10:37) SCAR: Mitch Jeter 41-yard field goal (Drive: 10 plays, 54 yards, 4:16; Missouri 24-6)
  • (7:07) SCAR: Mitch Jeter 38-yard field goal (Drive: 5 plays, 14 yards, 1:44; Missouri 24-9)
Fourth quarter
  • (13:42) MIZZ: Harrison Mevis 53-yard field goal (Drive: 10 plays, 26 yards, 4:35; Missouri 27-9)
  • (10:31) SCAR: Mitch Jeter 21-yard field goal (Drive: 9 plays, 72 yards, 3:11; Missouri 27-12)
  • (2:46) MIZZ: Cody Schrader 11-yard run (Harrison Mevis kick) (Drive: 9 plays, 67 yards, 3:34; Missouri 34-12)
Statistics SC MIZZ
First downs 20 22
Total plays-yards 69–286 65–418
Rushing attempts-yards 29–69 40–213
Passing attempts-yards 40–217 25–205
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 23–40–1 15–25–0
Time of possession 31:08 28:52
Team Category Player Statistics
South Carolina Passing Spencer Rattler 23–40, 217 yards, 1 INT
Rushing Mario Anderson 12 carries, 68 yards
Receiving Nyck Harbor 2 receptions, 50 yards
Missouri Passing Brady Cook 15–25, 205 yards, 1 TD
Rushing Cody Schrader 26 carries, 159 yards, 2 TD
Receiving Luther Burden III 5 receptions, 97 yards, 1 TD

at Texas A&M

[edit]
Game Eight– South Carolina Gamecocks (7–0) at Texas A&M Aggies (4–3) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
South Carolina 7 0 3717
Texas A&M 0 21 3630

at Kyle FieldCollege Station, Texas

  • Date: Saturday, October 28, 2023
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: Cloudy • 82 °F (28 °C) • Wind: S 10.3 MPH
  • Game attendance: 95,297
  • Referee: Scott Walker
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Mark Jones, Louis Riddick, and Quint Kessenich
Game information
First quarter
  • SC – Dakereon Joyner 1-yard run (Mitch Jeter kick), 2:04. Gamecocks 7–0. Drive: 13 plays, 65 yards, 6:41.

Second quarter

  • TAMU – Rueben Owens 14-yard run (Randy Bond kick), 9:00. Tied 7–7. Drive: 6 plays, 55 yards, 3:03.
  • TAMU – Amari Daniels 1-yard run (Randy Bond kick), 1:44. Aggies 14–7. Drive: 10 plays, 48 yards, 6:19.
  • TAMU – Ainias Smith 42-yard pass from Max Johnson (Randy Bond kick), 0:52. Aggies 21–7. Drive: 1 play, 42 yards, 0:13.

Third quarter

  • SC – Mitch Jeter 49-yard field goal, 10:58. Aggies 21–10. Drive: 10 plays, 43 yards, 4:02.
  • TAMU – Randy Bond 26-yard field goal, 2:46. Aggies 24–10. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 6:26.

Fourth quarter

  • SC – Joshua Simon 2-yard pass from Spencer Rattler (Mitch Jeter kick), 14:56. Aggies 24–17. Drive: 7 plays, 77 yards, 2:50.
  • TAMU – Randy Bond 24-yard field goal, 11:00. Aggies 27–17. Drive: 8 plays, 69 yards, 3:56.
  • TAMU – Randy Bond 52-yard field goal, 7:39. Aggies 30–17. Drive: 4 plays, −2 yards, 2:04.
Statistics SC TXAM
First downs 12 19
Total yards 209 354
Rushing yards 33 105
Passing yards 176 249
Turnovers 1 0
Time of possession 23:30 36:30
Team Category Player Statistics
South Carolina Passing Spencer Rattler 20/33, 176 yards, TD
Rushing Mario Anderson 16 rushes, 72 yards
Receiving Nyck Harbor 6 receptions, 59 yards
Texas A&M Passing Max Johnson 20/30, 249 yards, TD
Rushing Amari Daniels 13 rushes, 68 yards, TD
Receiving Ainias Smith 6 receptions, 118 yards, TD

