Shane Beamer at SEC media days 2024: Top 3 questions we want South Carolina HC to answer
2023 was a losing season for Shane Beamer's South Carolina Gamecocks, going 5-7 as they battled in the ever-competitive SEC. Nonetheless, they had a motivated last four weeks of the season, which helped them get into a bowl game.
On Oct. 28, they had their second-to-last regular-season defeat, falling to the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field 30-17. From there, the Gamecocks had three straight wins over Jacksonville State, Vanderbilt and Kentucky. However, that streak came to an end in the rivalry encounter at the Palmetto Bowl against Clemson, which they ultimately lost 16-7.
Shane Beamer's program certainly has some potential, but many questions remain about whether the Gamecocks are ready for a winning season in 2024. With SEC Media Days set to begin Monday, here's what fans want to ask the coach.
Top 3 questions we want South Carolina coach Shane Beamer to answer
#3 Can the Gamecocks get a winning season out of this schedule?
South Carolina's schedule for 2024 is a doozy. In Weeks 2 and 3, the Gamecocks face LSU and Kentucky, as tough SEC opposition as they come. While Week 4 brings respite against Akron, Week 5 brings an Ole Miss team that already showed signs of being a College Football Playoff contender for 2024.
That's followed by games against Alabama and Oklahoma on the road in Weeks 6 and 7. That still leaves a matchup against Texas A&M at home in Week 8 and a Week 12 game on the road against Clemson. That's an example of how tough an SEC schedule can get, and the question is how the Gamecocks expect to handle this.
#2 Are there enough weapons in their passing game?
The receiving corp is almost brand new in South Carolina. The body of wide receivers is almost entirely composed of transfers and true freshmen. A period of adaptation is to be expected, and in spring football, it seemed like tight ends and running backs contributed actively to the receiving game. But is it enough to move the sticks through the air?
#1 Who will be the starting quarterback?
This may be the biggest question of them all. With Spencer Rattler now in the NFL, Shane Beamer is yet to name a starting quarterback for the upcoming season. One of the main options seems to be former Auburn quarterback Robby Ashford, who came through the transfer portal. He threw 1,758 yards with nine touchdowns and nine interceptions in two seasons with the Tigers.