Checking in on South Carolina’s temperature following last weekend’s loss at Auburn, an incredible showing by Dylan Thompson and the Gamecocks offense that was overshadowed by the team’s defensive deficiencies:

SUPERNOVA

Moving the football and scoring points hasn’t been a challenge at all for the Gamecocks this season as Dylan Thompson and Mike Davis have led an offense defined by big plays and red zone success. Outside of a sleepy effort during a home loss to Mizzou, South Carolina’s scored at will and currently leads the Eastern Division in yards per game (461.4), total plays (599) and passing touchdowns (20). South Carolina’s on pace to approach 6,000 yards (a single-season school record) and score a program-record 456 points. Thompson should break Todd Ellis’ 1987 single-season yardage record if he avoids injury the rest of the way. Steve Spurrier’s blamed four losses on both sides of the ball, but the numbers show that his offense is doing all it can to put the Gamecocks in the best position to win.

SCORCHING

Without question, Pharoh Cooper has emerged as the Gamecocks’ No. 1 receiver and is becoming more dynamic every snap. Sharing the role of go-to wideout with Shaq Roland at the start of the season, Cooper’s separated himself from the rest of South Carolina’s receiving corp with a flare for sure-handed big plays. He’s been targeted 63 times — second only to Amari Cooper in the SEC — and leads the team with six touchdown receptions this season. Out of the Wildcat formation, Cooper’s picked up 106 yards on 12 carries.

SMOLDERING ASHES

It’s a shame South Carolina’s prolific, potential record-setting offense has been overshadowed by the other side of the ball this season, but such is the case with a 4-4 football team plagued by its defensive struggles. The Gamecocks are giving up an SEC-worst 6.5 yards per play and have allowed six more rushing touchdowns (20) than their nearest league competitor. Gap control’s been non-existent and tackling a season-long issue. During Saturday’s loss to Auburn, the Tigers scored on six consecutive possessions with relative ease, facing just four third downs during a stretch that started after an opening-drive punt.