vs Jacksonville State

[edit]
Game Nine – Jacksonville State Gamecocks at South Carolina Gamecocks – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Jacksonville State 7 7 14028
South Carolina 14 7 71038

at Williams-Brice StadiumColumbia, South Carolina

  • Date: Saturday, November 4, 2023
  • Game time: 12:00 PM EST
  • Game weather: Clear • 61 °F (16 °C) • Wind: N 3.6 MPH
  • Game attendance: 75,348
  • Referee: Jason Autrey
  • TV announcers (ESPNU): Brian Custer (play-by-play), Rod Gilmore (analyst), Lauren Sisler (sideline)
Game information
First quarter
  • (11:07) SC – Tonka Hemingway 2-yard Run (Mitch Jeter Kick) (Drive: 5 plays, 62 yards, 2:38; South Carolina 7–0)
  • (3:44) JVST – Sean Brown 15-yard pass from Zion Webb (Alen Karajic Kick) (Drive: 8 plays, 62 yards, 2:36; Tied 7–7)
  • (2:03) SC – Spencer Rattler 1-yard Run (Mitch Jeter Kick) (Drive: 5 plays, 70 yards, 1:41; South Carolina 14–7)
Second quarter
  • (14:16) JVST – Anwar Lewis 4-yard Run (Alen Karajic Kick) (Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 2:47; Tied 14–14)
  • (0:23) SC – Xavier Legette 5-yard pass from Spencer Rattler (Mitch Jeter Kick) (Drive: 4 plays, 49 yards, 0:30; South Carolina 21–14)
Third quarter
  • (11:50) JVST – Sean Brown 13-yard pass from Logan Smothers (Alen Karajic Kick) (Drive: 8 plays, 73 yards, 3:02; Tied 21–21)
  • (5:30) JVST – Perry Carter 54-yard pass from Zion Webb (Alen Karajic Kick) (Drive: 3 plays, 62 yards, 1:16; Jacksonville State 28–21)
  • (1:29) SC – Xavier Legette 65-yard pass from Spencer Rattler (Mitch Jeter Kick) (Drive: 1 play, 65 yards, 0:11; Tied 28–28)
Fourth quarter
  • (5:51) SC – Mitch Jeter 26-yard Field Goal (Drive: 10 plays, 48 yards, 3:58; South Carolina 31–28)
  • (2:02) SC – Stone Blanton 88-yard Interception Return (Mitch Jeter Kick) (Drive: 11 play, 58 yards, 3:49; South Carolina 38–28)
Statistics JVST SC
First downs 23 20
Total yards 84–421 77–488
Rushing yards 57–225 38–89
Passing yards 196 399
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 13–27–2 27–39–1
Time of possession 27:07 32:53
Team Category Player Statistics
Jacksonville State Passing Zion Webb 12/23, 183 yards, 2 TD, INT
Rushing Ron Wiggins 17 carries, 88 yards
Receiving Perry Carter 5 receptions, 106 yards, TD
South Carolina Passing Spencer Rattler 27/38, 399 yards, 2 TD, INT
Rushing Mario Anderson 16 carries, 75 yards
Receiving Xavier Legette 9 receptions, 217 yards, 2 TD

vs Vanderbilt

[edit]
Game Ten – Vanderbilt Commodores at South Carolina Gamecocks – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Vanderbilt 0 0 066
South Carolina 6 7 142047

