Chris Doering stops short in calling this week’s game at Arkansas a “must-win” for South Carolina, but the Gamecocks need to show marked improvement.

Doering was on the call for the SEC Network+ broadcast for South Carolina’s special teams-fueled win over Georgia State on Saturday, but was not impressed with the Gamecocks’ offensive line.

“I was of the mindset that Arkansas may take a step back this year given the production that they lost,” Doering said. “But looked pretty good in a win against Cincinnati on Saturday. I do, I think it all comes down to the offensive line play for South Carolina. We know Barry Odom’s defenses are well coached, they’re aligned, they’re going to play physically. I don’t know, unless there’s a marked improvement from what I saw on Saturday night, I don’t necessarily know that they’re going to win. Unless they get the same kind of production on special teams and defense.”

Doering believes South Carolina can make adjustments, but added, “Until I see it, I’m going to be really skeptical about what that line’s going to be able to do.”

Doering didn’t see the expected improvement that South Carolina boasted in the return of all 5 offensive linemen from 2021.