Given that the program suffered its first losing season since 2003 a year ago, conventional wisdom suggestions the Gamecocks at least have an outside shot at a bowl berth in 2016. But there are questions and new faces at almost every position, not to mention the coaching staff. Steve Spurrier showed the program is capable of getting to the SEC Championship game regularly, but in the mean time, there is plenty of ground to make up.

Here are five ways for new coach Will Muschamp to return the program to the lofty heights of consistent 11-win seasons and make South Carolina great again.

1. Build momentum

If there’s one personality trait Muschamp holds, it’s intensity. But that’s sorely needed following a hard 3-9 season that left the Gamecocks wallowing at the bottom of the SEC East. The brain trust in Columbia picked Muschamp because they believe Muschamp has the personality to turn that underdog role into an upset, and then another, until the program is feared again in its own division. A strong special teams unit, and seven home games could be just the recipe to get something stirred.

2. Dominate in-state recruiting

It’s no secret that the Gamecocks benefitted from of an influx of Palmetto State talent during their string of 11-2 seasons. Alshon Jeffery, Stephon Gilmore, Marcus Lattimore and Jadeveon Clowney were all signed in a three-year period. The snowball effect helped the Gamecocks build momentum and land other top players.

The Gamecocks signed just two of the in-state top 10 recruits in the 2016 class according to the 247 Sports Composite. At Florida, Muschamp excelled in recruiting to the point where when he left, one of his last messages was that the cupboard was anything but bare.

3. Make the Clemson series competitive

Like the in-state talent, the Gamecocks controlled the series against that team from the Upstate, as they won five straight from 2009-13. But they’ve lost two straight since. Muschamp and Dabo Swinney have crossed paths in coaching before.

Their careers began at Auburn and Alabama, respectively, in the early-to-mid 1990s. To establish a competitive series would be something of a first for the Gamecocks, especially outside of the ’09-’13. Before that, South Carolina hadn’t won two straight since claiming three in a row from 1968-70.

4. Rebuild the defense

It will be difficult to start without Skai Moore, who’s out for the season because of a neck injury, but the Gamecocks need to return to the dominating defensive levels where they stood from 2011-13. During that stretch, they were ranked no lower than 19th nationally in total defense. In 2011, the Gamecocks were third, they were 11th in 2012 and 19th in 2013. Last season? They finished 95th.

5. Develop a dependable quarterback

Connor Shaw became a legend in Columbia in part because of his gritty style of play, but also because he holds the best record among Gamecock quarterbacks in history, and was 17-0 at home.

He elevated the position under Steve Spurrier, who started his tenure there tutoring Blake Mitchell and Syvelle Newton, who at times showed flashes, but struggled with consistency. The consistency question returns after Perry Orth started eight games last season, but is in a heated competition with Brandon McIlwain for the starting job. The consensus thinking is Orth provides some stability to start the season, while McIlwain projects to have much more upside long term. Both would do well to make fans see a new era where Shaw left off.