at Williams-Brice StadiumColumbia, South Carolina

  • Date: Saturday, November 11, 2023
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: Rainy • 50 °F (10 °C) • Wind: NE 6.5 MPH
  • Game attendance: 75,682
  • TV announcers (SECN): Taylor Zarzour (play-by-play), Matt Stinchcomb (analyst), Taylor Davis (sideline)
Game information
First quarter
  • (6:37) SC – Alex Huntley 1-yard pass from Spencer Rattler (Two-Point Pass Conversion Failed) (Drive: 5 plays, 46 yards, 2:44; South Carolina 6–0)
Second quarter
  • (14:16) SC – Spencer Rattler 1-yard Run (Mitch Jeter Kick) (Drive: 10 plays, 95 yards, 4:35; South Carolina 13–0)
Third quarter
  • (7:09) SC – Ahmarean Brown 24-yard pass from Spencer Rattler (Mitch Jeter Kick) (Drive: 9 plays, 85 yards, 3:39; South Carolina 20–0)
  • (5:12) SC – Mario Anderson 72-yard Run (Mitch Jeter Kick) (Drive: 2 plays, 82 yards, 0:44; South Carolina 27–0)
Fourth quarter
  • (14:55) VAN – Quincy Skinner Jr. 19-yard pass from Ken Seals (Jacob Borcila PAT failed) (Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards, 5:17; South Carolina 27–6)
  • (11:20) SC – Keenan Nelson Jr. 18-yard Return of Blocked Punt (Mitch Jeter Kick) (Drive: 6 plays, 16 yards, 1:57; South Carolina 34–6)
  • (5:53) SC – O'Mega Blake 26-yard pass from Spencer Rattler (Mitch Jeter PAT failed) (Drive: 5 plays, 39 yards, 2:45; South Carolina 40–6)
  • (2:20) SC – LaNorris Sellers 36-yard Run (Mitch Jeter Kick) (Drive: 4 plays, 44 yards, 2:02; South Carolina 47–6)
Statistics VAN SC
First downs 17 21
Total yards 235 487
Rushing yards 131 136
Passing yards 104 351
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 13–28–0 28–36–1
Time of possession 32:47 27:13
Team Category Player Statistics
Vanderbilt Passing Ken Seals 13–28, 103 yards, TD
Rushing Walter Taylor 6 carries, 39 yards
Receiving London Humphreys 3 receptions, 33 yards
South Carolina Passing Spencer Rattler 28–36, 351 yards, 3 TD, INT
Rushing Mario Anderson 9 carries, 102 yards, TD
Receiving Xavier Legette 9 receptions, 120 yards

vs Kentucky

[edit]
Game Eleven – Kentucky Wildcats at South Carolina Gamecocks – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Kentucky 0 7 7014
South Carolina 10 0 0717

at Williams-Brice StadiumColumbia, South Carolina

  • Date: Saturday, November 18, 2023
  • Game time: 7:30 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: –
  • Game attendance: 77,788
  • Referee: –
  • TV announcers (SECN): Tom hart (play-by-play), Jordan Rodgers (color), Cole Cubelic (sideline)
Game information
First quarter
  • (7:27) SC – Xavier Legette 13-yard pass from Spencer Rattler (Mitch Jeter kick) (Drive: 11 plays, 69 yards, 5:11; South Carolina 7–0)
  • (0:13) SC – Mitch Jeter 23-yard field goal (Drive: 12 plays, 51 yards, 6:32; South Carolina 10–0)
Second quarter
  • (10:52) UK – Barion Brown 7-yard pass from Devin Leary (Alex Raynor kick) (Drive: 7 plays, 55 yards, 3:51; South Carolina 10–7)
Third quarter
  • (8:42) UK – Ray Davis 31-yard run (Alex Raynor kick) (Drive: 9 plays, 92 yards, 5:20; Kentucky 14–10)
Fourth quarter
  • (7:44) SC – Xavier Legette 17-yard pass from Spencer Rattler (Mitch Jeter kick) (Drive: 9 plays, 74 yards, 5:32; South Carolina 17–14)
Statistics UK SC
First downs 17 17
Total yards 293 257
Rushing yards 122 50
Passing yards 171 207
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 17–34–1 19–27–0
Time of possession 28:21 31:39
Team Category Player Statistics
Kentucky Passing Devin Leary 17/34, 171 yards, TD, INT
Rushing Ray Davis 12 carries, 61 yards, TD
Receiving Dane Key 4 receptions, 51 yards
South Carolina Passing Spencer Rattler 19/27, 207 yards, 2 TD
Rushing Mario Anderson 13 carries, 27 yards
Receiving Xavier Legette 6 receptions, 94 yards, 2 TD

vs No. 24 Clemson (rivalry)

[edit]
Game Twelve– No. 24 Clemson Tigers (7-4) at South Carolina Gamecocks (5-6) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
No. 24 Clemson 10 3 3016
South Carolina 7 0 007

at Williams-Brice StadiumColumbia, South Carolina

  • Date: Saturday, November 25, 2023
  • Game time: 7:30 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: Temperature: 48 °F (9 °C) • Wind: NE @ 3 mph (4.8 km/h) • Weather: Clear
  • Game attendance: 80,172
  • Referee: Jeff Flanagan
  • TV announcers (SECN): Taylor Zarzour (play-by-play), Matt Stinchcomb (analyst), Alyssa Lang (sideline)
Game information
First quarter
  • (14:25) CLEM – Khalil Barnes 42-yard fumble recovery (Johnathan Weitz kick) (Clemson 7–0)
  • (6:39) SC – Luke Doty 1-yard run (Mitch Jeter kick) (Drive: 12 plays, 81 yards, 5:37; Tied 7–7)
  • (0:43) CLEM – Jonathan Weitz 50-yard field goal (Drive: 11 plays, 42 yards, 5:56; Clemson 10–7)
Second quarter
  • (5:07) CLEM – Jonathan Weitz 49-yard field goal (Drive: 7 plays, 13 yards, 2:37; Clemson 13–7)
Third quarter
  • (13:16) CLEM – Jonathan Weitz 42 yard field goal (Drive: 6 plays, 50 yards, 1:44; Clemson 16–7)
Fourth quarter
  • No scoring
Statistics CLEM SC
First downs 19 12
Total yards 73–319 56–169
Rushing yards 46–219 24–57
Passing yards 100 112
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 15–27–1 16–32–1
Time of possession 38:00 22:00
Team Category Player Statistics
Clemson Passing Cade Klubnik 15/27, 100 yards, INT
Rushing Phil Mafah 19 rushes, 89 yards
Receiving Tyler Brown 5 receptions, 40 yards
South Carolina Passing Spencer Rattler 16/32, 112 yards, INT
Rushing Mario Anderson 13 rushes, 35 yards
Receiving Xavier Legette 6 receptions, 68 yards

Honoring Alshon Jeffery and the early 2010s teams

[edit]
Alshon Jeffery’s name and number being lit up for the first time in Williams–Brice Stadium, following his jersey retirement

During halftime of the home game against Mississippi State on September 23, 2023, the university retired Alshon Jeffery's jersey, only the sixth retired jersey in program history, and second in two years, following Jadeveon Clowney in 2022.[17]

Several weeks later, during halftime of the home game against Jacksonville State on November 4, 2023, the university honored the 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 Gamecock football teams, ten years after the 2013 team played. Over that four-year stretch, Steve Spurrier led the Gamecocks to a combined 42–11 with one SEC East Championship. It was the most successful era in program history. Spurrier as well as roughly forty former players and their families were in attendance for the ceremony.[18]

A special recognition had been in the works for several years, but had been rescheduled several times because of the COVID-19 pandemic, hurricanes, and conflicts with Spurrier’s schedule and availability.[18] However, the timing was still not without some controversy, as D.J. Swearinger publicly expressed his displeasure with the ceremony taking place at halftime against a non-SEC and non-Power 5 school.[19]

Spurrier gave a speech to the crowd: “Everybody asks, how’d you guys do it? I say, first of all we had talented players with the attitude, effort and leadership among the older guys passed through the team ... I’m a Florida Gator now, but my wife and I will always be South Carolina Gamecocks.”[18]

Rankings

[edit]
Ranking movements
Legend: ██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking
— = Not ranked RV = Received votes
Week
PollPre1234567891011121314Final
APRV
CoachesRVRVRV
CFPNot releasedNot released

Coaching staff

[edit]
Name Position Consecutive season
Shane Beamer Head coach 3rd
Dowell Loggains Offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach 1st
Clayton White Defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach 3rd
Pete Lembo Associate head coach/special teams coordinator 3rd
Torrian Gray Defensive backs coach 3rd
Montario Hardesty Running backs coach 3rd
Lonnie Teasley Offensive line coach 1st
Justin Stepp Wide receivers coach 3rd
Jody Wright Tight ends coach 2nd
Sterling Lucas Outside linebackers coach 2nd
Travian Robertson Defensive line coach 1st..

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "South Carolina Football: Spencer Rattler to play in Senior Bowl". Garnet and Cocky. November 21, 2023. Retrieved July 28, 2024.
  2. ^ "Xavier Legette". University of South Carolina Athletics. July 30, 2019. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  3. ^ "Spencer Rattler declares for 2024 NFL Draft, forgoes South Carolina football eligibility". Yahoo Sports. November 29, 2023. Retrieved July 28, 2024.
  4. ^ "Panthers trade up to select South Carolina WR Xavier Legette with No. 32 pick of 2024 NFL Draft". NFL.com. Retrieved November 4, 2024.
  5. ^ "Angry Beamer broke foot after S. Carolina loss". ESPN.com. October 17, 2023. Retrieved July 28, 2024.
  6. ^ Adams, Emily. "South Carolina football injury report: How offensive line losses impacting Texas A&M game". The Greenville News. Retrieved July 28, 2024.
  7. ^ "South Carolina football O-line decimated by injury in 2023. Trai Jones the 12th of season". Yahoo Sports. October 28, 2023. Retrieved July 28, 2024.
  8. ^ "2020 Southeastern Conference Year Summary". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved October 14, 2024.
  9. ^ "SEC to play eight conference games but eliminate divisions for 2024 season once Texas, Oklahoma join". CBSSports.com. June 1, 2023. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
  10. ^ Hodies, Hunter (November 29, 2023). "The SEC Will Be Getting Rid Of Divisions Starting In 2024". The Spun: What's Trending In The Sports World Today. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
  11. ^ "South Carolina Gamecocks College Football History, Stats, Records". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved October 14, 2024.
  12. ^ "Ranking College Football's 10 Hardest Schedules in 2023".
  13. ^ "College football schedule 2023: Next season's toughest slates, per Phil Steele's opponents' winning percentage". 247Sports. Retrieved April 17, 2023.
  14. ^ Parks, James (May 12, 2023). "College football strength of schedule rankings for 2023: SEC, Big Ten lead the way". College Football HQ. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
  15. ^ "2023 Football Schedule". South Carolina Gamecocks. Retrieved December 22, 2022.
  16. ^ "2023 South Carolina Gamecocks Football Schedule". Palmetto Bowl. Retrieved January 6, 2023.
  17. ^ Bezjak, Lou (September 23, 2023). "Look: Alshon Jeffery, an all-time South Carolina great, has his jersey retired". The State. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
  18. ^ a b c "South Carolina honors top football teams of Steve Spurrier era". Yahoo Finance. November 4, 2023. Retrieved February 7, 2024.
  19. ^ "D.J. Swearinger calls out South Carolina program for timing of 2010–13 reunion: 'Do better'". Saturday Down South. November 4, 2023. Retrieved February 8, 2024.